ONCE THEY SAID ‘INDIA OUT’ – NOW IT’S ‘PLEASE VISIT MALDIVES’

Once upon a time, the president of a small island nation took a bold and harsh stand. He shouted slogans like “India Out” just to gain popularity and power. His words were strong, but they hurt his country more than he expected. His name was Mohamed Mujibur Rahman, the President of the Maldives. His anti-India comments caused a diplomatic storm and created serious problems for the Maldives.

The Maldives depends heavily on tourism for its economy. For many years, Indian tourists made up a big part of that success. Beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and peaceful islands made the Maldives a favourite holiday destination. But after the “India Out” campaign started, Indian tourist numbers began to drop sharply. The president’s words made Indians feel unwelcome and insulted.

Tourism took a massive hit. Hotels and resorts started reporting fewer bookings. Travel companies saw a decline in interest from Indian tourists. Local businesses that depended on tourism – such as restaurants, guides, and transport services -began to suffer. Many people in the Maldives lost their jobs or faced financial trouble.

At the same time, trade between India and the Maldives also reduced. India had been helping the Maldives for decades, providing medical aid, infrastructure, and support during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic. But after the president’s comments, relations turned cold. The Modi government remained firm and pulled back on some support.

Prime Minister Modi’s strategy was not about words but actions. Without any war or pressure, India used diplomacy and economic tools to respond. By withdrawing certain investments and support, India gave a clear signal. The Maldives started to feel the impact within a few months. Their economy was no longer growing. Instead, it started sinking.

Eventually, people in the Maldives began to realize the mistake. Citizens started questioning the president’s decisions. Business leaders, hotel owners, and even politicians began saying, “We need Indian tourists back.” Their social media campaigns changed from “India Out” to “Please Visit Maldives.” The country that once pushed India away was now inviting Indians with open arms.

This story shows how powerful diplomatic and economic ties can be. A few words from a leader can damage years of friendship and hurt common people. But when governments respond wisely, using calm yet strong policies like PM Modi’s, it brings real results. The Maldives learned this lesson the hard way.

Now, the Maldives is trying to rebuild ties with India. They are making efforts to say sorry in their own way – through promotions, partnerships, and more respectful communication. It’s a reminder to all small nations: never bite the hand that feeds you, especially when your survival depends on friendly neighbours.