With the fading ties and declining number of Indian tourists, the Maldivian Tourist Minister has now urged Indians to keep the economy of the nation flowing by visiting the nation. Despite being the top tourist market, India now lies at the 6th position in the tourist list of the country.
As of May 4, there had been 43,991 visitor arrivals from India, down from 73,785 arrivals in the same period the previous year, according to data from the Tourism Ministry.
We want to Work with India – Maldives
In a recent interview with the PTI news agency the Maldivian Tourist minister Ibrahim Faisal said, “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 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”.
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India has always been a trustful ally with its neighbourhood. From being the one of first to recognise Maldives as a country after its independence in 1965 to being the leading development partner of Maldives.
India established many of the leading institutions of Maldives including the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Faculty of Engineering Technology (FET) and Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Studies (IMFFHTS).
Operation Sanjeevani of India helped Maldives
India provided the Maldives $150 million in currency swap support in April 2020 to help them reduce the financial effects of COVID-19. As part of “Operation Sanjeevani,” the Indian Air Force airlifted 6.2 tonnes of necessary medications and medical supplies to the Maldives in April at the request of the Maldivian administration.
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But with Mohamed Muizzu winning the presidential elections with an “India Out” campaign the Maldives- India ties faced challenges. Because soon after coming to power, Mohamed Muizzu forced the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel manning three aviation planes gifted by India to the Maldives. Back from his China visit in January this year, Muizzu said on India, “We may be a small nation, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.”
About Author
This Article has been written by Ms Sayani Mondal, who is a Defense and security enthusiast with interest in geopolitical analysis and cyber threats. She is skilled researcher with a passion for applying academic knowledge to real-world national security challenges.
