TBM Staff - Mumbai
After months of strained relations, the Maldives is taking steps to improve ties with India by attracting more Indian tourists and acknowledging New Delhi’s financial support in bolstering the Maldivian economy. On Tuesday, Maldivian Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal met with Indian Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi. Faisal’s discussions focused on enhancing tourism and connectivity between the two countries. He shared on social media that the meetings aimed at strengthening tourism ties and connectivity between the Maldives and India.
Faisal is in India as part of the “Welcome India” roadshow, visiting Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to encourage Indian tourists to visit the Maldives. The number of Indian visitors has declined significantly, dropping from the top spot in 2023 to sixth place this year, according to the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, China has become the largest source of tourists to the Maldives.
The outreach to India also follows recent remarks by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who expressed gratitude to both India and China for their support in easing the country’s debt repayment. India has been a key provider of development assistance to the Maldives. Muizzu’s administration is also in discussions with both India and China about currency swap agreements to address local dollar shortages. Additionally, they are exploring a free trade agreement with the UK and hope to secure a similar agreement with India.
Experts note a recent shift in the Maldivian government’s attitude towards India, recognising India’s positive influence on the Maldives’ stability, security, and growth. Despite previous tensions, including disputes over Indian troops in the Maldives and diplomatic rows, the current Maldivian leadership appears to be seeking a more balanced approach between India and China, likely driven by the importance of Indian tourism to the Maldivian economy and the country’s strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region.
