Following the Maldives decision, the Israeli Embassy advises its nationals to visit picturesque beaches in India
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Why Indian Beaches?
On Monday, the Israeli Embassy in India, advised its nationals to visit some of the most picturesque Indian beaches, after the government of the Maldives’ decision to forbid Israeli passport holders from accessing the nation amid the tragic conflict in Gaza.
The Israel Embassy in India shared this invitation on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality. Check out these recommendations from @IsraelinIndia, based on the places visited by our diplomats.”
Background of Israeli tourists in Maldives
Every year, about a million tourists visit the Maldives. In 2023, 15,748 Israelis traveled to the Maldives, compared to 10,966 Israeli tourists who visited the nation.
Israel terminated diplomatic relations with the Muslim-majority country in 1974 and since then relations have been bitter-sour between the the two nations.
According to Israeli sources, Hamas launched an offensive on Israel on October 7, killing over 800 people and taking 240 captives. This marked the start of the Gaza conflict.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed admiration for Lakshadweep’s natural beauty in a January post. The Israeli consul general in Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, echoed same view. “Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of #Lakshadweep thanks to the Maldives Government’s decision,” Shoshani said in his statement.
The post by Israel in India
The multilingual article, which was published in both Hindi and English, included four pictures of immaculate beaches in Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Additionally, Israel has asked its citizens to leave the Indian Ocean archipelago and has advised those who already reside there to do so. This comes just a day after the Maldivian government decided to forbid Israeli passport holders from entering the nation in the midst of the deadly conflict in Gaza.
Decision Taken and Aftermath
In light of the Maldivian government’s intention to swiftly alter the law to forbid access into the Maldives for Israeli passport holders, the Israeli Foreign Ministry issued the recommendations on Sunday.
With US President Joe Biden saying that Israel has put up a “comprehensive new proposal” for a truce with Hamas, brokered by Qatar, the crisis has garnered attention from around the world. This plan calls for the evacuation of Israeli soldiers from Gaza, a six-week cease-fire, and the exchange of prisoners and hostages.
The Israel Embassy’s call for its nationals to explore Indian beaches amidst ongoing tensions underscores the intricate interplay between geopolitics and tourism. Beyond the sun and sand, this message carries a weighty reminder of the broader dynamics shaping travel choices.
In a region where political tensions often dominate headlines, tourism can serve as a subtle yet significant tool for diplomacy and cultural exchange. The act of encouraging Israeli citizens to visit Indian shores amid strained relations speaks volumes about the nuanced strategies employed in international relations.
At its core, this request illuminates the enduring resilience of people-to-people connections despite geopolitical complexities. Yet, it also underscores the fragility of such connections, susceptible to the ebb and flow of geopolitical currents.
To know more visit: Embassy of Israel in India
Read More: Nature Gateways of India
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