India Diplomatic Rift and Boycott Calls Leave Some Maldivians Worried About Economic Fallout

News Snapshot:

For the past week, the talks on the streets of Male have centered around the diplomatic rift with India and the potential fallout from the remarks made by three Maldivian junior ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The idyllic tourist destination faces the threat of an Indian tourist boycott, jeopardising the main source of its economy. Last year, Indian tourists were the largest group by nationality to visit the Maldives, contributing significantly to its tourism-driven economy. The suspended ministers stirred controversy by labeling PM Modi a “clown,” and a “puppet of Israel” on social media. Although the Maldivian foreign ministry...