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Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Modi's Maldives visit is a reset button pressed with patience
Prime Minister (PM) Modi will be on a two-day visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26. This will be his first State visit to the island nation in six years, and third once since he took office in 2014. This visit comes in the backdrop of President Mohamed Muizzu's active pursuance of the 'India Out' campaign, premised on getting the Indian military technical staff out from the island nation, who were stationed in Male to help them with operating the India-gifted helicopters and Dornier reconnaissance aircraft. After President Muizzu took office in November 2023. His initial statements and interviews, including a fiery interview to the Al-Jazeera, saying, 'We may be small but that doesn't give you their licence to bully us.' The veiled remark had quickly made headlines in the international media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu before their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on October 7. (RAJ K RAJ /HT Photo) From 'India Out' becoming the anthem of Muizzu's presidential campaign, a veiled remark on India as a bully after he entered office and distasteful remarks by the Maldivian legislators, the neighbourhood watchers in Delhi saw it as a major downturn. But during PM Modi's forthcoming State visit where he will also be the guest of honour at the celebrations of the independence of Maldives on July 26, both sides would be looking to restore ties, but more than anything, trust-building will be cardinal as also solidifying the Comprehensive Economc and Maritimne Security Partnership adopted during President Muizzu's India visit in October 2024. While the rise of ultra-nationalism in the Maldives, with an anti-India campaign at its core, has been a significant setback to the friendly relationship between the two countries, it is the the China factor that has been of immense worry to Delhi. Undoubtedly, the Maldives' location in the India Ocean presents Beijing with a greater and closer view of India—posing a threat to India's security and threatening the idea of a free and open Indo-Pacific. And it needs no guessing that China's active manoeuvrings in the Indian Ocean Region are of a dual purpose—one that seeks to secure supply chains and sea lanes of communication for its growing economic, industrial and energy needs, and another that strategically looks at the military presence as a key to dominance—and warrants a response from India which remains the key regional player. Against this backdrop, PM Modi's much-awaited visit to the Maldives is a clear marker of the ease of working in the relationship—something that seemed missing in the early quarters of President Muizzu's presidency and hopes for normalcy remained a looming challenge or to some, it was impossible. President Muizzu's early days in office saw his visits to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and China, but India was a miss on the priority list. And for all good and bad, the foreign policy observers in Delhi were quick to suggest that visits by any newly elected heads of countries in the neighbourhood other than India be treated as a diplomatic loss for Delhi. And this pessimism made sense to the Indian media not just in the context of Maldives, but also on Nepal and Bangladesh, whose current leaders took up their first trips to China, and not to India. But one often discredits the role of geography, which by default puts India back as the closest neighbour—whether neighbours prefer or not. Secondly, India's role as the first responder during freshwater crisis in the Maldives in 2016, earthquake in Nepal in 2016, and 2022 economic crisis in Sri Lanka has proved its reliability. And not to forget, India's recent financial support to the Maldives has not gone unnoticed. Therefore, the Indian foreign policy establishment must be credited for its patient diplomacy, which has tactically limited itself from early reactions. But rapid responses in the media on political developments in the neighbourhood, especially in the case of the Maldives and Nepal, often miss taking the year 2008 into account. After their respective struggles against monarchy and autocracy, both became democracies, and the the rise of a new political opposition was instrumental in shaping multidirectional foreign policy of these countries. While the older guard chose to continue with a pro-India approach, the opposition had to re-invent itself, and China seemed the closest alternative that worked for their political requirements. Now with India attempting to reconfigure its neighbourhood first approach with patience to build natural synergies with the smaller neighbours and their new political setups, Delhi knows that China is a new strategic reality. As PM Modi touches down in Malé, Delhi should not see it as just a ceremonial reset, but an opportunity to reorient its approach with more strategic clarity. In doing so, India will have to de-hyphenate political affection from the strategic compulsion, and graduate from the temptation of favouring one party or a specific leader. India's engagement with President Muizzu must be pragmatic, institutional, and not performative or punitive. Secondly, India must counter Beijing's strategic buildup with strategic presence and not strategic anxiety. China is a hard reality and undoing it must not be a policy option, rather it should be countered through diplomatic posturing, investing in quiet and permanent developmental cooperation would yield results. Thirdly, India's smaller neighbours will continue to reinvent themselves through symbolic defiance using the cancel culture towards India-led projects and initiatives. But this must not be a major obstacle for Delhi as it will always be the case for local political parties and entities in shaping their nationalistic outlook. However, even those opposing India's goodwill initiatives in the Maldives cannot ignore India's cardinal role as a first responder. But this view only gets reflected when those opposing get elected to serve the government. Lastly, bilateral paternalism needs to be shifted to the multilateral leadership. India's regional security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region considers countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives crucial and through initiatives like SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region, which has been upgraded to MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and growth for All in the Region, the multilateral approach gets reflected on several fronts, including security and growth involving maritime. Also, considering Maldives also faces the acute climatic challenge due to rising sea-levels—posing an existential threat to the Maldives—initiatives like SAGAR have evolved into MAHASAGAR reflecting upon the priorities and needs of the smaller maritime neighbors, including the safeguard against traditional threats like smuggling and terrorism through sea routes to building new age digital public infrastructure. The views expressed are personal. This article is authored by Rishi Gupta, assistant director, International Security, Asia Society Policy Institute, New Delhi.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Israel-Syria Direct War Erupts? Al-Sharaa ‘DIRECTS' Troops To Suwayda As IDF BOMBS Arab Fighters
Israeli forces carried out a fresh strike in Syria two days after heavy attacks on Damascus, targeting the Ministry of Defence and near the presidential palace in Damascus. According to an Al-Jazeera report, the Israeli military attacked a convoy of Bedouin fighters on Syria's Palmyra-Homs highway while they were making their way towards the restive Sweida province. Meanwhile, the Syrian Army is preparing for the redeployment. Watch this video to know more.
India.com
08-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Trump's Tariff Bombshell: Who's Hit, What's At Stake And How Nations Are Reacting
Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 7 a firm deadline. August 1 marks the end of the tariff pause he first introduced in April. Fourteen nations received letters warning of new American import taxes if they fail to strike deals by then. White House officials confirmed to Al-Jazeera that tariffs announced on April 2 were suspended on April 9 for 90 days. They now resume August 1 under an executive order signed by Trump. The countries facing these renewed duties include Japan and South Korea at 25 percent each, South Africa at 30 percent, Laos and Myanmar at 40 percent and others with rates ranging from 25 percent to 40 percent. Some rates, according to Reuters, like those for Kazakhstan and Bangladesh are lower than what was originally planned, while Malaysia and Japan saw slight increases. Trump posted the full letters on Truth Social. He raised concerns about trade imbalances and offered exemptions for companies that shift production to the United States. He warned that any retaliatory tariffs by those nations could trigger even steeper U.S. rates. He also emphasised flexibility, promising to adjust rates 'upward or downward' depending on each country's relationship with America. The United States also issued a separate warning to BRICS nations, threatening an additional 10 percent tariff on countries aligning with anti‑American positions during the group's summit in Brazil. Some partners have reacted. Japan's Trade Minister said Tokyo will negotiate, especially on automobiles, but will protect its agricultural interests, according to Reuters. South Korea, as reported by announced steps to address the trade shortfall with America. South Africa expressed strong objections, calling the 30 percent tariff unjustified and promising to pursue more diplomatic resolutions. Markets responded with mixed signals on Monday. U.S. equities dipped slightly – Dow down nearly 1 percent, S&P 500 off by 0.8 percent and Nasdaq down 0.9 percent. Asian markets remained relatively stable. The Indian rupee strengthened slightly after India was excluded from the tariff list, while other Asian currencies held steady, Reuters reported. Two interim trade deals have already materialised. In May, a U.S.-U.K. agreement fixed a 10 percent tariff on initial U.K. vehicle exports, rising later to 25 percent. Then in early July, the United States reached terms with Vietnam, setting a minimum 20 percent U.S. tariff and a 40 percent charge on rerouted goods, Al-Jazeera reported. The looming deadline carries high stakes. Trump called it 'firm' but allowed for negotiation if leaders reach out with new proposals, according to Politico. Experts warn the strategy reflects his aggressive blend of negotiation through pressure and brinkmanship. Some commentators refer to this approach as the 'TACO' trade – Trump Always Chickens Out – highlighting his pattern of issuing threats and then delaying. Key dates to watch: July 9 was the original deadline, now superseded. July 14 ends the EU's suspension of retaliatory tariffs. August 1 is the new trigger date for U.S. measures. Negotiators in Washington suggest possible deals with India and the European Union could still emerge before that. But partners remain cautious. Stock markets jitter at any sign of prolonged trade tension.
Memri
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Egyptian Journalist Ibrahim Eissa: Qatar Plays a 'Double Agent' Role as Does Al Jazeera TV; Qatar Foments Every Sectarian Conflict and Political Chaos in the Arab World
Egyptian journalist Ibrahim Eissa blasted Al-Jazeera for its 'extreme and shameless unprofessionalism' in a June 24, 2025 video posted on his YouTube channel, criticizing the network for failing to report on Iran's attack against the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar while it was happening, despite the base being near Al-Jazeera's headquarters in Doha. Eissa said that Al-Jazeera plays the same role as Qatar itself - that of a double agent. He accused Qatar of being behind every sectarian conflict, civil war, terrorist operation, or episode of political chaos in the Arab world. He stated that Qatar hosts and bankrolls political Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood, while simultaneously supporting Iran. Eissa noted that both Iran and Israel consider Qatar a friend, while the U.S. sees it not only as a friend but as an ally. He added that Qatar funds both Sunni terrorist groups in Syria and Shiite extremist groups, and it is actively building ties with Hizbullah.
Memri
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Media Figures In Qatar Condemn U.S. Attack On Iran's Nuclear Facilities, Vilify President Donald Trump: He Is A Brazen Liar Who Has Revealed His Ugly Face
The June 22, 2025 U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities sparked furious responses from journalists and public opinion shapers in Qatar, who harshly condemned the U.S. and its President, Donald Trump. In addition to a statement by Qatar's foreign ministry that expressed "regret" over "the deterioration of the situation " and warned of "catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels,"[1] Al-Jazeera presenters and columnists for Qatar's government papers took to X to slam the U.S. and its president, calling Trump a "brazen liar," "the leader of a modern crusade," and a "war criminal" who has "revealed his ugly face" and is " looking for false personal glory." They also described the Americans as "infidels" and "plotters" seeking to "ignite wars and destroy peoples." Retired Qatari general Mubarak Al-Khayareen focused his invective on Israel, writing after the U.S. attack that, while "there is [some] benefit in the U.S. being strong alongside Russia and China, in order to maintain the global balance [of power]," Israel "must be destroyed and eliminated and must disappear." It should be noted that Qatari journalists have been expressing support for Iran since the start of the Israel-Iran war.[2] The following are some of the responses posted by media figures in Qatar slamming the U.S. and Trump for the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Al-Jazeera Presenter: President Trump Is A Brazen Liar; The U.S. Is A Plague In a series of X posts on June 22, following the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, Al-Jazeera presenter Hayat Al-Yamani cursed the U.S. and President Trump, accusing them of lies and deceit. She wrote: "Lie, Trump, lie again and again, and then boast about being a brazen liar." In another post, she wrote: "The U.S. is the plague, and the plague is the U.S." One of Al-Yamani's posts In a third post she added: "Every resident of that despicable part of the world called America should feel ashamed of his president's and his leaders' involvement in a disgraceful lie and [of the fact that] they engaged in diplomacy through hollow negotiations aimed at buying time and carrying out a brazen act of deception. Who will ever want to sit at the negotiating table again with [this] deceitful negotiator?" [3] Another post by Al-Yamani Al-Jazeera Presenter Characterizes Americans As Infidel Plotters Al-Jazeera presenter Mustafa Ashour posted a Quranic verse (8:30): " The unbelievers plotted to imprison, murder or expel you [O Muhammad]. They plot, but Allah too plots and Allah is the best of plotters."[4] Mustafa Ashour's post Columnist For Qatari Government Daily: Trump Is Leading A Modern Crusade; The Americans Are Manufacturers Of Chaos And Engineers Of Destruction Jordanian journalist Ihsan Al-Faqih, a columnist for the Qatari government daily Al-Sharq and the Qatari-owned London-based daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi, quoted statements made by President Trump and responded to them: "'There's no military in the world that could have done what we did' – This is not the president of a country [talking], but the leader of a modern crusade boasting about destroying facilities and the sovereignty of [other] countries. He speaks about bombing a country with millions of people as if it were an ant crushed under his boot, and as if Iran were nothing more than a stage for flexing muscles ahead of elections... 'What we did, nobody else could do' – That's true, Trump. No one ignites wars and destroys peoples like you do. From Iraq to Afghanistan, from Palestine to Iran, you are manufacturers of chaos and engineers of destruction. Your history is not full of heroic deeds, but full of open graves.'[5] Qatari Columnist: Trump Is A National Disgrace; He Has Revealed His Ugly Face Abdullah Al-Amadi, a columnist for the Qatari government daily Al-Sharq, shared photos of U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and wrote in English under the hashtags "Trump Is a National Disgrace" and "Trump Is War Criminal": "Trump showed his ugly face to the world & contradicted American public opinion by strongly supporting the war criminal Netanyahu & his racist occupation regime, by entering the war against Iran, claiming that it is the largest country supporting terrorism, while Israhell is the largest gathering of terrorists & racists in the world. He is proving to the world that he is looking for false personal glory, even at the expense of the security of his people, who will become a target. Trump is no different from Netanyahu, both are two sides of the same coin."[6] Abdullah Al-Amadi's post Retired Qatari General: Israel Must Be Destroyed And Eliminated Retired Qatari general Mubarak Al-Khayareen, wrote on his X account: "There is [some] benefit in the U.S. being strong alongside Russia and China, in order to maintain the global balance [of power], but Israel must be destroyed and eliminated and must disappear. This should be a strategic Arab doctrine. This reminds [us] of the words of [Hamas founder] Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who said that Israel had been built on a foundation of injustice and oppression, and that any entity founded on injustice and oppression is destined to perish. [Operation] Al-Aqsa Flood [i.e., Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel showed us that the Israelis have no connection to the land and that they admit they are occupying the land of others and that they are transient."[7]
