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Following the recent diplomatic schism between India and the Maldives, inhabitants of the island country have begun to express concerns about potential economic consequences. With demands to boycott Indian goods gaining traction, many Maldivians are considering the impact such a decision may have on their already shaky economy. As tensions rise, sensible voices from people concerned about the possible consequences emerge, advocating careful consideration of the long-term impact of this schism on the Maldives’ economic stability.
For the last week, discussions on Male’s streets have focused on the diplomatic gap with India and the possible impact from statements made by three Maldivian junior ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The picturesque tourist location is under the possibility of an Indian tourist boycott, which might jeopardise its major source of revenue.
Last year, Indian visitors were the largest nationality group to visit the Maldives, making a substantial contribution to the country’s tourism-based economy. The suspended ministers sparked outrage on social media by calling Prime Minister Modi a “clown” and a “puppet of Israel” for his postings over India’s Lakshadweep islands. Although the Maldivian foreign ministry stressed that the statements were personal and did not reflect the government’s position, worries remain.
The Maldives, a small island nation with a population of 520,000 compared to India’s 1.4 billion, is significantly reliant on its larger neighbour for necessities such as food, infrastructure, and technological advances. Residents of Malé are concerned that the diplomatic conflict may damage relations between the two countries.
We were disappointed.
The dismay among residents is apparent, not just at India’s impending boycott, but also over their government’s perceived slip in judgement. “We were upset by the boycott calls [from India]. However, we were more unhappy with our government. “Our officials lacked good judgement,” Mariyam Eem Shafeeg, a Maldivian National University student, told the BBC.
During this protracted dispute, cultural links between the Maldives and India have come to the fore, with citizens growing up watching Bollywood films and plays. Shafeeg, who supports the Maldivian Democratic Party’s “India first” stance, reminds out that Male also “depends on India for food, education, and healthcare.”
The diplomatic schism creates economic dangers and raises questions about the intricate network of cultural, economic, and geopolitical linkages that connect these two states over the enormous width of the Indian Ocean. India is a vital ally, with troops and helicopters stationed on the islands. However, ties have worsened since Muizzu, a pro-Chinese candidate, was elected in November.
Surprisingly, the dispute erupted just a few days before Muizzu’s travel to China. Prior to the Covid-19 epidemic, Chinese travellers dominated Maldivian tourism. However, tour operators report a significant drop in numbers, which they blame to higher ticket prices and restricted airline availability. Muizzu addressed the problem during his visit, emphasising the significance of redoubling efforts to regain China’s previous role as the Maldives’ principal tourism market.
Despite his pro-China posture, some Maldivians think that their President should take more action against the erring ministers while maintaining excellent relations with India. “The ministers should have been dismissed immediately. We are concerned about India’s reaction since we rely on our neighbour for the majority of our food,” Aik Ahmed Easa, an opposition lawyer, told the BBC.
Maldivians are concerned about Indian firms’ backing for the “boycott Maldives movement.” EaseMyTrip, a ticket-booking website, claimed it has banned all flights to the nation. One of India’s largest trade associations has requested its members to cease doing business with the Maldives until an apology is given. These comments have raised concerns among the Maldives Association of Tour and Travel Operators, or MATATO. On Tuesday, MATATO urged EaseMyTrip to reject the “regrettable” comments, claiming they did not represent Maldivians’ beliefs.
“In expressing our profound thanks for the lasting friendship and collaboration that defines the relationship between the Maldives and India, we want you to know that the links that unite our countries go beyond politics. “We consider our Indian counterparts as cherished brothers and sisters,” the message continued. “Tourism is the Maldives’ lifeblood, accounting for more than two-thirds of the country’s GDP and employing around 44,000 Maldivians. “The potential negative impact on tourism has the potential to have severe consequences for our economy,” it warned.
Some people in the Maldives are worried about the economic decline
The Maldives, a tropical paradise famed for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, is currently experiencing a troubling economic slump. This has made many people and business owners concerned about the future of their cherished country. Tourism, the Maldivian economy’s backbone, has been badly hit by the global pandemic and other causes, leaving the country with issues such as unemployment, reduced revenue, and a faltering economy. In this blog article, we will look at the causes of this economic collapse and the probable ramifications for the Maldives.
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