News Analysis India

Tag: Maldives

  • Planning A Holiday In Maldives? Think Twice As Crime Against Tourists On A Rise, Indians Attacked |

    Maldives was a favourite tourist destination for Indians. However, things have taken a bitter turn of events since the pro-China government led by Mohamed Muizzu came to power in Maldives. Muizzu came to power riding on ‘India Out’ campaign. The relations between India and Maldives turned sour in January this year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep in a bid to promote domestic tourism. However, Maldivian leaders mocked India and made insulting remarks against PM Modi. Since then, the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives has declined but still, many Indians are visiting the island nation.

    However, the country doesn’t look safe as radical elements have become more active there, show some recent incidents and various reports. In a recent incident, a couple of Indians were attacked by Maldivians after a minor altercation near Central Park in Hulhumale. In another incident, an Israeli woman was targeted in the Maldives and was forced to leave the country, according to reports. 

    Israeli tourist tried to enter one of the islands in the Maldives for a holiday while her country commits genocide. She was kicked out by local island community and last reports indicate she was on her way back to the airport after realizing humanity does not welcome them anymore pic.twitter.com/PsKcUYp9UB
    — Muad M Zaki (@muadmzaki) April 30, 2024

    While the tensions between India and Maldives have increased, Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer is likely to visit India next week. If Zameer visits India, it will be the first high-level tour by either side since Muizzu took office last year. Muizzu has already visited China but is yet to visit India. As per reports, a request regarding his visit is pending with New Delhi. 

    According to reports, Zameer is likely to take up debt payment issues with India seeking leniency on the repayment term. Successive Maldivian governments have taken loans from India from time to time. Muizzu, since taking over power, has limited defence ties with India while leaning towards China. 

  • Maldives’ India-Hater President Is ‘Corrupt’ To The Core! May Be Impeached Soon world news

    Known for his hate for India and pro-China stance, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has landed into another controversy ahead of the Parliamentary polls in the island nation. A leaked report claimed involvement of Muizzu in corruption in 2018, a charge dismissed by him. Now, the opposition parties have demanded a probe and impeachment of the President. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and People’s National Front (PNF) demanded an investigation into the matter.

    According to local media reports, the political controversy began on Monday when an anonymous account, ‘Hassan Kurusee,’ shared leaked intelligence reports on social media. These reports purportedly included documents from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Maldives Police Service, which allegedly implicated President Muizzu in corruption.

    The Majlis elections are scheduled for Sunday, and the atmosphere has been tainted by accusations traded between the primary opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC).

    “These reports, dated circa 2018, claim irregularities in money transfers to President Muizzu’s personal bank account, highlighting 10 critical red flag indicators of financial misconduct. These indicators suggest involvement with politically exposed persons, embezzlement, structured transactions, and the use of corporate entities to hide fund origins,” news portal Maldives Republic (mvrepublic.Com) reported.

    After leaked intelligence reports surfaced, former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed called for Muizzu’s impeachment. Jameel took to his social media platform He also accused President Muizzu of extensive corruption in his flagship Ras Male’ development project and alleged excessive spending on public relations.

    A total of 368 candidates are contesting for 93 seats in this year’s parliamentary elections on April 21, according to media reports. The outcome of the elections will determine whether the opposition parties can act against President Muizzu, who assumed charge in November last year. (With PTI inputs)

  • Maldivian President Muizzu’s Ex-Minister Mariyam Shiuna Mocks India Once Again; Apologies After Backlash | world news

    Days after India allowed the export of certain essential commodities to Maldives at the request of the island nation, its former minister once again mocked New Delhi while targeting the opposition MDP. Mariyam Shiuna belongs to the People’s National Congress, the party of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. Shiuna grabbed the limelight when she joined fellow ministers in mocking India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. While Shiuna along with two fellow ministers was suspended from the Muizzu’s cabinet, her hate for India is yet to end as she mocked New Delhi once again. Her recent

    Latest Controversy: Insulting Indian Flag

    Mariyam Shiuna, the former Maldivian minister, in a recent post which has been deleted after backlash, mocked the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and India by posting an altered picture of Ashok Chakra, a part of the Indian tricolour. When Indian as wells as Maldivian social media users reacted sharply to the photo, Shiuna deleted the post and issued a clarification.

    Mariyam Shiuna’s Clarification

    After deleting the post, Shiuna said that she was unaware of the photo’s resemblance to the Indian flag and she would be careful in future. “I would like to address a recent social media post of mine that has garnered attention and criticism. I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post. It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the Maldivian opposition party MDP bore a resemblance to the Indian flag. I want to make it clear that this was entirely unintentional, and I sincerely regret any misunderstanding it may have caused,” said Shiuna.

    I would like to address a recent social media post of mine that has garnered attention and criticism. I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post.

    It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the… — Mariyam Shiuna (@shiuna_m) April 8, 2024

    The former minister also said that Maldives deeply values ​​its relationship and, the mutual respect it shares with India. “In future, I will be more vigilant in verifying the content I share to prevent such oversights,” she added.

    However, Shiuna’s Shiuna appears to have deliberately posted the photo to insult India and the MDP which favors friendly relations with New Delhi.

    Who Is Mariyam Shiuna?

    Mariyam Shuuna has served as a former minister in the Maldivian government. She worked as the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Information, and Arts in the Maldives. Shuuna is also a spokesperson for the Male City Council. She sparked controversy when she made disrespectful remarks regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Lakshadweep. After facing heavy backlash, she later deleted her post. The Maldivian government distanced itself from Shuuna’s statement at that time.

    Maldives-India Relation

    Maldives’ relations with India have become strained under the current leadership of President Muizzu who holds a pro-China view. Muizzu came to power riding on the ‘India Out’ campaign and has taken several steps in the last six months that have an anti-India tinge. It includes the ousting of 80 Indian soldiers posted in Male and allowing an alleged Chinese spy vessel to explore the Indian Ocean region.

  • Maldives’ 2 Main Opposition Parties To Boycott Muizzu’s Presidential Statement | world news

    As the political turmoil continues in the Maldives, the island nation’s two main opposition parties–the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats Party–have chosen not to attend the presidential statement scheduled for February 5, Maldives-based media outlet Mihaaru. reported. The majority-holding MDP in parliament has not yet disclosed the purpose of the boycott.

    However, the Democrats released a statement explaining their decision to abstain from the meeting due to the re-appointment of the three ministers who had been rejected by parliament.

    This is the first session of Parliament this year. The presidential statement will be made on Monday at 9 am by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, according to Mihaaru.

    According to the outlet, more than one member of the MDP parliamentary group has confirmed the decision. The President is required by the Constitution to address Parliament at the first session of the first term of the year, outlining the state of the nation and outlining his recommendations for how to bring improvements.

    Quite recently, two opposition parties in the Maldives came out against the current regime over its ‘stark’ anti-India pivot. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats jointly issued a joint press statement, labeling the shift in foreign policy as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the country’s long-term development.

    The statement served to reassert and affirm the opposition’s belief that “alienating any development partner, and especially the country’s most long-standing ally will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country”.

    The opposition further underlined that “stability and security in the Indian Ocean is vital to the stability and security of the Maldives.” Both the MDP and The Democrats emphasized the critical need for consecutive governments to maintain the ability “to work with all development partners for the benefit of the people of the Maldives, as the Maldives has traditionally done”.

  • Amid Chinese `Spy` Vessel`s Movement Towards Maldives, Indian Navy Sends Its Submarine To Sri Lanka

    INS ‘Karanj’ – a submarine of the Indian Navy arrived at the port of Colombo yesterday on a formal visit. The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in the precision of naval traditions.

  • Parliament Brawl Erupts In Maldives Over Cabinet Approval, Video Goes Viral | world news

    A brawl broke out in the Maldives parliament on Sunday night, with opposition lawmakers reportedly slapping the speaker and injuring a fellow lawmaker. The incident occurred during a heated debate over the approval of President Mohamed Muizzu’s new cabinet. Opposition lawmakers had raised concerns about the inclusion of several ministers who they accused of corruption.

    In a video that has gone viral, opposition lawmaker Ahmed Shiyam can be seen slapping Speaker Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed, who is also the former president of the Maldives, was trying to restore order in the chamber.

    The opposition coalition, which holds a majority in parliament, argues that the four cabinet members were appointed without proper consultation and should not be confirmed. They have also accused the Solih government of being increasingly authoritarian.

    The government, however, has defended the appointments, saying they were made in accordance with the constitution. They have accused the opposition of trying to obstruct the democratic process. The standoff has left the country in a state of political limbo. The parliament has been adjourned indefinitely, and it is unclear when or how the impasse will be resolved.

    Maldives Parliament Chaos: Viral Videos

    The chaos in the parliament was captured on video by lawmakers and members of the public. The videos show opposition lawmakers pushing and shoving their way into the chamber, while government security forces try to hold them back.

    Total chaos in Maldives Parliament as vote on Parliamentary approval of Muizzu’s Cabinet is being conducted.

    First the Opposition MP’s were prevented from entering, then Ruling party MPs attempted to prevent speaker from conducting session. Democracy is getting crushed! pic.twitter.com/Jj8VkyJnEb

    — Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) January 28, 2024

    One video shows a female opposition lawmaker being dragged out of the chamber by her hair. Another video shows a government lawmaker throwing a water bottle at an opposition MP. The videos have been widely shared on social media, sparking outrage and concern among Maldivians. Many are calling for calm and dialogue to resolve the political crisis.

    Concerns for Democracy

    The recent events have raised concerns about the state of democracy in the Maldives. The country has a long history of political instability, and there are fears that the current standoff could lead to further violence.

  • Big Setback For Maldivian President Muizzu; Parliament To Hold Impeachment Motion Against Him world news

    In a big setback for Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, the opposition party which holds a majority in the country’s Parliament, has gathered enough signatures to submit a motion to impeach the President. According to a statement attributed to a legislator from the MDP, the MDP and Democrats have collaborated to collect signatures for an impeachment resolution. A collective endorsement of 34 members, comprising representatives from both the MDP and Democrats, has been secured for the motion seeking the president’s impeachment, which was interrupted amid yesterday’s turmoil in the Maldivian parliament.

    According to reports, the MDP had decided it would deny approval to Ali Ihusan, the home minister, and Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, the defense minister, if government lawmakers continued to disrupt the Parliament. Meanwhile, after a skirmish between political leaders inside the Maldivian Parliament, heavy police arrangements have been made to tighten the security in the parliament ahead of today’s session, according to Adhahadhu.

    A video disseminated by the media depicted police personnel gathering outside the Parliament complex, equipped with protective shields. On Sunday, the Maldives Parliament experienced unrest as members of the government’s PPM/PNC party disrupted the proceedings and the Speaker. A pivotal vote regarding parliamentary approval for the Muizzu government was slated for that Sunday.

    As dramatic visuals surfaced on social media from Male, a fight between MDP MP Isa and PNC MP Abdullah Shaheem, Abdul Hakeem was seen. According to reports, one video showcased Shaheem gripping Isa’s leg and the two falling together, whereas another visual that went viral on social media showed Isa kicking Shaheem’s neck and pulling his hair.

    The ruling coalition parties, the PNC and the PPP, released a statement portraying the ministers’ refusal as an obstacle to the delivery of public services.

  • Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu Under Fire Over ‘Anti-India’ Stance, Opposition Calls It ‘Detrimental’ To Development |

    MALE: Amid escalating tensions in India-Maldives relations, triggered by President Mohammad Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldivian waters, coupled with diplomatic clashes over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, have come together in condemning the government’s pronounced anti-India pivot.

    A Stark Shift In Foreign Policy Sparks Opposition Outcry

    In a joint press statement, the MDP and The Democrats vehemently expressed their concern, denouncing the foreign policy shift as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the nation’s long-term development. The statement reiterated the Opposition’s belief that alienating a longstanding ally like India poses a significant threat to the country’s progress.

    Opposition’s Emphasis On Stability And Security In the Indian Ocean

    The Opposition emphasized the indispensable role of stability and security in the Indian Ocean for the overall well-being of the Maldives. Stressing the historical collaboration with India, they underscored the critical need for successive governments to maintain relationships with all development partners for the benefit of the Maldivian people.

    China’s Growing Influence And Indian Concerns

    Recent reports of a Chinese research vessel heading to the Maldives have raised eyebrows, especially following President Muizzu’s recent state visit to China. The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs reassured that the country welcomes vessels from ‘friendly nations,’ but concerns have been voiced in New Delhi, given the historical context of similar situations in Sri Lanka in 2022.

    Agreement To Fast-Track Indian Troops Withdrawal

    On January 14, India and the Maldives reached an agreement to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. This move aligns with Muizzu’s election promise and has led to heightened tensions, considering the longstanding military cooperation between the two countries.

    Row Over Disparaging Remarks On PM Modi And Lakshadweep Visit

    A significant dispute unfolded after a Maldivian deputy minister and other officials made derogatory references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep and his vision for developing the region into a global beach tourism destination.

    Government’s Attempt To Distance Itself From Controversy 

    Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, swiftly distanced the government from the disparaging remarks, labeling them as “unacceptable” and clarifying that they do not reflect the official position of the government. The incident adds to the complexity of the evolving diplomatic scenario between India and the Maldives.

  • Chinese Research Vessel Heading To Maldives: Report | world news

    BEIJING: A Chinese research vessel is heading to Maldives, Reuters reported, citing an Indian military official and an independent researcher. The timing coincides with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent state visit to China, aimed at strengthening ties. This development raises concerns in New Delhi, as India has previously viewed the presence of such vessels near its shores, including in Sri Lanka in 2022, as problematic. These vessels are not military ships officially. However, it will spark concerns for India and others about the military use of their research.

    Relations between India and the Maldives have strained since President Muizzu took office in November, shifting the government’s focus towards China and requesting the withdrawal of nearly 80 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, according to Reuters report. The Chinese vessel is heading to Male, according to post shared by open source intelligence researcher Damien Symon on social media platform to run an ocean survey operation in the Indian Ocean region raising concern in #India”.

    An Indian military official has confirmed Symon’s finding and said they are monitoring its movement, Reuters reported. Previously, India has flagged similar visits by other Chinese research vessels with its neighbor Sri Lanka, which has not permitted China to dock such vessels on its ports since 2022. This comes as India and the Maldives on January 14 “agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel” from the island nation, according to the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    On January 14, India and Maldives held a core group meeting. During the meeting, both sides deliberated on finding a “mutually workable solution” to ensure the “continued operation” of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and Medvec services, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The MEA announced that the next meeting will be held in the national capital. During the core group meeting, both nations delved “on several aspects of the bilateral relationship,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly briefing on January 18 while sharing insights on the deliberations that took place in the meeting.

    “We mentioned that both sides held discussions on finding a mutually workable solution to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and Medvec services to the people of the Maldives,” he also said. “The next meeting is to be held in India to take discussions forward. So that is where the situation as far as the Maldives is concerned,” Jaiswal added.

    When asked if India received a formal request from Maldives to withdraw the Indian military, Jaiswal said, “Whatever’s discussed was put out in the press release. That is where the situation actually stands. It is an ongoing process. Both sides held discussions on finding mutually workable solutions…This is an ongoing discussion, so things will go forward or things will be discussed in the next meeting of the core group subsequently soon.”

    Recently, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed traveled to China for a state visit. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, Mohamed Muizzu announced that agreements to assist the Maldives in expanding agricultural growth to cater to food security were signed with the Chinese government. The agreements were signed following the official talks between China and Maldives during Muizzu’s state visit to China. The two nations exchanged 20 key agreements at the signing ceremony.

    Speaking on the agreements signed between the two nations, Muizzu stated that deliberations were conducted to initiate a specific agricultural scheme at Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF), the Maldives President’s Office said in a press release. He stressed that the envisioned project will guarantee the cultivation of the most frequently used agricultural commodities, sufficient for a minimum population of 200,000 people.

  • Pro-Beijing Maldivian President Muizzu Asks India To Withdraw Troops By March 15; Says Taiwan Part Of China | world news

    Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who was on a visit to China days ago, has again shown his pro-Beijing attitude by not only rejecting the existence of Taiwan but also by setting a deadline for India to withdraw its troops from the island nation. Muizzu came to power on November 17 last year. Breaking away from the tradition of first visiting India, Muizzu went to China and inked several deals with China. It also urged China to send more tourists to Male.

    Pursuing ‘India Out’ Policy

    Muizzu, who came to power in November last year through his vicious ‘India Out’ campaign, has asked India to withdraw its military personnel from his country by March 15. According to the latest government figures, there are 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives. .

    “Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration,” said Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office. Amid this, a high-level core group of the two nations met today to negotiate the withdrawal of troops.

    Diplomatic Row Between India and Maldives

    The call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel arises amid heightened tensions between the two nations, triggered by offensive remarks made by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following their controversial social media posts, Muizzu suspended the three ministers. These comments raised concerns in India and led to calls for a boycott by Indian tourists, who held the highest numbers, followed by Russia, with Chinese tourists ranking third.

    Muizzu’s Veiled Attack On India

    Muizzu, who has just returned from China, has sought to move Maldives closer to Beijing. Speaking to reporters, he said that Maldives being small doesn’t give anyone a license to bully it. He also announced plans to reduce the country’s dependency on India, including securing imports of essential food commodities and medicine and consumables from other countries. He also said that the Indian Ocean doesn’t belong to just one country and belongs to all countries located in the ocean.

    Toeing Chinese Line

    During his China visit, Maldives and China issued a joint statement that even rejected the existence of Taiwan. “The Maldives is firmly committed to the one-China principle, recognizing that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Maldives opposes any statement or action that undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposes all ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities, and will not develop any form of official relations with Taiwan,” read the statement.

    Maldives To Become Chinese Colony?

    This shows that Muizzu has already bowed down to China for financial assistance and trade needs. Muizzu is not realizing that his pro-Beijing moves may lead the Maldives into a crisis like Sri Lanka. While India was there to help Colombo, that may not be the case for Maldives. Thus, the day is not far when Maldives will become a colony of China run by a puppet government. This definitely poses a security challenge for India and the Indian Navy needs to be on alert for any misadventure in the region.