Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition criticises Thol. Thirumavalavan's remarks on same-sex love
In a video clip that has gone viral, a youngster, during an event, seeks Mr. Thirumavalavan's views on same-sex love, to which he responds that it is a form of 'perversion'.
The TNRC, in a statement, said that 'modern science and medicine have established, beyond doubt, that homosexuality is neither unnatural nor a disorder.'
'In 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from the Interntational Classification of Disorders (ICD) and the understanding of homosexuality as a natural variation of human sexuality has been reiterated by the Indian Psychiatric Society and other professional medical associations. Further, Indian jurisprudence, dating back to the Delhi High Court (2009) and Supreme Court (2018), has reiterated that queer desire in natural and is not criminal so long as the individuals involved are adults engaged in consensual acts,' the statement said.
The statement further said, 'Given this context, it is truly disappointing that individuals such as Thiruma, whose life's mission is rooted in eradicating social injustice, hold such inaccurate, outdated, and damaging views of lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, and other queer persons. Equating the love and relationships of these and other sexual minority individuals to 'perversion' reinforces stigma, fuels discrimination, and directly contributes to the violence and alienation faced by queer people in Tamil Nadu and across India.'
The TNRC urged Mr. Thirumavalavan to make efforts to examine his biases, and 'lead VCK by example towards a more inclusive and equitable world view.'
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News18
8 minutes ago
- News18
From Trust To Tensions To Reset: How India-Maldives Ties Came Full Circle
Curated By : Last Updated: July 25, 2025, 12:22 IST PM Modi landed in Maldives on Friday (Credits: X/PM Modi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Malé for a two-day state visit, where he will be the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations, at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. The visit marks a pivotal moment in India-Maldives relations, one that reflects a recalibration after a period of strain marked by political rhetoric, military friction, and shifting geopolitical priorities. The Maldives, an archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean comprising nearly 1,200 islands, holds strategic value for India due to its location along vital international sea lanes. It also plays a key role in India's maritime security framework and regional outreach under the Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiatives. Just over a year ago, such a visit was almost unthinkable. The Maldives had voted in a president on the back of a sharp 'India Out" campaign, bilateral ties were at a historic low, and India's strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean island chain looked threatened by growing Chinese influence. But behind the scenes, India worked with quiet patience and clear priorities. The result is now on display: a recalibrated relationship rooted in realism, layered with economic cooperation, and shaped by mutual strategic understanding. This is the story of how India-Maldives ties weathered turbulence and found a pragmatic reset. The Early Years: A Relationship Built On Trust And Proximity India and the Maldives have historically enjoyed deep-rooted ties built on geography, cultural closeness, and crisis-time cooperation. Just 70 nautical miles separate the southernmost Indian islands from northern Maldives, making the archipelago critical to India's southern maritime defence. Over decades, India's assistance has come in the form of medical missions, training, infrastructure, and emergency relief. One of the most significant early interventions came in 1988, during Operation Cactus, when Indian troops flew into Malé within hours to foil a coup attempt, reinforcing New Delhi's role as the Maldives' security guarantor. More recently, during the Covid-19 pandemic, India provided vaccines and medical supplies as part of its Vaccine Maitri programme. India is also one of the Maldives' largest trading partners, a major source of tourists, and a key provider of concessional credit and development aid. It has funded dozens of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), ranging from health clinics and ferry terminals to housing units and digital infrastructure. The Slide: How 'India Out' Became Official Policy But the political landscape shifted sharply in 2023. When Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November that year, he did so on the back of a populist and explicitly anti-India plank. His campaign's rallying cry, 'India Out", targeted the presence of Indian defence personnel stationed to operate aircraft and radar platforms provided by India. Though deployed under bilateral defence cooperation agreements, these personnel were portrayed as symbols of excessive foreign influence. The campaign struck a nationalist chord in Maldivian politics, especially among younger voters. Muizzu's victory marked a break from the traditionally India-aligned Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), raising concerns in New Delhi about a tilt toward China. Muizzu broke with precedent by visiting Turkey and China before India. In early interactions, he demanded the removal of Indian troops, publicly accused India of being a 'bully," and allowed derogatory remarks against PM Modi by Maldivian officials to go unchallenged. In January 2024, this hostility peaked when three ministers made disparaging personal attacks against PM Modi on social media, triggering a widespread Indian backlash and even calls to boycott Maldivian tourism. China, meanwhile, seized the opportunity, extending loans, initiating new infrastructure ventures, and showcasing Muizzu in Beijing as a strategic ally. The optics were grim, the rhetoric polarising, and the fallout, nearly terminal. India's Diplomatic Approach: Engagement Over Escalation Despite the provocations, India opted for engagement over escalation. Rather than respond with counter-rhetoric or curtail ties, it took a long view of the relationship. When Muizzu took office, India sent a Cabinet minister—not a junior delegate—to attend his swearing-in. PM Modi met Muizzu on the sidelines of COP28 in December 2023, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar followed up with a 'frank conversation" at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in January 2024. India's response was shaped by an understanding of Maldivian domestic compulsions. When Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, India agreed, but replaced the 76 defence staff with trained civilian technicians in May 2024, thus maintaining functional continuity in aviation and surveillance operations. India also upped its economic engagement. It increased development assistance to Rs 600 crore, raised trade quotas, and accelerated work on key infrastructure, without any fanfare. By May 2024, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer was in New Delhi, seeking support and signalling readiness to restore ties. The Reset: Economy, Development And A Vision Document From that point, relations began to thaw. In October 2024, President Muizzu visited India for a five-day state visit, during which both countries adopted the landmark 'Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership." The agreement set the tone for cooperation across seven sectors, from defence and development to digital and political exchange. India followed this up with strong financial backing: Rolled over three Treasury Bills worth $150 million Offered a currency swap of $750 million Approved a new Rs 30 billion line of credit under the SAARC framework Former President Mohamed Nasheed, a longtime India ally, said India's support had helped the Maldives avoid a sovereign default. At the time, the Maldives' debt-to-GDP ratio had exceeded 110 per cent, with foreign exchange reserves dangerously low. The optics of the reset were powerful. India was stepping in not just as a neighbour, but as a stabilising partner. Projects And Priorities: Quality Over Quantity Under Muizzu, the focus shifted from announcing new projects to accelerating existing ones. While no new Indian projects were signed in 2024, many were expedited: The Hanimaadhoo International Airport, funded by India and executed by Kalpatharu Projects, is set to be operational by September 2025. It will feature a 2.7 km runway, a modern terminal, and facilities to handle 1.3 million passengers annually. The Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), India's largest infrastructure initiative in the Maldives, remains on track for completion by late 2026. Other efforts, including the Addu Airport, housing initiatives, and ferry network expansions under the HICDP framework, have resumed after earlier delays. To keep development on course, India and the Maldives institutionalised High-Level Core Group Meetings (HLCGMs). These have helped troubleshoot diplomatic irritants and monitor implementation, starting with the troop replacement agreement and now tasked with advancing the Vision document. Strategic Anchors: Defence And The Indian Ocean Despite earlier calls for troop withdrawal, the Muizzu government has continued security cooperation with India, albeit with revised optics. Indian aviation assets remain operational with technical crews. Defence training, platform support, and infrastructure projects are ongoing. India also continues to assist in maritime surveillance, coastal radar deployment, and naval training, all part of its longer-term Indian Ocean security doctrine. In May 2025, the two nations conducted joint disaster relief drills, reinforcing shared regional responsibilities under the MAHASAGAR vision. Given the Maldives' strategic location along major sea lanes, its stability and alignment remain central to India's maritime strategy. For Muizzu too, the benefits of cooperation appear clearer after a year of attempted diversification. Beyond Politics A noteworthy shift has been the de-hyphenation of domestic politics from foreign policy. Historically, the MDP maintained closer ties with India, while Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) leaned toward China. But 2024–25 has seen a more pragmatic approach from the PNC. During Muizzu's India visit, he met BJP President JP Nadda to bolster party-to-party ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, meanwhile, met Maldivian opposition leaders, neither side politicised the interactions. India's approach has remained institution-focused. As long as democratic processes are respected and security redlines maintained, New Delhi has demonstrated readiness to work with any elected government. Significance Of PM Modi's Visit To Maldives PM Modi's visit now is symbolically and strategically loaded: He becomes the first Indian PM to visit the Maldives under a non-MDP administration. The visit coincides with 60 years of India–Maldives diplomatic ties, established in 1965. Modi is being hosted as the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' most important national event, highlighting the personal and political weight both sides attach to the partnership. For Modi, the visit reaffirms India's leadership in the Indian Ocean as a steady, generous, and reliable regional actor. For Muizzu, it marks a domestic political win—showcasing sovereignty, but also the ability to engage productively with India. Regional Implications And Lessons The trajectory of India-Maldives ties over the past 18 months offers a clear illustration of how regional diplomacy in South Asia is shaped by domestic politics, but ultimately guided by strategic priorities. While anti-India rhetoric may yield short-term electoral gains, the demands of governance often require course correction. India's response, marked by strategic patience, development financing, and restrained diplomacy, helped prevent a rupture and brought the relationship back from the brink. Swipe Left For Next Video View all As Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri put it, 'There will always be events that will impact or try to intrude on the relationship. But I think this is testimony to the kind of attention that has been paid to the relationship, including attention at the highest levels… We've continued to work at it, and I think the result is there for you to see." That result is now on display in Malé: a diplomatic relationship once under pressure, now back on a path of mutual respect, strategic alignment, and renewed momentum. Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More view comments News explainers From Trust To Tensions To Reset: How India-Maldives Ties Came Full Circle | Explained 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
8 minutes ago
- First Post
India-UK FTA makes Scotch cheaper. India and its love affair with whisky
It's time for Indians to raise a toast. The signing of the India-UK FTA on Thursday (July 24) will see tariffs on Scotch whisky reduced at the first stage to 75 per cent from 150 per cent, followed by a progressive reduction to 40 per cent over the next decade. This, in turn, will help reduce the cost of these alcoholic spirits read more Hic, hic, hooray! On Thursday (July 24), India and the United Kingdom finally signed the much-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after three years of intense negotiations and deliberations. As PMs — Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer — signed on the dotted line, the UK government announced that the new trade pact will likely boost annual bilateral trade between India and the UK by £25.5 billion. The India-UK FTA will see a reduction in tariffs on several British products, including items such as chocolates, Scotch whisky, luxury cars, cosmetics, chocolates, biscuits, lamb, salmon, soft drinks, and medical devices. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But how much cheaper will Scotch whisky and gin become as a result of the trade deal? We examine the impact of it. Reduced tariffs on Scotch whisky and gin The newly-signed India-UK FTA reduces the import duties on Scotch whisky and gin. Under the FTA, the Total Customs Duty on imported alcoholic spirits, limited to whisky and gin from the UK, will be halved at the first stage to 75 per cent from 150 per cent, followed by a progressive reduction to 40 per cent over the next decade. This new tariff structure will apply to both Bottled-in-Origin (BIO) and bulk imports used for making Bottled in India (BII) products, as well as blending with Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Shortly after the signing of the FTA, the International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), the apex body representing premium alcoholic beverage companies in India, welcomed the move, calling it a historic moment. The ISWAI said that for the alcobev sector, this agreement paves the way for a more balanced and equitable trade environment, particularly given that Indian alcohol exports to the UK have zero import duties. 'The deal will significantly benefit Indian consumers, as premium international spirits will become more accessible, thereby accelerating the ongoing trend of premiumisation. It will also stimulate growth across ancillary sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and retail, while potentially increasing revenue for Indian states,' said Sanjit Padhi, CEO, ISWAI. Other industry executives also welcomed the move. Diageo India MD and CEO Praveen Someshwar said, 'We laud the Indian and British governments for formalising this historic treaty, which will boost bilateral trade and positively impact the accessibility of premium Scotch whisky in India, reigniting growth and increased choice for Indian consumers.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO Jean-Etienne Gourgues also termed the India-UK FTA as 'a sign of hope in challenging times for the spirits industry'. Even Onkar Sharma, a partner at Khaitan & Co agreed with this, telling Moneycontrol, 'This tariff reduction is expected to make premium UK brands more affordable in India, boosting their market share and benefiting companies like Diageo and Chivas Brothers while enhancing consumer choice and potentially increasing state revenues through premiumisation.' Raising a toast to lowered prices As a result of the FTA and reduced tariffs, the price of Scotch whisky brands in India is expected to fall — depending on the Indian states' excise and pricing policies. Most news reports state that in the premium segment, the cost of brands such as Johnnie Walker Black Label and Chivas Regal will fall by Rs 200-300 per bottle. Currently, the price of a Johnnie Walker Black Label (750 ml) costs around Rs 3,100 in Delhi and Rs 4,200 in Mumbai. In the standard segment, brands like Red Label and Ballantine's may cost less by Rs 100-150. The cost of whisky brands such as Chivas Regal in India will most likely be reduced by Rs 200-300 as a result of the India-UK FTA. File image/Reuters Industry experts noted that the biggest winner from the India-UK FTA won't be the end consumer, but the companies. Liquor industry expert Vinod Giri explained to PTI, 'Consumer prices for imported Scotch (whiskey) are not likely to change much. 'Most of the taxes on alcohol sit in states, and even if all customs duty reduction is passed on, the impact on consumer prices of imported Scotch whiskies will be in the range of Rs 100-300 per bottle.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He further highlighted, 'Stripped off all the noise, all the UK-India FTA will do for the whisky industry is help the bottom lines of companies. Consumers should not expect many changes. FTA will neither dramatically change the Indian whisky market nor open new vistas for Indian producers.' India's Scotch whisky consumption India has long been a consumer of alcohol with whisky consumption exploding by more than 200 per cent in the past decade. Last year, India was ranked as the world's number one Scotch whisky market by volume, according to the Scotch Whisky Association data. It regained its position after replacing France, with 192 million bottles exported in 2024, the association said. Other experts also note that whisky is among India's favourite spirits — it accounted for over 60 per cent of India's alcohol consumption last year, according to a report by The Times of India and The Hindu Business Line. In fact, a Moneycontrol report stated that within the first six months of 2024, India's whisky exports had increased 26 per cent to $78.5 million. Out of this, blended whisky, which accounts for half of the total exports, jumped 37 per cent, and premium whisky exports almost doubled to $6.3 million. Scotch whisky is one of India's most preferred alcoholic drinks. It accounted for over 60 per cent of India's alcohol consumption last year. File image/Reuters Moreover, the whisky market in India that was estimated to be worth $21.13 billion in 2023 is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.61 per cent between 2024 and 2030, reaching a value of $28.97 billion by 2030. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, it's interesting to note that India's introduction to whisky wasn't all that smooth. As the British colonised India, it brought in its favourite, the whisky. But they came up against an obstacle in the form of Indians, who argued that they had their own local drinks. Owing to this, the British Raj established a commission to study scotch whisky in an attempt to prove to India that it was worth drinking. On completion of their studies, found out that scotch was harmless of outstanding quality, making it a perfect drink for social occasions. Scotch whisky entered India then, and has become a sign of taste and culture ever since. It became the drink that Indians brought in for social gatherings or used to toast during a particularly special celebration. At first, it was associated with the British and the Indian elite and the royalty. However, as time passed, whisky became more accessible to Indians, and as they say, the rest is history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
United News of India
33 minutes ago
- United News of India
PM Modi arrives in Male, receives warm welcome by President Muizzu
Male, July 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Malé where he was warmly received by President Mohamed Muizzu along with the country's foreign, defence, finance, and homeland security Ministers. He will be the guest of honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations, which also mark six decades of diplomatic ties between the two nations. PM Modi's visit marks the second leg of his two-nation tour, following his high-level diplomatic engagements in the United Kingdom. PM Modi's two-day state visit to the Maldives is being seen as a significant step towards a diplomatic reset between India and the Maldives, especially following a period of strained ties after President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. The trip also holds special symbolic value, as the Prime Minister will be the guest of honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations in the capital, Malé, on July 26. This is the first high-level visit by an Indian leader since Muizzu's election and also the first state visit being hosted by the new Maldivian president. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, 'The Maldives is a close and important partner under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.' During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Muizzu, focusing on key areas such as strategic cooperation, economic engagement, and maritime security. The two sides will also review the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, which was finalised last year and now serves as the cornerstone of their bilateral relationship. India's High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, stated that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the visit. 'There will be bilateral meetings between the Prime Minister and the President, followed by the signing of various MoUs and the inauguration or handover of Indian-supported development projects, whether funded through lines of credit, buyer's credit, or grants,' he said. UNI AAB PRS
