(Commonwealth_India) Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed recently highlighted the importance of maintaining strong ties with India for the prosperity, safety, and security of the Maldives. He emphasized India’s significant role in the Maldives’ tourism industry, calling it complementary to the nation’s tourism sector. In an interview with ANI, Nasheed acknowledged a decline in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives but noted that India had once again become the second-largest source of tourists for the island nation.
Discussing the impact of tourism on the Maldives’ economy, Nasheed pointed out that the tourism industries of India and the Maldives are intertwined. He explained that tourism in neighboring countries, like Sri Lanka, positively impacts the Maldives, as travelers often visit both destinations. For instance, the development of resort infrastructure in India’s Minicoy Islands could benefit the Maldives by attracting tourists who, after visiting India, would be inclined to visit the Maldives for their next holiday. In this way, both countries’ tourism industries could support and complement each other. Nasheed welcomed Indian tourists to the Maldives, stressing that the country’s prosperity and security were closely linked to strong relations with India. He called for continued positive relations with India, reiterating that Indians are always welcome in the Maldives.
Turning to other aspects of international relations, Nasheed acknowledged the role of Chinese tourism in the Maldives. Despite the ongoing discussions about a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and the Maldives, he emphasized that the Maldives welcomes tourists from all countries, including China, India, Europe, and others. His comments reflect a broader strategy of promoting the Maldives as a tourism-friendly destination for visitors from all over the world.
The interview comes amid tensions between India and the Maldives that arose after derogatory remarks were made by some members of the Maldivian government regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Lakshadweep. The comments, made by a deputy minister and other cabinet members, mocked PM Modi’s visit, which included sharing pictures of the island’s pristine beaches and engaging in activities like snorkeling. The exchange caused an uproar, with many Indians on social media expressing their displeasure and even canceling planned trips to the Maldives.
The Maldives government, however, distanced itself from these remarks. Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer condemned the comments, describing them as “unacceptable” and emphasizing that such statements did not reflect the official stance of the Maldivian government. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining positive and constructive diplomatic relations with its neighbors, particularly India, and underscored the importance of fostering dialogue based on mutual respect.
Despite the controversy, the Maldives remains a popular destination for Indian tourists. It has long been favored by Indian travelers for its luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and clear blue waters. The government of the Maldives continues to prioritize its tourism industry, which relies heavily on international visitors and seeks to maintain excellent relations with its neighboring countries to ensure a steady flow of tourists.
