Israel Asks Citizens to Visit India Instead of Maldives
The Israel foreign ministry has urged its citizens to travel to India instead of Maldives after Maldives banned Israeli passport holders from traveling to the country.
The diplomatic tension between India and Maldives escalated further when Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu issued a statement on June 2, 2024, banning Israeli passport holders from entering the country. This move was made in protest against Israel's military actions in Gaza, particularly airstrikes on the safe zone of Rafah that resulted in the deaths of innocent refugees, including women and children.
Ali Ihsaan, Maldives Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, officially announced the decision during a press conference at the President's Office.
In response, the Israeli foreign ministry issued an advisory urging its citizens to refrain from traveling to Maldives. Israeli nationals already in Maldives were advised to return home promptly, citing potential difficulties in providing assistance in case of emergencies.
On June 3, 2024, the Israeli embassy in India took to social media platform X (Twitter) to recommend alternative destinations for Israeli tourists, given Maldives' ban on their entry. The embassy highlighted several picturesque Indian beaches across Lakshadweep, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Kerala, welcoming Israeli visitors with warmth and hospitality.
Accompanying the post were stunning images of Indian beaches, showcasing the natural beauty and charm of these coastal destinations.
Kobbi Shoshani, the Israeli consul general in Mumbai, further emphasized the opportunity for Israeli travelers to explore the scenic beaches of Lakshadweep, referencing a tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from January.
The ban imposed by Maldives on Israeli passport holders and the subsequent response from the Israeli authorities underscore the complexities of international relations, with India-Israel ties coming under the spotlight amid the ongoing diplomatic developments.
