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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Closely monitoring situation: India on Thailand-Cambodia clashes
As military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continued, India on Saturday (July 26, 2025) said it is closely monitoring the unfolding situation and hoped for cessation of hostilities. At least 32 people have been killed and nearly 1,50,000 displaced in the border clashes between the two Southeast Asian countries that erupted on Thursday (July 24, 2025). In its reaction to the conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised Indian travellers in the region to contact the respective embassies in the two countries for any assistance. Our response to media queries regarding the developments between Thailand and Cambodia ⬇️ 🔗 — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 26, 2025 "We are closely monitoring the situation along the border between Cambodia and Thailand," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "India has close and friendly relations with both countries and hopes that both sides will take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation," he said. The Indian embassies in Thailand and Cambodia have already issued separate advisories for Indian travellers. The Indian mission in the Thai capital urged all Indian travellers to check updates from authorities in the country before visiting tourist attractions in troubled areas. It called on Indians to avoid travelling to seven provinces as suggested by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Thailand is a popular destination for Indian tourists. In 2024, around 2.1 million Indian tourists visited the country. The Indian embassy in Phnom Penh also advised Indian citizens in Cambodia to avoid travelling to border areas. "In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas," it said in a post on social media.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PM Modi attends Maldives Independence day celebrations as Guest of Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives at Republic Square in Male, where he was honoured as the 'Guest of Honour'. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu was also present at the event. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Digital Marketing Operations Management Product Management Management Others healthcare Healthcare Degree Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Data Analytics Public Policy Technology PGDM Data Science Data Science others Design Thinking CXO MCA Leadership Project Management Finance Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi interacted with leaders of various political parties in Male. He also met Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla and former President Mohamed Nasheed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We Have No Words For Dog The Bounty Hunter's Transformation Cash Roadster Undo — presidencymv (@presidencymv) Sharing details of the visit, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said, "PM Narendra Modi interacted with leaders of various political parties in Male, today. He conveyed his warm wishes on the occasion of the Independence Day of Maldives. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment for a stronger India-Maldives relationship, building upon the vibrant people to people ties and the shared values between the two democracies. The Maldivian leaders thanked PM for India's continued support on developmental assistance for the welfare of the Maldivian people." Live Events — MEAIndia (@MEAIndia) — presidencymv (@presidencymv) The Maldives President's Office, in a post on X, said, "Vice President His Excellency Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef pays a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendram Modi. The two dignitaries engaged in warm, cordial discussions, reflecting on shared aspirations and exploring avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi is presently undertaking a state visit to the Maldives." — presidencymv (@presidencymv) Prime Minister Modi also posted on X after meeting Maldivian political leaders. He said, "Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership." — narendramodi (@narendramodi) During his meetings, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis. He reiterated that the Maldives would always remain a valued pillar of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its Mahasagar vision.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Vikram Misri was asked if China featured during Modi-Muizzu meeting. His response
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his commitment that Maldives attaches importance to security-related issues, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said on Friday, asserting that there has been a commitment from both sides to continue together. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a media briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's four-day visit to the UK and the Maldives.(@MEAIndia) The foreign secretary's remark comes on the question of whether China featured in Modi-Muizzu talks. 'The President expressed his commitment to the importance that the Maldives attaches to security-related issues and the commitment of both sides to continue working together,' Vikram Misri said during a briefing following Modi-Muizzu talks. Also Read: 'Our friendship will remain bright and clear': PM Modi in Maldives Misri said that there is a high frequency of contact between the security authorities of the two countries. PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Maldives, held extensive talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to deepen cooperation in a range of key areas, including trade, defence and maritime security. Foreign secretary Misri said India continues to work with the Maldives on any issue that might impinge upon shared security interests in the region. 'I think there is quite a high frequency of contact between the security authorities of the two countries and engagement at various levels. This remains an important issue. We continue to work with the Maldives on any issue that might impinge upon shared security interests in the region,' Misri said. Also Read: 'Most trusted friend': India unveils new measures to bolster Maldives economy Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said a key pact inked following the talks will reduce the Maldives' annual debt repayment to India by 40 per cent. While addressing a briefing, PM Modi said that the roots of India-Maldives relations is as deep as the ocean. 'For us, it is always friendship first,' Modi said in his media statement, adding the 'roots of our relations are older than history, and as deep as the ocean.' India on Friday announced a ₹4,850 crore line of credit for the Maldives and agreed to finalise a free trade deal soon. India-Maldives friendship will always "remain bright and clear" irrespective of any circumstances, the PM said, outlining his vision for the relationship.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi concludes UK visit after signing historic FTA, headed to Maldives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day official visit to the UK on Thursday after a full-fledged review of the entire gamut of issues in the bilateral relationship and signing off a historic bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). United Kingdom, Jul 24 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for the second leg of his tour- Maldives, on Thursday. (@MEAIndia X/ANI Photo) (@MEAIndia) Modi was hosted by his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, at Chequers – the official country residence of the British Prime Minister – for an intense session of talks that also covered regional and global issues of mutual interest. 'Concluding a very important UK visit. The outcomes of this visit will benefit our future generations and contribute to shared growth and prosperity. Gratitude to the PM Keir Starmer, the UK government and people for their warmth,' Modi said in a statement on social media. He leaves for the Maldives for the second leg of his two-nation tour, soon after an audience with King Charles III at his Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, eastern England. He presented the British monarch with a Sonoma dove tree, or handkerchief tree to be planted at the royal estate in the Autumn as part of his environmental initiative 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. 'The leaders celebrated the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which was signed today and will see growth in every part of the country – delivering on the government's Plan for Change,' 10 Downing Street said in a readout of the prime ministerial engagement at Chequers. 'The leaders also discussed the importance of the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which will see closer collaboration on trade, defence, security, technology and education – underscored by the close and historic relationship between the two countries,' the statement said. 'The leaders also discussed the Air India plane crash last month, and said their sympathies are with all the families and loved ones of the victims. The Prime Minister said the UK will continue to support all those affected by the tragedy,' it added. Modi has extended an invitation to Starmer to visit India, which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said has been accepted and officials will now be working out the details. Downing Street noted that both leaders 'looked forward to seeing one another soon'.
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
2 Indians killed, one missing in Niger: What is happening in the West African nation?
Two Indian migrant workers were killed in the West African country of Niger on Tuesday (July 15), and another was abducted after a terror attack on their worksite, officials said. One of those who died was Ganesh Karmali, 39, from Jharkhand's Bokaro district. An activist from Jharkhand who has been working on the repatriation of the bodies told The Indian Express that the other man had been identified only as Krishnan from a southern Indian state. The abducted worker has been identified as Ranjeet Singh, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir. 'The Chief Minister has expressed concern over the abduction of Ranjeet Singh, a resident of Ramban, in Niger. He urges the Hon'ble EAM @DrSJaishankar and #MEAIndia to urgently intervene to secure Ranjeet's safe and swift return,' a post on X by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's Office said on July 20. The Indian Embassy in Niger said the Mission, in the capital city of Niamey, was in touch with local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains and ensure the safe release of the abducted Indian. It also advised all Indians in Niger to maintain vigilance. How many Indians are known to be in the country, and what is the prevailing political situation there? We explain. According to the Union Ministry of External Affairs, around 150 Indians are currently in Niger. They are mostly engaged in the hospitality/service/business sectors. This presents a decline from 2023, when around 250 Indians were in the country. The Associated Press reported that foreigners are increasingly becoming targets of armed groups in Niger. Several have been kidnapped this year, including an Austrian woman who has lived in Niger as an aid worker for more than 20 years, a Swiss woman seized from her home in April and five Indian workers, also in April. In its modern history, Niger received independence from French colonial rule in 1960. For a majority of its post-independence era, it has seen single-party rule, military coups and limited space for the survival of democratic governments. Bazoum Mohamed's 2021 victory in the presidential election marked the country's first transition from one democratically elected president to another. But it was short-lived, and Niger again saw a military coup in 2023 led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who was officially sworn in as the president in March this year. He is supposed to serve for a transitional period of five years. Even before the recent political upheaval, the Sahel region (which Niger is a part of) was facing problems like climate change, poverty and terrorism. Lying to the south of the Sahara desert, it stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, including countries such as Nigeria, Senegal and Chad. It is also among the youngest regions of the world, with about 64% of the population under the age of 25. In some cases, the rise of terrorism has been cited in many countries as a justification for coups. Niger's western neighbours, Burkina Faso and Mali, also saw coups in 2022 and 2020, respectively. The AP also cited the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project as noting that June was one of the country's deadliest months on record. Islamic State-backed fighters launched a major offensive across the Tillaberi and Dosso regions, the latter being where Indians were killed. More than 100 civilians were killed in the exchange of fire. What complicates the existing issues is the presence of international actors. In an article for Foreign Policy in 2020, Samuel Ramani, an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute think tank, wrote, 'Instead of taking constructive steps to address the array of challenges facing the Sahel, great powers and regional institutions are exacerbating the region's problems.' 'Due to their intense focus on geostrategic competition and willingness to equate authoritarianism with stability, great powers such as France, the United States, Russia, and China, have actually perpetuated conditions, such as corruption and fragile state institutions, that contribute to rising political violence in the Sahel,' he added. One example is the Russian Wagner Group, which has supplied mercenaries to the region. On March 23 last year, Malian and Wagner Group soldiers launched a five-day attack on a border town to 'root out Islamist militants, killing more than three hundred civilians', according to the Council on Foreign Relations. According to a BBC report, the regional bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) also imposed 'crippling sanctions' on Niger after 2023, such as border closures and a no-fly zone for all commercial flights. However, in January, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger formally left the grouping. Historically, India and Niger had limited exchanges in terms of trade, but that has changed in recent years. The volume of trade has grown from around $95 million in 2018-19 to $203 million in 2022-23, and while Indian exports composed a major share seven years ago, of late the balance of trade is in Niger's favour. The main items being exported from Niger to India are Gum Arabic, Resins and other Vegetable saps and extracts, semi-precious stones, Oil seeds (Sesame), misc. grains, goat skins. etc. India has also extended Lines of Credit to Niger, for the construction of infrastructure and community projects. In 2020, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the country.
