New Delhi: A day after the Maldives banned Israeli passport holders from traveling to the country, the Israeli Embassy in India urged its citizens to visit Indian beaches instead.
In a post on X, the embassy highlighted several Indian beaches and said: “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".
Among the recommendations were the beaches of Lakshwadeep, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Kerala. The Israeli consul general in Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, also responded to a January post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which the leader praised the natural beauty of Lakshadweep. Shoshani said, “Thanks to the Maldives Government's decision Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of #Lakshadweep.”
Maldivian government decided last week to ban the entry of individuals with Israeli passports. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsaan, announced this decision during a news conference at the President's Office. The move comes during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Israel's foreign ministry advised its citizens against traveling to the Maldives since the government banned visitors with Israeli passports. This advice also applies to Israelis who have dual citizenship. “For Israeli citizens already in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, because if they find themselves in distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to assist,” it said in a statement.
