India started 2024 as the third largest contributor to Maldives' tourism with a 7.1 percent market share

What is the India-Maldives controversy? Maldives is one of the renowned tourist places, especially known for its pristine beaches and luxury tourism. It recently witnessed a significant shift in its tourist demographics as Indian visitors dropped significantly, as per the data from the Maldives' tourism ministry.

India visitors in Maldives dropped from the third to the fifth largest group within three weeks. The development comes amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Lakshadweep island.

Indian tourists are one of the key demographic for the Maldives as it involves nearly 11 percent of its tourism market in 2023. However, the recent controversy around PM Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep on January 2 stirred a row that led to a notable decline in Indian tourist numbers.

As per the Maldives tourism website, India started 2024 as the third largest contributor to its tourism with a 7.1 percent market share while China was not even in the top 10 markets list.

However, the numbers witnessed a change after the diplomatic tensions as India's market share for Maldives tourism stood at 8 percent as of Jan 28, while China and the UK surpassed the country, taking 3rd and 4th place, respectively, in the top 10 list.

What is the India-Maldives controversy?

PM Modi's posts from his visit to Lakshadweep were interpreted by some in the Maldives as a strategic move to divert tourists away from their nation. In the meanwhile, three junior ministers from the Maldives in the Mohamed Muizzu government posted derogatory comments against the prime minister that sparked a wave of anti-Maldives sentiment on social media in India.

Simultaneously, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives started trending on social media, along with the reports of canceled trips to the island nation. Similarly, the Indian travel portal EaseMyTrip suspended bookings for flights to the Maldives in solidarity with the country.

In the meanwhile, Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer called the remarks by ministers “unacceptable,” and said that his country is committed to “fostering a positive and constructive dialogue with our partners.”

He further said, “The government of Maldives can’t afford to have a spat with India, and it will be an economic suicide. Everybody should see this.”