𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐣𝐨𝐲'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: 𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝐔𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬, 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟑 𝐈𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝

 Amidst growing tensions between India and the Maldives, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed expressed concerns regarding India's recent boycott call and its potential impact on tourism, a crucial sector for the Maldivian economy. Currently in India, Nasheed extended an apology on behalf of the Maldivian people for the escalating diplomatic strain.

President Mohamed Muizzu's decision, perceived as pro-China, to expel all Indian military personnel from the Maldives by March 10 further escalated tensions and prompted India's boycott call, affecting various sectors, notably tourism.

"I'm deeply worried about the situation. The Maldivian people apologize for what has transpired. We want Indian tourists to continue visiting the Maldives, and our hospitality remains unchanged," Nasheed stated, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Nasheed also acknowledged India's historically responsible approach in handling such matters, highlighting India's preference for diplomatic discussions over exerting pressure or resorting to force.

"When the Maldivian president sought the departure of Indian military personnel, India proposed a diplomatic dialogue instead of resorting to coercion," he noted.

Regarding the recent defence agreement between the Maldives and China, Nasheed clarified that it primarily involved the acquisition of equipment, such as rubber bullets and tear gas, rather than a defense pact.

"Governance should not rely on the use of force. It's regrettable that the government feels the need for more tear gas and rubber bullets," he commented.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving disputes between nations, expressing confidence in finding a diplomatic solution to the ongoing tensions.

President Muizzu's decision not to visit India on his first official trip, opting instead for visits to Turkey and China, broke from the established tradition. Additionally, the Maldives announced its decision not to extend the agreement permitting India to conduct hydrographic surveys in collaboration with the Maldives.