Maldives Controversy: A major travel platform in India halted flight bookings to the Maldives on Monday following a strain in relations between the two South Asian nations. This rift was exacerbated by derogatory social media posts targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Maldives, an archipelago of sun-drenched islands in the Indian Ocean, heavily relies on tourism, with India and Russia being the primary sources of visitors. The tourism sector constitutes nearly one-third of the Maldives’ economy, as reported by the World Bank.
Prashant Pitti, the co-founder and Executive Director of EaseMyTrip announced the indefinite suspension of bookings to the Maldives. This decision comes amid strained relations between New Delhi and Male, despite their traditionally close ties.
The tension escalated since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November, having won the election on an ‘India Out’ campaign.
The Maldives Controversy surrounding comments made by three now-suspended Maldivian ministers about Prime Minister Narendra Modi coincides with President Muizzu’s departure for China on his first state visit from January 8-12.
This departure breaks from the convention of most Maldivian leaders choosing New Delhi as their first international port of call.
In the ongoing power struggle for influence in the Maldives between Beijing and New Delhi, EaseMyTrip (EASM.NS), the second-largest online travel booking platform in India with a 22% market share, has suspended flight bookings to the Maldives indefinitely.
Prashant Pitti, the co-founder and Executive Director, stated that the decision was prompted by derogatory statements from representatives of the Maldives government, emphasizing the need for a self-respecting nation to respond accordingly.
The Maldives government had suspended deputy ministers Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid for making disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X.
In response, EaseMyTrip plans to promote Lakshadweep, an Indian territory north of the Maldives, over any foreign destination, even if it means facing a temporary decline in international tourism.
This move aligns with a broader trend among Indians, including celebrities, advocating for domestic destinations over the Maldives. In diplomatic efforts, New Delhi has summoned the Maldivian envoy, Ibrahim Shaheeb, expressing concerns about the situation.
The Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar, also engaged in a pre-arranged meeting with the Maldivian foreign ministry. Tourism, the largest foreign exchange earner for the Maldives, is crucial, with India and Russia contributing the most visitors, approximately 209,000 each in the previous year.
The Maldives aims to achieve 2 million arrivals in 2024.
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