Soneva CEO Hopes For Resolution To India-Maldives Dispute: India Report

11.01.2024 - 09:25 / skift.com / Narendra Modi / Airlines

Amid the diplomatic dispute between India and Maldives, Sonu Shivdasani, CEO of resort chain Soneva, wrote about the potential impact on the tourism industry, and hoped for a reconciliation.

Shivdasani, a prominent face in the Maldives hospitality industry, called the remarks made recently on social media by three junior Maldivian ministers “disparaging.”

“As a Person of Indian Origin (PIO), I found the comments rude, offensive, and xenophobic. And as the founder of Soneva, the uproar they have caused, leading to calls in India to boycott Maldives, has been deeply concerning. I was relieved to hear that the Maldivian government has suspended the deputy ministers and clarified that their remarks in no way represent official policy,” Shivdasani said on social media.

The Maldives government had distanced itself from the remarks deemed anti-Indian in a statement that read: “The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal.”

Shivdasani added that he hopes the Maldives government can mend fences with India. He said as a hotelier based in the Maldives, he could only say how deeply sorry he was and underscored how much he welcomed and appreciated Indian tourists. “Soneva, for its part, will always welcome Indian guests with open arms, as we have done for 25 years and will continue to do so now and in the future,” he added.

The Indian government has said it will be moving forward with plans to construct a new airport on Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep. The proposed airport is designed to accommodate both military and civilian aircraft.

Operational Capabilities: Quoting government sources, Indian media reports stated that the plan involves the establishment of a dual-purpose airfield capable of handling fighter jets, other military planes, and commercial aircraft. The revived proposal for a new airport in Minicoy Island has also reportedly been resubmitted to the government, emphasizing its intention for joint military and civilian usage.

According to the report, Minicoy Island presently possesses only one airstrip located in Agatti, limiting the range of aircraft that can operate from the region. The decision to develop a new airport comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the area. Also, it coincides with a recent diplomatic stand-off with the Maldives.

Cygnett Hotels and Resorts has announced the opening of a new property in Jaipur, making it the hotel chain’s second property in the city. Cygnett Style Ganga in Jaipur’s Jagatpura area, features 45 rooms.

Last year, Midscale hospitality chain Cygnett Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of a 50-room Cygnett Inn