Leader Online Desk: The new Maldivian government has changed its language in a few months, taking a stance against India by increasing ties with China. Talking to 'PTI', Tourism Minister of this country Ibrahim Faisal has appealed to Indians to come to Maldives for tourism and contribute to our economy citing the historical relations between Maldives and India.
We strongly welcome Indians…
In an interview to PTI, Ibrahim Faisal said, “Our new government wants to work with India. We always prefer a calm and friendly atmosphere. Our people and government will warmly welcome Indians to Maldives. As tourism minister I want to tell Indians, please be a part of Maldives tourism. Our economy depends on tourism.”
VIDEO | Here's what Tourism Minister of Maldives Ibrahim Faisal said on India-Maldives relations.
“We have a history. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will… pic.twitter.com/xFgEkgEunv
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 6, 2024
Insulting comments from Maldives on PM Modi's post
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted photos and videos of the ancient Lakshadweep islands off India's west coast on his social media platform X handle on January 6. Through this, he appealed that tourists should visit Lakshadweep island in India. But Maldives misinterpreted this. Three Maldivian officials made derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. Taking serious notice of this, many Indians including celebrities canceled their trip to Maldives.
Indian tourists back to Maldives, the number of tourists decreased by 42 percent!
Till January, Maldives was one of the most popular tourist destinations for Indians. But in January, political leaders in the Maldives made an unexpected comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This country has had to pay a heavy price for this. Maldives is now the sixth most popular destination for Indian tourists. According to a sun.mv report published on Monday, May 6, “Tourist arrivals from India have declined by 42 percent in the first four months of this year compared to the first four months of last year. India was the number one tourist destination for Maldives at the start of this year. Now he has slipped to sixth place.”
According to Ministry of Tourism data, the number of Indian tourists who visited the Maldives between January and April last year was 73,785. This year the number is only 42,638.
President Muizzou's relationship with China
In November 2023, a new government led by President Mohamed Muizzoo came to power in the Maldives. Muizzou is known as a pro-China leader. After assuming office as President, he ordered Indian military personnel to leave the country. Muizzoo also forced the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms visited by India in the Maldives. He has also repeatedly accused India of interfering in the affairs of Maldives.
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