homeindia NewsIndia Maldives ties: Former Envoy urges nuanced approach amid strain in diplomatic relations
India-Maldives ties: Former Envoy urges nuanced approach amid strain in diplomatic relations
Addressing concerns about the impact on tourism, Abdullah Ghiyas, President of the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, expressed regret over the incident. Contrary to media portrayals, he indicated that there haven't been widespread cancellations, but there is a noticeable slowdown in bookings and a decrease in interest in visiting the Maldives.
Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives escalated recently following derogatory remarks made by three deputy Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ministers took it to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, criticising PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, which eventually led to their sacking from their posts.
The incident unfolded when Prime Minister Modi, in a social media post about his visit to Lakshadweep, emphasised the stunning beauty of its islands without mentioning the Maldives.
Social media users in the Maldives interpreted this omission as a potential threat to their tourism industry, leading to the posting of derogatory remarks.
In response to the growing discord, the High Commissioner of the Maldives to India engaged in discussions with officials at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Ties between the two nations have been strained since Mohammed Moizzu's anti-India campaign played a pivotal role in his victory in the presidential polls.
The Maldivian Ambassador to India was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs, expressing strong resentment towards the derogatory remarks. The Maldivian government issued a statement distancing itself from the comments made by the three deputy ministers, clarifying that their views did not represent the official stance of the Maldivian government.
Dyaneshwar M Mulay, the former Indian Envoy to the Maldives, shared his insights on the situation, characterising the ministers as "not very matured." Mulay highlighted the complexity of the India-Maldives partnership, spanning political, economic, and people-to-people relations, including tourism, health-related tourism, investments, and educational exchanges.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Mulay emphasised the need for a nuanced understanding of the strong relationship between India and the Maldives, despite current challenges. He stated, "At the foundation, we have a very strong partnership, and it's multi-dimensional."
Addressing concerns about the impact on tourism, Abdullah Ghiyas, President of the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, expressed regret over the incident. Contrary to media portrayals, he indicated that there haven't been widespread cancellations, but there is a noticeable slowdown in bookings and a decrease in interest in visiting the Maldives.
Ghiyas reassured that the sentiments expressed by the ministers do not reflect the views of everyday Maldivians, emphasizing the robust and enduring relationship between the two countries. He stated, "We believe that the relationship we have with India is much stronger than what is portrayed today in the last 24 to 48 hours."
Also Read | EaseMyTrip suspends Maldives bookings, Vistara to monitor demand as celebs hail Lakshadweep tourism
(Edited by : Ajay Vaishnav)
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