Early this year, #BoycottMaldives was trending on X after a handful of Maldivian politicians tweeted against the Indian PM's endorsement of Lakshadweep as an unexplored tourist destination. Ever since, the Maldives have been trying to indulge in some damage control measures. The latest comes as a statement from the island nation's President, Mohamed Muizzu, who is visiting India for a few days. In a press briefing, he said that India is one of his country's largest tourism source markets, and Maldives hopes to welcome more Indians. As per reports, the strain in the relationship with India had a big impact on Maldives' earnings. 

Why they need more Indian tourists
Interestingly, Maldives has no dearth of foreign tourists throughout the year. However, according to travel industry observers, they depend on mostly Indian tourists during off-seasons. This is the reason why the country even conducted a road show a few months ago, titled 'Welcome India,' helmed by its tourism minister. Indian travel tech company EaseMyTrip announced in January that they suspended all Maldives bookings indefinitely. However, they resumed bookings last Friday. 

Pay with Rupay card
On Monday, India launched RuPay cards in the Maldives to facilitate monetary transactions for Indians visiting the country and Maldivian nationals visiting India. PM Modi and President Muizzu also witnessed a live online RuPay transaction during their interaction as part of an initiative on the same. They also jointly inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International Airport of the Maldives virtually. 

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