1. Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, amidst diplomatic tensions, regretted India’s boycott call and its tourism repercussions.
2. Nasheed, present in India, extended apologies to the Maldivian people, urging Indian tourists to maintain their visits.
3. He emphasized the importance of restoring usual relations between India and the Maldives, highlighting historical ties and shared responsibilities.
Malé, March 09: Amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, former Maldivian President, expressed regret over India’s boycott call and its adverse impact on the Maldives’ tourism sector.
Nasheed, currently in India, conveyed apologies on behalf of the Maldivian people, emphasizing their desire for Indian tourists to continue visiting the country.
Speaking to the media, Nasheed highlighted the significant repercussions of India’s boycott on the Maldives’ economy, stressing his concerns and expressing regret on behalf of the Maldivian populace.
He emphasized the country’s unwavering hospitality and urged Indian tourists to maintain their visits despite the diplomatic discord.
Nasheed also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveying his support and best wishes.
He praised the swift action taken by the current Maldivian President in addressing the issue and emphasized the importance of restoring amicable relations between the two nations.
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Reflecting on historical ties, Nasheed commended India’s responsible approach during past challenges, citing instances where India prioritized dialogue over confrontation.
He urged President Mohamed Muizzu to halt discussions on expelling Indian military personnel, emphasizing the crucial role of Indian assistance in medical evacuations due to the country’s geographical challenges.
President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, previously vowed to expel Indian military personnel from the Maldives, leading to escalating tensions between the two countries.
However, following social media posts by three deputy ministers of the Maldives against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Muizzu suspended them, recognizing the detrimental impact on Indian tourism, which contributes significantly to the Maldives’ economy.
