Pres Muizzu: Maldives hopes to welcome more Indian tourists

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday expressed hopes to welcome more Indian tourists to the Maldives.

Tourist arrivals from India had dwindled amid diplomatic tension between Male’ and New Delhi in the early weeks of President Muizzu’s administration. Some analysts predict it resulted in around USD 1 billion in losses.

Delivering a joint press statement on Monday afternoon following bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, President Muizzu said that India has always stood by the Maldives during times of need.

He also noted that India is a crucial source market for tourist arrivals to the Maldives.

“India is one of our largest tourism source markets and we hope to welcome more Indian tourists to the Maldives, allowing for shared growth and understanding between our peoples,” he said.

President Muizzu thanked India for the generous assistance and support extended to Maldives over the years, including the recent budgetary support in the form of rollover of T-bills.

During the talks held earlier, Male’ and Delhi agreed on “A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership” - a comprehensive vision document charting the course of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

According to President Muizzu, it will encompass development cooperation, trade and economic partnerships, digital and financial initiatives, energy projects, health cooperation, as well as maritime and security cooperation.

He also reiterated Maldives’ commitment to strengthening India relations.

“The Maldives will remain a true friend, committed to our shared vision of peace and development in our countries and our region,” he said.

“We are fully committed to strengthening our cooperation with India across a broad spectrum of areas, including high-level exchanges that foster deeper understanding and friendship between our nations.”

He invited PM Modi to make a state visit to Maldives next year – which will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Together, we will work to build a future that only benefits both our countries,” he said.