During the initial trimester of 2024, a notable decline of 38 percent in the influx of Indian tourists to the Maldives was observed, contrasting starkly with the corresponding period of the previous year, amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives. Revealed through recent data, fewer individuals from India embarked on journeys to the scenic Indian Ocean archipelago during the first quarter of this year, coinciding with a backdrop of strained relations between Delhi and Male.
According to tourism figures released by Maldivian authorities, the tally of Indian visitors to the Maldives between January and March this year amounted to 34,847, reflecting a significant plunge from the preceding year's figure of over 56,000 tourists during the same timeframe.
The statistical breakdown unveils that in January 2024, a total of 12,792 Indian travelers, constituting 7.1 percent of the overall visitors, ventured to the island nation.
In February, the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives stood at 11,522, in contrast to 19,497 recorded during the corresponding month in the previous year.
March witnessed a further decline, with only 8,322 Indian tourists visiting the nation, compared to 18,099 in March 2023.
This data surfaces following a conspicuous 'India Out' campaign spearheaded by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, which precipitated a subsequent 'Boycott Maldives' movement gaining momentum across social media platforms in India.
Subsequently, the 'Visit Lakshadweep' initiative garnered traction online following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Lakshadweep islands.
Furthermore, the data indicates a consistent upward trajectory in Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives in recent years. Notably, the figures surged from 1 lakh in 2018 to 1.6 lakh in 2019. By 2021, the number of Indian tourists had escalated to 2.91 lakh, coinciding with the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in the country.
The recent diplomatic rift between India and the Maldives ensued after derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi made by three deputy ministers of the Maldives following Modi's visit to Lakshadweep. President Muizzu took swift action, suspending the three ministers over their contentious social media posts, which fueled apprehensions in India and instigated a boycott campaign across various social media platforms.
