Latest news with #bilateralrelations
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
India's neighbourhood diplomacy: A pillar of consistency and trust
As India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit the Maldives on July 25–26, following his state visit to the UK, his itinerary sends a clear message: South Asia remains New Delhi's foremost priority. This visit is a reaffirmation that India is not just a rising global player, but a stable, trustworthy, and enduring partner in its own neighbourhood. PM Modi's visit to the Maldives comes at a crucial time in bilateral relations. It marks his third visit to the island nation and his first under President Mohamed Muizzu's administration, proof that India's diplomatic outreach is rooted in long-term engagement, not political convenience. During the visit, India is expected to announce a new line of credit for development initiatives, launch major infrastructure projects, and deepen cooperation in areas like climate resilience, health, and maritime security. One of the cornerstones of India-Maldives relations is the $500 million Greater Malé Connectivity Project, which will physically link the capital to nearby islands, spurring economic activity and improving lives. India has also undertaken community-level water and sanitation projects in dozens of islands, directly benefitting over 28,000 Maldivians. These aren't symbolic gestures, they represent India's grounded and people-first diplomacy. India also played a critical role in supplying Covid-19 vaccines, food aid, and disaster relief to the Maldives, standing by the country in its time of need. It's this readiness to assist, not just with loans and infrastructure, but also with humanitarian support that sets India apart as a consistent and compassionate partner. India's reliability isn't confined to the Maldives. Across South Asia, New Delhi has demonstrated a consistent policy of constructive engagement and regional cooperation. In Sri Lanka, during the country's worst economic crisis, India extended over $3.8 billion in assistance, including credit for fuel, food, medicine, and fertilisers. This was accompanied by vital support during the pandemic, when India supplied vaccines and oxygen at a time when global supply chains were choked. In Bangladesh, India has extended nearly $8 billion in concessional credit lines, the largest it has given to any single country. These funds are driving infrastructure development, railway connectivity, port access, energy cooperation, and cross-border trade. The India-Bangladesh friendship pipelines and electricity transmission grids now power thousands of homes, while their joint initiatives in defense and disaster management reflect a mature and robust strategic partnership. In Nepal and Bhutan, India continues to invest in road, rail, and hydropower connectivity. The shared cultural and historical bonds have been supplemented by regular high-level visits, infrastructure grants, and support for education, healthcare, and livelihood creation. India remains the top trading partner and development partner for both countries. In Afghanistan, even in the face of turmoil, India has delivered humanitarian aid and rebuilt key institutions, like the Salma Dam and the Afghan Parliament while reaffirming its commitment to the Afghan people. In Myanmar, India has walked a careful path of engagement through infrastructure connectivity and disaster relief. From the very beginning of his tenure, Modi has prioritised the 'Neighbourhood First' policy. His swearing-in in 2014 featured heads of state from across South Asia, signalling India's intent to re-anchor its foreign policy in its immediate vicinity. This policy has since matured into a doctrine of deep developmental and strategic partnership. The regional orientation is not just about proximity, it's about priority. Whether it is evacuating citizens during disasters, building cross-border infrastructure, restoring ancient cultural sites, or investing in human capital through scholarships and capacity building, India's support is holistic, responsive, and respectful. Importantly, India's diplomacy is not transactional. It is built on shared destinies, mutual respect, and collective progress. India neither dictates terms nor imposes political conditions. It responds to requests, supports sovereign choices, and fosters regional stability through cooperation, not coercion. India's diplomatic style is defined by quiet confidence and strategic patience. Recent tensions with the Maldives, sparked by political rhetoric and local sensitivities, did not derail the broader relationship. New Delhi responded not with recrimination, but with restraint. Indian military personnel were replaced with civilian experts, and dialogue was maintained through joint working groups and official visits. Rather than escalate, India chose to invest in preserving trust. The Maldives' Foreign Minister visited India thrice this year, and both sides worked actively to advance their 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.' This is not just diplomacy, it is maturity in action. Modi's upcoming trip is a reaffirmation of India's regional vision. It tells neighbours near and far: India does not abandon friendships when political winds shift. It shows that India's foreign policy is anchored in stability, continuity, and respect for each country's unique path. South Asia faces complex challenges, ranging from climate change and migration to health crises and economic disruptions. In such a context, India's leadership offers the region a foundation of security, connectivity, and shared growth. India's outreach is not about grandeur, it's about grounded delivery. From building roads in Nepal to restoring water supplies in the Maldives, from fuelling power grids in Bangladesh to rescuing stranded citizens from conflict zones, India is the neighbour that shows up, acts swiftly, and stays the course. India's neighbourhood diplomacy under Prime Minister Modi has redefined what it means to be a regional leader. It is not about dominating the narrative but about shaping a shared future through consistent, inclusive, and responsive engagement. As the Maldives celebrates its National Day with a state visit from the Indian Prime Minister, the symbolism is unmistakable. It is a celebration of trust, of deep-rooted ties, and of a partnership that has endured tests and emerged stronger. India's actions over the past decade speak louder than any speech. In a region often marked by volatility, India is a rare constant, a neighbour you can count on. Reliable, resilient, and respectful: that is the India story in South Asia.
Bloomberg
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Merz Hosts Macron in Berlin Amid Divergences: What to Watch
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to roll out the red carpet for French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin Wednesday evening in an effort to project goodwill between the two leaders amid growing tensions. Merz will host Macron at the historic Villa Borsig on Berlin's outskirts, where the German leader has arranged a symbolic evening: a garden stroll, a short jazz performance by trumpet virtuoso Till Brönner, and a private dinner. The event is set to lay the groundwork for a much broader French-German joint cabinet meeting that will be held in late August.
Zawya
21 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Irish Ambassador Bids Farewell to Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio
The Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone, Aidan Fitzpatrick, paid a farewell courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, marking the end of his two-year diplomatic mission in the country. In his remarks, Ambassador Fitzpatrick expressed his sincere gratitude to President Bio for receiving him and used the opportunity to congratulate the President on his recent election as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Reflecting on his time in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Fitzpatrick commended the significant progress made under President Bio's leadership, particularly in advancing women's rights. He also praised the warmth and hospitality of the Sierra Leonean people and acknowledged the increasing international recognition the country has gained under President Bio's tenure. He further revealed that Ireland is exploring opportunities to expand investment in Sierra Leone, underscoring the deepening of bilateral relations between the two nations. In response, President Bio thanked Ambassador Fitzpatrick on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone for his service, dedication, and unwavering support throughout his mission. He noted that Sierra Leone recently established an embassy in Ireland, reflecting the long-standing and cordial relations between the two countries. 'Your leadership and diplomatic style will be missed. You were always present and supportive at diplomatic meetings,' the President recalled. 'I wish you success in your future endeavors.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
Trump says US, Philippines ‘very close' to finalising trade deal
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Jul 22) that Washington and Manila were nearing completion of a 'big' trade agreement, as he welcomed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the White House. 'We're going to talk about trade today and we are very close to finishing a trade deal, a big trade deal actually,' Trump told reporters at the start of the meeting. Marcos is the first Southeast Asian leader to meet Trump during his second term. The visit comes as the US looks to strengthen regional ties amid its ongoing strategic competition with China. TARIFF TALKS Trump said the two countries 'do a lot of business' together and expressed surprise at the 'very big numbers' in bilateral trade, which he said would only grow under a trade pact. The United States recorded a US$4.9 billion trade deficit with the Philippines last year on two-way goods trade totalling US$23.5 billion. Earlier this month, Trump increased proposed 'reciprocal' tariffs on Philippine imports to 20 per cent, up from 17 per cent in April. The US president has already concluded trade deals with Vietnam and Indonesia, Manila's regional neighbours, but has taken a tough stance even with close allies. Vietnam agreed to a 20 per cent baseline tariff on its goods, while Indonesia settled at 19 per cent. Gregory Poling, a Southeast Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Marcos might be able to secure better terms than those reached by Vietnam and Indonesia. MILITARY TIES, BUSINESS TALKS Trump also highlighted the significance of the US-Philippine defence relationship, calling the Philippines 'a very important nation militarily'. 'We've had some great drills lately,' he added. Marcos arrived in Washington on Sunday and met with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Monday. He also held talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During his visit, the Philippine leader is scheduled to meet with American business leaders investing in the Philippines. Philippine officials say Marcos will emphasise that bolstering Manila's economy is essential for it to serve as a strong US partner in the Indo-Pacific.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
PM Modi to visit UK, Maldives from July 23-26: MEA
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday. The visit to the UK is at the invitation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while the state visit to the Maldives is at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. According to the MEA, PM Modi's visit to the UK will be his fourth visit. He will hold wide-ranging discussions with his UK counterpart on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. The Prime Minister is also expected to call on King Charles III. 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. For the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26, on the invitation of the President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This will be Prime Minister's third visit to Maldives, and the first visit by a Head of State or Government to Maldives during the Presidency of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Significantly, PM Modi will be the 'Guest of Honour' at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives on July 26, 2025. During the visit, PM Modi will meet Dr Mohamed Muizzu and hold discussions on issues of mutual interest. 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. MEA in its statement underscored that the visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship.
