There’s been a significant disruption in travel plans to the Maldives among Indian tourists following a controversial statement by Maldivian Minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid. The minister’s remarks came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the Lakshadweep islands, suggesting a strategic shift in India’s attention from the Maldives. This move, according to Majid, aims to promote Lakshadweep as a competing beach tourism destination against the Maldives
The minister’s statement led to a swift and strong reaction from the Indian public, with many choosing to cancel their holiday bookings to the Maldives. Social media and various online platforms have seen a surge in posts showing canceled flight and hotel bookings, and the hashtag #BoycottMaldives has gained traction in India.
Travel forums and booking websites are inundated with negative comments and reviews, with some people starting campaigns to encourage others to join the boycott until the Maldives issues a formal apology. For instance, Dr. Falak Joshipura, a sports physiotherapist, called off a planned birthday trip to the Amaya Kuda Rah resort in the Maldives, scheduled for February 2, in response to the minister’s controversial comments.
Similarly, filmmaker Rushik Rawal canceled his three-week stay at the Palms Retreat in Fulhadhoo, Maldives, worth Rs 5 lakh, which was set to begin on February 1, 2024. Rawal justified his cancellation citing what he felt was discriminatory behavior by the Maldivian ministers and encouraged others to boycott the destination.
Another Indian traveler, known as ‘Dash Can Indians’, postponed his Maldives trip, expressing reluctance to spend significant amounts in a country showing animosity towards India. A user planning to travel from the UK to India and then to the Maldives also dropped their plans, sharing their decision on an online platform.
These developments come in the wake of changes in the Maldives’ foreign policy under President Mohamed Muizzu, who assumed office in November 2023. President Muizzu has indicated a shift away from the nation’s “India first” policy, including plans to remove Indian military personnel from the Maldives and a forthcoming visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, hinting at a possible realignment in regional alliances.