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Deccan Herald
23 minutes ago
- Deccan Herald
Maldives outreach: Advantage India
In the fierce geostrategic tussle between India and China for influence in the Maldives, New Delhi seems to have the upper hand in Malé, for now. Else, New Delhi would not have planned the state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago to participate in its Independence Day celebrations on July has been invited as a 'guest of honour' by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu after some initial hostility and turbulence in bilateral ties. It will mark Modi's first visit to the neighbouring country in six years, the last one being in June 2019 when an India-leaning government under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was in place. He will be the first head of government to be hosted by Muizzu, who took over in November visit's symbolic significance is noteworthy. To the world at large, it will signal that New Delhi, and not Beijing, remains the archipelago's preferred development partner. Muizzu, in turn, will be able to convey to his domestic audience that he's an able administrator who can deliver outcomes and draw benefits from his country's biggest renewed outreach to the Muizzu government indicates a growing confidence that the Maldives, a key maritime neighbour, will remain mindful of its strategic interests. Battling strong competition from China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), New Delhi has faced a tough diplomatic challenge to ensure it does not cede strategic space to Beijing. Like many of India's neighbours, the Maldives has joined China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a vital component of its Maritime Silk Road ambitions. Leaders of IOR island nations have become adept at playing the two Asian giants against one another to leverage benefits, further queering the pitch for alignment with the Quad nations – the US, Australia, and Japan – in the wider Indo-Pacific is part of its strategy to counter Beijing's expanding footprint in the IOR and beyond. India has even recast its earlier doctrine of Vision Sagar (Security and Growth for All) in the Global South as Vision Mahasagar (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) to widen its ambit of and visit serves as a marked indicator of this shifting tide in India's favour. There is an unmissable irony in Muizzu's invite, given that he rode to power fuelling anti-India sentiments. This campaign culminated in Muizzu forcing India to pull out its 80 military personnel in the archipelago, within a few months of becoming President. However, a little over a year later, bilateral relations are on the mend, with Modi's impending visit signalling the final reset. Muizzu was in India twice last year – for the Modi 3.0 government's inauguration and a bilateral visit. While the closeness witnessed during Ibu Solih's tenure may not be there, India has little cause for complaint. Despite Muizzu's perceived pro-China leanings, Beijing hasn't been able to make a comeback in the archipelago as was expected during his Maldives could not secure the anticipated financial assistance from China, its largest external creditor, and some Islamic countries. Consequently, Muizzu had to turn to India to navigate a debilitating economic crisis. Muizzu has also been seeking investments to promote his country as a business and financial hub. Even if this does happen, it will take time to now, the Maldives is under debt distress. Under the risk of defaulting on its external debt repayments, Muizzu's anti-India sentiments have given way to pragmatism and realpolitik as he now has to deliver results in his economically beleaguered has played its cards skilfully. It initially stepped in to assist the Solih government after the Maldives reeled under a dire economic situation during the pandemic, with its tourism-dependent economy taking a huge hit. Then, it decided to continue with its financial assistance to the Muizzu government despite initial bilateral tensions, which has helped the Maldives avoid a default on its external debt the Maldivian economy is not yet out of the woods. Muizzu still has to find ways to service an external debt of $1 billion in 2026. While India has helped out through currency swaps and rolling over of treasury bills worth $100 million, China has held back in the fear that other debt-distressed countries might also seek similar this seemingly positive outlook for New Delhi, it cannot afford to slacken its outreach to Malé. China is keenly waiting in the wings to usurp India's strategic space. India has to ensure that the Muizzu government can be relied upon to be a loyal friend in the long run..(The writer is a senior journalist)
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Narendra Modi says UK visit aimed at prosperity, job creation, growth
Before departing for the United Kingdom on Wednesday as part of his two-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his visit to the UK is aimed towards prosperity, growth and job creation in both countries. The two countries are expected to formally sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the visit, which is expected to double bilateral trade by 2030. 'During my meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, we will have the opportunity to further enhance our 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,' the Prime Minister said in his departure statement. Besides discussing the whole gamut of India-UK ties with his British counterpart, the PM will also take up issues of regional and global importance, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Gaza situation. The Cabinet had Tuesday approved the FTA between India and the UK, which will be signed in London on July 24. Besides the expected signing ceremony of FTA with the UK, which was concluded in May this year, New Delhi will also raise the issue of pro-Khalistan extremism and the fugitive economic offenders, officials said. 'India and the 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,' Modi said. After the UK, the PM travels to Maldives to participate as a Guest of Honour at the country's 60th independence day celebrations. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Maldives. 'I look forward to my meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership, to advance our joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen our cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region,' Modi said on his two-day Maldives visit, a first by any heads of government during Muizzu's presidency. 'I am confident that the visit will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting our people and advancing our Neighbourhood First Policy,' the PM said. The trip marks a reset of bilateral ties that had come under severe strain after Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, became president in November 2023.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi arrives in London, key India-UK trade deal on agenda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on Thursday for two-day visit to the United Kingdom. Announcing his arrival, PM Modi says the visit would advance the economic partnership between India and the UK. PM Modi has arrived in London.(X/@narendramodi) "The focus will be on furthering prosperity, growth and boosting job creation for our people. A strong India-UK friendship is essential for global progress," a part of his tweet read. What's on agenda? The formal signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK would be the key highlight of PM Modi's visit. He will hold a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and discuss the bilateral ties between the two countries. The agreement was signed on May 6 and will reportedly be signed by the commerce ministers of India and UK, Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds, respectively. The FTA will help India massively in terms of tariff, with 99 per cent Indian exports likely to benefit from tariff. As part of the trade deal, it will also be easier for British firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India. While in the UK, PM Modi will be hosted by Starmer at Chequers, the British PM's residence located 50 km northwest of London, people familiar with the matter earlier said. The Prime Minister's visit aims at both India and the UK reviewing the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Trade and economy, technology, defence, climate, health and education will be some of the focus areas. Besides, PM Modi will also meet King Charles III, before heading to the Maldives for his visit on July 25-26. Interaction with Indian community Upon his arrival in London, PM Modi interacted with some members of the Indian community there, who had been waiting for him. The Indian diaspora expressed joy upon meeting the Prime Minister, and wished him well for the visit. "I just met the PM. He walked past us. It was a surreal moment. I got to shake my hand. He is so dynamic... It was an amazing experience," Gehna Gautam, an Indian diaspora member was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. "The Prime Minister shook my hand and gave me 'Ashirwad'. It was the best feeling ever...," said Bhavya, another member. Some members of the Dawoodi Bohra community also seemed excited to meet the PM. As Dawoodi Bohras, we are very proud of the relationship that the Prime Minister has with our community. He's been a friend of our community for many years. And as a proud Dawoodi Bohra and as a British citizen, we welcome him to the UK and look forward to meeting him..." a member said. Catherine West, UK Foreign Office Minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific, received PM Modi at the London airport. Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami and British High Commissioner to New Delhi Lindy Cameron accompanied her, reported news agency PTI.
