A surprising turn of events, one of India's leading travel platforms, EaseMyTrip, has taken a bold stance by indefinitely suspending flight bookings to the picturesque Maldives. The move comes in the wake of derogatory social media posts targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further intensifying the strained relations between the two South Asian nations.
The Maldives, renowned for its sun-kissed islands and luxurious resorts, heavily relies on tourism, constituting nearly one-third of its economy, as reported by the World Bank. With India and Russia being the primary sources of visitors, the suspension of flight bookings by EaseMyTrip could have far-reaching consequences for the Maldivian tourism industry.
Prashant Pitti, co-founder and Executive Director of EaseMyTrip, explained the decision, stating, "We decided to take this step because any self-respecting nation should do this. The statements which we heard from the representatives of the Maldives government were extremely derogatory to the country." Pitti emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the need for a strong response.
The controversy originated from comments made by three now-suspended Maldivian ministers who referred to Prime Minister Modi as a "clown," "terrorist," and a "puppet of Israel" on a social media platform. This incident occurred in response to a video of Modi's visit to the Indian islands of Lakshadweep, situated north of the Maldives, aimed at promoting local tourism.
President Mohamed Muizzu, who assumed office in November with an 'India Out' campaign, is currently on his first state visit to China from January 8-12. This departure from the tradition of choosing New Delhi as the first international port of call underscores the geopolitical tussle between Beijing and New Delhi for influence in the Indian Ocean nation.
Despite the historical closeness between New Delhi and Male, tensions have escalated, prompting EaseMyTrip to prioritize domestic tourism. The company, boasting a 22% market share in India, intends to promote Lakshadweep over foreign destinations, even if it means facing a temporary dip in international tourism.
The Maldives government responded by suspending three deputy ministers for their offensive remarks about Modi. The derogatory comments have faced criticism in India, leading to the summoning of the Maldivian envoy and a pre-arranged meeting between the Indian High Commissioner and the Maldivian foreign ministry.
Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the controversy, with posts surfacing about Indians canceling planned trips to the Maldives in response to the diplomatic row. Celebrities have also joined the fray, encouraging people to consider domestic tourist destinations as an alternative to the Maldives.
As the diplomatic standoff unfolds, the repercussions on tourism, a vital economic lifeline for the Maldives, remain uncertain. With India and Russia being the largest contributors to the country's tourism, the stakes are high. The Maldives, targeting 2 million arrivals in 2024, now faces the challenge of navigating the aftermath of this unexpected twist in its diplomatic relations with India.
.png)
0 Comments