India finds itself embroiled in a geopolitical dispute as the Israeli Embassy has lately urged its nationals to think of India as a travel destination. This follows the declaration of an Israeli tourism ban by the Maldives government. Following over eight months of Israeli Defence Force bombardment, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu took this choice in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Listing Goa, Kerala, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as substitutes for the Maldives' well-known beaches, the Israeli Embassy in India wrote on X, "Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality."

Concurrent with this Israeli Embassy promotion are tense ties between India and the Maldives after President Muizzu's election. Rising to power through the "India OUT" campaign, Muizzu has forced India to remove its forces from the Maldives and has demonstrated a preference for closer relations with China. Interestingly, Israel looks to be treating the Maldives in a similar way to India. A boycott of the Maldives became popular in India earlier this year after leaders from the country made disparaging comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

When a Maldivian minister urged Indians to support their tourism industry last month, underscoring their economic dependence on tourism, it was clear how the boycott was having an effect. "Our just elected government is interested in cooperating with India. We support amicable surroundings and peace. India visitors will be cordially welcomed by our people and administration. Our economy depends on it, stated Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Tourism of the Maldives.

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… pic.twitter.com/kGNEDS6fsp

— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) June 3, 2024