‘Nation First, Business Later’: EaseMyTrip reiterates its stand to halt travel bookings to Maldives amid row

India-Maldives row: In the midst of the controversy surrounding derogatory feedback made by Maldivian ministers and authorities officers relating to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s current go to to Lakshadweep, EaseMyTrip, an Indian travel firm, reaffirmed its determination to halt all bookings to the island nation since January 8.

In an official launch titled ‘Nation First, Business Later’, the travel firm said, “We are immensely proud of India’s stunning beaches. Our country boasts a vast 7,500-kilometer coastline, featuring the wonders of Lakshadweep, the Andamans, Goa, Kerala, etc.”

EaseMyTrip’s official assertion

“We have taken a stand in response to the recent inappropriate and unprovoked remarks by multiple Maldivian ministers about India, its citizens and our Hon’ble PM. Starting January 8th, we have indefinitely suspended all travel bookings to the Maldives. For us, our nation takes precedence over profits,” the agency added. “Your support on social media is a reflection of our shared love for the nation. Let’s stay united in this journey,” it said additional.

PM Modi’s go to to Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep garnered consideration after Prime Minister Modi posted pleasant photos from his go to to the Union Territory on January 22, emphasizing the potential for creating seashore tourism within the island cluster. He additionally shared a number of photos showcasing the pristine seashores of Lakshadweep, together with a second the place he had an ‘exhilarating expertise’ attempting his hand at snorkelling.

However, in a subsequently deleted social media publish, Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi’s go to to the Indian island cluster.

#BoycottMaldives prime pattern on social media

Amid an outpouring of anger on social media over the disparaging references to PM Modi, with #BoycottMaldives a prime pattern throughout on-line boards, main faces from the Indian movie business in addition to prime celebrities got here out in help of the decision to promote seashore tourism in Lakshadweep and elsewhere. 

 Maldivian govt’s stand on the problem

Amidst the net uproar, the Maldivian authorities distanced itself from the derogatory remarks directed at PM Modi. Moosa Zameer, the Maldivian Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that such feedback in opposition to international leaders are ‘unacceptable’ and don’t signify the official stance of the federal government. However, New Delhi, expressing sturdy objection to the remarks, summoned the Maldivian envoy and lodged a vigorous protest. The envoy was seen arriving on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) within the South Block and departing in a while January 9. 

India’s position in Maldivian Tourism

According to information launched by the Maldivian Tourism Ministry, Indians constituted the very best variety of guests to the archipelago final yr. Several media experiences citing figures from the Maldives Tourism Ministry indicated that in 2023, Indians recorded the very best variety of visits to the nation, totalling 2,09,198 arrivals. Russia secured the second place with 2,09,146 arrivals, adopted by China in third place with 1,87,118 arrivals.

Even in 2022, Indians accounted for the biggest variety of visits to the Maldives, with 2,40,000 arrivals. Russia adopted intently in second place with 198,000 arrivals whereas Britain ranked third with over 1,77,000 arrivals.

(With inputs from companies)

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