Latest news with #DiplomaticRelations
Al Arabiya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Modi joins Maldives Independence Day celebrations, signals easing tensions amid China rivalry
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated Saturday in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives, concluding a two-day visit to the island nation. During the trip, Modi also announced financial assistance and formally launched talks on a proposed free trade agreement. The two-day visit was seen as crucial to India's ambition to control the seas and shipping routes of the Indian Ocean in a race with its regional rival China. It signaled a thaw in diplomatic tensions that followed the election of pro-China Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in 2023. Modi joined a distinguished gathering at Republic Square in the capital Malé, where a military parade and cultural performances marked the anniversary of the Maldives gaining independence from British rule in 1965. On Friday, following talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Modi announced a credit line of $565 million to support development projects in the Maldives. The visit coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 1965. It also saw the start of talks on a free trade agreement. The two leaders oversaw the exchange of signed agreements to cooperate in sectors such as fisheries, health, tourism, and digital development. Modi also handed over dozens of heavy vehicles donated by India to strengthen the Maldives defense forces. The Maldives—an archipelago nation strategically located in the Indian Ocean—is a focal point in the growing geopolitical rivalry between India and China. Tensions grew when Muizzu, who favored closer ties with China, was elected in 2023 after defeating the India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Leading up to the election, Muizzu had promised to expel Indian soldiers deployed in the Maldives to help with humanitarian assistance. Last year, New Delhi replaced dozens of its soldiers in the Maldives with civilian experts. Measures by Modi to promote tourism in India's Lakshadweep archipelago off the southwestern coast of the Indian mainland also sparked anger from Maldivians who saw it as a move to lure Indian tourists away from their country. Indian celebrities then called for a tourism boycott of the Maldives. Tensions escalated last year when President Muizzu visited China before India, a move widely interpreted in New Delhi as a diplomatic snub. On his return, Muizzu outlined plans to reduce the Maldives' reliance on India for medical services, pharmaceuticals, and essential imports such as food staples. Relations started to improve after Muizzu attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony for a third five-year term last year. Muizzu has since toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric, and official contacts with New Delhi have intensified amid growing concern about the Maldives economy. During a visit by Muizzu to India last October, India pledged financial support to the Maldives, which has been struggling with debt. This included $100 million in short-term government loans and agreeing to a $400 million currency swap to help stabilize the Maldivian economy. India has long been a key development partner for the Maldives. However, the island nation has also deepened ties with China, joining its Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 to build infrastructure and expand trade–part of Beijing's broader effort to increase its global influence.
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
"For India, it is always friendship first," says Indian PM Modi
Male: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India has always been a close friend of the Maldives, and for India, it has always been "friendship first." PM Modi said that the Maldives holds an important place in both India's Neighbourhood First policy and Ocean Vision. India is the closest neighbour of the Maldives. The Maldives holds an important place in both India's Neighbourhood First policy and Ocean Vision. India is also proud to be the most trusted friend of the Maldives. Whether it is a disaster or a pandemic, India has always stood by it as the first responder. Whether it's about providing essential commodities or handling the economy after Covid. India has always worked together with the Maldives. For us, it is always friendship first," he said. PM Modi congratulated Muizzu on the anniversary of 60 years of their Independence and thanked him for inviting him as the Guest of Honour. "On behalf of all Indians, I congratulate and convey my heartiest greetings to the President and the people of Maldives on the historic anniversary of 60 years of Independence. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the President for the invitation on this historic occasion as a Guest of Honour. This year, India and Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations. But the roots of our relationship are older than history and as deep as the sea," he said. Both the leaders also released postage stamps containing traditional boats of both countries. "We released postage stamps containing traditional boats of both countries. It shows that we are not just neighbours, but also friends," he said. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, while speaking on the occasion, said that they discussed ways to expand this vital sector through enhanced cooperation and connectivity, including the commencement of direct flights to further enhance this connectivity. He said, "Our flagship greater Male connectivity project, once completed, will stand as a lasting symbol of the enduring partnership between India and Maldives. I express my sincere appreciation to India for the provision of 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force. The handover of the remaining 3,300 housing units from the 4,000 housing units project marks a major step forward in my government's policy in addressing housing needs across the Maldives. I thank the Government of India for its role as the Maldives principal partner in the health sector. India remains a key source market for Maldivian tourism. We discussed ways to expand this vital sector through enhanced cooperation and connectivity, including the commencement of direct flights to further enhance this connectivity," he said.
CNN
6 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
What you need to know about the deadly border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia
Deadly violence has flared up once again on the contentious border between Thailand and Cambodia, reigniting a long-running but little-known dispute. Thailand deployed fighter jets against Cambodian military targets on Thursday, as forces from both countries clashed along the border. The escalation came after a second Thai soldier in a week lost their leg in a landmine explosion. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated as a full-blown conflict threatens to break out. Here's what to know about the disputed border. Tensions worsened in May when a Cambodian solider was killed during a brief clash between Thai and Cambodian troops in a contested border area of the Emerald Triangle, where Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet. Thai and Cambodian forces said they were acting in self-defense and blamed the other for the skirmish. Although military leaders from Thailand and Cambodia said they wished to de-escalate, both sides have since engaged in saber-rattling and reinforced troops along the border. Thailand took control of border checkpoints, imposed restrictions on crossings and threatened to cut electricity and internet to Cambodia's border towns. Cambodia in return stopped imports of Thai fruit and vegetables and banned Thai movies and TV dramas. Recent landmine explosions prompted both countries to downgrade relations with each other and recall diplomatic staff. The first soldier lost his leg in a landmine explosion on July 16. The second incident occurred Wednesday, when a blast injured five Thai soldiers, with one losing his leg. Thursday's violence marked a significant escalation. Thailand and Cambodia have had a complicated relationship of both cooperation and rivalry in recent decades. The two countries share a 508-mile (817-kilometer) land border – largely mapped by the French when they controlled Cambodia as a colony – that has periodically seen military clashes and been the source of political tensions. Cambodia has previously sought a ruling from the UN's International Court of Justice over disputed areas, including the site of the most recent clash. However, Thailand does not recognize the ICJ's jurisdiction and claims that some areas along the border were never fully demarcated, including the sites of several ancient temples. In 2011, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed in a nearby area surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, displacing thousands of people on both sides and killing at least 20 people. The most recent conflict has had huge political ramifications in Thailand. Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from duties in July after the leak of a phone call she had with Cambodia's powerful former leader Hun Sen, in which she appeared to criticize her own army's actions in the dispute. Shinawatra hails from a powerful dynasty and became Thailand's youngest prime minister last year, at just 38. She could face full dismissal over the 17-minute phone call – in which she appeared to signal there was discord between her government and the powerful Thai military. The scandal and her suspension brought fresh uncertainty to the Southeast Asian kingdom, which has been roiled by years of political turbulence and leadership shake-ups.
Russia Today
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Iran has never sought to ‘wipe Israel off the map'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied that Tehran aims to destroy the State of Israel, speaking a month after the two regional rivals engaged in unprecedented hostilities. 'It has never been Iran's policy to wipe out Israel from the map,' Araghchi told Fox News host Bret Baier in an interview aired on Monday. He added, however, that Tehran will continue to support pro-Palestinian armed groups. 'We believe that these groups – Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis – are fighting for a just cause. We have always supported them, [both] politically and in other ways,' the diplomat said. He argued that US-supplied weapons help Israel 'kill people' in Palestine and beyond. Araghchi also denied allegations that Iran planned to assassinate US President Donald Trump and clarified that the popular chant 'Death to America' refers to 'the hegemonic policies of the United States, not the people of the United States.' He urged observers not to conflate 'radical' elements in Iran with the country's official stance. Iran has no diplomatic ties with the US and regards the State of Israel as an illegitimate entity. 'Never doubt that the hostile, usurper Zionist regime will be wiped off the world's map one day. God willing, this is a definite part of the future,' Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wrote on his English-language X account in 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled such remarks a national threat as he ordered airstrikes during last month's 12-day war with Iran. Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and is open to restarting indirect talks with the US. He added that Iran will continue enriching uranium for civilian use, describing it as a matter of national pride.
Bloomberg
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Philippines Summons Chinese Envoy After Ex-Senator Sanctioned
The Philippine government has summoned China's envoy to Manila, expressing concern over Beijing's recent rare move to sanction a former senator who it accused of improper behavior on issues related to China. While implementing sanctions is within China's prerogative, 'the imposition of punitive measures against democratically elected officials for their official acts is inconsistent with the norms of mutual respect and dialogue that underpin relations between two equal sovereign states,' Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said in a statement read by Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro at a regular briefing on Tuesday.
