The Chhattisgarh

Tag: Mohamed Muizzu

  • In A Big Diplomatic Win For India Against China, Maldives Hands Over 28 Islands To New Delhi For This Reason |

    India’s relations with Maldives hit a new low this year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep and Maldivian politicians got irked. This saw a sharp decline in Indian tourists visiting Maldives. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu came to power riding on the ‘India Out’ campaign and has been a pro-China stance. But, the island nation appears to have realized its mistake and is now willing to make peace with India.

    Improving Bilateral Ties

    External Affairs Minister Jaishankar concluded his visit to the Maldives yesterday. During his time in Malé, Jaishankar signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on capacity building and inaugurated six High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs). Among the MoUs exchanged were agreements for the capacity building of an additional 1,000 Maldivian civil servants in India and the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Maldives. The six HICDPs, supported by Indian grant assistance, cover areas such as mental health, special education, speech therapy, and street lighting, and were jointly inaugurated.

    Concluded a productive visit to Maldives!

    Living up to the message of our ties: ‘Imagined by Maldives, Delivered by India’.

    Some highlights: pic.twitter.com/RmdM3WLSoj
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 12, 2024

    28 Islands To India Deal

    EAM Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister jointly inaugurated, in the presence of President Muizzu, India’s Line of Credit (LoC)-assisted project of water and sewerage network in 28 islands of Maldives. While Muizzu has now allowed India to carry out development work in 28 islands, it was his government that earlier ousted Indian troops and technical workers from Male. 

    Budget Assistance To Maldives

    The Union Budget 2024 presented on July 23 revealed a significant 48 per cent reduction in aid to this island nation for the 2024-25 fiscal year compared to the previous year. The current fiscal allocation designates Rs 400 crore as “grants” to the Maldives, a substantial decrease from the Rs 770 crore provided last year. This allocation is also Rs 200 crore less than what was proposed in the interim budget presented in February 2024.

    Muizzu Hails India

    President Mohamed Muizzu appreciated India’s continued developmental assistance to the Maldives and reaffirmed his commitment to deepening the India-Maldives relationship further. During Jaishankar’s visit, the Maldivian side appreciated India’s support for the overall development of Maldives, including social, infrastructural, and financial sectors.

  • ‘Not Even In Civilian Clothes’: President Mohamed Muizzu Sets May 10 Deadline For Indian Troops To Leave Maldives |

    Male: Hardening his stance, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has now said that no Indian military personnel will remain in the island nation past May 10, regardless of whether they are in uniform or civilian attire. According to The Edition, President Muizzu while addressing the residential community of Baa Atoll Eydhafushi said that the Indian military will not reside in Maldives in any form of clothing after May 10. He added said those who spread false rumours are trying to twist the situation.

    Muizzu said, “That these people [Indian military] are not departing, that they are returning after changing their uniforms into civilian clothing. We must not indulge such thoughts that instill doubts in our hearts and spread lies,” The Edition reported.

    “There will be no Indian troops in the country come May 10. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing. Indian military will not be residing in this country in any form of clothing. I state this with confidence,” he added.

    Opposition Criticism 

    Muizzu’s statement comes amidst escalating criticism from the Opposition, which alleged that the Indian military personnel are surreptitiously operating within the Maldives. However, the President maintained that discussions between the two nations have facilitated the orderly withdrawal of Indian military forces.

    Shifting Dynamics In Regional Politics

    President Muizzu’s stance underscores a broader shift in regional dynamics, with Maldives increasingly gravitating towards China and distancing itself from traditional ally India. Muizzu’s electoral promise of ‘India Out’ reflects this evolving geopolitical landscape.

    Diplomatic Efforts And Continued Cooperation

    Despite the tensions, diplomatic channels remain open, with both India and Maldives engaging in constructive dialogue to address concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions. The recent arrival of Indian technical personnel signals a commitment to maintaining essential services while respecting Maldives’ sovereignty.

    Optimism Amidst Challenges

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed confidence in diplomatic resolutions during a recent event, affirming that misunderstandings can be overcome through dialogue. Highlighting the humanitarian role of Indian aviation platforms in Maldives, Jaishankar underscored the importance of cooperation amidst evolving circumstances.

    Path Forward: Diplomacy And Collaboration

    As both nations navigate complex geopolitical waters, the resolution of tensions surrounding the Indian military presence in Maldives remains a priority. Continued dialogue and cooperation hold the key to addressing differences and fostering a stable, mutually beneficial relationship.

  • Maldives’ 2 Main Opposition Parties To Boycott Muizzu’s Presidential Statement | world news

    As the political turmoil continues in the Maldives, the island nation’s two main opposition parties–the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats Party–have chosen not to attend the presidential statement scheduled for February 5, Maldives-based media outlet Mihaaru. reported. The majority-holding MDP in parliament has not yet disclosed the purpose of the boycott.

    However, the Democrats released a statement explaining their decision to abstain from the meeting due to the re-appointment of the three ministers who had been rejected by parliament.

    This is the first session of Parliament this year. The presidential statement will be made on Monday at 9 am by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, according to Mihaaru.

    According to the outlet, more than one member of the MDP parliamentary group has confirmed the decision. The President is required by the Constitution to address Parliament at the first session of the first term of the year, outlining the state of the nation and outlining his recommendations for how to bring improvements.

    Quite recently, two opposition parties in the Maldives came out against the current regime over its ‘stark’ anti-India pivot. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats jointly issued a joint press statement, labeling the shift in foreign policy as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the country’s long-term development.

    The statement served to reassert and affirm the opposition’s belief that “alienating any development partner, and especially the country’s most long-standing ally will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country”.

    The opposition further underlined that “stability and security in the Indian Ocean is vital to the stability and security of the Maldives.” Both the MDP and The Democrats emphasized the critical need for consecutive governments to maintain the ability “to work with all development partners for the benefit of the people of the Maldives, as the Maldives has traditionally done”.

  • Amid Chinese `Spy` Vessel`s Movement Towards Maldives, Indian Navy Sends Its Submarine To Sri Lanka

    INS ‘Karanj’ – a submarine of the Indian Navy arrived at the port of Colombo yesterday on a formal visit. The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in the precision of naval traditions.

  • ‘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.

  • Maldives Opposition Leader Stresses On ‘Tougher Stand To Repair’ Ties With India | world news

    Amid the setback for the Maldives’ tourism industry, not only the tourism bodies of the island nation but even the opposition leaders are now mounting pressure on the Muizzu government to mend ties with India before it gets too late. Amid the diplomatic row after disparaging comments against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Male ministers, the Government of India not only raised the issue officially but lodged a strong protest by summoning the Maldives ambassador to India.

    Amid the ongoing row, opposition leader and the Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, has called for a “tougher stand” by the Muizzu government. He said that the racist comments against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were just isolated individual opinions of these people. He also underlined how the entire matter has reached a lot of Indians as well as Maldivians, due to easy accessibility of social media.

    “I personally believe the government should take a tougher stand on that because this goes beyond government to government. Now, because of the easy accessibility of social media, this has reached to a lot of Indians and to a lot of Maldivians. And as arguments take over from both side, there has been a lot of insults coming back and forth. So the government needs to show that there was no intention on the part of the government. These were just isolated individual opinions of these people who, unfortunately, were given positions in the government. So that needs to be clearly shown to the Indians, to the Maldivians, and to the entire world at large,” he told ANI.

    On the other hand, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is on a China visit where he is likely to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and sign key agreements. During this visit, Muizzu has urged China to increase tourists to the island nation. China has also reacted sharply to the diplomatic row by accusing India of ‘Hegemonic Mentality’ and ‘Lack Of Confidence’. China has earlier said that it never asked Maldives to reject India.

    On January 2, PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and shared several pictures, including an ‘exhilarating experience’ of him trying his hand at snorkelling. In a series of posts on your list.”

    In a post that has now been deleted, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi. Indians, including cricketers and film celebrities, have since come out in open support in promoting local beach destinations and other tourist spots. They also voiced support for PM Modi’s call for promoting beach tourism in Lakshadweep.