Derogatory remarks at Modi: India’s EaseMyTrip resumes Maldives bookings

India’s travel platform EaseMyTrip, which halted bookings to the Maldives after three deputy ministers of the Maldivian government made derogatory remarks towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has resumed bookings to the Maldives as tensions between the two nations dissipate.

Tensions arose between Maldives and India after three Maldivian senior government officials – three deputies of the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid – made derogatory comments at India and its Prime Minister in January. 

Subsequently, a campaign was launched in India calling to boycott Maldives’ tourism. EaseMyTrip halted bookings to the Maldives amid the campaign.

Via a post on X, EaseMyTrip’s CEO Nishant Pritti said bookings to the Maldives are being resumed based on the positive developments in mending India-Maldives bilateral ties by both governments and following constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Tourism of Maldives delegation during their recent visit to India.

“Being a nation-first company we are always in alignment with our government and support their vision. It is a progressive step towards the renewed friendship and mutual goals of enhancing tourism,” added Pritti.

Notably, Malsha and Shiuna—two of the three deputy ministers suspended—resigned from their posts in September.

Ties between the two neighboring nations faltered over the incident, which saw arrivals from India, the top tourist market to the Maldives, drop significantly. However, tensions have eased since then, with both governments committed to strengthening ties.

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to undertake a state visit to India on Sunday at the invitation of his Indian counterpart, Droupadi Murmu.