Tensions between the neighbors escalated last month when three of Muizzu’s junior ministers reportedly called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “clown” and a “terrorist” in since-deleted social media posts.
In another development, Maldives’ Defense Ministry accused India’s Coast Guard of entering its exclusive economic zone and harassing fishermen in three Maldivian trawlers.
The Defense Ministry said it has sought “clarification” from New Delhi after Coast Guard personnel boarded three boats on Wednesday.
The incident came as Indian celebrities urged compatriots to boycott the island nation and instead book their next holidays closer to home.
Tourism accounts for about a third of the Maldives’ economy, with Indians accounting for the largest share of foreign arrivals.