‘We have a history’: Change of tunes as Maldives urges Indians to visit in ‘large numbers’

Amid increased geopolitical tensions between India and Maldives, the archipelago nation has urged the nationals of its giant neighbour to visit the country in large numbers to shore up the country's faltering economy. Maldivian Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal in an interview on Monday (May 6) also highlighted historical relations between thetwo nations.

"We have a history. So, when we needed anything, the Indian government was very helpful. 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 give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals. I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives' tourism. Our economy depends on tourism," Faisal was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

This comes as a significant fall has been seen in the number of Indian tourists visiting the country in the first four months of 2024. Between January and April last year, around 74,000 Indian tourists visited the country. But during the same period in 2024, the number has fallen to below 44,000. The drop is huge, 42 per cent, with China now replacing India as Maldives' top source of tourists.

Howrelationsnosedived?

This all started in November 2023 as anti-India Mohamed Muizzu rose to power and became the president. His 'India Out' initiative dominated his election campaign. Soon after assuming the office, he ordered India to remove its 88 troops from Maldives who were manning three aviation planes gifted by India.

Not just that, Muizzu has also strengthened his country's ties with China, an arch-rival of India, and secured a military pact with the communist country earlier this year.

Watch:Maldives urges Indians to 'please be part of its tourism'

To make things worse, some top Maldivian officials and ministers made disrespectful remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the beginning of this year.

This fuelled anti-Maldives sentiments in India, leading to a geopolitical standoff between the two countries.

Damage control mission

But Maldives has seemingly activated the damage control mode now. Even as its tourism minister speaks highly of the historical bilateral relations, Maldives' Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has said he will visit India on May 9 and hold discussions with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.

(With inputs from agencies)