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Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi-Malé ties are shaped by geography and mutual trust
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is on his first State visit to the Maldives, at a time when Mohamed Muizzu is the president of the island-nation. This trip comes at a pivotal moment for India-Maldives relations. This is more than a ceremonial visit. It presents an opportunity to recalibrate a relationship that is as old as our shared seas and as vital as ever for the future of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The complex duality of the Maldives also needs to be appreciated: A small State with considerable diplomatic significance; a society deeply proud of its sovereignty, yet deeply reliant on its partnerships; a country with vibrant political debates that can sometimes distort its long-term strategic interests. Amid these realities, one constant has been India's quiet, consistent, and committed support. India and the Maldives share a civilisational connection dating back centuries. Barely 45 minutes by air, our maritime linkages brought trade, language, culture, and religion across the Indian Ocean. These deep-rooted people-to-people ties were echoed by PM Narendra Modi during his 2019 address to the Maldivian parliament: 'Relations between India and Maldives are older than history... the waves of the vast seas connecting us have been the messengers of friendship between our peoples.' This enduring closeness has in the past decades translated into strategic cooperation. India's swift military intervention during the 1988 coup attempt-Operation Cactus-remains a landmark of regional security cooperation. Similarly, whether during the 2004 tsunami or the 2014 Malé water crisis, India has consistently acted as the Maldives' first responder in times of need. This solidarity was reaffirmed during the Covid-19 pandemic. India's Vaccine Maitri initiative provided 200,000 vaccine doses to the Maldives early in the global rollout. Under Operation Sanjeevani, India delivered 6.2 tonnes of medical supplies, including essential medicines and protective equipment, when supply chains were disrupted worldwide. Such gestures were were diplomatic signals of trust. As then Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid said: 'India has always been a friend in need... be it a terrorist coup attempt, natural disasters, or a pandemic.' This sentiment is echoed in India's broader development support, which includes budgetary assistance, infrastructure grants, and concessional financing under a $1.4 billion package announced in 2018. India's development footprint in the Maldives is grounded in transparency, sustainability, and capacity-building. The Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), financed by India, is set to be the largest infrastructure initiative in Maldivian history. It will connect Malé to Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi via bridges and causeways, transforming urban connectivity and spurring economic growth. In contrast to opaque lending practices seen elsewhere, Indian projects are delivered with local employment, knowledge transfer, and no hidden clauses. These are not just economic assets – they are investments in trust. Yet, the bilateral relationship has not been without turbulence. In recent years, Maldivian domestic politics have, at times, instrumentalised India relations for electoral gain. The 'India Out' campaign in 2023 generated unfortunate misperceptions and clouded bilateral understanding. However, the return to diplomatic pragmatism under President Muizzu has been a welcome correction. His outreach to India, and India's reciprocal gestures, including substantial expansion of financial and budgetary support in 2024 and again in 2025, reflect a mutual desire to steer the relationship away from reactive posturing. Muizzu recently said, 'India is a key partner in the socio-economic and infrastructure development of the Maldives. Our friendship is based on mutual respect and shared history. These words must now be translated into policies that endure beyond political cycles. Both sides must accept that occasional political noise cannot be allowed to distort a foundational relationship. The Maldives must approach India not through the lens of transient coalitions, but as a long-term partner in development and security. India's speedy completion of 18 diverse projects since 2019 under cash grant has broadly gone unnoticed. From streetlights in cities to gyms in 67 islands to completion of water and sanitation on 34 islands India has touched every citizen's life in several ways. A better system of dissemination of such cooperation may help promote further goodwill between the two countries. On the other projects, India must materialise its commitments with speed and transparency. Delays or miscommunications undermine public perception. Joint working groups, annual high-level reviews, and a revived security and maritime dialogue can ensure continuity regardless of political change. In 2024, during Muizzu's visit to India, a vision document on 'comprehensive economic and security partnership' was adopted. This was followed up with two meetings of the high-level core group (HLCG) — a welcome development. The Maldives is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. India must lead regional cooperation in disaster risk reduction, renewable energy, and coastal resilience. Green diplomacy can be a new pillar of the partnership. The Maldives has supported India in multiple international forums, including during India's candidatures at the UN. That solidarity must be reciprocated. India should advocate for small island states within global platforms like the G20 and the International Solar Alliance. Limitless opportunities of structured partnership in areas like anti-piracy, fight against trafficking, narcotics and terrorism, and disaster management can make this a model relationship working in regional and global interest. India-Maldives ties are defined not just by geography, but by trust built over decades. This relationship must now be shielded from the volatility of headlines, electoral calculations, or external provocations. The stakes are too high not only for bilateral growth but for the larger stability of the IOR. PM Modi's visit is an occasion for both nations to reaffirm their strategic clarity. Governments may change, but geography does not. Nor does history. India and the Maldives must act like the long-term partners they already are — and like the future partners the region needs them to be. Dnyaneshwar Mulay is India's former envoy to the Maldives. The views expressed are personal.
Hans India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
India's foreign policy transformed in last 10 Years: Harsh Vardhan Shringla
New Delhi: Former Foreign Secretary and India's Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, spoke to IANS in an exclusive interview on Sunday. He reflected on his transition from diplomacy to politics, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the nomination. Shringla shared his views on India's evolving global stature under the Modi government. IANS: You've been nominated to the Rajya Sabha. What would you like to say about Prime Minister Modi? Harsh Vardhan Shringla: I express my heartfelt gratitude to him for entrusting me with such a huge responsibility. I have had a 40-year-long career in diplomacy, and now I look forward to serving the people of this country through Parliament. I am deeply thankful to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this honour. IANS: How did you come to know about your nomination? Harsh Vardhan Shringla: The official gazette notification had come out. But before that, Prime Minister Modi personally called me. He didn't mention what exactly it would be—just that something significant was going to happen and that I would get an opportunity to serve the nation. I never imagined that he would call me himself. During my time as Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to the US, I had the opportunity to work closely under his leadership. But it felt special and humbling that he took the time to make that personal call. IANS: What's your view on India's foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi? Harsh Vardhan Shringla: If you look at how the world perceives India today compared to 10 years ago, the difference is massive. Today, India is seen with great respect. People around the globe recognise India's leadership in technology, innovation, and digital public infrastructure. Our contributions at the global level are now widely acknowledged. During the COVID-19 crisis, Prime Minister Modi initiated Vaccine Maitri, through which India supplied vaccines to many developing nations. There were countries that had their own vaccines but didn't share them due to domestic needs or financial concerns. India, on the other hand, rose above that and helped when the world needed it the most. Everywhere PM Modi goes, he is conferred with international honours. That in itself reflects India's growing stature. I recently visited countries like Kuwait, Algeria, and Bahrain as part of an all-party delegation after Operation Sindoor, and leaders in all these countries praised Prime Minister Modi and appreciated how strong our relationships with Gulf nations have become under his leadership. IANS: Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of Opposition, but he frequently travels abroad. He is abroad even now. Your comments? Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Going abroad is one thing, but going abroad and making negative remarks about your own country is quite another. The people of India do not appreciate such behaviour. Criticising the country on foreign soil is deeply unfortunate. During our recent delegations, even opposition leaders accompanied us and stood united for the country. But to raise doubts and speak against the nation—especially at such sensitive times—is not acceptable. After Operation Sindoor, multiple delegations went abroad and sent out a strong message: India stands united. IANS: Rahul Gandhi has been demanding a debate on Operation Sindoor in Parliament and is calling it 'Narendra Surrender.' Your reaction? Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Such statements are completely baseless. The world has seen how India asserted its strength. Within four days, our military conducted a successful operation with pinpoint accuracy—our BrahMos missiles struck nine terror bases with precision. Pakistan suffered heavy losses. In fact, it was Pakistan that reached out for a ceasefire. NSA Ajit Doval recently made a public statement confirming that there was no damage to Indian assets. Not even a single military installation was harmed. Satellite images clearly show how much damage was inflicted on Pakistani military sites. It was a decisive operation and an unquestionable victory for India. IANS: The Opposition is targeting India's foreign policy while glorifying the Gandhi family's past diplomacy. What do you have to say? Harsh Vardhan Shringla: When you have no substance, you resort to slogans and distractions. Speaking against your own country on international platforms is not only immature but also harmful. The public is watching. They can clearly see the kind of spectacle being created by the Congress. Under this government, the kind of national security challenges we used to face earlier no longer exist. There's a sense of confidence and respect that India commands globally now, and that's the result of strong and visionary leadership.
United News of India
05-07-2025
- Health
- United News of India
T&T PM Persad-Bissessar lauds PM Modi's compassion and solidarity during pandemic by sending vaccines
Port of Spain, July 4 (UNI) Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamala Persad-Bissessar has commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's compassion and solidarity during the Covid-19 pandemic, praising India's Vaccine Maitri initiative under which the tiny Caribbean nation received much-needed vaccines. 'When the Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to its knees, while some other countries were hoarding medical supplies, you ensured that vaccines and supplies reached even the smallest nations, including Trinidad and Tobago,' she said in an address at the Community Diaspora Event in honour of the Indian Prime Minister, held at the National Cycling Centre in Couva. This elicited sustained applause from the hundreds gathered in the audience. Reflecting on this, Persad-Bissessar continued, 'Through your benevolence, you brought hope and calm where there was fear. I say again, this was more than diplomacy; this was an act of kinship. 'This was an act of sheer humanity; this was an act of love, and this is one of the many reasons we are deeply proud to bestow upon you, Excellency, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, our nation's highest honour.' That ceremony is scheduled to take place this morning at President's House, Port of Spain. On April 13, 2021, T&T received 40,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines after Prime Minister Modi responded to a request for assistance from Port of Spain during a period when acquiring vaccines was particularly challenging. She told the audience that it was a 'profound honour to be graced' by one of the world's most esteemed and admired visionary leaders.'Your presence is a great inspiration to all of us, particularly to the Trinbago Indo community,' she said. Persad-Bissessar said the relationships between both nations go beyond time and distance, as she lauded Modi for positioning his country as 'a prominent and dominant global power through visionary and futuristic initiatives.' 'We bow to you, sir,' she said. She acknowledged his efforts in supporting the Indian diaspora and the common history shared by the two nations. 'The ties that bind India and T&T are ties of ancestors, kinship, sacrifice and love,' Persad-Bissessar said. 'We here are the grandchildren of Mother India, separated by oceans but united by love and respect. The ties that bind our two nations are truly unbreakable.' She asked that the two countries continue this journey together, as partners, as brothers, and as sisters. During her initial term as Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar travelled to India in January 2012, in recognition of the historical and cultural connections between the two countries, which date back to the arrival of Indian indentured labourers to T&T in 1845. A significant aspect of her visit was her role as the Chief Guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Jaipur where she was honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, acknowledging her contributions and the strong relationship she embodied between the Indian diaspora and their homeland. UNI RN
Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Vaccine manufacturers' body, Serum Institute of India reaffirm COVID-19 vaccine safety
The Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) has assured that all COVID-19 vaccines in India were approved for emergency use authorisation based on extensive evaluation in preclinical studies and human clinical trials. 'Patient safety and product quality are always prioritised during the vaccine development and its manufacture,' Dr G V J A Harshavardhan, Director General, IVMA, said in a statement released on Thursday. The statement sought to reassure the public on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. 'All COVID-19 vaccines in India were approved for emergency use authorisation [restricted use in emergency situations as per World Health Organization guidelines], he said, adding, 'These approvals were based on extensive evaluation in preclinical studies and human clinical trials, with positive results on safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of these vaccines.' The IVMA statement comes in the backdrop of the Union health ministry saying on Wednesday that extensive studies by several agencies have 'conclusively established no linkages' between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths. The Serum Institute of India also posted on X that the COVID-19 vaccines were safe and scientifically validated. 'Two large-scale studies by ICMR [Indian Council of Medical Research] and AIIMS [All India Institute of Medical Sciences], as cited by the Ministry of Health have found no link between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths,' SII said. The IVMA statement also noted that prior to their release, all COVID-19 vaccines were tested extensively for safety by the manufacturers and were also provided Batch Release Certification by the Central Drugs Laboratory in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 'The strengths of innovation and large-scale, high-quality manufacturing are the hallmarks of the Indian vaccine ecosystem. COVID-19 vaccines manufactured in India were largely responsible for not only controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and restricting its impact on lives, livelihoods, but most importantly, enabling India's economic activity and GDP to rebound and grow to new heights globally,' Dr Harshavardhan said. 'This positive impact of COVID-19 vaccination was not only limited to India, but also to several countries worldwide, under the Government of India's Vaccine Maitri programme…,' he added.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India a global leader in health innovation and vaccines: Jitendra
New Delhi: Underscoring India's evolution into a global health leader, Jitendra Singh, minister of state for science & technology and earth sciences and MoS in the PMO, said India was now recognised globally as a leader in healthcare innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing and vaccine development , exporting vaccines to over 100 countries under Vaccine Maitri . "As we move forward, such partnerships will be key in shaping the future of global health from India," he said at the Times Now Doctors Day Conclave 2025, powered by Lupin. Minister of state for health and family welfare Anupriya Patel laid out the Centre's ambitious vision for India@100 and said, "We are committed to creating a resilient, inclusive and technology-driven healthcare ecosystem by 2047, as we celebrate 100 years of independence. Our vision is to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for every citizen. The National Health Policy embodies this vision, shifting the focus from disease-specific interventions to a comprehensive and integrated approach rooted in universal health coverage. This is a paradigm shift - one that redefines how we view health and well-being, not just within India but also in alignment with global priorities." Others who spoke at the event included Punjab governor and Chandigarh administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Tripura governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu and Andhra Pradesh health minister Satya Kumar Yadav. Kataria said since 2014, India's healthcare budget had grown from Rs 33,000 crore to Rs 99,000 crore, reflecting the govt's strong commitment to a Swasth Bharat under the leadership of PM Narenrda Modi.
