Latest news with #MAHASAGAR
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
INS Satpura arrives Singapore to take part in bilateral maritime exercise
New Delhi, Indian naval ship Satpura has arrived in Singapore to participate in a bilateral maritime exercise that aims to enhance interoperability while reinforcing a shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, the defence ministry said on Wednesday. INS Satpura arrives Singapore to take part in bilateral maritime exercise The Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise marks yet another chapter in the "strong and enduring" maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy , it said. "The exercise, a hallmark of the deep-rooted naval cooperation between the two nations, commenced with the harbour phase, which includes subject matter expert exchanges , professional interactions, and operational-level discussions," the ministry said in a statement. These engagements are designed to share best practices, align doctrines, and conduct deck familiarisation visits onboard participating ships RSN Vigilant and RSN Supreme. "These activities reaffirm the growing professional synergy and strategic trust between the two navies, in line with India's vision of 'MAHASAGAR' and the Act East Policy, which emphasises robust engagement with neighbouring countries," the Indian defence ministry said. 'MAHASAGAR' or 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions' is India's new maritime vision. Day 2 of SIMBEX-25 features an official opening ceremony, followed by a pre-sail conference. During this conference, the participating naval contingents will hold discussions on the upcoming sea phase of the exercise. The sea phase of SIMBEX-25 the cornerstone of the bilateral maritime engagement will witness the execution of a comprehensive array of advanced naval operations, it said. These include air defence exercises, cross-deck helicopter operations, precision targeting with surface and aerial platforms, complex manoeuvring drills, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operations, the statement said. "These exercises aim to enhance interoperability and operational coordination, while reinforcing a shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. "SIMBEX continues to be a testament to the strong naval ties between India and Singapore, showcasing mutual respect, professionalism and a common vision for a secure and rules-based maritime order," it said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Scroll.in
6 days ago
- Business
- Scroll.in
India is ‘most trusted partner', says Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu
India is the 'closest and most trusted partner ' of the Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu said on Friday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malé. 'India's partnership remains invaluable,' Muizzu said during a press briefing alongside Modi. Muizzu announced the start of negotiations for a free trade deal between the two countries, describing the agreement as a 'landmark initiative' to deepen economic cooperation. Describing India as a key source market for tourism in the Maldives, he added that the two sides are working to enhance direct flight connectivity. Muizzu also outlined plans for technical collaboration in waste management, renewable energy, biodiversity, and water and sanitation. Modi announced a Rs 4,850-crore (about $560 million) line of credit for development projects in the island nation. New Delhi also agreed to reduce the island nation's annual debt repayment by 40%, from $51 million to $29 million. India is proud to be the 'most trusted friend' of the Maldives, Modi said, and reaffirmed that New Delhi would continue to serve as the island nation's first responder in times of crisis. 'The Maldives holds an important place in both India's Neighbourhood First Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision,' the prime minister stated. MAHASAGAR refers to the Indian government's Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions policy. 'Mausam chahe jaisa bhi ho [no matter what the weather may be] our friendship will always remain bright and clear,' Modi said. Both leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, climate action and health, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. They also witnessed the exchange of six memoranda of understanding, including one on digital public infrastructure and another paving the way for Unified Payments Interface payments in the Maldives. The partnership with Malé is of strategic importance to New Delhi amid its geopolitical competition with China in the Indian Ocean region. Thaw in relations This is Modi's first visit to the Maldives since diplomatic ties got strained in January 2024 after remarks by three deputy ministers of the island nation about the Indian prime minister's social media posts. The posts showed the prime minister snorkelling during his recent visit to Lakshadweep. Maldivian minister Maryam Shiuna had reacted to the picture calling Modi a 'clown'. 'The puppet of Israel, Mr Narendra diver with life jacket,' she had said in a social media post, which was subsequently deleted. Following an uproar on social media by some Indians, Shiuna and two other ministers – Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid – were suspended on January 7. Muizzu, who was widely seen as sympathetic to Beijing's interests, had led an 'India Out' political campaign during the tenure of former Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih. He protested Solih's policies that were perceived to be friendly towards New Delhi. Amid the diplomatic row, Muizzu had said that the Maldives may be a small country but that does not give anybody the license to 'bully' the island nation. Amid the diplomatic spat with India, in January 2024, Muizzu also made his first official state visit to China. India is typically the first country that new Maldivian presidents visit after assuming power. Muizzu had first requested a visit to New Delhi but was turned down, according to reports. Ahead of his visit to India in October, Muizzu denied having espoused an 'India Out' policy and claimed that he only advocated for the removal of foreign military personnel in keeping with the wishes of his citizens. Removing India's military presence from the Maldives was a key poll plank for Muizzu in November 2023. India was the only foreign power with a military presence in the Maldives. A group of Indian defence personnel had maintained radar stations and surveillance aircraft in the archipelago. Indian warships also helped patrol the Maldives' exclusive economic zone. In May 2024, New Delhi said that it had replaced its military personnel in the Maldives with 'competent Indian technical personnel' for operating aviation platforms.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
India offers Rs 4,850 cr credit line to Maldives
Male: India is proud to be the most trusted friend of the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday after announcing a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit to the island nation. Modi made the remarks after holding wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, focusing on consolidating cooperation in areas of trade, defence and infrastructure. The prime minister's visit marked a major turnaround in India-Maldives ties after a spell of unease. Modi also announced that the two countries will work towards finalising a bilateral investment treaty and that negotiations for a free trade pact have already started. The Maldives holds an important place in India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, the prime minister said. Modi said India has decided to provide a line of credit of USD 565 million (Rs 4,850 crore) to the Maldives. Mutual cooperation in the field of defence and security is a testament to mutual trust, he said. India will always support the Maldives to strengthen its defence capabilities, he added. Modi landed in Male this morning to a warm welcome with Muizzu and a number of top ministers of his government receiving the prime minister at the Velena international airport, reflecting the importance Male attached to the trip. Hours later, Modi was accorded a colourful ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour at the iconic Republic Square. "Deeply touched by the gesture of President Muizzu to come to the airport to welcome me. I am confident that India-Maldives friendship will scale new heights of progress in the times to come," Modi said in a social media post. The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting before settling down for delegation-level talks.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
India Announces Rs 4,850 Crore Line of Credit To Maldives: PM Modi
Male: India is proud to be the most trusted friend of the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday after announcing a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit to the island nation. PM Modi made the remarks after holding wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, focusing on consolidating cooperation in areas of trade, defence and infrastructure. The prime minister's visit marked a major turnaround in India-Maldives ties after a spell of unease. PM Modi also announced that the two countries will work towards finalising a bilateral investment treaty and that negotiations for a free trade pact have already started. The Maldives holds an important place in India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, the prime minister said. PM Modi said India has decided to provide a line of credit of USD 565 million (Rs 4,850 crore) to the Maldives. Mutual cooperation in the field of defence and security is a testament to mutual trust, he said. India will always support the Maldives to strengthen its defence capabilities, he added. PM Modi landed in Male this morning to a warm welcome with Muizzu and a number of top ministers of his government receiving the prime minister at the Velena international airport, reflecting the importance Male attached to the trip. Hours later, PM Modi was accorded a colourful ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour at the iconic Republic Square. "Deeply touched by the gesture of President Muizzu to come to the airport to welcome me. I am confident that India-Maldives friendship will scale new heights of progress in the times to come," PM Modi said in a social media post. The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting before settling down for delegation-level talks. The turnaround in the bilateral ties assumes significance as Muizzu, known to be close to China, came to power in the island nation in November 2023 on the back of an "India Out" campaign. His policies in the first few months of his presidency resulted in severe strain in the ties. Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, India replaced the personnel with civilians. The Indian military personnel were deployed to the Maldives to maintain and operate two helicopters and an aircraft, which were used for humanitarian and rescue operations. It is widely believed that New Delhi's sustained efforts, including its assistance to the island nation to deal with economic woes, helped bring the relations back on track. The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties, including in areas of defence and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous governments in Male.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
India aware of China's aim to become ‘maritime power': Government
India is aware of China's stated objective of becoming a "maritime power", and New Delhi closely monitors all developments in the Indian Ocean Region impinging on its security and economic interests and takes appropriate measures to safeguard them, the Centre informed Parliament on Friday. Countries such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius occupy a central place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' Policy and MAHASAGAR vision. (Representational/Reuters) In a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also said, "Our relations with countries in the Indian Ocean Region are comprehensive and long-standing, based on their own merit and are independent of their relations with any third countries." The Ministry of External Affairs was asked whether China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region is a "strategic challenge" for India. "The government is aware of China's stated objective of becoming a 'maritime power'. As part of this strategy, China is developing ports and other infrastructure facilities in the littoral countries in the Indian Ocean Region," he said. China also has a naval and maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region, including through anti-piracy escort missions, port calls and deployment of research and survey vessels, the MoS said. "Government closely monitors all developments in the Indian Ocean Region impinging on India's security and economic interests and takes appropriate measures to safeguard India's interests," he added. Countries such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius occupy a central place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' Policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, the MoS said. "Our political relations with countries of the region are strong, trade and investment ties are being augmented, development projects and infrastructural cooperation are progressing, and there is broad-based engagement across all sectors," he added.
