Amid strained diplomatic ties, Indian PM Narendra Modi greeted Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Eid ul-Fitr.
“On the auspicious occasion of Eid Al Fitr, Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives,” an official release shared by the Indian Commission in Maldives posted on X said.
“Prime Minister further conveyed that as we celebrate Eid Al Fitr with traditional fervour, people across the world are reminded of the values of compassion, brotherhood, and togetherness, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world that we all aspire for,” the message said.
In a bid to reinstate interest in Indian tourists, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has unveiled plans of hosting roadshows in several cities.
MATATO also engaged in discussions with India’s High Commissioner in the Maldives, Munu Mahawar, to explore ways to strengthen travel and tourism ties between the two nations. According to statistics from the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, as of April 10, India ranks sixth in tourist arrivals to the Maldives, with 37,417 visitors recorded this year, reported Outlook Traveller.
Strained relationship between India and Maldives
Recently, Indians have expressed anger against Maldivian authorities on social media after one of its ministers, Mariyam Shiuna, made disparaging comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the latter a “clown” and “puppet” in posts on X, which have since been deleted.
These tweets were removed following criticism and backlash on the social media platform.
Other Maldivian officials, including another minister named Zahid Rameez, also mocked Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, after the photos garnered significant attention on social media as many drew comparisons between the Indian islands and the Maldives.
Mohamed Muizzu upped the anti-India rhetoric last month and reportedly set May 10 deadline for Indian military personnel to leave the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Maldives to host roadshow in India