NEW DELHI: Amid recent tensions between the Maldives and India, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has strongly condemned derogatory remarks made by ministers in the tourism-dependent nation against Indian PM Narendra Modi and the people of India.
Emphasising India as one of its closest neighbours and allies, MATI acknowledged India’s historical role as a first responder to various crises in the Maldives.
In an official statement, MATI expressed gratitude for India’s consistent and significant contributions to the Maldives’ tourism industry. The tourism body highlighted India’s crucial assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic recovery efforts after the reopening of borders, affirming India’s continued position as one of the top markets for the Maldives.
“India is one of our closest neighbours and allies. India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout our history and we are immensely grateful to the close relationship that the government as well as the people of India have maintained with us,” MATI said in the statement.
MATI also conveyed its wish for the enduring relationship between the two nations and urged refraining from actions or speech that could negatively impact the strong bilateral ties.
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FLASH: The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) condemns the derogatory comments made by some deputy ministers on social media platforms against India and PM Narendra Modi, days after his visit to Lakshadweep.
The MATI also says India has always been a “first… pic.twitter.com/W7gwkBdmbe
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) January 9, 2024
The recent controversy arose when Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made disparaging references to PM Modi following his visit to Lakshadweep.
In response, prominent Indians, including cricketers and film celebrities, expressed support for local tourist destinations and endorsed PM Modi’s call for promoting beach tourism in Lakshadweep. #BoycottMaldives and #ExploreIndianIslands were trending on X as the Indian community was filled with rage.
Soon after the controversial remarks, the Maldives government distanced itself from its ministers’ statements. Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer declared such remarks against foreign leaders as “unacceptable” and not reflective of the official government position. Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also emphasised India’s longstanding friendship with the island nation.
ALSO READ: Indian celebrities slam Maldives in wake of derogatory remark against PM Modi
To address the diplomatic fallout, the Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, Munu Mahawar, held a pre-arranged meeting with Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at Large, at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting aimed to discuss bilateral issues and foster a positive and constructive dialogue between the two nations.
FLASH: The Israel Embassy on Monday joined the #ExploreIndianIslands trend on social media, sharing a few pictures of the Lakshadweep, showing the island’s “enchanting allure”.#MaldivesOut #Maldives #Maldivians pic.twitter.com/VGx03f40uS
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) January 8, 2024
The Maldives, as a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), holds a special place in India’s strategic initiatives such as ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy.’