The base at Minicoy Islands is designed with capabilities similar to INS Baaz in the Andamans and will enhance the Navy’s presence in the Arabian Sea.
Tag: Lakshadweep
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‘Apology To PM Modi, People Of India’: Maldives Opposition Leader To President Mohamed Muizzu | world news
MALE: The leader of the Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim, has issued a strong call for Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu to formally apologize to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. This call comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries following controversial remarks made after President Muizzu’s recent visit to China.
Diplomatic Strain Over ‘India Out’ Campaign
Ibrahim highlighted the importance of diplomatic decorum, especially with neighboring nations, stressing that statements impacting bilateral relationships should be avoided. He pointed out the need to uphold national obligations, referencing President Solih’s decisive action in banning the “India Out” campaign, which was deemed a threat to national security.
“Regarding any country, especially a neighboring one, we shouldn’t speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the “India Out” campaign. Now, Yameen is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree,” he said.
He added, “The Decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn’t be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologize to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip.”
Opposition’s Campaign Against Muizzu
The ‘India Out’ campaign, spearheaded by former President Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), has been a contentious issue, alleging Indian military presence as a violation of sovereignty. This campaign, perceived as targeting President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party, aimed to exploit anti-India sentiments.
Withdrawal Of Indian Troops
Recent diplomatic efforts have seen India and the Maldives agree to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. This move aligns with President Muizzu’s party’s campaign promise and underscores evolving bilateral dynamics.
Attack On PM Modi And Diplomatic Fallout
Disparaging remarks made by Maldivian officials regarding Prime Minister Modi’s policies, notably concerning Lakshadweep’s development, stirred diplomatic tensions. Despite government disavowal of these statements, they underlined underlying frictions.
Legal battles and political maneuvers continue, with the Attorney General’s Office registering a case over amendments enabling opposition lawmakers to impeach President Muizzu. Changes in parliamentary standing orders have altered the impeachment threshold, reflecting the fluid political landscape.
The Power Game In Maldives
With parliamentary polls scheduled for 2024, political parties are maneuvering to consolidate power. The amendment to parliamentary standing orders reflects strategic calculations as opposition parties seek to leverage political dynamics in their favour. The Maldives navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing domestic politics with regional alliances, amid calls for diplomatic reconciliation and internal political restructuring.
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Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu Under Fire Over ‘Anti-India’ Stance, Opposition Calls It ‘Detrimental’ To Development |
MALE: Amid escalating tensions in India-Maldives relations, triggered by President Mohammad Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldivian waters, coupled with diplomatic clashes over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, have come together in condemning the government’s pronounced anti-India pivot.
A Stark Shift In Foreign Policy Sparks Opposition Outcry
In a joint press statement, the MDP and The Democrats vehemently expressed their concern, denouncing the foreign policy shift as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the nation’s long-term development. The statement reiterated the Opposition’s belief that alienating a longstanding ally like India poses a significant threat to the country’s progress.
Opposition’s Emphasis On Stability And Security In the Indian Ocean
The Opposition emphasized the indispensable role of stability and security in the Indian Ocean for the overall well-being of the Maldives. Stressing the historical collaboration with India, they underscored the critical need for successive governments to maintain relationships with all development partners for the benefit of the Maldivian people.
China’s Growing Influence And Indian Concerns
Recent reports of a Chinese research vessel heading to the Maldives have raised eyebrows, especially following President Muizzu’s recent state visit to China. The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs reassured that the country welcomes vessels from ‘friendly nations,’ but concerns have been voiced in New Delhi, given the historical context of similar situations in Sri Lanka in 2022.
Agreement To Fast-Track Indian Troops Withdrawal
On January 14, India and the Maldives reached an agreement to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. This move aligns with Muizzu’s election promise and has led to heightened tensions, considering the longstanding military cooperation between the two countries.
Row Over Disparaging Remarks On PM Modi And Lakshadweep Visit
A significant dispute unfolded after a Maldivian deputy minister and other officials made derogatory references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep and his vision for developing the region into a global beach tourism destination.
Government’s Attempt To Distance Itself From Controversy
Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, swiftly distanced the government from the disparaging remarks, labeling them as “unacceptable” and clarifying that they do not reflect the official position of the government. The incident adds to the complexity of the evolving diplomatic scenario between India and the Maldives.
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India, Maldives Agree To ‘Fast-Track Withdrawal Of Indian Troops’: Maldives Foreign Ministry | India News
MALE: In a major diplomatic development, India and the Maldives have reached a consensus to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. The decision emerged from the first meeting of the High-Level Core Group between the two countries, held in Male’ on Sunday.
BILATERAL COOPERATION REVIEW AND DISCUSSIONS
At the meeting hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, both sides meticulously reviewed their existing bilateral cooperation. The discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of mutual interests, with a particular focus on development cooperation, as detailed in the press release by the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
WILLINGNESS TO INTENSIFY COOPERATION
Expressing a shared commitment to intensify cooperation, both nations agreed on the swift withdrawal of Indian military personnel. The official statement emphasized this joint decision, and plans were set for the second meeting of the High-Level Core Group at a time convenient for both parties.
AVIATION PLATFORMS AND ONGOING PROJECTS
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs disclosed that discussions also revolved around finding a mutually workable solution to sustain the operation of Indian aviation platforms, crucial for providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives. The talks further extended to enhancing bilateral cooperation and expediting the implementation of ongoing projects.
MALDIVES PRESIDENT’S MARCH 15 DEADLINE FOR TROOPS WITHDRAWAL
Local media in the Maldives reported that President Mohamed Muizzu urged the Indian government to withdraw its troops from the island nation before March 15. Notably, this move aligns with Muizzu’s party’s campaign promise, making the removal of Indian troops a focal point.
FOLLOWING THROUGH ON CAMPAIGN PROMISE
Muizzu, soon after assuming office, officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. Last December, he claimed that, after a constructive dialogue with the Indian government, an agreement had been reached to withdraw Indian military personnel, marking a significant development in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
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‘We May Be Small But No One Has License To Bully Us’: Maldives President Amid Row With India | India News
MALE: Returning from his high-profile five-day state visit to China, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu took an apparent dig at India, emphasizing that the size of his nation doesn’t grant others the authority to bully them. Muizzu’s statement follows a diplomatic dispute with India over derogatory social media posts by three Maldivian ministers targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Oceanic Sovereignty
President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, asserted Maldives’ significance, highlighting its extensive exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square km. He declared, “This ocean does not belong to a specific country. This (Indian) Ocean also belongs to all countries situated in it,” in a veiled reference to India.
‘We Aren’t In Anyone’s Backyard’
Addressing the media on his return, Muizzu emphasized, “We aren’t in anyone’s backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state,” reaffirming Maldives’ autonomy amid regional tensions.
Strategic Agreements With China
During his visit to China, Muizzu engaged in discussions with President Xi Jinping, culminating in the signing of 20 agreements. The joint statement highlighted mutual support in safeguarding core interests, emphasizing China’s backing for Maldives’ sovereignty and opposition to external interference.
China’s Financial Assistance To Male
China has extended substantial support to Maldives, granting USD 130 million in assistance. Muizzu revealed that the funds would primarily be allocated to the redevelopment of roads in the capital, Male. This support follows the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
China’s Ambassador to Maldives, Wang Lixin, outlined three key factors contributing to the robust ties between the two nations: mutual political trust, alignment with President Xi’s initiatives, and adherence to the principles of extensive consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits.
Diplomatic Challenges With India
Muizzu’s visit to China was overshadowed by a diplomatic row with India, stemming from derogatory remarks by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi. Additionally, a report by the EU Election Observation Mission accused the ruling coalition of deploying anti-India sentiments and spreading disinformation in the 2023 presidential elections.
Despite the diplomatic tensions, China and Maldives signed a USD 50 million agreement for an integrated tourism zone in Hulhumale’ and the construction of 30,000 social housing units in Rasmale’. Further collaborations include the development of a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimale’, signaling an expanded and sustained cooperation between the two nations.
Agreement On Flight Operations
During the visit, an agreement was reached to permit Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian, to conduct domestic flight operations in China. This move adds a new dimension to the growing partnership between the two countries.
The significance of this collaboration becomes even more pronounced considering the historical context, with India’s substantial contributions to the development of Maldives, including the establishment and enhancement of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male.
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Amid Boycott By Indians, Maldives President Muizzu Woos China For More Tourists | world news
New Delhi: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday appealed to China to “intensify” efforts to send more tourists to his country, amid a spate of cancellation of reservations by Indian tourists after a diplomatic row erupted over the derogatory remarks by his ministers against Prime Minister. Narendra Modi. Muizzu, who is on a five-day state visit to China, termed China as the island nation’s “closest” ally and praised its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.
Muizzu said that China “delivered the most significant infrastructure projects witnessed in Maldivian history”. He also said that his administration is committed to the quick implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with China, describing it as a symbol of the close commercial ties between the two countries.
“China remains one of our closest allies and development partners,” Muizzu said in his address to the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province on Tuesday. He urged China to bolster the flow of its tourists to the Maldives, which is heavily dependent on tourism for its economy.
“China was our number one market pre-Covid, and it is my request that we intensify efforts for China to regain this position,” he said, according to a readout posted on his official website.
Muizzu Turns To China Amid Diplomatic Row With India
Muizzu’s appeal for more Chinese tourists came amid a diplomatic row following the derogatory remarks by some Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi after he posted a video of him on a pristine beach during his recent visit to Lakshadweep. Muizzu’s government suspended three deputy ministers for their derogatory posts on social media, while the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) strongly condemned the comments.
According to data released by the Maldives Tourism Ministry earlier, India has remained the largest tourist market for the country in 2023, followed by Russia and China. However, the recent controversy has led to a backlash from Indian tourists, who have canceled or postponed their bookings to the Maldives.
Meanwhile, China, which held the top spot before COVID, is currently struggling to revive its domestic and foreign tourism due to a nearly four-year lockdown policy and the continued slowdown of its economy. As a result, Chinese tourists who traveled abroad for holidays in millions before COVID are now restricting themselves given the economic slowdown.
Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-China politician in the Maldives, told the Forum that his administration is focused on diversifying Maldives’ economic base and ensuring economic security while continuing to strengthen and drive the tourism industry and boost visitor numbers.
He also said that his administration is committed to the quick implementation of the FTA signed with China, which aims to boost bilateral trade and investments, especially increasing Maldives’ export of fish products to China. Maldives and China signed the FTA in December 2014 during the pro-China President Abdulla Yameen administration.
However, his successor, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration did not implement the agreement, according to Maldives media reports. China-Maldives bilateral trade in 2022 totaled to USD 451.29 million of which China’s exports constituted USD 451.29 million against USD 60,000 of exports from Maldives.
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After India’s Concern, Maldives Government Warns Unruly Leaders Of Action For Irresponsible Comments | world news
New Delhi: The Maldives government on Sunday issued a statement cautioning its unruly ministers against making ‘derogatory remarks’ about ‘foreign leaders and high-ranking officials’. The statement came amid backlash over a minister in the newly-elected Mohamed Muizzu government and other leaders using derogatory and racist slurs against Indians and PM Modi over his tourism push for Lakshadweep. The island country said that the comments made by some of its ministers ‘do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives’.
“The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives,” the statement said. “The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners,” it added.
Government of Maldives issues statement – “The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of… pic.twitter.com/ RQfKDb2wYF — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2024
The government statement said that it would take a tough stand against the comments, saying, “Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.” What is the whole controversy?
A few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago, social media posts from a minister and other leaders in the Maldives have stirred controversy. The visit by PM Modi to the country’s smallest Union Territory, comprising 36 islands, was seen as an initiative to promote tourism on the island.
In these tweets, the ministers used abusive language against PM Modi, accused India of targeting the Maldives, and claimed that India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.
These tweets came in response to PM Modi’s posts on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared his experience of snorkeling in the Lakshadweep. The posts attracted widespread attention, leading social media users in India to suggest the island Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.