Indians ditch Maldives as their favourite island getaway

India is no longer the biggest contributor to tourist numbers in the Maldives. India slipped from its top position in 2023 to become the fifth-largest group of visitors, recent data from the island nation's tourism ministry reveals. The stark decline in Indian tourist numbers over the past three weeks has been fuelled by growing geo-political tensions between India and the island nation.

According to the latest statistics, Russia takes the lead with 18,561 visitors, commanding a 10.6% market share. Italy closely follows with 18,111 arrivals (10.4% market share), and China secures the third spot with 16,529 visitors (9.5% market share). The UK and India trail behind with 14,588 and 13,989 arrivals, respectively.

Top tourists to the Maldives, as of 28 January

1. Russia: 18,561 arrivals (#2 in 2023)
2. Italy: 18,111 arrivals (#6 in 2023)
3. China: 16,529 arrivals (#3 in 2023)
4. UK: 14,588 arrivals (#4 in 2023)
5. India: 13,989 arrivals (#1 in 2023)
6. Germany: 10,652 arrivals (#5 in 2023)
7. USA: 6,299 arrivals (#7 in 2023)
8. France: 6,168 arrivals (#8 in 2023)
9. Poland: 5,109 arrivals (#14 in 2023)
10. Switzerland: 3,330 arrivals (#10 in 2023)

This unexpected change in rankings is attributed to several factors, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep on January 2 and the subsequent diplomatic fallout between India and the Maldives. The controversy escalated when a Maldives minister accused India of targeting the nation, citing challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.

The strained diplomatic relations have intensified since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November, signaling a shift towards closer ties with China and a departure from the previous "India first" approach. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) initiated impeachment proceedings against President Muizzu, accusing him of a pro-China stance following the controversial docking of a Chinese spy ship in Male.

President Muizzu's recent call for the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives by mid-March has further strained relations, with the MDP condemning the policy shift as "extremely detrimental" to the country's long-term development.

The Maldives, strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, holds significant importance in India's regional initiatives such as 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy.' The evolving dynamics between India and the Maldives underscore the complexities of regional geopolitics and the challenges in maintaining diplomatic equilibrium in the Indian Ocean region.