India

Anti-India editorial pulled from pro-government website

The Vaguthu article blasted India, saying it was not a best friend but an enemy and that it viewed the Maldives with “envy, self-interest and hostility.”

Anti-India editorial under fire from Maldives opposition

Relations between the two countries have been in the spotlight since the Maldives signed a massive free trade agreement with China, apparently catching India off guard.

India breaks silence on China-Maldives FTA

The Maldives first FTA was rushed through parliament last month, but the government says it will open up the world’s largest consumer market for tariff-free fish exports. The Maldives also committed to waive import duties for Chinese goods.

Council suspended for meeting India’s ambassador to the Maldives

The decision to punish the Gaafu Alifu representatives was made at a board meeting of the Local Government Authority on Wednesday. The Maldives Independent has seen a copy of the LGA letter sent to the island council.

India has ‘zero sum’ mentality in the region, says China

The Global Times said the formal handover of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port to China on a 99-year lease had stirred alarm in New Delhi.

China tells India to calm down after Maldives trade deal

The Global Times said China remained the largest source of tourists for the Maldives and that there was no “political intrigue” to the Free Trade Agreement.

President Yameen to make first state visit to China

The trip takes place from December 6 until December 9 and is at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

Probe into migrant workers arrested for brewing alcohol

Maldives and the Great Game in the Indian Ocean

The Maldives, faced with economic and political crises, has reoriented its foreign policy, wherein the Chinese enjoy a place of much greater influence than they did in the past. Anand Kumar examines the emerging security scenario in the Indian Ocean.

India gifts second helicopter to Maldives

The Indian government gifted a second helicopter to the Maldivian military last week following the signing of an Indo-Maldives defence action plan in April.

Maldives, India sign defence action plan

“It is clear that the contours of India-Maldives relations are defined by our shared strategic, security, economic and developmental goals. The prompt implementation of a concrete action plan in the defence sector will strengthen our defence cooperation,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a joint press conference with President Abdulla Yameen yesterday.

Yameen thanks India, Pakistan’s defence of Maldives at Commonwealth

President Abdulla Yameen has thanked India and Pakistan for helping the Maldives avoid action by the Commonwealth over human rights abuses, but has offered no indication his government is prepared to meet calls for reform.

Indian health expo in Malé to feature leading hospitals

The High Commission of India is hosting next week a health expo featuring some 20 leading multi speciality hospitals and a free medical camp at the state-owned Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

India to donate military aircraft, new helicopter to Maldives

India has promised the Maldivian military a fixed-wing aircraft and a second helicopter, according to Defence Minister Adam Shareef, who is currently in New Delhi on an official visit.

Nasheed urges Modi visit to ‘disentangle Maldives mess’

Jailed former president Mohamed Nasheed has urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the Maldives to “disentangle us from the mess we are in,” according to his lawyers.

Maldives, India discuss defence and Indian Ocean security

The Maldives and India reviewed bilateral ties today and committed to boost cooperation in the defence, human resource, trade and health sectors in talks co-chaired by two nations’ foreign ministers.

Top Indian diplomat to visit the Maldives

Indian External Affairs Minister Shushma Swaraj is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives on October 10 for a two-day visit, The Maldives Independent understands.

Vice president extols friendship with India and China

Vice President Ahmed Adeeb lauded and reaffirmed the Maldives’ friendship with rivals India and China at separate functions this week. The current administration has been accused of threatening Indian Ocean regional security by deciding to participate in the Chinese ’21st Century Maritime Silk Road’ initiative.

China denies planning military bases in Maldives

China “has always respected and supported the Maldives’ efforts to maintain its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” the Chinese foreign ministry has said. “What the relevant people said about China building bases in the Maldives is totally baseless,” it added.

MDP MP appeals for Indian pressure to release Nasheed