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India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
What China And Global Media Are Saying About PM Modi's Visit To Maldives
New Delhi: On July 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives as the chief guest. His presence at the event grabbed headlines not only in India and Maldives, but across the world. The visit stood out for several reasons. Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu had built his 2023 election campaign around the slogan 'India Out'. After coming to power, he had sent strong signals distancing the country from India. He also moved swiftly to forge closer ties with China. His early months in office were marked by a decision to send back Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. This was viewed in New Delhi as a potential pivot toward Beijing. That same leader has now invited the Indian prime minister as guest of honour at the nation's biggest official event. The symbolism was unmistakable. It marked a moment that was closely tracked in foreign capitals, especially as China continues its attempts to deepen influence across the Indian Ocean region. Chinese State Media Responds Beijing's Global Times, a state-run publication, published a commentary criticising the tone of Indian media coverage surrounding the visit. According to the publication, some Indian platforms had portrayed the trip as a strategic setback for China and a diplomatic win for India. In its analysis, the Global Times accused Indian media of engaging in zero-sum thinking, suggesting that any gain for India must mean a loss for China. It cited comments from Qian Feng, director at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, who argued that the Maldives naturally prioritises relations with its neighbours but also pursues a diversified foreign policy, including engagement with China's Belt and Road Initiative. 'These approaches are not in conflict,' he said. Singapore and U.S. Media Weigh In Singapore-based Channel News Asia headlined its coverage: 'India's Modi reshapes ties with Maldives.' Their report highlighted how Modi's visit included new infrastructure partnerships, financial commitments and signs of renewed warmth between the two countries. PM Modi inaugurated a new defense ministry building and Indian-funded projects and announced economic support. According to Channel News Asia, the visit was viewed in New Delhi as reassurance that Maldives would not drift too far into China's orbit. The channel highlighted how Muizzu's early months had raised concerns after he ordered the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. The Washington Post echoed this view. In a detailed report, the paper called the two-day trip 'strategically vital' and said it pointed to India's broader goals of asserting presence across key sea routes in the Indian Ocean. It highlighted the announcement of a $565 million line of credit from India to fund development projects. The publication said the visit may mark the beginning of a shift toward restoring normalcy in bilateral ties. A Look From the UK British daily The Independent took a broader view, framing the visit in the context of recent diplomatic turbulence. The publication emphasised that tensions had risen after the Indian government promoted Lakshadweep as a tourism hub, which some in the Maldives perceived as an attempt to redirect Indian tourists away from their beaches. Celebrities in India had even called for a boycott of Maldives as a travel destination. The report added that President Muizzu chose to visit China before making a trip to India, something that had not gone unnoticed in New Delhi. Muizzu's post-China announcement about reducing dependency on India for essentials like medicines and food also drew concern. But things began to improve when Muizzu attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony earlier this year. That visit set the stage for a gradual warming of ties, culminating in the current trip. A New Phase for India-Maldives Relations Pakistan's Express Tribune said Modi's visit ended on a note of clarity and mutual affirmation. It quoted President Muizzu calling the trip 'a defining moment' in relations between the two nations. In social media posts shared at the conclusion of the visit, Muizzu acknowledged the importance of people-to-people ties and long-term cooperation across sectors. In a reciprocal message, PM Modi said India would stand by the people of Maldives in their aspirations. Germany's Deutsche Welle (DW) provided a strategic lens on the visit. It emphasised Maldives' critical location along shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. Despite its image as a tourist haven, the report described Maldives as a 'geopolitical hotspot' nestled across 1,192 islands. DW pointed out how this geography has made it a focal point in the growing rivalry between India and China. Their report argued that the region is becoming less about leisure and more about maritime strategy and political influence. What Experts Are Saying According to a commentary by Aditya Shivamurti, associate fellow at Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Maldives' policy initially leaned strongly toward China. He explained how 'India Out' had dominated discourse in 2023, and India's presence was sharply reduced. But by 2024, Shivamurti observed a shift. The domestic economic situation in Maldives worsened. Parliamentary dynamics changed. Chinese promises failed to meet expectations. These developments pushed Muizzu to reassess foreign policy. The analysis added that India responded with pragmatism. It avoided escalation and focused instead on diplomatic engagement and support. In return, the Maldives leadership began acknowledging India's critical role in areas like health, development and infrastructure. ORF's report concluded that both countries are now trying to separate foreign policy from domestic politics. While the Maldivian Democratic Party has historically been seen as pro-India and the ruling PNC as leaning toward China, Muizzu seems to be moderating that binary. He has taken steps to respect India's sensitivities, and India, in turn, has extended support. As per Shivamurti's view, the visit was more than symbolic. It was a recalibration. It offered not just headlines, but signs that pragmatism, diplomacy and shared interests are still possible in a region crowded by rival influences.
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
India Pledges $565M to Maldives
Israa Farhan India has announced a $565 million financial support package for the Maldives, aiming to enhance defense capabilities and invest in large-scale infrastructure projects. The commitment was made during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day official visit to the Maldives, his first since securing a third term in office. The funding includes a new line of credit designed to strengthen Maldivian security forces and address critical infrastructure needs, including healthcare, housing, and education. The announcement comes at a time of financial strain in the Maldives, with the island nation facing a shortage of foreign currency despite continued growth in its tourism sector. India also agreed to reduce annual repayments on a previous $51 million loan to \$29 million. The two sides held discussions on a potential free trade agreement, reflecting a wider effort to deepen economic and strategic ties. Modi's visit follows rising concern in New Delhi over the Maldives' closer alignment with China since the election of President Mohamed Muizzu in 2023. The new administration had previously ordered the withdrawal of a small Indian military contingent operating a rescue aircraft in the archipelago. However, diplomatic relations between the two countries appear to have stabilized in recent months, with both sides emphasizing cooperation in security and trade. During the visit, Modi inaugurated the new headquarters of the Maldivian Ministry of Defense and launched several Indian-funded infrastructure projects. These included major road developments and a housing initiative to construct 4,000 residential units, part of India's broader investment push in the region. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
India Today
6 days ago
- Business
- India Today
India extends Rs 4,850 crore credit line to Maldives during PM's visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to the Maldives, has reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting the island nation's development through a wide-ranging partnership. A major highlight of the visit was the signing of an agreement to extend a new Line of Credit (LoC) worth Rs 4,850 crore to the financial assistance is expected to fund key infrastructure and developmental projects across the country. This apart, an amendatory agreement was signed to reduce the Maldives' annual debt repayment obligations on previous Indian-funded LoCs, providing further financial relief to the both nations have also launched formal negotiations for the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (IMFTA), aimed at strengthening economic ties and expanding bilateral trade. To mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a joint commemorative stamp was also Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to deepen cooperation in various sectors. These include agreements on fisheries and aquaculture, meteorological collaboration between India's Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the Maldives Meteorological Services aong with the sharing of scalable digital governance solutions to promote digital transformation.A MoU was also signed for the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia by Maldivian authorities, which will facilitate smoother trade in pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, a network-level agreement was concluded between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Maldives Monetary Authority to bring India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to the Maldives, strengthening financial visit also featured the inauguration and handing-over of several major development projects funded by India. These included the formal handover of 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale built under India's Buyers' Credit facilities and the inauguration of the roads and drainage system project in Addu City. Apart from this, six High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) will also be inaugurated in the nation to improve the local infrastructure. India also handed over 72 vehicles and various types of equipment to Maldivian Defence Ministry to bolster their security. - Ends
India.com
25-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistani Major Who Captured Abhinandan Killed In TTP Clash, Viral Video Sparks Buzz
Pakistani Major Moiz Abbas Shah, a known officer who was involved in the 2019 arrest of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, has been killed during a confrontation with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists. Shah was among two Pakistani security officials killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The media wing of the Pakistani army, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement on Tuesday that security personnel exchanged fire with a "Khwarij site" TTP militants—during the operation. The release asserted that 11 "Indian-funded Khwarij" were killed and seven wounded, while Major Shah, who was 37, and Lance Naik Jibranullah, 27, sacrificed their lives. Pakistan Army's Major Moiz Abbas killed by Pak Taliban (TTP) in South Waziristan today. Moiz claim to fame was that he got the credit for "capturing" India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in February 2019. — Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) June 24, 2025 Major Shah, a native of Chakwal and member of the elite Special Service Group (SSG), was leading the anti-terror operation when he was killed. He had become famous in Pakistan for his actions during the aftermath of India's retaliatory air strikes on a terrorist training camp in Balakot in February 2019, 12 days after the Pulwama attack. During the subsequent air combat, then Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, flying for India's 51 Squadron, saw his MiG-21 Bison fighter downed by Pakistani fighter aircraft. He ejected and crashed on the Pakistan side of the Line of Control (LoC), where he was taken into custody. Major Moiz Abbas Shah was said to be the officer with whom Varthaman surrendered. The attack points towards the constant tussle between the security forces of Pakistan and the TTP, which in recent years has experienced a resurgence in militant operations, most prominently in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Pakistan often accuses the terror outfits of receiving Indian support, a charge that New Delhi repeatedly refutes.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Harvard under fire for hosting Pakistan conference after Pahalgam terror attack
TOI correspondent from Washington : Harvard University's South Asia Institute, bankrolled by Indian billionaire Laxmi Mittal , distanced itself from a "Pakistan conference" it platformed on Sunday after a backlash from some Indian students, even as Pakistan, embarrassed over having to use an Indian-funded facility, vowed to regain its diminishing footprint in US academia . Controversy over the one-day conference erupted after two Indian students, Surabhi Tomar and Abhishek Chaudhuri, in a letter to the university management, urged Harvard to "ensure its campus does not become a platform for whitewashing state-enabled religious terrorism " in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people. 'Welcoming representatives of a government that enables or justifies terrorism risks Harvard being complicit. The United States must not host representatives of a state that protects and promotes organisations targeting civilians based on faith,' the students said in a separate letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Pakistan's finance minister Muhammed Aurangazeb and its ambassador to US Rizwan Shaeed Sheikh were among the delegates to the conference. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This All-Natural Oil Is Helping Men Combat ED Without Side Effects Boost Your Potency Naturally Undo Among other demands, the students urged the Harvard management to issue a public statement condemning the Pahalgam attack and provide emotional and institutional support to affected students, seeking, "clarity, courage, and compassion for Hindu and Indian students grieving the targeted killing of members of their faith." An administrator at the South Asia Institute told TOI that the conference was organized by Pakistani students and the institute did not host it beyond providing "some support." However, the Institute's executive director, Hitesh Hathi, took part in a discussion with Pakistani historian Ayesha Jalal on "The Enlightened Muslim: Examining the intersection of religion, modernity, and state formation in Pakistan." The Institute later scrubbed the conference and the panel discussion from its website, a link showing the message, " The page you requested could not be found." While some Indian students expressed anger at Harvard and SAI platforming the event, others mocked the Pakistani effort, ridiculing a country that is so broke that it required an Indian billionaire to platform its conference. Although organized by Pakistani students at Harvard, the conference, according to some attendees, was also ostensibly aimed at rejuvenating the country's diminishing footprint in US academia. Among others, Hamid Mir, a prominent Pakistani journalist who was a delegate at the conference and also reported on it, repeatedly invoked the Indian clout in US academia, leading Pakistan's ambassador to the US to pledge that Islamabad would work to restore several Pakistan chairs that were defunct, including the Quaid e Azam chair at Columbia University. According to Open Doors, which tracks foreign student inflow into the US. Pakistan currently has 10,988 students enrolled in American higher education institutions, compared to 331,602 students from India, the highest among all countries, followed by China at 277,398. Even Bangladesh (17,099) and Nepal (16,742) have more students in the US than Pakistan, whose international reputation has suffered on account of hosting terrorist groups and purported use terrorism as a policy instrument.
