Maldives: India's new front with China
7 years, 1 month ago

Maldives: India's new front with China

Deccan Chronicle  

The Maldives is the second youngest of the South Asian countries. It was the strategic ocean foresight of then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that resulted in the Indo-Maldives Preferential Trade Agreement being signed in 1981; which among other things ensured the supply of all essential commodities to the Maldives from India. When incumbent Maldives President Abdulla Yameen and China’s President Xi Jinping signed a free trade agreement in December 2017, it crossed the rubicon for India. Today, the Maldives’ Abdulla Yameen seeks a similar FTA with India despite being fully aware that the Sino-Maldives FTA has already opened the floodgates to cheap goods into his country. The idea is to bleed India white; increase expenditure on the Pakistan Army-ISI-run terrorists deep inside the hinterland; hike the budget for two-front land warfare; spend more money for an expanded Indian fleet to face the Chinese Navy, which now has a 360-degree unfettered command, control, communication, intelligence, surveillance and deployment facility and operational flexibility pertaining to its fleet in the Indian Ocean.

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History of this topic

India, Sri Lanka to sign first-ever defence pact amid China’s growing presence
5 hours, 26 minutes ago

India, Sri Lanka to sign first-ever defence pact amid China’s growing presence

Firstpost  

India and Sri Lanka are also likely to firm up a raft of other bilateral agreements including one on restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt following talks between Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka in Colombo on April 5. In a major shift in bilateral security ties amid China’s growing military presence in the region, India and Sri Lanka are …

Luxon’s India visit and meeting with Modi: A new chapter in New Zealand-India trade and defence ties amid Indo-Pacific challenges
2 days, 19 hours ago

Luxon’s India visit and meeting with Modi: A new chapter in New Zealand-India trade and defence ties amid Indo-Pacific challenges

Times of India  

Dr. Ashok Sharma is a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy and is an Academic Fellow of the Australia-India Institute at the University of Melbourne. MORE New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent visit to India underscores a growing strategic alignment between the two nations, driven by shared economic and …

India's strategic caution in South China Sea: Why joining Squad alliance is unlikely
5 days, 14 hours ago

India's strategic caution in South China Sea: Why joining Squad alliance is unlikely

Firstpost  

As the US turns inwards, India will wait and watch for the dynamics to play out in the South China Sea dispute On March 19, General Romeo S Brawner, Chief of Staff of the Philippines Armed Forces, addressed a session at the Raisina Dialogue urging India and South Korea to join the informal Squad alliance to counter the ‘coercive’ activities …

Will India join ‘Squad’ to boost security in South China Sea?
1 week, 1 day ago

Will India join ‘Squad’ to boost security in South China Sea?

Live Mint  

India has been invited to join the multilateral alliance Squad to prevent China's influence in the South China Sea. China's dominance in South China Sea The Philippines' request comes after China conducted live-fire naval drills in international waters in the Tasman Sea, situated between Australia and New Zealand. Brawner stressed the need for collaboration between “like-minded nations” to exchange intelligence …

'Good relationship with India essential for Maldives safety' says former president of the Maldives
1 week, 3 days ago

'Good relationship with India essential for Maldives safety' says former president of the Maldives

India Today  

In an exclusive conversation, former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed offers an insightful perspective on the evolving dynamics of Maldivian foreign policy, the rising threat of Islamist extremism, and the country’s delicate balancing act between India and China. A veteran politician and a staunch advocate for democracy, Nasheed reflects on the Muizzu administration’s pivot away from its initial “India …

China's lending practices push Maldives toward sovereign default
2 weeks, 1 day ago

China's lending practices push Maldives toward sovereign default

Op India  

The Maldives is grappling with a mounting debt crisis that threatens its economic sovereignty, as foreign exchange reserves dwindle to precarious levels while substantial debt repayments loom. The immediate financial challenge is daunting, with the Maldives needing to service external debt worth USD 600 million in 2025 and a staggering USD 1 billion in 2026. Usable foreign exchange reserves held …

Maldives, China in talks to install research devices in Indian Ocean: Report
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Maldives, China in talks to install research devices in Indian Ocean: Report

India Today  

The Maldives government is in discussions with China to install devices on fish aggregating devices in the Indian Ocean, raising concerns over the strategic implications of such research. The development follows China's increasing engagement in Maldivian waters, most notably the presence of the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 in early 2024. Adding to these concerns, another agreement was …

India rethinks support to Maldives as Male puts China FTA into effect
2 months ago

India rethinks support to Maldives as Male puts China FTA into effect

Firstpost  

India is reconsidering its financial aid to the Maldives following the island nation’s decision to implement a free trade agreement with China. The Indian government is reconsidering its financial aid to the Maldives after the island nation decided to implement a free trade agreement with China this month, The Economic Times reported. India has provided immediate financial support to the …

India-Maldives relations back on track? New Delhi to boost island nation’s defence preparedness
Top News
2 months, 2 weeks ago

India-Maldives relations back on track? New Delhi to boost island nation’s defence preparedness

Live Mint  

Months after relations between India and the Maldives soured, New Delhi conveyed to the island nation its readiness to support it in boosting its defence preparedness. The development comes as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosts his Maldivian counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon for wide-ranging talks focusing on maritime security cooperation. Maumoon's visit to India comes nearly eight months after New Delhi …

India will continue to support Maldives defence needs: Rajnath assures Maumoon during high-level talks
2 months, 2 weeks ago

India will continue to support Maldives defence needs: Rajnath assures Maumoon during high-level talks

India TV News  

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with his Maldivian counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon on Wednesday in the national capital, where he reiterated India's unconditional support to Male in its development projects and supply of defence equipment. Image Source : PTIMaldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon inspects a Guard of Honour upon his arrival, in New Delhi …

China-Maldives free trade agreement to take effect
2 months, 3 weeks ago

China-Maldives free trade agreement to take effect

China Daily  

Aerial photo shows the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge in Maldives. BEIJING - The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement is set to take effect on Jan 1, 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Monday. The FTA was announced by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and the Maldives' Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed, according to the statement, which …

Maldivian President’s India Visit: From ‘India Out’ to ‘India in’?
4 months ago

Maldivian President’s India Visit: From ‘India Out’ to ‘India in’?

The Diplomat  

In the world of small island nations, political slogans can make great waves – but they can also drown in the undercurrent of economic necessity and regional power plays. As part of this newly strengthened relationship, India has provided emergency financial assistance to help Maldives address its pressing economic challenges by issuing $100 million in treasury bills, alongside extending it …

Maldives hails 'robust' relations with China
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Maldives hails 'robust' relations with China

China Daily  

Mohamed Rasheed attends the World Canal Cities Forum in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, in 2023. In 2009, China financed the largest housing project in the history of the Maldives, and the first commercial project undertaken by the Chinese in the country. "They are significant aspects of the cooperation between China and the Maldives," Rasheed said. "Since then, China has become Maldives' …

India’s China challenge: The stakes are higher than ever before
6 months, 3 weeks ago

India’s China challenge: The stakes are higher than ever before

Firstpost  

There is hardly any clarity on what China wants — whether Beijing aims to amicably settle the boundary issues and make further progress in trade and cultural ties or if it seeks to encroach on India’s territory On April 10, 2024, amidst the high-pitched and polarising campaign for the upcoming national elections in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a …

India & Maldives reiterate 'unwavering' commitment to fostering close bilateral relations
8 months, 2 weeks ago

India & Maldives reiterate 'unwavering' commitment to fostering close bilateral relations

ABP News  

Male, Jul 14 : India and Maldives on Sunday reiterated the "unwavering" commitment to fostering "continued close relations" and enhancing bilateral cooperation, as the two sides agreed to work together towards maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean. India's High Commissioner in Maldives, Munu Mahawar, called on President Mohamed Muizzu at the President's Office on Sunday, a press release …

China fears spark Indian race for cobalt in contested ocean waters
9 months, 1 week ago

China fears spark Indian race for cobalt in contested ocean waters

Al Jazeera  

India has sought rights to explore an underwater cobalt-rich mountain. The urgency behind India’s application comes from fears over China’s presence in the Indian Ocean, at a time when the world’s second-largest economy already dominates the global cobalt supply chain, Indian officials and analysts told Al Jazeera. But while evaluating India’s application, the ISA found that Afanasy Nikitin Seamount lies …

India, Maldives hold talks to enhance trade cooperation
10 months, 3 weeks ago

India, Maldives hold talks to enhance trade cooperation

The Hindu  

India on May 1 said it looked forward to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation with the Maldives as its envoy held discussions with a senior minister of the archipelagic nation. Mohamed Saeed, Maldives’ Minister of Economic Development and Trade, met with Munu Mahawar, Indian High Commissioner to the archipelago nation on Tuesday. OPINION | Stability in Maldives: On the election results …

The Maldives is cosying up to China
10 months, 3 weeks ago

The Maldives is cosying up to China

Hindustan Times  

THE MALDIVES tends to evoke images of cocktails enjoyed on pristine white beaches framed by gently swaying palm trees. Yet they were to the fore this week as the People’s National Congress, the party of President Mohamed Muizzu, won a landslide victory in parliamentary elections, claiming over two-thirds of the seats. He has sought to make good on an election …

India’s Maritime Power Projection in the Southwest Indian Ocean Gets a Boost
11 months ago

India’s Maritime Power Projection in the Southwest Indian Ocean Gets a Boost

The Diplomat  

On February 29, in a virtual ceremony, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, jointly inaugurated an airstrip, a jetty, and six community development initiatives on Mauritius’ Agaléga island. It was during Modi’s visit to Mauritius in 2015 that the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which provided for “setting up and upgradation of …

India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea
11 months, 1 week ago

India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea

The Hindu  

In March 2024, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, articulated, in a joint statement during his visit to Manila, India’s full support for the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty. Both these statements are part of an evolving approach that signals a departure from India’s earlier more cautionary and neutral position vis-à-vis the South China Sea. China’s assertive posture and …

How did China strengthen its bond with Maldives amid India exit? 10 key collaborations between Male, Beijing
11 months, 4 weeks ago

How did China strengthen its bond with Maldives amid India exit? 10 key collaborations between Male, Beijing

Live Mint  

From providing military assistance to helping build infrastructure, China has been actively boosting its ties with the Maldives — which is seemingly trying to drift away from what many call India's "influence". As part of the deal, China would provide Maldives with free military assistance to foster "stronger" bilateral ties. China sends 1,500 tonnes of drinking water to Maldives Maldivian …

Maldives: 'Pro-China' Mohamed Muizzu seeks India's help, pleads Modi govt for debt relief
1 year ago

Maldives: 'Pro-China' Mohamed Muizzu seeks India's help, pleads Modi govt for debt relief

Op India  

Toeing a reconciliatory tone after a diplomatic row with India, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has requested New Delhi for debt relief measures, while stating that India will continue to remain Maldives’ “closest ally,” local media reported. In an interview with local media ‘Mihaaru’, President Muizzu said that he hopes India will accommodate debt relief measures for the Maldives’ in the …

Maldives' pro-China President Muizzu seeks debt relief from India: ‘Closest ally’
1 year ago

Maldives' pro-China President Muizzu seeks debt relief from India: ‘Closest ally’

Hindustan Times  

In an interview with local media, Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu acknowledged India's significant role in providing aid to the Maldives and said India has implemented the "greatest number" of projects. He urged New Delhi to consider providing debt relief to the archipelago nation, which owed approximately USD 400.9 million to India by the end of last year. Stressing the enduring …

China Says it Backs Maldives to Safeguard Sovereignty as First Batch of Indian Military Personnel Leaves
1 year ago

China Says it Backs Maldives to Safeguard Sovereignty as First Batch of Indian Military Personnel Leaves

News 18  

China said on Tuesday that it supports the Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty, as the first batch of Indian military personnel operating a helicopter left the island nation and was replaced by a civilian crew. Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives manning the operations of a helicopter left the country after handing over the operations of the chopper to …

China says it backs Maldives to safeguard sovereignty as first batch of Indian military personnel leaves
1 year ago

China says it backs Maldives to safeguard sovereignty as first batch of Indian military personnel leaves

The Hindu  

China said that it supports the Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty on March 12, as the first batch of Indian military personnel operating a helicopter left the island nation and was replaced by a civilian crew. Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives manning the operations of a helicopter left the country after handing over the operations of the chopper …

India troops begin Maldives pullout after pro-China leader’s order: Reports
1 year ago

India troops begin Maldives pullout after pro-China leader’s order: Reports

Al Jazeera  

The two countries agreed to a withdrawal of 89 Indian soldiers and their support staff from the nation by May 10. Following talks with New Delhi, the two sides had agreed to complete a withdrawal of 89 Indian soldiers and their support staff from the nation of 1,192 tiny coral islands by May 10. “We also support the Maldives in …

'China supports Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty': Beijing reacts as Indian troops leave Male
1 year ago

'China supports Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty': Beijing reacts as Indian troops leave Male

India TV News  

Beijing: China said on Tuesday that it supports the Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty, as the first batch of Indian military personnel operating a helicopter left the island nation and was replaced by a civilian crew. Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives manning the operations of a helicopter left the country after handing over the operations of the chopper …

Maldives knows too well what being India's neighbor is like
1 year ago

Maldives knows too well what being India's neighbor is like

China Daily  

Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected president of Maldives speaks during his inauguration ceremony in Male, Maldives November 17, 2023. On the eve of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's visit to China in mid-January, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was vacationing in India's Lakshadweep Islands, just north of the Maldives, something that was widely interpreted as a bid to lure Indian tourists …

As Indian troops pull out, Maldives signs defence pact with China
1 year ago

As Indian troops pull out, Maldives signs defence pact with China

The Hindu  

Days after a technical team from India arrived in the Maldives, to replace troops that President Mohamed Muizzu wanted removed, the Maldivian Defence Ministry announced signing a military pact with China. Maldives’s Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director at China’s Office for International Military Cooperation, on Monday signed an agreement on “China’s provision …

Amid diplomatic row with India, Maldives to get military boost from China
1 year ago

Amid diplomatic row with India, Maldives to get military boost from China

Hindustan Times  

Amid a diplomatic row with India, Maldives is set to get free military assistance from China. Beijing on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster "stronger" bilateral ties. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping This comes after Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu set a deadline for the withdrawal of …

China ramps up defence budget by 7.2%, India will feel the heat
1 year ago

China ramps up defence budget by 7.2%, India will feel the heat

Hindustan Times  

New Delhi: With the Chinese annual defence budget crossing seven per cent for the third consecutive year even though the economy is slowing down, its political and military ramifications will be felt by its principal adversaries including India this decade. While India is involved in a four -year stand-off with the China on East Ladakh Line of Actual Control, the …

China inks agreement to provide free military assistance to Maldives amid strained ties with India
1 year ago

China inks agreement to provide free military assistance to Maldives amid strained ties with India

India TV News  

Male: China signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster "stronger" bilateral relations amid the latter's strained ties with India over President Mohamed Muizzu's deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his island nation. Stepping up his anti-India rhetoric, Muizzu affirmed that no Indian military personnel, not …

Indian Navy to open strategic base near Maldives
1 year ago

Indian Navy to open strategic base near Maldives

The Hindu  

Indian Navy has said it is bolstering forces on "strategically important" islands close to the Maldives, with a new base set to open just days before Male starts sending home Indian forces. India is suspicious of China's growing presence in the archipelago nation, which straddles key east-west international shipping routes, and the new base will extend New Delhi's "operational surveillance" …

India and Maldives will sort out issues bilaterally, Wickremesinghe says, and hopes it will be soon
1 year, 1 month ago

India and Maldives will sort out issues bilaterally, Wickremesinghe says, and hopes it will be soon

The Hindu  

India and Maldives would resolve the issues between them “bilaterally” said Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, emphasising that while Maldives has allowed a Chinese ‘research’ vessel into the Male harbour, no Chinese troops had been allowed in. Speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference, Mr. Wickremesinghe also confirmed Sri Lanka’s decision to join the 15-nation …

Staking Maldives, Looking Lakshadweep: Why India Needs the Neighbourhood
1 year, 1 month ago

Staking Maldives, Looking Lakshadweep: Why India Needs the Neighbourhood

Deccan Chronicle  

In what must be a unique phenomenon for any country, Maldives periodically chooses between two of the largest contestants on earth in a national election. Maldives’ Deputy ministers Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid threw the gauntlet by ridiculing India’s Prime Minister in an unacceptable manner and rousing anti-India sentiments. Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma, Distinguished Fellow at VIF, …

Shame on India for its coercion of Sri Lanka: China Daily editorial
1 year, 1 month ago

Shame on India for its coercion of Sri Lanka: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

Some Indian media outlets seemed irrepressible when they reported "India beats China in diplomatic duel" earlier this week, referring to an Indian Navy submarine visiting Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, on the weekend, shortly after the island country suspended its reception of Chinese research ships under New Delhi's pressure. To begin with, New Delhi has been smearing China's marine research …

Don’t let Maldives go the Nepal way
1 year, 1 month ago

Don’t let Maldives go the Nepal way

Hindustan Times  

Nations disagree and express their occasional disagreements, as they should, to protect their sovereign interests, and it is par for the course. However, it would be naïve to say that perceptions about India wasn’t given to occasional suggestions of interference, giving rise to ‘pro-India’ and ‘anti-India’ labels onto political parties e.g., Sheikh Haseena’s Awami League was believed to be preferred …

India should respect Maldives' sovereignty: China Daily editorial
1 year, 1 month ago

India should respect Maldives' sovereignty: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

Whether India will withdraw its troops from the Maldives by March 15 as required by the island country's government may be a matter of dignity for India. The Maldives' foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday that officials from both countries met in New Delhi and agreed that India would begin withdrawing troops from the Maldives on March 10 …

Maldives alleges India coast guard activity in its territory
1 year, 1 month ago

Maldives alleges India coast guard activity in its territory

Live Mint  

Amid the ongoing row between India and Maldives, the latter accused Indian coast guard personnel were recently spotted on three Maldivian fishing vessels and sought why they boarded the vessels without consultation. Defense ministry statement said, “On Feb. 1, 2024, the foreign ministry of the Maldives has asked officially for the details of the operation that was carried out while …

Challenge in the Indian Ocean
1 year, 1 month ago

Challenge in the Indian Ocean

Hindustan Times  

The Indian Ocean region has become restive, with the war in West Asia finding an echo in the waters surrounding India, including a surge in attacks on merchant ships and attempted hijacking of vessels. While India has been involved in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia since 2008, the current situation has required the deployment of 10 frontline warships …

'At the end of the day neighbours need each other': S Jaishankar on 'India Out' campaign in Maldives
1 year, 1 month ago

'At the end of the day neighbours need each other': S Jaishankar on 'India Out' campaign in Maldives

Firstpost  

Amid Maldives’ ‘India Out’ campaign, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that history and geography are very powerful forces and there is no escape from that, adding, that “at the end of the day neighbours need each other” Amid Maldives’ ‘India Out’ campaign, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that history and geography are very powerful …

Don’t let Maldives go the Nepal way
1 year, 1 month ago

Don’t let Maldives go the Nepal way

Hindustan Times  

Nations disagree and express their occasional disagreements, as they should, to protect their sovereign interests, and it is par for the course. However, it would be naïve to say that perceptions about India wasn’t given to occasional suggestions of interference, giving rise to ‘pro-India’ and ‘anti-India’ labels onto political parties e.g., Sheikh Haseena’s Awami League was believed to be preferred …

India-Maldives tensions | 5 flashpoints and what are India’s options?
1 year, 2 months ago

India-Maldives tensions | 5 flashpoints and what are India’s options?

The Hindu  

January 26, 2024 07:03 pm | Updated 07:03 pm IST Not a week has gone by since November 2023, when Maldives elected a new President Mohammad Muizzu- pushing out the previous pro-India Ibu Solih, where there isn’t something that puts India-Maldives ties on edge- Here are 5 flashpoints: Muizzu came to power on the back of the PPM’s India out …

Will be extremely detrimental: Maldives opposition parties warn President Muizzu over his 'anti-India' stance
1 year, 2 months ago

Will be extremely detrimental: Maldives opposition parties warn President Muizzu over his 'anti-India' stance

Firstpost  

The “anti-India” stance of the Maldives government-led by President Mohamed Muizzu will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country, the two main opposition parties of the Island nation warned, merely two days after the administration allowed a Chinese spy ship to dock in a port in Male. Alienating India will be extremely detrimental for Maldives The two …

'Most long-standing ally': Maldives opposition parties rally against Muizzu's 'anti-India stance'
1 year, 2 months ago

'Most long-standing ally': Maldives opposition parties rally against Muizzu's 'anti-India stance'

India TV News  

Male: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is facing the heat at home for his purported steps to distance from India and build closer ties with China, as opposition parties have rallied together to express concern over his 'anti-India stance'. In the statement, former Deputy Speaker of Maldives Parliament Fayyaz Ismail, MDP MP Ahmed Saleem, The Democrats President Hassan Latheef and MP …

Choppy waters: On India-Maldives ties
1 year, 2 months ago

Choppy waters: On India-Maldives ties

The Hindu  

Within weeks of the India-Maldives showdown over derogatory remarks by Maldivian Ministers and the call for Indian tourists to boycott the archipelago, as well as the tussle over Indian troops stationed in Maldives, Delhi and Male are dealing with another controversy. After objecting to visits by Chinese “research” vessels to Sri Lanka, New Delhi managed to ensure that Colombo banned, …

Mint Explainer: Why India’s antsy about a Chinese ship heading to the Maldives
1 year, 2 months ago

Mint Explainer: Why India’s antsy about a Chinese ship heading to the Maldives

Live Mint  

The impending visit of a Chinese research vessel to the Maldives has caused alarm in India’s strategic community. While the ship’s classified as a research vessel meant to map the floor of the Indian Ocean, Indian officials consider it to be a spy ship. Mint breaks down why India is unhappy with the Chinese vessel making its way through the …

Vantage | What a Chinese 'spy' ship in Maldives waters means for India
1 year, 2 months ago

Vantage | What a Chinese 'spy' ship in Maldives waters means for India

Firstpost  

In a surprising turn of events, the Maldives finds itself at the centre of rising diplomatic tensions as it hosts the Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03. While the Maldivian government insists that the vessel’s purpose is merely a port call for personnel rotation and replenishment, concerns linger about the timing of this visit, especially given recent hostilities with …

What are the implications of Maldives’ March 15 deadline to India for withdrawing troops? | In Focus podcast
1 year, 2 months ago

What are the implications of Maldives’ March 15 deadline to India for withdrawing troops? | In Focus podcast

The Hindu  

Relations between India and Maldives seem to have hit a rough patch. First came some controversial remarks from Maldivian politicians on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lakshadweep visit, prompting a ‘boycott Maldives’ campaign on Indian social media. This was followed by remarks from Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, on his return from China, that although Maldives was a small country, it “won’t …

India doesn’t need wolf warriors
1 year, 2 months ago

India doesn’t need wolf warriors

The Hindu  

In an effort to promote tourism in Lakshadweep after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, several social media users ran a campaign with hashtags to boycott the Maldives. His election campaign in 2023 also contained anti-India rhetoric: he promised to remove Indian troops from the Maldives and balance trade relations, which he claimed were heavily tilted in India’s favour. During his …

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