Maldives-India Thaw: Ambitious Strategy to Revive Weak Tourism

The Tourism Minister of Maldives, Ibrahim Faisal, will pay a visit to India to inaugurate a roadshow series in the bid to revive tourism from India to Maldives. This visit is quite timely since the Maldivian economy is truly strangulating because of a huge slump in Indian tourist arrivals during the past one year.

Background: How Important is Indian Tourism?

Traditionally, the Maldives has depended on tourism as part of its integral economic sectors, with Indians making up a large share of tourist arrivals. However, in recent times, there has been a steep fall in arrivals from India due to the ongoing diplomatic tensions. Reports have indicated that Indian tourists have dropped 42% in the first four months of 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. The downward trend was further accelerated by some derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by senior Maldivian officials, to which there was a backlash and calls for the boycott of Maldivian tourism.

In this light, the visit of Minister Faisal should be fronted as a major effort in repairing relations and wooing Indian tourists back. Faisal has been posting that the relationship between the two nations was based on very old bilateral ties; he said that the two countries shared long historic moments. He mentioned that the government was very much willing to work with India, adding that they had always called for peace and further pleaded with the Indians to visit the Maldives since their economy depended on tourism.

Shift in President Muizzu’s Stand

In this context, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, in recent times, expressed his gratitude to both India and China for their help in propping up the fragile Maldivian economy. His regime came to power on the slogan of “India Out”, with a pronounced tilt towards China. Thus, in this context, Muizzu’s admission of India’s role in stabilizing the Maldivian economy is indeed something remarkable.

In a recent speech, Muizzu added his thanks for India’s help on the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining how important it was to maintain good relations on both sides. In fact, the interesting thing in this rhetorical change is that the previous administration became known for its close contact with India. Relations started cooling off with the election of Muizzu as President.

Prospects for a Free Trade Agreement

The evolving narrative was further added to by President Muizzu, who also came out to express hopes for the signing of a free trade agreement with India. It is expected that this would provide a framework for increased trade and investment, thus fostering increased economic cooperation between the two countries. This will be an added advantage for Maldives, as it diversifies its economic partners amid an increasingly strong reliance on China.

The Muizzu administration has actively negotiated various deals with other countries, such as Sri Lanka and Turkey, in an effort to reduce its dependence on India. Still, the prospect of a free trade agreement with India could suggest the willingness to re-engage with one of its most important economic partners.

The Road Ahead

As Minister Faisal travels to major cities in India, like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, amongst others, with his roadshow, he will attempt to woo new visitors by touting the Maldives as a premier tourist destination. This call of the Minister to the Indians to come and visit is not an invitation to provide business but a refreshed reminder of traditional and fraternal relations binding the two nations together.

The series of roadshows is expected to present a glimpse of the natural beauty and hospitality of Maldives, and it would showcase a lot that can be explored in order to revive the confidence of the Indian tourists. The message he wants most strongly to convey is that the doors of the Maldives have always been open for visitors from India, and tourism will benefit both countries mutually.

Conclusion

The visit of Maldives Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal to India comes at an opportune time for both countries. The Maldivian economy depends heavily on tourism, so it is of great significance that the Minister is able to resurrect Indian interest in the Maldives. Equally, President Muizzu’s shifting attitude toward India—the thanking and pleading for a free trade agreement—sets the tone for what might prove to be a turning point in relations and smooths the way for cooperation in the future.

Outcomes of Faisal’s visit and broader diplomatic engagement will be observed with interest as both countries transit such a complex landscape—the implications this has on economic recovery in the Maldives and its ties with India within the Indian Ocean region.