India's boycott call impacted tourism - Ex-Maldives President
The former president of the maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, voiced worries on friday on India's demand for a boycott of the maldives and its impact on the tourist industry in his country amid the current diplomatic spat between Maldivia and India. In addition, he expressed regret on behalf of the Maldivians. Speaking to the media about the tensions between the two countries, Nasheed—who is now in India—stated that the people of the maldives "are sorry." He said that the Maldivians wanted indian visitors to keep visiting their nation.
"It has impacted the maldives a lot, and I am actually here in India. I'm very worried about this. I want to say the people of the maldives are sorry, we are sorry that this has happened. We want indian people to come on their holidays to the maldives, and there will not be any change in our hospitality," the former President told the media, news agency ANI reported.
The former President also met prime minister narendra modi recently, and said, "I met the prime minister last night. PM Modi wished us all well. I am a huge supporter of PM narendra modi and I wish prime minister narendra modi all the best."
He also commended the current President for acting swiftly to remove the boycott's organizers.
"I think these matters must be ironed out, and we must revert to changing course and go back to our usual relationship," the former president stated.
In addition to highlighting historical connections, Nasheed highlighted India's responsible response to previous crises, saying, "You know what india did? When the president of the maldives ordered indian military soldiers to leave? Their arms were not twisted. They only said to the Maldivian administration, "Okay, let's have a conversation about it," without using force."
"I think these matters must be ironed out, and we must revert to changing course and go back to our usual relationship," the former president stated.
In addition to highlighting historical connections, Nasheed highlighted India's responsible response to previous crises, saying, "You know what india did? When the president of the maldives ordered indian military soldiers to leave? Their arms were not twisted. They only said to the Maldivian administration, "Okay, let's have a conversation about it," without using force."