"Please Be Part Of Maldives' Tourism": Minister Urges As Indian Arrivals Fall By Over 40 Per Cent Under Pro-China Muizzu

After tourism from India to Maldives fell under President Mohamed Muizzu's rule, the archipelago nation's tourism minister requested Indians to "be a part of Maldives' tourism" citing the country's economic dependence.

In an interview with PTI Videos on Monday (6 May), Maldivian Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal highlighted the historical relations with India and emphasised the promotion of peace and a friendly environment.

"Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals. As the Tourism Minister, I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives' tourism. Our economy depends on tourism," he said.

The request comes in the backdrop of Maldives Tourism Ministry statistics, which show a total of 43,991 Indian tourists went to the archipelago nation till 4 May, signaling a decline from 73,785 Indian tourist arrivals between January and April last year.

Moreover, India, which topped the tourist market for the Maldives at the start of the year, dropped to sixth place as a 42 per cent year-on-year decline was observed in the first four months.

This happened after a backlash over derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media by three junior ministers of Maldives, who were later suspended.

Muizzu's pro-China stance deepened the rift between the two nations as he remained adamant on his 'India Out' campaign forcing the withdrawal of the 88 Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms.