Number of Indian tourists decrease, while Chinese tourists increase in Maldives

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu

Male (Maldives) – In the wake of the dispute between India and Maldives, there has been a sharp decline in the number of tourists from India to the Maldives. On the other hand, there has been a significant increase in the number of tourists from China.

1.According to the tourism statistics announced by the Ministry of Tourism of Maldives, the highest number of 23,972 tourists came from China till 4 ^th February. This year only 16,536 Indians have visited Maldives. India accounted for 7.7% of the total tourists here till February, while China accounted for 11.2%.

2.Last month, the President of Maldives, Mohammed Muizzu, visited China. There, he requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to appeal to his country’s citizens to visit the Maldives for tourism. This is also said to have increased the number of Chinese tourists.

Indian soldiers will withdraw by 10th May – President Muizzu claims

On 5 ^th February, the President of Maldives in his first speech in the Parliament said that in the discussions with India, it has been decided that all 80 Indian soldiers of India will return to India by 10 ^th May. There are 3 aviation platforms (arrangements for aircraft equipment and materials) in Maldives. Soldiers serving on one of these will return to India by 10 ^th March. After this, Indian soldiers operating on 2 more platforms will return to India by 10 ^th May.

Muizzu further said that Maldives will not even renew the water exploration agreement with India. We will not allow any country to interfere with our sovereignty.

Editorial Perspective

Maldives is going towards self-destruction, which is also a big threat to India. India should take appropriate action to prevent Maldives from coming under Chinese control.