Maldives Seeks Chinese Support as Indian Visitors Cancel Plans

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has urged China to increase efforts to boost tourism amid a backlash from Indian travelers. The appeal comes in the wake of Indian tourists canceling reservations due to offensive remarks by some Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India.

President Muizzu, currently on an official visit to China, emphasized the close alliance between the Maldives and China, describing China as their “closest” ally.

Addressing the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province, President Muizzu acknowledged China as the Maldives’ top market before the COVID-19 pandemic and urged intensified efforts to regain this position. He expressed gratitude for China’s role as a development partner and praised the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project, expressing the Maldives’ willingness to join it.

However, the President’s comments triggered a negative response from Indian tourists, leading to a wave of vacation cancellations. EaseMyTrip, an online travel company, even suspended flights to the Maldives amidst the diplomatic row.

Despite the tourism setback, the two countries have signed a USD 50 million project to develop an integrated tourism zone in the Maldives. In 2023, India contributed the highest number of visitors to the Maldives, with 209,198 arrivals, followed by Russia and China in second and third places, respectively. The Maldivian government responded to the social media controversy by suspending three deputy ministers for their derogatory posts after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted tourism in Lakshadweep.