Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has stated that ties between India and Maldives have been improving since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's visit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

He further added that India will rise into the top 3 source markets for tourist arrivals by the end of the year as well.

Earlier this year, relations between the Maldives and India deteriorated resulting in a massive anti-campaign calling for a boycott of Maldives, which included A-list Bollywood stars, influential politicians, and some in the tourism industry.

The tourism ministry, MMPRC, and MATATO are currently jointly organizing a roadshow to promote Maldivian tourism in India, Faisal told One Online in a telephone interview from New Delhi today. “This will boost tourism,” he said.

"I will also meet many Indian dignitaries during my visit, including some ministers, film stars, and businessmen. India-Maldives relations are once again looking very good and very promising. Especially after President Dr. Muizzu's recent official visit to India," Faisal explained.

The roadshows will be held in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore to promote Maldivian tourism in India. The first event of the roadshow will start in New Delhi tonight and more than 150 Indian tourism industry players will participate in the event.

"Last year, the number one market was India. Over 200,000 arrivals were recorded from India. This year it has reached 71,000. But our target is for it to be in the top three by the end of the year," Faisal added.