Latest news with #Maldivians
San Francisco Chronicle
2 hours ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
India's Modi announces credit worth $565 million to the Maldives and launches free trade talks
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a $565-million line of credit to the Maldives during a visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago, as the two countries launched formal talks for a free-trade agreement. Modi is visiting the Maldives, known for its upmarket tourist resorts, to mark the 60th anniversary of its independence and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The announcement came during Modi's joint media statement with Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu. The two-day visit is crucial to India's ambition to control the seas and shipping routes of the Indian Ocean in a race with its regional rival China. It also marks the further easing of diplomatic tensions between the two nations that followed the election of pro-China Muizzu in 2023. Regional powers India and China compete for influence in the archipelago nation, which is strategically located in the Indian Ocean. On Friday, Modi witnessed the exchange of agreements to cooperate in sectors such as fisheries, health, tourism and digital development. He also formally handed dozens of heavy vehicles to the Maldives' defense forces. 'India is Maldives' closest neighbor. Maldives holds an important place in both India's neighborhood- first policy and ocean vision," Modi said. 'India is also proud to be Maldives' most trusted friend.' The line of credit will be used for 'infrastructure and development projects in line with the priorities of the people of the Maldives,' he said. "India will continue to support Maldives in developing its defense capabilities. Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal," he added. During Muizzu's visit to India last October, India announced financial support to the cash-strapped Maldives in the form of a $100-million treasury bills rollover and the countries signed a $400-million currency swap agreement. Tensions between India and the Maldives grew since Muizzu, who favored closer ties with China, was elected in 2023 after defeating India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Leading up to the election, Muizzu had promised to expel Indian soldiers deployed in the Maldives to help with humanitarian assistance. Last year New Delhi replaced dozens of its soldiers in the Maldives with civilian experts. Measure by Modi to promote tourism in India's Lakshadweep archipelago, off the southwestern coast of the Indian mainland, also sparked anger from Maldivians, who saw it as a move to lure Indian tourists away from their country. Indian celebrities then called for a tourism boycott to the Maldives. The dispute deepened when Muizzu visited China ahead of India in January last year, a move seen by New Delhi as a snub. On his return, Muizzu spelled out plans to rid his tiny nation of dependence on India for health facilities, medicines and import of staples. Relations started to improve after Muizzu attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony for a third five-year term. Muizzu has toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric, and official contacts with New Delhi have intensified as concerns grew about Maldives' economy. India has long been a critical provider of development assistance to the Maldives. Meanwhile, the Maldives joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 to build ports and highways and expand trade as well as China's influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 hours ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
India's Modi announces credit worth $565 million to the Maldives and launches free trade talks
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a $565-million line of credit to the Maldives during a visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago, as the two countries launched formal talks for a free-trade agreement. Modi is visiting the Maldives, known for its upmarket tourist resorts, to mark the 60th anniversary of its independence and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The announcement came during Modi's joint media statement with Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu. The two-day visit is crucial to India's ambition to control the seas and shipping routes of the Indian Ocean in a race with its regional rival China. It also marks the further easing of diplomatic tensions between the two nations that followed the election of pro-China Muizzu in 2023. Regional powers India and China compete for influence in the archipelago nation, which is strategically located in the Indian Ocean. On Friday, Modi witnessed the exchange of agreements to cooperate in sectors such as fisheries, health, tourism and digital development. He also formally handed dozens of heavy vehicles to the Maldives' defense forces. 'India is Maldives' closest neighbor. Maldives holds an important place in both India's neighborhood- first policy and ocean vision,' Modi said. 'India is also proud to be Maldives' most trusted friend.' The line of credit will be used for 'infrastructure and development projects in line with the priorities of the people of the Maldives,' he said. 'India will continue to support Maldives in developing its defense capabilities. Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal,' he added. During Muizzu's visit to India last October, India announced financial support to the cash-strapped Maldives in the form of a $100-million treasury bills rollover and the countries signed a $400-million currency swap agreement. Tensions between India and the Maldives grew since Muizzu, who favored closer ties with China, was elected in 2023 after defeating India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Leading up to the election, Muizzu had promised to expel Indian soldiers deployed in the Maldives to help with humanitarian assistance. Last year New Delhi replaced dozens of its soldiers in the Maldives with civilian experts. Measure by Modi to promote tourism in India's Lakshadweep archipelago, off the southwestern coast of the Indian mainland, also sparked anger from Maldivians, who saw it as a move to lure Indian tourists away from their country. Indian celebrities then called for a tourism boycott to the Maldives. The dispute deepened when Muizzu visited China ahead of India in January last year, a move seen by New Delhi as a snub. On his return, Muizzu spelled out plans to rid his tiny nation of dependence on India for health facilities, medicines and import of staples. Relations started to improve after Muizzu attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony for a third five-year term. Muizzu has toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric, and official contacts with New Delhi have intensified as concerns grew about Maldives' economy. India has long been a critical provider of development assistance to the Maldives. Meanwhile, the Maldives joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 to build ports and highways and expand trade as well as China's influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Modi will attend the Maldives' 60th independence anniversary from being a British protectorate on Saturday.
Syyaha
10-07-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Sun Siyam Resorts Launches New Apprenticeship Program in Collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Maldives
Male, Maldives, July 2025: Sun Siyam Resorts has officially launched the Sun Siyam Apprenticeship Program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Maldives, through the SAILS Project (Sustainable and Integrated Labour Services), a World Bank-funded initiative under the Ministry's efforts to enhance skills development and youth employability in the Maldives. This new program, which commenced at Siyam World Maldives on July 1st ,2025, represents a significant step toward empowering young Maldivians through structured, hands-on training, career mentorship, and long-term skills development within the hospitality industry. Thirteen apprentices have now joined the inaugural six-month intake, gaining structured, on-the-job experience across key departments of the resort, from diving, finance, engineering , culinary, IT and beyond. The program includes mentorship by senior team members, skill-focused workshops, and real-world exposure aligned with national certification standards and Sun Siyam's own service philosophy. ' This is more than just training—it is a long-term investment in the future of Maldivian tourism,' said Abdulla Thamheed, Vice President of Operations, Sun Siyam Resorts. 'We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry to help build a generation of confident, capable professionals ready to lead our country's signature industry with passion and pride.' This program reflects a broader ambition: while it launches first at Siyam World, Sun Siyam Resorts plans to expand the Apprenticeship Program across all its properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, bringing a consistent and sustainable model for workforce development across the group. While the Apprenticeship Program is a standalone initiative, it reflects the same values that drive the group's broader commitment to people and purpose. Separate from the Sun Siyam Cares framework, which focuses on sustainability, environmental protection, and ethical tourism, this program reinforces Sun Siyam Resorts' ongoing dedication to investing in the future of the Maldives through education, skills development, and meaningful career pathways for local youth. Together, these efforts represent the group's belief in building a more empowered and inclusive hospitality industry. As this new chapter of mentorship and learning begins, Sun Siyam Resorts remains committed to creating opportunities, cultivating talent, and sharing knowledge—ensuring that the next generation of hospitality leaders are not only inspired, but empowered. To learn more about the latest offerings at Sun Siyam Resorts or to book your stay and experience ultimate wellness escape, please visit
News18
10-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Maldives Names Katrina Kaif Global Tourism Ambassador Amid Renewed Ties With India
Last Updated: The timing of the announcement is also crucial as it comes just ahead of the anticipated visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives Maldives has appointed Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif as its new Global Tourism Ambassador in a significant move aimed at enhancing its tourism appeal. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), which expressed its excitement about the collaboration with one of the most recognisable faces in the Indian film industry. 'Having Katrina Kaif as our Global Brand Ambassador is a moment of great pride for us," said Thoyyib Mohamed, managing director of MMPRC. 'Her popularity, combined with her influence in the global entertainment industry, will undoubtedly help us attract more visitors from across the world, especially from India." Visit Maldives Unveils Katrina Kaif as Global Brand Ambassador for the Sunny Side of Life. — Visit Maldives (@visitmaldives) June 10, 2025 Speaking about her new role as the Sunny Side of Life's Global Brand Ambassador, Kaif said: 'The Maldives represents the pinnacle of luxury and natural beauty—a place where elegance meets tranquillity. I'm honoured to be chosen as the face of the Sunny Side of Life. This collaboration is about bringing the finest travel experiences to global audiences, and I'm excited to help people around the world discover the unique charm and world-class offerings of this extraordinary destination." Kaif's appointment comes at a pivotal time as the Indian subcontinent remains a key source of tourists for the island nation. The Maldives, known for its crystal-clear waters, luxury resorts, and serene beaches, has long been a favoured destination for Indian travellers and Kaif, with her massive fan base across India and globally, is expected to play a key role in further boosting the Maldives' tourism profile. The situation worsened last year when PM Modi posted a series of photos on social media, showing him snorkelling, strolling on a white-sand beach and lounging in a chair next to turquoise waters in Lakshadweep. As he praised the pristine lesser-known and remote Indian archipelago that the government believes has untapped potential for tourism, his photos stirred a storm in Maldives as some saw the tourism campaign as an attempt to draw visitors away from their country. Three senior Maldives officials reacted to PM Modi's post by calling him names, while many other Maldivians insulted Indian tourists on social media. This led to retaliation by Indian tourists who cancelled their holidays to the Maldives, hitting Male where it hurt the most. Finally, as Muizzu visited India in October, the two nations seemed to finally be resetting their ties. India has extended a $50 million treasury‐bill rollover interest‑free to support Maldives' fiscal reforms and help address its debt pressures, re‑affirming its 'Neighbourhood First" policy.
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Maldives backs India's fight against terror as two sides explore ways to boost strategic ties
India and Maldives on Monday explored ways to boost trade and strategic cooperation even as Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel backed New Delhi's fight against terrorism. Khaleel, accompanied by a high-level delegation, is on a three-day visit to India to review the implementation of the comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership agreed during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's trip to New Delhi last October. The Maldivian Foreign Minister led his country's delegation at a meeting of the High Level Core Group (HLCG) that was tasked to oversee progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives vision document on comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership. The discussions at the core group meeting focused on ways to intensify political exchanges, defence and security cooperation, development partnership, trade, economy, health and people-to-people linkages, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Khaleel 'strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam' on April 22 and expressed the Maldives' 'solidarity with the people and government of India and its firm support to India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,' the MEA said. Khaleel also held a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. 'Welcome Maldives' support and solidarity in combating terrorism. India remains committed to Maldives' progress and development,' Jaishankar said in a social media post. The MEA said Khaleel also thanked the Government of India for 'the timely emergency financial assistance extended to Maldives, which has made a positive impact on the everyday life of Maldivians.'
