- Maldives, a popular tourist destination, faces a threat of a boycott.
- The Maldivian foreign ministry clarified the comments.
- Residents fear the diplomatic spat could strain relations between the two countries.
The Maldives, a popular tourist destination heavily reliant on Indian tourists, faces the threat of a boycott following "derogatory" comments made by three suspended Maldivian junior ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Indians constituted the largest group of tourists by nationality in the Maldives last year, contributing significantly to the country's tourism-driven economy, which accounts for nearly one-third of its GDP.
The controversial remarks, including labeling Modi as a "clown," a "terrorist," and a "puppet of Israel" on social media, prompted outrage and boycott calls on Indian social media.
The Maldivian foreign ministry clarified that they deleted the posts due to their nature and did not reflect the government's views.
With the Maldives heavily dependent on India for food, infrastructure, and technological support, residents fear the diplomatic spat could strain relations between the two countries.
"We were disappointed with the boycott calls [from India]. But we were more disappointed with our government. There was a lack of good judgment on the part of our officials", Mariyam Eem Shafeeg, a student at the Maldivian National University told the news source.
Others point out that Maldives also has strong cultural ties with India as people there grow up watching Bollywood films and dramas.
"We also depend on India for food, education, and healthcare, Ms Shafeeg, a supporter of the Maldivian Democratic Party, added.
People believe the Maldivian Democratic Party, which has an "India first" policy, maintains close ties with Delhi.
In response to Indian Prime Minister Modi's post promoting tourism to Lakshadweep on X (formerly Twitter), three Maldivian officials made controversial comments, leading to uproar and Indians on social media canceling their holiday plans in the Maldives.
Following the backlash, the CEO of Indian ticket-booking site EaseMyTrip announced the suspension of all flight bookings to the country. Maldives' Association of travel agents and Tour Operator’s president, Abdulla Ghiyas, noted a slowdown in bookings, though resorts and hotels have not experienced significant cancellations.
This controversy coincides with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's state visit to Beijing, where he, known for his pro-China policy, has requested increased Chinese tourism to the Maldives.
Despite Chinese tourists dominating before the COVID-19 pandemic, their numbers have declined, possibly due to high ticket prices and reduced flights, according to tour operators.
"China was our number one market pre-Covid, and I request that we intensify efforts for China to regain this position," Mr Muizzu said during his visit.
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