Tourism “Impacted” Amid Row With India: Ex Maldives President

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed on Friday expressed concerns over the repercussions of India’s recent boycott call, particularly in the realm of tourism.

Mr Nasheed, currently in India, also issued an apology on behalf of the Maldivian people.

The diplomatic strain between India and the Maldives, simmering for a while, hit another low as President Mohamed Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, announced plans to expel all Indian military personnel from the country by March 10. This move raised tensions and prompted a boycott call from India, impacting various sectors, notably tourism, a crucial component of the Maldivian economy.

“It has impacted the Maldives a lot, and I am actually here in India. I’m very worried about this. I want to say the people of the Maldives are sorry, we are sorry that this has happened. We want Indian people to come on their holidays to the Maldives, and there will not be any change in our hospitality,” Mr Nasheed said as quoted by news agency ANI.

Mr Nasheed acknowledged India’s historically responsible approach in dealing with such matters, stating that instead of exerting pressure, India proposed a diplomatic discussion.