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News18
12 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
'Whenever We Dial, India Responds First': Ex-Maldives Minister On Diplomatic Ties Ahead Of PM Visit
PM Narendra Modi is travelling to the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu in what is being seen as a breakthrough in diplomatic ties after a spell of frostiness A year after diplomatic tensions with India, the Maldives is all set to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a State Visit on July 25 and 26. Expressing hope that this will turn things around, a former minister has praised New Delhi for being the first to respond whenever his country asks for help. Modi is travelling to the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu in what is being seen as a breakthrough in the ties between the two countries following a spell of frostiness. He will join the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Maldives. Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid noted India was always the first responder to the Maldives because Indians have a 'big heart". He said despite the tensions between the two countries, the rise in aid from India shows its maturity and generosity. 'The relationship between the Maldives and India has always demonstrated that India is the first responder. Whenever we dial the international line, India responds first. It is for many reasons. First and foremost, because Indian people have a big heart and they are always ready to assist the Maldives in the neighbourhood, they are most generous," Shahid said. '…India is so close to the Maldives geographically. Whenever anything of urgency and distress happens in the Maldives, India has never let us down…the increase in aid by the Indian government shows the generosity and maturity," he said. Shahid noted that it is important for the Maldives not to use its neighbours for its own political gains and respect its friends. 'It is important that we in the Maldives recognise that true friendship requires Maldivian political parties and leadership not to use our neighbouring countries as a punching bag for political convenience. The ground reality hits us quickly, easily and that is what we are seeing," he said. Modi, meanwhile, has expressed confidence that his visit to the Maldives will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting people and advancing India's Neighbourhood First Policy. 'This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. I look forward to my meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership, to advance our joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen our cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region," Modi said in a statement before he embarked on his four-day visit to the UK and Maldives. 'PM'S VISIT WILL SET EVERYTHING RIGHT' Shahid said it was unfortunate that there was a dip in tourism due to the diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives. 'There is a huge market just next door to us. It is only natural that we tap into the economic boom that is taking place in India. It was unfortunate that there was a dip in Indian tourism around arrivals in the Maldives because of the diplomatic tensions. But I think the PM's visit this time will set everything right," he said. He said the current Maldivian government will recognise India as its genuine friend and both countries bear no ill will. 'The message that we are receiving shows that the current Maldivian government is ready to recognise the ground reality that India is a genuine friend and that India will always work to the greater good of its neighbours and there is no ill-will on the part of anyone. I am hopeful and I look forward to this visit by the PM to be a new beginning, a way to further consolidate the relationship between our two countries," he added. He further expressed contentment at the thawing of frozen ties between the two countries. He said the strain was due to an incorrect narrative of the current government. 'I am delighted by the PM's visit. The PM's visit this time goes beyond symbolism because the PM is making a State Visit coinciding with the 60th anniversary of our independence. He is going to be the guest of honour for the celebrations. This goes beyond symbolism because recently we have had very unfortunate diplomatic strain between the Maldives and India because of the narrative that the current government used during the elections," he added. (With agency inputs) Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: 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.
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi departs for UK, Maldives to strengthen trade, Indian Ocean security
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening efforts aimed at peace and stability in the Indian Ocean will be the focus of his two-nation tour of the UK and the Maldives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a two-day visit to the UK on Wednesday. (PTI) Modi departed for a two-day visit to the UK on Wednesday, with the formal signing of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) set to the highlight of the trip. He will then travel to the Maldives during July 25-26 to be the guest of honour at the Indian Ocean archipelago's Independence Day celebrations, marking a significant turnaround after a particularly frosty patch in ties. India and the UK share a comprehensive strategic partnership that has witnessed significant progress in recent years and bilateral collaboration spans a wide range of areas such as trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people ties, Modi said in a statement. Also Read: India, UK set to ink free trade agreement during PM Modi's visit At his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Modi said the two sides 'will have the opportunity to further enhance our economic partnership, aimed at fostering prosperity, growth and jobs creation in both countries'. Modi will be hosted separately by Starmer and King Charles III during the visit. The PM is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu to join celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the country's independence. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two sides. 'I look forward to my meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership, to advance our joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen our cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region,' Modi said. Also Read: India-Maldives ties see turnaround; Modi to attend Independence Day in Malé 'I am confident that the visit will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting our people and advancing our Neighbourhood First policy,' he added. India-Maldives ties were hit after Muizzu came to power on an 'India Out' plank in the presidential election in late 2023. His policies in the early stage of his presidency sought to move the Maldives closer to China. However, there was a thaw after Muizzu was invited to Modi's swearing-in for his third term in June last year, and India extended considerable economic assistance to help the Maldives overcome a balance of payments crisis.
Hans India
20 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Eyeing 'tangible outcomes', PM Modi embarks on two-nation visit to UK and Maldives
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday embarked on a two-nation visit to the United Kingdom and Maldives, hoping to solidify bilateral relations and expressing confidence that the visit will yield tangible outcomes. PM Modi's visit to the UK, scheduled for July 23-24, comes at the invitation of British counterpart Keir Starmer and will be his fourth trip to the country. In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "India and UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has witnessed significant progress in recent years. Our collaboration spans a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people ties." Day after tomorrow, 25th July, I will be in the Maldives at the invitation of the 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… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2025 He said that he will hold bilateral meetings with PM Starmer and will discuss further enhancing the economic partnership, aimed at fostering prosperity, growth and job creation in both countries. "I also look forward to calling on His Majesty King Charles III during the visit," he said. In the second leg of the tour, PM Modi will undertake a State Visit to Maldives from July 25-26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. This marks PM Modi's third visit to the island nation and the first by any head of state or government during President Muizzu's tenure. Significantly, PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives on July 26. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. His visit underlines India's commitment to strengthening ties with its maritime neighbours under the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership of the Indian Ocean archipelago, to advance the joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen the cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). "I am confident that the visit will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting our people and advancing our Neighbourhood First Policy," PM Modi said.
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
UPI, FTA, Rs 30-Billion Swap Line: India's Big Plans For PM Modi's Maldives Trip As Ties Reset
Last Updated: Describing the turnaround in ties, foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday termed it 'a question of working hard at a relationship' 'It's a question of working hard at a relationship," said foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday, describing the turnaround in relations with the Maldives since 2024, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day trip to the archipelagic country this week. New Delhi outlined several initiatives for the PM's trip, including an attempt to introduce UPI in the Maldives to boost tourism from India, a Rs 30-billion Indian swap line in progress, a free trade agreement under discussion, and a possible announcement regarding the MNDF (Maldives National Defence Force) building. This marks a significant change from 2024, when diplomatic relations had hit rock bottom. 'There will always be events that impact or try to intrude on the relationship. But this is testimony to the kind of attention paid to the relationship, including at the highest levels. We've continued to work at it, and the results are visible. We've also had close discussions with our partners in the Maldives to provide clarity and assurances about our bilateral intentions, and the results are evident," Misri said. The Maldives has been facing a stressful financial environment, and India is assisting it. 'Our recent assistance has improved the foreign exchange position of the Maldives, which has been cited by international financial organisations, including the IMF, as a positive factor that has helped the Maldives avoid difficult outcomes. My understanding is that the $400 million swap line has been almost completely utilised, and now the 30 billion rupee Indian swap line might also be drawn upon," Misri added. The foreign secretary mentioned that significant work has been done on the MNDF building project, and an announcement could be made soon. The Prime Minister's visit to the Maldives will be on July 25-26 at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. Muizzu was on a state visit to India in October 2024 and had previously attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new Modi government. PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the Maldives President and inaugurate some infrastructure projects. The Prime Minister will be the guest of honour at the celebrations commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Maldives' independence on July 26, 2025. Coincidentally, 2025 also marks the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. This is Modi's first state visit hosted by President Muizzu since he took office in November 2023. The PM has visited the Maldives in 2018 and 2019. The Maldives is a crucial partner in India's Neighbourhood First policy and MAHASAGAR vision. Misri highlighted how India has always responded promptly to the Maldives' needs in times of crisis, whether natural or manmade. Last year, Modi and Muizzu adopted a joint vision for an India-Maldives comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership. 'This joint vision guides our relations, and this year, in just the first six months, we've seen nearly half a dozen ministerial-level visits from the Maldives," Misri said. India is one of the Maldives' largest trading partners, with bilateral trade nearing $500 million. 'Both countries are negotiating a free trade agreement and an investment treaty. New areas of cooperation, including renewable energy and fisheries, are also being explored," Misri said. The flagship project currently underway is the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, which could be a game changer for infrastructure in the Greater Malé region, connecting four islands. 'Other ongoing projects include roads, airports, and fisheries processing units. We are also alleviating pressure by helping with social housing based on the Maldives' needs and priorities," said the foreign secretary. Twin currency swap arrangements were made when President Muizzu visited India in 2024, amounting to 400 million US dollars and 30 billion Indian rupees. 'Additionally, the State Bank of India has continued to re-subscribe to Maldives treasury bills," Misri said. First Published: July 23, 2025, 07:33 IST 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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Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India always stood by regional partners as 1st responder during crisis: MEA
India has "always stood" by its partners in the region as the first responder in times of crisis, and the BIMSTEC disaster management exercise further strengthened cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region towards disaster preparedness, response and resilience, the MEA said on Wednesday. India hosted the 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise virtually on July 14-15. The exercise organised by the National Disaster Management Authority, as a tabletop exercise, witnessed the participation of disaster management professionals from BIMSTEC Member States to assess and enhance regional preparedness for cyclones and floods. "The participants presented details of national disaster management architectures, engaged in simulated scenarios, evaluated response frameworks and shared best practices to strengthen coordination for disaster response across the region," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. "India has always stood by its partners in the region as the first responder in times of crisis. The Exercise further strengthened cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region towards disaster preparedness, response and resilience," it said. India also hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam on July 14-15. The theme of the conclave was 'Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation and Sustainable Partnerships'. The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and saw participation of delegations of the BIMSTEC member States, comprising officials, maritime experts, port authorities, private sector leaders, and regional development partners. "The Conclave discussed diverse issues such as harmonising customs procedures and enhancing logistical links to boost intra-regional trade, port-linked industrial zones, cruise tourism, digital integration, upskilling maritime workforce, industry-academia ties, green shipping," the MEA said in another statement on Wednesday. This initiative by India, in line with its Neighbourhood First policy, will "further strengthen maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region," it said. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation that was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), the organisation is now known as BIMSTEC, comprises seven Member States with the admission of Myanmar later in 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in 2004.
