Abstract
Indian Ocean is an important hub for global trade and cultural exchange among nations. Some host island nations rely entirely on tourism for economic stability and a source of income. The Maldives and Lakshadweep are located in the Indian Ocean and are particularly noteworthy. It is an essential route for global trade and is home to beautiful islands like Lakshadweep, Sri Lanka, the Andaman Islands, and the Maldives. Regardless of their cultural and natural charm and attraction, the diplomatic tension between India and Maldives stresses the uncharted potential of tourism diplomacy in promoting regional cooperation and addressing geopolitical challenges. This study examined the dynamics of tourism diplomacy, providing attention to India’s effort to make Lakshadweep a proper and viable tourist destination and analyzing the impact of the diplomatic controversy on Indian tourists’ attitude towards the Maldives. The findings reveal that there has been a significant decline in Indian tourists and a surge of Chinese tourists during this diplomatic tension. Meanwhile, Lakshadweep is emerging as a yet promising, underdeveloped tourist destination. The diplomatic trends showcase two aspects of tourism diplomacy: building cultural bridges and resolving geopolitical disputes. This study highlights and sheds light on the transformative potential of tourism in shaping international relations. It also provides valuable insights to policymakers and stakeholders on improving and designing tourism infrastructure by protecting ecological preservations, leveraging tourism diplomacy in building alliances, and improving cultural exchanges in the Indian Ocean.
Keywords: Dispute, Indian Ocean, International Relations, Tourism Diplomacy, Tourist Arrival and Departure