The Maldives is scrambling to contain the fallout from inflammatory anti-India remarks made by several ministers on social media last week.
The controversial comments criticizing Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep have sparked a diplomatic furor, prompting the Maldivian government to suspend the deputies and reaffirm warm ties with their closest neighbor.
In damage control mode, the tourism industry quickly condemned the remarks and highlighted India’s vital role as the island nation’s first responder in times of crisis.
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) released a strongly-worded statement saying India has “always been one of our closest neighbors and allies” and has rushed to the nation’s assistance whenever required.
It particularly emphasized India’s instrumental support to the tourism-reliant economy both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which had brought the sector to its knees. Over 280,000 Indians visited the Maldives last year, representing the second-largest source market.
The remarks against Modi came after he posted a video of the pristine beaches of Lakshadweep, insinuating India was promoting the islands as an alternative to the Maldives. The foreign ministry clarified the comments were the deputies’ personal opinions and did not reflect official policy.
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) strongly condemns the derogatory comments made by some Deputy Ministers on social media platforms, directed towards the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi as well as the people of India: Maldives Association… pic.twitter.com/QJkAWBkKq6
— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2024
Nonetheless, analysts say the damage control underscores how important New Delhi is to Malé’s strategic calculus in the Indian Ocean region. Securing Indian assistance is critical for the tiny island country.
As maritime neighbors, India and Maldives share deep cultural, political, and economic bonds that go back generations. However, the deputy ministers slightly reveal latent tensions that both countries will likely need to manage going forward even while pursuing greater cooperation.
