NEW DELHI: According to the March 2024 data released by the Maldives government, Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives have plummeted by over 50 percent compared to the same month in the previous year.

In March 2023, 18,099 Indian tourists travelled to the country, whereas in March 2024, the number dwindled to a mere 8,322—a stark 54 per cent decrease. This downward trend is not limited to a single month; it extends across the first quarter of 2024, with only 34,847 Indian tourists visiting Maldives from January to March, compared to 56,208 during the same period in 2023.

The decline in Indian tourist arrivals coincides with a period of strained diplomatic relations between India and Maldives, largely attributed to the policies of Maldives President Muizzu.

President Muizzu, who came to power in November 2023, has pursued a more China-centric approach, advocating for reduced reliance on India and has called for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country involved in humanitarian support.

In contrast to the decline in Indian arrivals, China has emerged as the leading contributor to Maldives' tourism industry. Chinese tourist arrivals have seen a remarkable surge, with 13,608 Chinese tourists visiting Maldives in March 2024—a staggering 78.6 percent increase compared to March 2023.

China contributes the largest number of tourists to Maldives, while India is at sixth. Indians formed the largest number of tourist groups in Maldives till December 2023. In March 2024, Russians formed the second largest number of tourist groups travelling to the South Asian country, followed by the UK, Italy, and Germany.