'Without saying sorry to our PM...': Indians troll minister who asked them to visit Maldives

'Without saying sorry to our PM…': Indians troll minister who asked them to visit Maldives

In an interview on Monday, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal asked Indians to visit the Maldives in big numbers, since the country’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism.

His request sparked a trail of reactions from Indians on social media.

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“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,” Faisal had told news agency PTI in an interview.

“I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives’ tourism. Our economy depends on tourism,” the minister had said.

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Due to a diplomatic impasse between the two nations, which resulted in a large-scale cancellation of airline and hotel reservations, the number of Indian tourists visiting Maldives dropped drastically.

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The diplomatic stalemate between India and the Maldives began after three Maldivian officials made negative comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had shared images and videos from his visit to the Lakshadweep Islands on his X account.

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While the ministers were suspended by the Mohamed Muizzu administration, Indians protested the Maldives’ tourism industry.

Mariyam Shiuna, Maldives’ deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts called PM Modi a “clown” and “puppet of Israel.”

These comments sparked a widespread social media backlash.

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According to Maldivian media reports, the number of tourist visits from India decreased by 42% in the first four months of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.

Relations between India and the Maldives were further strained when Mohamed Muizzu, shortly after assuming office, demanded the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel who managed the three aviation planes that India had gifted the Maldives.

Back from his visit to China in January of this year, Muizzu said, “We may be a small nation, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.

(With inputs from agencies)