PM Modi leaves for home after concluding visit to Namibia
PM Modi has emplaned for New Delhi, it said.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi held talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah that focused on imparting a new momentum to the bilateral ties.Following the talks between the two leaders, India and Namibia inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on setting up an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia and another pact on cooperation in the field of health and medicine.Namibia has also joined the India-backed CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) and the Global Biofuels Alliance.Later, addressing a Joint Session of the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, PM Modi said Africa must not be just a source of raw material but "lead in value creation and sustainable growth".Underlining that India values Africa's role in world affairs, he said the two sides must act together to create a future defined not by power and dominance, but by partnership and dialogue.During the visit, Modi was also conferred with Namibia's highest civilian award, the 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis', by President Nandi-Ndaitwah.Named after the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a unique and ancient desert plant endemic to Namibia, the order symbolises resilience, longevity and the enduring spirit of the Namibian people.This was Modi's first visit to Namibia and the third-ever prime ministerial visit from India to the country.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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First Post
a minute ago
- First Post
From ‘India out' to strategic embrace: Maldives resets ties with New Delhi
Not long ago, it would have been difficult to imagine that Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu—who rose to power on the back of a robust 'India Out' campaign—would extend an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Maldives' most significant national event on July 25, 2025, the country's 60th Independence Day, as the Guest of Honour. Yet, that is precisely what has unfolded. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi stated: 'Day after tomorrow, 25th July, I will be in the Maldives at the invitation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. I am honoured to be taking part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This year we also mark 60 years of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. The talks with President Muizzu will certainly add momentum to bilateral ties across diverse sectors.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This moment carries deep symbolic significance. Only a few years ago, the India-Maldives relationship had reached a historic low. President Muizzu's 'India Out' campaign actively challenged India's strategic footprint in the archipelago, marked by personal attacks and sharp rhetoric against Prime Minister Modi himself. Many analysts concluded at the time that India had effectively 'lost' the Maldives to China—particularly when Muizzu broke with diplomatic precedent by choosing Beijing as the destination for his first official overseas visit. Muizzu took deliberate steps to distance Maldives from India, including demanding the withdrawal of Indian defense personnel and enhancing ties with China. Anti-India narratives became mainstream, and the political climate was steeped in antagonism toward New Delhi. Despite these provocations, what followed is nothing short of remarkable: a dramatic turnaround in relations that reflects India's strategic patience and diplomacy, and the statesmanship of Prime Minister Modi. The credit for this diplomatic transformation lies squarely with PM Modi. Faced with political hostility and personal criticism, he chose to remain committed to a pragmatic, forward-looking foreign policy. Rather than retaliating, Modi's approach emphasized engagement, development cooperation, and people-to-people ties—hallmarks of a mature global leader. India has traditionally been Maldives' first responder in times of crisis—be it natural disasters, public health emergencies, or economic instability. During President Muizzu's state visit to India from October 6-10, 2024, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to mutual security and development. This culminated in the adoption of the 'Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.' On that occasion, President Muizzu reassured New Delhi of its security concerns, stating: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The Maldives will not do anything that would harm India's security interests. We value India's role as a close neighbour and friend.' This statement marked a sharp departure from his earlier rhetoric, signalling a shift towards mutual respect and constructive cooperation. India, in turn, has remained steadfast in supporting the Maldives' maritime and defense capabilities—providing coastal radar systems, naval vessels, and training for Maldivian defense personnel since before Muizzu's term. Notably, these efforts included the inauguration of a network of coastal radar stations and the establishment of a Composite Training Centre at Maafilaafushi during previous governments, particularly under President Solih, laying the foundation for today's robust security architecture. Economic considerations also played a pivotal role in this diplomatic recalibration. As the Maldives undertook expansive infrastructure projects—many backed by Chinese loans—its external debt surged, crossing $8 billion by early 2024 and exceeding 110 per cent of its GDP. The nation's tourism-dependent economy remained fragile, with foreign exchange reserves under immense strain, at times covering barely a month of imports. New Delhi, however, stood by as a consistent and generous partner. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In May 2024, India rolled over a $50 million Treasury Bill at the Maldives' request—a move the Maldivian government described as a 'true gesture of goodwill.' Further, during Muizzu's visit to India in October 2024, New Delhi extended significant financial support, including a $400 million currency swap agreement and an Rs 30 billion line of credit under the SAARC framework. President Muizzu acknowledged India's assistance: 'I am thankful for the Indian Government's decision to provide support in the form of Rs 30 billion in addition to a $400 million bilateral currency swap… which will be instrumental in addressing the foreign exchange issues we are facing.' Unlike China's debt-driven model, India's approach focused on economic stabilisation, sustainable infrastructure, and capacity-building—promoting long-term development without the burden of unmanageable debt. Strategically, Maldives' location in the heart of the Indian Ocean makes it indispensable to India's security calculus and central to its broader MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. Guided by this doctrine, India has continually prioritized the Maldives' development and security needs, anchored in mutual respect and shared regional concerns. Under this framework, India has deployed maritime surveillance infrastructure, conducted joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises—including a major one in May 2025—and consistently trained Maldivian defence forces. These engagements underscore India's role as a reliable partner and affirm its commitment to regional peace and stability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Equally noteworthy is President Muizzu's own evolution. He gradually came to realize that a confrontational posture toward India offered no tangible benefits. Strategic pragmatism ultimately prevailed. Both he and his advisors understood that partnership with India serves Maldivian interests far better than antagonism. This diplomatic turnaround offers a broader lesson for regional leaders—particularly for Bangladesh's interim leader Mohammad Yunus. While anti-India rhetoric may provide short-term domestic political gains, it seldom translates into long-term strategic or economic benefits. Foreign policy must be rooted in reason and rationality. For the countries in India's neighbourhood, maintaining cooperative and constructive relations with New Delhi is not just diplomatically prudent—it brings real, measurable benefits to their people. Imran Khurshid is a visiting research fellow at the International Centre for Peace Studies, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Hans India
a minute ago
- Hans India
India-UK trade agreement a game-changer for labour, MSMEs and startups: Piyush Goyal
London: In a major milestone for India's global trade ambitions, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday hailed the India-UK comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) as a 'historic leap' that will empower workers, farmers, MSMEs, and startups across the country. Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and citizens of both nations, Goyal said the agreement unlocks duty-free access for 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK -- opening up nearly $23 billion worth of new opportunities, especially for labour-intensive industries. Signed in the presence of both Prime Ministers, the agreement marks a new chapter in India's trade relations with developed nations. It was inked by Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds after negotiations concluded earlier this year. "This deal will transform the lives of artisans, weavers, and daily-wage earners employed in sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, toys, and marine products," Goyal said in a post on social media platform X. "From village looms to tech labs, this FTA empowers women through improved financial access and deeper global integration," he added. Agriculture is another big winner under the deal, with nearly 95 per cent of Indian farm products gaining duty-free access to the UK. Fisherfolk too will benefit from zero duty on 99 per cent of marine exports. Goyal stressed that the agreement supports "inclusive and gender-equitable growth", helping create a more resilient economy from the grassroots up. Beyond traditional sectors, the pact is expected to boost engineering goods, electronics, pharma, chemicals, plastics, and food processing industries -- all critical to India's manufacturing future. It will also make high-quality UK goods more affordable for Indian consumers. The services sector, one of India's economic powerhouses, is set to gain from better access to UK markets in IT, finance, education, and legal services. Simplified visa rules and liberal entry norms will ease the path for Indian chefs, yoga instructors, musicians, business visitors, and professionals across sectors. Another key highlight is the Double Contribution Convention, which exempts Indian professionals and their employers from paying social security contributions in the UK for three years. Goyal called it a 'significant breakthrough' that enhances the cost competitiveness of Indian talent abroad. The agreement also opens doors for Indian startups, providing them access to UK investors and innovation hubs, thereby expanding their global footprint. According to Goyal, CETA is a 'win-win' for the government's flagship initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Vocal for Local,' as it drives job creation and strengthens India's strategic position in global trade agreement a game-changer for labour, MSMEs and startups: Piyush Goyal
Economic Times
a minute ago
- Economic Times
India-UK FTA unlocks pay boost for nearly 75,000 Indian techies with three-year levy relief
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Indian IT companies will no longer need to make social security contributions in the UK for up to three years for employees deputed from India . The exemption, part of the newly signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), is expected to benefit more than 75,000 Indian professionals and over 900 employers, reported PTI, citing a Commerce Ministry relief comes under the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), which allows temporary workers from both countries to avoid paying social security contributions in the host country for up to 36 months. The move is seen as a significant cost advantage for India's IT sector, particularly large exporters such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys The UK is the second-largest market for India's $283 billion IT exports and contributes nearly 17% to the sector's global revenue. The social security exemption is expected to support the ease of employee mobility and enhance cost competitiveness for Indian service and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal wrote on X (formerly Twitter), 'The three-year exemption from social security contributions in the UK as part of the Double Contribution Convention is a significant breakthrough for Indian workers and their employers.'The industry had welcomed this provision when trade talks concluded on May 6, calling it a resolution to a long-pending issue for Indian IT and services firms operating in the Thursday, India and the UK signed the broader FTA in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The agreement also lowers tariffs on several British exports such as whisky and cars and is projected to boost bilateral trade by around $34 billion to Indian officials, the deal will make 99% of India's exports eligible for tariff benefits, while also improving access for British firms in the Indian market.(With inputs from PTI)
