New Delhi: In response to the Maldives government’s recent decision to ban entry to Israeli passport holders, the Israeli embassy in India has issued travel advice for its citizens, suggesting they visit Indian beaches instead. This recommendation comes after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu resolved to implement the ban, though the exact start date has not been specified.
Israeli Embassy’s Travel Recommendations:
- The Israeli embassy highlighted several Indian beaches where Israeli tourists can expect warm hospitality. The suggested locations include:
- Lakshadweep
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Goa
- Kerala
Accompanying the announcement, the embassy’s social media post featured pictures of these picturesque beaches, emphasizing the welcoming nature of Indian hospitality.
Foreign Ministry’s Advisory:
- Israel’s foreign ministry has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to the Maldives. The ministry’s statement extends this recommendation to Israelis holding dual citizenship. It also suggests that Israeli citizens currently in the Maldives should consider leaving due to potential difficulties in receiving consular assistance if needed.
Tourism Impact:
- The Maldives has been a popular destination for Israeli tourists. Last year, around 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, making up 0.6% of the total tourist arrivals. However, there has been a significant drop this year, with only 528 Israeli visits in the first four months, an 88% decrease from the same period last year.
Historical Context:
- Relations between Israel and the Maldives have been fluctuating since Israel was the third nation to formally recognize the Maldives in 1965. However, diplomatic ties were severed in 1974. In 2009, the Maldives signed cooperation agreements with Israel, fostering people-to-people ties and collaborations in health, education, and culture.
- In 2014, the Maldives joined the international boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, boycotting Israeli products following an IDF military operation in Gaza. This led to the formal termination of cooperation agreements with Israel by then-President Abdulla Yameen in 2018.
This latest travel advisory and the promotion of Indian beaches underscore the ongoing diplomatic tensions and the shifting dynamics of international tourism and bilateral relations.
