"Maldives President Seeks Closer Ties with China Amid Indian Backlash"

Maldives President Muizzu appealed to China to send more tourists to the island nation amid a backlash in India over derogatory remarks made by his ministers against PM Modi, prompting a massive boycott campaign. The suspended ministers' comments triggered a diplomatic row, leading to Indian travel portals and tourists calling for a boycott of Maldives and promoting Indian destinations instead. Muizzu, known for his pro-Beijing stance, is on a five-day visit to China and praised the Belt and Road Initiative while urging China to bolster tourist flow to the Maldives.