Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bangaram, in Lakshadweep

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has taken a firm stance, condemning the derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers regarding PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit. The controversy erupted following disparaging comments by a Maldives deputy minister and other officials, sparking a significant diplomatic row. MATI, in a show of solidarity with India, strongly denounced these unsavory references made by members of the Maldivian cabinet and government.

Derogatory Remarks on PM Modi’s Lakshadweep Visit: Key Points

1. MATI vehemently condemns derogatory comments made by Maldivian Deputy Ministers directed at PM Modi and the people of India, citing the strong relationship between the two nations.
2. Describing India as a close neighbor and ally, MATI acknowledges India’s consistent support during crises and its substantial contribution to the Maldives’ tourism industry.
3. Stressing the importance of maintaining a positive relationship, MATI urges refraining from actions or speech that could harm the strong ties between the countries.
4. PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep on January 2 stirred controversy following disparaging comments made by Maldivian officials.
5. The Maldivian Deputy Minister’s mocking reference to PM Modi, along with critical remarks from other officials, sparked diplomatic tensions.
6. Subsequently, the Maldivian government distanced itself from the derogatory remarks and suspended deputy ministers over their social media posts.
7. Amidst this, President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to China and an editorial in China’s Global Times highlighted the diplomatic situation between India and the Maldives.
8. The Maldivian Parliament’s members criticized the government’s inaction, emphasizing India’s longstanding support and reliable partnership.
9. Acknowledging the critical role of the Maldives in India’s maritime policies, including SAGAR and the Neighbourhood First Policy, and the significant number of Indian tourists visiting the nation.
10. Various entities, including traders’ bodies and travel agencies, responded in solidarity with India, advocating for restraint in business dealings and suspending flight bookings to the Maldives.

The Maldives holds strategic importance for India, being a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India’s initiatives like ‘SAGAR’ and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ underscore the significance of this relationship. Despite recent diplomatic strains over derogatory remarks, the historical ties between the two nations remain vital. Indian tourists, numbering in lakhs, have frequented the Maldives, with over 2 lakh arrivals annually post-COVID-19. However, recent developments have led to calls for trade restraint by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), urging domestic traders to avoid dealings with the Maldives. In a gesture of solidarity, EaseMyTrip suspended flight bookings to the island nation.