Nation first, business later: EaseMyTrip doubles down on anti-Maldives stance in Whatsapp message

The island nation in the Indian Ocean region is facing a strong backlash from many in India after three of their ministers made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he posted pictures from his two-day visit to Lakshadweep.

EaseMyTrip, the online travel planning platform, has doubled down on its anti-Maldives stance despite Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) apologising in an open letter to its CEO Nishant Pitti. The controversy erupted after three ministers from the neighbouring nation made derogatory remarks about India and PM Modi.

"Nation First, Business Later", the company reiterated in a message that it has been sending over Whatsapp.

Screenshot of Whatsapp message from EaseMyTrip.

"We have taken a stand in response to the recent inappropriate and unprovoked remarks by multiple Maldivian ministers about India, its citizens and our Hon'ble PM," the company that has gotten onto the 'Boycott Maldives' trend further explained. Others reported having received the message as well.

Screengrab of the same message received by another individual on Whatsapp.

The company also said "We are immensely proud of India's stunning beaches."

In the letter, the Maldives travel body had all but declared the Indian market indispensable to the success of the tourism sector in the island nation. In 2023, Indians made up most of the tourists going to Maldives, their government data shows.

The island nation in the Indian Ocean region is facing a strong backlash from many here after three of their ministers made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he posted pictures from his two-day visit to Lakshadweep.

Modi's attempt to promote the Union Territory as a tourist destination did not go down well with some in the ruling Maldives coalition, which has maintained a pro-China stance throughout. However, the Maldives government has officially distanced itself from the comments and suspended the ministers as well.

EaseMyTrip, meanwhile, thanked its users for the support on social media and urged that everyone remain 'united' in this journey.

The company's stocks have seen a surge amid discounts offered on travel in India. Yesterday, they announced NATIONFIRST and BHARATFIRST discount codes on X (formerly Twitter), along with venturing into the insurance sector with the launch of the subsidiary EaseMyTrip Insurance Broker Pvt Ltd.