Latest news with #Maldivian
NDTV
16 minutes ago
- Business
- NDTV
"Big Heart...": Eye On Past Storm, Ex- Maldives Minister Praises India, PM
New Delhi: A year on from the India-Maldives diplomatic storm - precipitated by comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three Maldivian ministers, and geopolitical red flags after the island nation seemed to getting friendlier towards China - ties between the nations appear to have been reset. Mr Modi will visit Male - the first foreign head of state to be hosted by President Mohamed Muizzu - on July 25 and 26 to inaugurate development projects funded by India, and after the Indian government extended crucial financial support by rolling over the $US 50 million Treasury bill for another year. He will also celebrate the country's Independence Day and hold bilateral talks with Mr Muizzu, which will certainly include sounding Male out over national security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region. Ahead of his visit, Maldives' ex-Foreign Minister, Abdulla Shahid, hailed the past relationship between the countries and India's history as a reliable first responder in times of emergency. "The relationship between Maldives and India has always demonstrated India is the first responder. Whenever we dial the international line India responds, first," he said. "This is for many reasons. First and foremost, because Indian people have a big heart... they are most generous. Second, India is so close to Maldives, geographically. Whenever anything urgent and distressful happens in Maldives, India has never let us down..." Mr Shahid said. Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed made similar comments, pointing to his country's recent economic concerns and saying, "If not for India, we would have gone default." "We have always maintained an India-first foreign policy but in the past, election cycles have sometimes caused us to swing between a pro-China stance and a pro-India stance," he said. Mr Nasheed's 'pro-China stance' comment was seen as a direct jab at his successor, Mohamed Muizzu, who has been seen as favouring Beijing over Delhi in his foreign policy matters. Scheduled for after the trip to the United Kingdom, where an India-UK free trade deal will be signed, the Maldives visit is key, a point underlined by Mr Shahid. "Despite the diplomatic tension, India decided that its relationship (with Maldives) is people-to-people... governments come and go and political parties change, but the relationship that exists between our two people is on a solid foundation and has never changed," he said. India and the Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial links dating back centuries. And Delhi was among the first to recognise Male after it secured independence. But all of that closeness was threatened in November 2023 after Mr Muizzu was elected on the back of a 'India, out' platform that highlighted the removal of Indian military personnel deployed there. And increasingly friendly ties with China - a Chinese spy ship masquerading as a research vessel was allowed to dock in February 2024 and Mr Muizzu travelled to Beijing to call for more Chinese tourists to his country, a move seen as a snub to Indians - raised red flags in Delhi. Mr Muizzu, however, continued to insist that India remains a key partner in efforts to secure regional stability, and that he was only working to ensure more opportunities for Maldives. Fortunately, after months of unease, ties began to improve, beginning with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar's visit to that country in August last year and the Maldives leader's visit to Delhi in October. Mr Muizzu met PM Modi on that trip, and told an English daily, "The Maldives will never do anything to undermine the security of India. While we enhance cooperation with other countries... we remain committed to ensuring our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region..."
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
Narendra Modi UK Visit LIVE: PM Modi Leaves For 2-Day UK Visit, Trade Agreement, Khalistanis On Agenda
PM Narendra Modi UK and Maldives Visit LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to start his four-day visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives on Wednesday. The Prime Minister is scheduled to start the tour with a two-day visit to Britain, where he's expected to formally sign the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement that is expected to double bilateral trade from the current 60 billion dollars to 120 billion dollars by 2030. This is PM Modi's fourth visit to the UK. During his stay, he will meet British counterpart Kair Starmer and will likely also call on King Charles III. The discussions will also touch upon regional and global developments of mutual concern, according to the Foreign Ministry. The prime minister will visit the Maldives from July 25 to 26. The trip is seen as important as it marks a significant reset of bilateral ties that had come under severe strain after Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, became president in November 2023. Here Are PM Narendra Modi's UK and Maldives Visit LIVE Updates: Jul 23, 2025 12:19 (IST) PM Modi in Maldives LIVE: What's On India's Agenda In the second leg of the tour, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to Maldives from July 25-26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This marks PM Modi's third visit to the island nation and the first by any head of state or government during President Muizzu's tenure. "The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024," said MEA. Significantly, PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives on July 26. His visit underlines India's commitment to strengthening ties with its maritime neighbours under the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The leaders are expected to assess progress in key areas including infrastructure, defence cooperation, and economic connectivity. The high-profile diplomatic engagements aim to reinforce India's global outreach while reaffirming its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. Jul 23, 2025 12:18 (IST) PM Modi UK Visit LIVE: What's On India's Agenda Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation tour of the UK and the Maldives on Wednesday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at bolstering strategic partnerships and regional cooperation. PM Modi's visit to the UK, scheduled for July 23–24, comes at the invitation of British counterpart Keir Starmer and will be his fourth trip to the country. 'During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties,' said the Ministry of External Affairs in its press release. The discussions will also touch upon regional and global developments of mutual concern. The visit is expected to inject new momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with both leaders aiming to review progress and chart new areas of cooperation, including India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). PM Modi is also likely to call on King Charles III during his stay. PM Modi Maldives Visit LIVE: Free Trade Agreement, Investment Treaty On Agenda For PM Modi's Maldives July 25 Visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day State visit to Maldives this week will not only contribute further to consolidating strong ties between the two nations but also enhance peace, prosperity and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Tuesday. Both countries, he revealed, are also in discussions to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement and an investment treaty. Prime Minister Modi will undertake a State Visit to Maldives from July 25-26, on the invitation of the Maldives President, Mohamed Muizzu. This will be Prime Minister Modi's third visit to Maldives - he had visited the Indian Ocean archipelago in 2018 and 2019, earlier - and the first by a Head of State or Government to Maldives during the Presidency of Muizzu which began in November 2023. Khalistani Threat, Extradition Of Fugitives, FTA: India's Agenda Ahead Of PM Narendra Modi's UK Visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom on 23rd July for discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the finalisation of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. India UK Trade Deal LIVE: Cabinet Okays Free Trade Deal, To Be Signed During PM's UK Visit The cabinet on Tuesday approved the free trade agreement between India and the UK, which will be signed in London on July 24, sources told news agency PTI. The pact, officially called as Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, will be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to London.
Hans India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Eyeing 'tangible outcomes', PM Modi embarks on two-nation visit to UK and Maldives
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday embarked on a two-nation visit to the United Kingdom and Maldives, hoping to solidify bilateral relations and expressing confidence that the visit will yield tangible outcomes. PM Modi's visit to the UK, scheduled for July 23-24, comes at the invitation of British counterpart Keir Starmer and will be his fourth trip to the country. In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "India and UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has witnessed significant progress in recent years. Our collaboration spans a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people ties." Day after tomorrow, 25th July, I will be in the Maldives at the invitation of the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. I am honoured to be taking part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This year we also mark 60 years of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. The… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2025 He said that he will hold bilateral meetings with PM Starmer and will discuss further enhancing the economic partnership, aimed at fostering prosperity, growth and job creation in both countries. "I also look forward to calling on His Majesty King Charles III during the visit," he said. In the second leg of the tour, PM Modi will undertake a State Visit to Maldives from July 25-26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. This marks PM Modi's third visit to the island nation and the first by any head of state or government during President Muizzu's tenure. Significantly, PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives on July 26. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. His visit underlines India's commitment to strengthening ties with its maritime neighbours under the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership of the Indian Ocean archipelago, to advance the joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen the cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). "I am confident that the visit will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting our people and advancing our Neighbourhood First Policy," PM Modi said.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
"If not for India, we would have gone default": Former Maldives President Nasheed praises India's support ahead of PM Modi's visit
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has credited India with helping his country avoid economic collapse during its worst financial crisis in recent times. Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Maldives, Nasheed said India's timely assistance prevented the Maldives from defaulting on its debt. "If not for India, we would have gone default," Nasheed told in an exclusive conversation ahead of PM Modi 's two-day trip to attend the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Project Management MCA Operations Management Cybersecurity Digital Marketing Public Policy healthcare Degree PGDM Data Science Leadership Product Management Data Analytics Management others CXO MBA Data Science Technology Finance Others Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Project Planning & Governance Agile Software Development Practices Project Management Tools & Software Techniques Scrum Framework Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Programme in IT Project Management Starts on Jun 20, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management Project Planning & Risk Analysis Strategic Project/Portfolio Selection Adaptive & Agile Project Management Duration: 6 Months IIT Delhi Certificate Programme in Project Management Starts on May 30, 2024 Get Details He said India's financial help during challenging times had played a critical role in maintaining the island nation's economic stability. "Indian assistance and partnership in the Maldives are deeply valued and have played a critical role during our challenging times. With mounting financial difficulties and substantial debt repayment obligations for the Maldives, India's timely support has helped us avoid default and maintain economic stability," he said. Nasheed noted that the economic partnership is more than just financial aid it is built on trust and regional solidarity. Live Events "This kind of partnership reinforces resilience and fosters trust between neighbouring nations," Nasheed added. Speaking about the foreign policy direction of the Maldives, Nasheed stressed that the country has always leaned towards India, but has often swung between India and China depending on election cycles. "We have always maintained an India-first foreign policy in the Maldives. But in the past, election cycles have sometimes caused our foreign policy to swing between a strong pro-China stance and a strong pro-India stance," said Nasheed. He added that democracy in the Maldives now allows for a more stable and consistent foreign policy approach. "Today, unlike before, across the spectrum of Maldivian politics, the approach is firmly India-first," he said. Nasheed said PM Modi's visit is a reaffirmation of India's strategic interest in the Maldives, given its crucial location in the Indian Ocean. "Maldives is positioned across some of the most navigable waters of the region of the Indian Ocean. Maldives stretches 1,000 kilometres from north to south and another 600 kilometres from east to west. Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Maldives reaffirms the strategic importance India places on its long-standing relationship with us. We welcome this engagement, as it contributes meaningfully to our national stability and opens up new avenues for shared prosperity," he said. On defence, Nasheed highlighted that the Maldives has always worked closely with India to enhance security in the region. "Ensuring the safety, security, and stability of the Indian Ocean region requires this robust defence cooperation between India and Maldives. This partnership is not just desirable it is essential," he added. He added that both countries have a shared responsibility in guarding maritime routes, improving disaster response, and protecting the marine environment. Praising India 's rapid economic growth, Nasheed said India's rise is not isolated and is based on shared development. "India is rapidly ascending as one of the world's leading economies, with its GDP now over \$4 trillion. We have long understood that prosperity in India does not come at the expense of its neighbours. It is not in the instinct of Indian society to grow in isolation. They want to do it together. We understand that," he said. He added that India's Neighbourhood First policy provides the Maldives with vital opportunities to integrate with its dynamic economic trajectory. "This regional approach has tangible outcomes. Tourist arrivals from India to our high-end resorts of the Maldives have expanded markedly. It has grown up very rapidly, reflecting the strength of our bilateral ties and our shared vision for development," he said. Nasheed called for a structured trade agreement between the two countries, particularly highlighting the demand for Maldivian fish in Indian markets. "Uninterrupted trade always brings mutual benefit. Maldivian fish enjoys high demand in Indian markets, reflecting not only the quality of our export but also the growing depth of our commercial ties," he said. He added that a formal trade agreement would provide structure and predictability, making it easier for both sides to maximise the economic potential of the partnership. "Beyond fish exports, such agreements could open pathways for cooperation in shipping, logistics, and sustainable marine practices sectors where both countries share interests and capabilities," he said. He further explained that economic integration should be seen not just as a transactional process, but as a foundation for shared growth. "A well-framed trade framework would bolster food security, diversify market access, and deepen trust -- aligning closely with the wider regional vision set out by India's Neighbourhood First policy and the Maldives' development goals. I think the trade agreement would be a win-win for both countries," he said. Nasheed also said PM Modi's visit will give a push to tourism from India, especially to the northern Maldives. "When relations are strong, everyone benefits. I believe that the Prime Minister's visit will further boost Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives," he said. He mentioned that the Hanimadu Airport project, built with Indian credit support, is nearing completion and will soon connect southern Indian cities more easily with northern Maldives. "Hanimadu Airport would be just a little over an hour from most of the southern Indian cities. There is big opportunity for both countries to benefit," he added. PM Modi will travel to the Maldives from July 25-26. PM Modi will be the guest of honor at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations. He will hold talks with President Mohamed Muizzu to strengthen bilateral ties and review progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. The visit aims to reset and enhance India-Maldives relations, which had been strained in the recent past.
Online Citizen
10 hours ago
- Online Citizen
Death of 15-year-old SJI International student being investigated as ‘negligent death', say Maldives police
The death of a Singaporean student during a school trip in the Maldives is under investigation as a case of negligent death. On 22 July 2025, the Maldives Police Service confirmed to Singapore state media CNA that Jenna Ariane Zhi-En Chan's death is the subject of an active investigation. Jenna, aged 15, was a student at St Joseph's Institution International (SJII). She died on 8 November 2024 while on a National Youth Achievement Award expedition. According to Maldivian outlet The Edition, Jenna was fatally struck by the propeller of a reversing boat while snorkelling near Dhigurah Island in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. Since then, her family has repeatedly voiced concerns over the lack of clarity surrounding the incident and the slow progress in obtaining official information. Family left without answers In an email response to CNA, Maldivian police confirmed that Jenna's family has been updated on the investigation via email. However, they have not received any official documents. Jenna's parents have told media that information from both Maldivian authorities and SJII has been minimal. The family remains concerned about the significant delay in uncovering what led to their daughter's death. School says it made efforts SJII has maintained that it has attempted to piece together a full account of the incident. Michael Johnston, the school's CEO, said SJII has repeatedly requested documents from the Maldivian authorities but has not received any. He added that the school has no access to evidence from the Maldivian boat crew or staff from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), which conducted the trip. This lack of access has made it impossible for the school to obtain a complete picture of the tragedy. The Maldivian police stated that the family 'informally requested to meet and question certain individuals connected to the case'. They added that under Maldivian law, the police cannot facilitate such meetings. However, Jenna's father Alan Chan clarified in a Facebook post that the family did not make such a request. Instead, he said the school tried to arrange the meeting. Initial report included Police confirmed that an initial report from the MWSRP, which organised the trip, has been received and forms part of the investigation. Authorities are also reviewing standard operating procedures related to the incident and other documents from state institutions. They emphasised that all developments are being discussed with the Prosecutor General's Office. This is to ensure that if negligence is found, appropriate legal action will be taken once the investigation concludes. Identity of tour operator withheld At this stage, the Maldives Police Service has declined to name the tour operator involved. They explained that the police are still verifying the authenticity and roles of the parties responsible for organising the programme in the Maldives. Relevant information is still being compiled before further details can be disclosed. In May 2025, Maldivian police officers travelled to Singapore to interview four students and a teacher who were on the trip with Jenna. Johnston confirmed that SJII facilitated these interviews with the police. MOE not investigating SJII's school management, citing safety protocol adherence Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) announced last week that it will not be investigating SJII's handling of the incident. MOE cited that SJII is a privately funded school and operates independently of Singapore's mainstream education system. It also noted that the school had adhered to its overseas trip safety protocols. Frustrated by what he describes as regulatory loopholes, Jenna's father has launched a petition urging the government to tighten oversight of Privately Funded Schools (PFS). The petition calls for mandatory, transparent reporting requirements and standardised safety measures for all schools, regardless of their funding source. As of now, the petition has garnered 1,952 signatures. Alan Chan argued that SJII has avoided external scrutiny by relying on its internal protocols. In his words, 'SJII wrote its own procedures, followed its own rules, and walked away without scrutiny. MOE will not step in—even when a child has died on an international school trip.' Family releases documentary update Jenna's family has also released an update to their video titled Tides of Injustice. The film highlights the circumstances of Jenna's death and the unanswered questions that remain. It also calls attention to what the family views as broader systemic issues that have not yet been addressed by the school or relevant authorities. The family continues to call for accountability and stronger safety measures for future school trips.
