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India.com
7 minutes ago
- India.com
After Tiff, A Thaw: How India, Maldives Buried Differences To Make Ties Stronger
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the Maldives on Friday as a part of his second leg of the two-nation visit. PM Modi has been invited by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and will attend the country's 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. He received a welcome from President Muizzu and senior ministers from the government upon his arrival. The Maldivian capital, Male, wore a festive look on Friday, adorned with large posters, colourful banners, and fluttering Indian flags, as the island nation geared up to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his two-day state visit. However, just about 18 months ago, the same could not have been imagined. In January 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep to promote domestic tourism did not go well with some Maldivian ministers, who not only mocked India but also disrespected Modi. This led to a huge uproar as the ties between the two nations plummeted further. Though the Maldivian government distanced itself from the statement and expelled the ministers, the hate for India stemmed from its President Mohamed Muizzu's poll campaign. Muizzu, who is considered close to China, led 'India Out' campaign in the run-up to the presidential polls. When he took reign of the Island nation, he forced around dozens of Indian personnel, who used to train Maldivian soldiers, out of the country, taking the bilateral ties and defence cooperation to a historic low. India's influence in the Indian Ocean island chain appeared to be at risk due to the increasing presence of China. A memorable welcome in Maldives. Strong ties between our nations will greatly benefit our people. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2025 After wrapping up a five-day trip to China in January 2024, President Muizzu emphasized in a media interaction that although the Maldives is a small island nation, that doesn't give anyone the right to dominate or pressure it. He firmly stated that the Maldives is 'not in anyone's backyard.' A couple of months later, in March, he made it clear that no Indian military personnel — not even those in civilian attire — would remain in the Maldives beyond May 10, 2024. By early May, India complied with the deadline, withdrawing its troops entirely and replacing them with technical staff as part of a mutual understanding. Relations between India and the Maldives took a positive turn when President Muizzu visited India on a state trip in October 2024. His visit came at a time when the Maldives was grappling with a mounting debt crisis and a growing fiscal deficit, raising concerns about a potential default. During his meeting with Indian leaders in New Delhi, a significant breakthrough came in the form of a $750 million currency swap agreement, valid until 2027, aimed at easing the Maldives' foreign exchange challenges. The two nations also issued a joint 'vision statement' outlining plans for a broad-based partnership covering economic cooperation and maritime security. Further strengthening the support, India extended a $50 million treasury bill in May 2025 to help the Maldives boost its foreign reserves and stabilize its economy. India and the Maldives have long shared a strong relationship shaped by their close geographical proximity, cultural ties, and mutual support during times of crisis. With only about 70 nautical miles separating India's southernmost islands from the northern Maldives, the island nation plays a key role in India's maritime security in the southern Indian Ocean. Over the years, India has supported the Maldives through medical aid, training programs, infrastructure projects, and emergency assistance. To maintain momentum in their development agenda, the two countries established High-Level Core Group Meetings (HLCGMs). These regular meetings have helped resolve diplomatic challenges and ensure smooth implementation of agreements—starting with the troop replacement deal and now focusing on pushing forward the joint Vision statement. India has also remained a steady partner in enhancing the Maldives' maritime capabilities by assisting with coastal radar systems, naval training, and surveillance — all in line with its broader Indian Ocean security strategy. In May 2025, the two nations held joint disaster response exercises, reflecting their shared commitment under the MAHASAGAR regional cooperation framework. Given the Maldives' strategic position along vital international shipping routes, its stability and collaboration are essential to India's maritime interests. For President Muizzu, the advantages of working closely with India have become more evident after a year of exploring alternative partnerships.
News18
15 minutes ago
- News18
Chhattisgarh govts Niyad Nellanar scheme opens doors of development in Bastar
Last Updated: Raipur, Jul 25 (PTI) An ambitious scheme of the Chhattisgarh government has enabled remote villages in the violence-hit Bastar region, which were once cut off from the mainstream of development for decades, to move forward on the path of growth, an official said. The 'Niyad Nellanar (your good village) scheme, a people-centric initiative, was launched on February 15 last year under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, an official statement said. It has turned out to be a revolutionary step to ensure sensitive and active governance in areas long deprived of basic amenities, it said, adding that Bastar was no longer just a region marked by conflict, but a symbol of hope and inclusive growth. Under the scheme, the government initially provided benefits of 52 schemes of 17 departments and 31 community facilities in villages located in a 5-km radius of the security camps. Later, the area was increased up to 10 km, officials said. CM Sai strongly believes that the mere presence of security camps is not enough, as governance must reach these regions in a compassionate, holistic and inclusive manner, the release said. Acting on this vision, the government established 54 new security camps across five Naxal-affected districts – Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Dantewada and Kanker of Bastar region (in the last one and a half year). Around 327 villages located within a 10-km radius of these camps were identified to be fully integrated into all major development schemes, it said. 'The winds of change are visible. In the education sector, 31 new primary schools have been sanctioned, out of which 13 have become functional. Of 185 new Anganwadi centres sanctioned, 107 are functioning, ensuring nutrition and early education for children. In the healthcare sector, 20 sub-health centres were approved, 16 of which have become functional," it said. 'These are the villages where people once had to trek miles through dense forests just to access basic medicine," the government added. The priority was also given to improving connectivity and communication. In areas where mobile networks were once non-existent, plans for installing 119 mobile towers were prepared and 43 of them are now operational. Approval was granted for 144 high-mast lights, and 92 villages now glow with light even at night. In road and bridge infrastructure, 173 projects were planned, of which 116 received approval and 26 have completed so far, it said. In terms of economic and social empowerment, over 70,954 Aadhaar cards have been issued, 46,172 senior citizens have received age certificates, and 11,133 new voter registrations have enabled participation in the democratic process. Ayushman Bharat health cards have been given to 46,172 people, ensuring access to free medical care, the release said. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a target was set to cover 12,232 families, of which 5,984 have received approval. Under the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, 4,677 farmers have received financial assistance. The Swachh Bharat Mission has seen the construction of 6,460 individual household toilets. To make kitchens smoke-free, 18,983 women have received gas connections under the Ujjwala and Gau-Gas schemes. Additionally, 30 villages have been provided DTH connections, bringing them into the mainstream of information and entertainment, it said. This change is more than just numbers. It is the beginning of a new bond between the state and its citizens, built on trust, transparency and participation. People who were once distant from governance are now active stakeholders. Villagers themselves are monitoring anganwadi attendance, the quality of ration distribution, and the implementation of welfare schemes, it said. Bastar is no longer just a region marked by conflict. It's becoming a symbol of resilience, hope, and inclusive growth, it added. PTI TKP NP view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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First Post
37 minutes ago
- First Post
PM Modi and Maldives President Muizzu hold delegation-level talks in Malé
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday on a two-day visit, during which he will attend the archipelago nation's 60th Independence Day celebrations as the chief guest. PM Modi was received on arrival by President Mohamed Muizzu. The two leaders are also scheduled to hold extensive talks during the trip. read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Republic Square in Male. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu accompanied PM Modi at the venue, where the national anthems of both India and Maldives were played. PM Modi received a 21-gun salute at the ceremonial welcome. Children performed a dance at the venue. PM Modi met with the ministers and officials of the Maldivian Cabinet at Republic Square. Meanwhile The ministry of defence building in the Maldivian capital displayed a giant photograph of PM Modi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi hoped that strong ties between both the nations will greatly benefit the people. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, 'Landed in Male. 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.' He is visiting the island nation at the invitation of Muizzu and will attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the country as the Guest of Honour. PM Modi was welcomed with a ceremonial reception at Male's Velana International Airport. In a special gesture, President Muizzu personally received him on arrival, and the two leaders greeted each other with a warm hug. Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that PM Modi will be participating as 'Guest of Honour' at the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives. In a post on X, he said, 'PM Narendra Modi lands in Male, Maldives to a ceremonial welcome. In a special gesture, President Mohamed Muizzu and his Cabinet members received PM at the airport. This is the 3rd visit by PM to Maldives. PM will be participating as 'Guest of Honour' at the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
