News Analysis India

Tag: Narendra Modi

  • ‘Lord Ram Is A Symbol Of Good Governance’: PM Modi In Andhra Pradesh |

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Andhra Pradesh, said on Tuesday that the entire nation is filled with the spirit of Lord Ram ahead of the Ram Temple inauguration in the holy city of Ayodhya. “These days, the entire country is filled with the spirit of Ram. The life of Lord Rama, his inspiration, and the realm of faith and devotion associated with him go beyond words. The symbols of governance and discipline embodied by Lord Rama can serve as significant inspiration not only for individuals but also for institutions,” PM Modi said in Andhra Pradesh.

     

    #WATCH | PM Modi says, “Nowadays the whole country is filled with ‘Rammay’…Lord Ram is a symbol of governance and good governance in social life, which can become a great inspiration for your organization also” pic.twitter.com/RzDdkEHyf1
    — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2024

     

    Transforming Taxation In Lord Ram’s Style

    Reflecting on Ram Rajya’s principles, PM Modi highlighted how tax systems should emulate nature –  like rain returning to the earth. He emphasized the reforms in India’s tax system over the last decade, ensuring ease and benefit for taxpayers. ” In the past 10 years, we made several reforms to the tax system, the tax system which existed earlier was not easily understandable to the common people. Due to a lack of guidance, honest taxpayers and businessmen were affected. In the form of GST, we introduced a modern tax system. Govt made the Income Tax system also easy. We started a faceless tax assessment system in the country. Because of all these reforms, record tax collection happening in the country now,” PM Modi said.

    Record Tax Collections

    Due to these reforms, the country has witnessed record tax collections. The income tax exemption limit was raised from 2 lakhs to 7 lakhs, resulting in savings of over 2.5 lakh crore for citizens.

    Acknowledging Taxpayer’s Contribution, People-Driven Progress

    PM Modi acknowledged the diligent taxpayers, emphasizing that their contributions are dedicated to the nation’s welfare. This, he stated, echoes the essence of Ram Rajya – a governance founded on good principles. The increasing number of consistent taxpayers indicates a responsible and growing society. The funds collected are being utilized for the overall welfare of the citizens.

    ” Fight against corruption and action against corruptors were our government’s priority…you all must have got information on the Niti Aayog report that was released yesterday. When a govt is sensitive about poor people and when a govt works with a clear motive to eliminate the sufferings of the poor, there will be results. Niti Aayog has said that, in our 9 years govt, around 25 crore people have escaped poverty. In the country where for years there were slogans of ‘Garibi Hatao’, 25 crore people escaped poverty in 9 years, it is historic,” the PM said in a blistering attack on Congress.

    Strengthening Infrastructure In Andhra Pradesh

    Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) campus in Palasamudram, Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing the importance of customs, taxes, and narcotics education.

    PM Modi Visits Lepakshi Temple

    PM Modi, donning traditional attire, earlier visited the Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, just days before the grand Ram Mandir’s Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya.

    Spiritual Significance

    The Veerabhadra temple holds paramount significance in the Ramayana, believed to be where Jatayu, wounded by Ravana, fell after battling for Goddess Sita.

    Roadshow In Kochi

    The Prime Minister is slated to hold a roadshow in Kochi, Kerala, where he is scheduled to perform pooja and darshan at Guruvayur Temple and Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple on January 17.

    Kochi Infrastructure Projects

    PM Modi will also inaugurate major infrastructure projects in Kochi, including the New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited, the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF), and the LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Puthuvypeen.

    New Dry Dock: An Engineering Marvel

    The New Dry Dock, a flagship project costing around Rs 1,800 crore, showcases India’s engineering prowess, becoming a vital marine infrastructure in the region. Prime Minister Modi’s insightful words during his visit to Andhra Pradesh highlight the enduring influence of Lord Rama’s principles on the nation. His emphasis on incorporating these ideals in both personal and institutional realms reflects a commitment to fostering a society rooted in governance, discipline, and inspiration.

  • India, Maldives Agree To ‘Fast-Track Withdrawal Of Indian Troops’: Maldives Foreign Ministry | India News

    MALE: In a major diplomatic development, India and the Maldives have reached a consensus to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. The decision emerged from the first meeting of the High-Level Core Group between the two countries, held in Male’ on Sunday.

    BILATERAL COOPERATION REVIEW AND DISCUSSIONS

    At the meeting hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, both sides meticulously reviewed their existing bilateral cooperation. The discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of mutual interests, with a particular focus on development cooperation, as detailed in the press release by the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    WILLINGNESS TO INTENSIFY COOPERATION

    Expressing a shared commitment to intensify cooperation, both nations agreed on the swift withdrawal of Indian military personnel. The official statement emphasized this joint decision, and plans were set for the second meeting of the High-Level Core Group at a time convenient for both parties.

    AVIATION PLATFORMS AND ONGOING PROJECTS

    Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs disclosed that discussions also revolved around finding a mutually workable solution to sustain the operation of Indian aviation platforms, crucial for providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives. The talks further extended to enhancing bilateral cooperation and expediting the implementation of ongoing projects.

    MALDIVES PRESIDENT’S MARCH 15 DEADLINE FOR TROOPS WITHDRAWAL

    Local media in the Maldives reported that President Mohamed Muizzu urged the Indian government to withdraw its troops from the island nation before March 15. Notably, this move aligns with Muizzu’s party’s campaign promise, making the removal of Indian troops a focal point.

    FOLLOWING THROUGH ON CAMPAIGN PROMISE

    Muizzu, soon after assuming office, officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. Last December, he claimed that, after a constructive dialogue with the Indian government, an agreement had been reached to withdraw Indian military personnel, marking a significant development in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

  • Will fulfil Shah’s Lok Sabha seat target in West Bengal: Majumdar

    The BJP’s West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar has flagged the issue of infiltration and said his party will contest the upcoming general election in the state on the planks of “large-scale corruption” of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and the performance of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

    “Infiltration is the biggest challenge faced by Bengal and it is a question of how the state can be saved,” Majumdar told ET in an exclusive interview. “The law and order situation is precarious in West Bengal, especially in some parts like the border area of Sandeshkhali. Demography in these bordering regions has completely changed over the years since independence. If we compare the census in 1947 and the last census in 2011, there is a huge change in the demography due to infiltration.”

    Poll Planks”We will fight the Lok Sabha polls on two issues – large-scale corruption of Trinamool Congress and PM Narendra Modi’s performance in the last few years and Modi’s developmental model,” Majumdar said.

    Talking about candidate selection for the upcoming polls, he said, “We will consider certain factors during candidate selection for Lok Sabha polls – whether they are associated with the party’s work actively, ideological background and clean image. These three factors will be considered with utmost importance during candidate selection.”

    While inducting new workers into the party, the BJP aims to focus on fresh faces with a clean image, he said. “Fresh faces will be taken into the party. We will not accept rotten potatoes. We will rather focus on fresh faces and karyakartas (workers) instead of leaders,” he said.The BJP has worked hard to build an organisational base in the state in the past few years, Majumdar said. “We have built a strong organisational structure and the number of people in the booths is far higher than that in 2019. We have become stronger and booths have also been strengthened. We will be able to fulfil the target set by Amit Shah for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls,” he said.Shah has fixed a target of winning 35 out of the 42 seats in the state in the Lok Sabha polls. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had won 18 seats, up from two seats in 2014.

    Rohingyas

    “There is a presence of Rohingyas in Sandeshkhali area. People like Shahjahan Sheikh have given place in the area to the Rohingyas in and around the fisheries and they are used by the Trinamool Congress politically. The Trinamool Congress government in Bengal is aware of it but they are silent on the matter. It is an open secret,” Majumdar said, adding that large tracts of areas where fisheries are run in Sandeshkhali and adjacent areas are a haven of illegal and anti-social activities.

    Talking about the central government’s intervention on AITC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, Majumdar said, “It should be an administrative decision as to what kind of central intervention is required to control these kind of incidents. The Centre should intervene in the matter depending on the law of the land.”

    Majumdar had written a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah last Friday, seeking intervention of the Centre and National Investigation Agency probe into the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials who went to raid Sheikh’s residence in connection with alleged Public Distribution System case. The officials were attacked and suffered serious injuries during the attack. “It is not only merely an attack on the Enforcement Directorate but an attack on the Constitution of India and sovereignty of the country,” said Majumdar.

  • 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.

  • ‘We May Be Small But No One Has License To Bully Us’: Maldives President Amid Row With India | India News

    MALE: Returning from his high-profile five-day state visit to China, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu took an apparent dig at India, emphasizing that the size of his nation doesn’t grant others the authority to bully them. Muizzu’s statement follows a diplomatic dispute with India over derogatory social media posts by three Maldivian ministers targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Oceanic Sovereignty

    President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, asserted Maldives’ significance, highlighting its extensive exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square km. He declared, “This ocean does not belong to a specific country. This (Indian) Ocean also belongs to all countries situated in it,” in a veiled reference to India.

    ‘We Aren’t In Anyone’s Backyard’

    Addressing the media on his return, Muizzu emphasized, “We aren’t in anyone’s backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state,” reaffirming Maldives’ autonomy amid regional tensions.

    Strategic Agreements With China

    During his visit to China, Muizzu engaged in discussions with President Xi Jinping, culminating in the signing of 20 agreements. The joint statement highlighted mutual support in safeguarding core interests, emphasizing China’s backing for Maldives’ sovereignty and opposition to external interference.

    China’s Financial Assistance To Male

    China has extended substantial support to Maldives, granting USD 130 million in assistance. Muizzu revealed that the funds would primarily be allocated to the redevelopment of roads in the capital, Male. This support follows the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

    China’s Ambassador to Maldives, Wang Lixin, outlined three key factors contributing to the robust ties between the two nations: mutual political trust, alignment with President Xi’s initiatives, and adherence to the principles of extensive consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits.

    Diplomatic Challenges With India

    Muizzu’s visit to China was overshadowed by a diplomatic row with India, stemming from derogatory remarks by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi. Additionally, a report by the EU Election Observation Mission accused the ruling coalition of deploying anti-India sentiments and spreading disinformation in the 2023 presidential elections.

    Despite the diplomatic tensions, China and Maldives signed a USD 50 million agreement for an integrated tourism zone in Hulhumale’ and the construction of 30,000 social housing units in Rasmale’. Further collaborations include the development of a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimale’, signaling an expanded and sustained cooperation between the two nations.

    Agreement On Flight Operations

    During the visit, an agreement was reached to permit Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian, to conduct domestic flight operations in China. This move adds a new dimension to the growing partnership between the two countries.

    The significance of this collaboration becomes even more pronounced considering the historical context, with India’s substantial contributions to the development of Maldives, including the establishment and enhancement of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male.

  • Mauritius Grants Special Break To Officials for Ram Mandir Inauguration Celebrations |

    New Delhi: In a significant move the Mauritius  government has approved a request by Hindu socio-cultural organizations to grant a two-hour break for officials on January 22, 2024. This decision allows devotees across the country to actively participate in prayers organized to mark the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in India. A Govt statement said, “Cabinet has agreed to the grant of a one-off special leave of two hours on Monday 22 January 2024 as from 1400 hours to public officers of Hindu faith, subject to exigencies of service, in the context of the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in India, which is a landmark event as it symbolises the return of Lord Ram in Ayodhya”

    The Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, convened on Friday to consider the appeal from Hindu socio-cultural groups. Responding favorably, the government recognized the cultural significance of the Ram Mandir inauguration and acknowledged the importance of facilitating the participation of devotees in the celebrations.

    The Mauritius Sanatan dharma temples federation had written to PM Pravind Jugnauth to allot 2 hours off to the while working class people to follow the live telecast of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya and to perform the rituals.

    Hinduism holds a prominent place in the religious landscape of Mauritius, with Hindus constituting approximately 48.5% of the population, according to 2011 statistics. Remarkably, Mauritius stands out as the only country in Africa where Hinduism is the most practiced religion. In terms of percentage, the nation ranks third globally in the prevalence of Hinduism, following Nepal and India.

    The roots of Hinduism in Mauritius trace back to the colonial era when Indians were brought as indentured labor to both French and British plantations. The migration wave, primarily from Indian states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, contributed to the establishment and growth of Hindu communities in Mauritius and neighboring islands of the Indian Ocean.

    As the Ram Mandir, a symbol of cultural and religious significance, is inaugurated in India, the decision to grant a special break aligns with the government’s commitment to respecting and promoting the diverse religious practices within the nation. The special break enables devotees to actively engage in prayers and celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and communal harmony.

  • Destiny decided construction of Ram temple, chose PM Modi for this: L K Advani

    Destiny had decided that a grand temple of Lord Ram will be built in Ayodhya and it chose Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this, BJP stalwart L K Advani has said in an article to be published in a special edition of the ‘Rashtra Dharma’ magazine next week. In his article ‘Ram Mandir Nirman, Ek Divya Swapna Ki Purti’, Advani referred to the ‘Rath Yatra’ he took out 33 years ago for Ram temple construction and said he believes the Ayodhya movement was the “most decisive and transformative event” in his political journey which allowed him to “re-discover India and, in the process, re-understand himself”.

    The BJP veteran, who was at the forefront of the Ram temple agitation, also remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying he is feeling his absence ahead of the grand consecration event at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

    “Today the Rath Yatra completed 33 years. When we started the Rath Yatra on the morning of September 25, 1990, we did not know that the faith in Lord Ram with which we were starting this Yatra would take the form of a movement in the country,” a source quoted Advani as saying in his article. In his article to be published in a special edition of the 76-year-old Hindi magazine ‘Rashtra Dharma’ on January 16, sources said Advani has noted that current prime minister Narendra Modi was with him throughout the Rath Yatra.

    “He was not very famous then. But at that very time Lord Ram had chosen his devotee (Modi) to rebuild his temple,” a source quoted the BJP veteran as saying in his article.

    “At that time I felt that destiny had decided that one day a grand temple of Shri Ram would definitely be built in Ayodhya,” Advani said, adding, “Well, now it’s only a matter of time”. The consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is set to be organised on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, thousands of seers from across the country and other dignitaries have been invited for the ceremony. More than a lakh devotees are expected to descend on the temple town on the occasion of “Pran Pratishtha (consecration)”. “When Prime Minister Narendra Modi consecrates the (Lord Ram’s idol at the) temple, he will represent every citizen of our India. I pray that this temple inspires all Indians to adopt the qualities of Shri Ram,” Advani said.

    “During the Rath Yatra, there were many experiences which influenced my life. Unknown people from remote villages would come to me overwhelmed with emotion after seeing the chariot. They would do ‘pranam’, chant Lord Ram’s name and leave.

    “This was a message that there were many people who dreamt of the Ram temple… With the consecration of the temple on January 22, the suppressed desires of those villagers will also stand fulfilled,” he added.

    According to the Vishva Hindu Parishad, 96-year-old Advani will attend the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

    “He has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modiji for bringing this moment, building a grand Ram Lala temple and fulfilling his resolution,” a source said referring to Advani’s article for the magazine.

    A copy of the special edition of the magazine with Advani’s article will be shared with all those who will attend the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, sources added.

  • Putting Aside Differences, Mamata Banerjee Invites PM Modi To Visit Ganga Sagar Mela |

    Kolkata: Keeping aside her political differences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday extended a warm invitation to him to visit the Ganga Sagar Mela, an annual celebration during Makar Sankranti. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, she not only emphasized the event’s uniqueness but also appealed for its designation as a ‘National Fair.’

     

    West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing to him to declare Ganga Sagar Mela a National Fair. She also requests him to make a visit to Ganga Sagar. pic.twitter.com/hl3VktPYtb
    — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2024

     

    Unique Significance Of Ganga Sagar Mela

    Mamata highlighted the Ganga Sagar Mela as one of the “largest spiritual human congregations” globally, second only to Kumbh Mela. She described the geographical splendour of the event, taking place at the confluence of the mighty Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal, unmatched in the world. The Sagar Island, where the Mela is held, sits adjacent to the Sundarbans area.

    Historical And Religious Roots

    The Chief Minister delved into the historical roots of the Mela, tracing it back to a time when the Indian Oceanic network connected Eastern Indian trade with ancient Greco-Roman commerce. She underscored the religious significance, stating that the Ganga Sagar Mela has deep mythological and astrological connections, referenced in ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsham.

    A Global Pilgrimage Destination

    Mamata emphasized that Ganga Sagar Mela is the only such event organized on an island not connected to the mainland. Despite this, it attracts pilgrims from across the world and various Indian states, with almost 1 crore pilgrims visiting last year and expectations of surpassing that number this year.

    State Initiatives And Financial Challenges

    The Chief Minister outlined the state government’s initiatives to ensure the smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, fully funded by the state exchequer. She mentioned the substantial expenditures incurred by the state government to organize an event of this magnitude, currently without any contribution from the central government.

    Mamata disclosed that she had previously requested the central government to declare Ganga Sagar Mela as a ‘National Fair,’ equivalent to the recognized Kumbh Mela. However, a decision on this matter is still pending. In 2021, she raised concerns about the disparate financial support from the Centre, citing its funding for Kumbh Mela but not for Ganga Sagar Mela.

    Ganga Sagar Mela 2024

    The Ganga Sagar Mela for the year 2024 is scheduled from January 8-16, promising a spiritual and cultural extravaganza. The Chief Minister’s invitation to Prime Minister Modi not only highlights the cultural richness of the event but also seeks to elevate its status to a national level.

  • Maldives Opposition Leader Stresses On ‘Tougher Stand To Repair’ Ties With India | world news

    Amid the setback for the Maldives’ tourism industry, not only the tourism bodies of the island nation but even the opposition leaders are now mounting pressure on the Muizzu government to mend ties with India before it gets too late. Amid the diplomatic row after disparaging comments against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Male ministers, the Government of India not only raised the issue officially but lodged a strong protest by summoning the Maldives ambassador to India.

    Amid the ongoing row, opposition leader and the Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, has called for a “tougher stand” by the Muizzu government. He said that the racist comments against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were just isolated individual opinions of these people. He also underlined how the entire matter has reached a lot of Indians as well as Maldivians, due to easy accessibility of social media.

    “I personally believe the government should take a tougher stand on that because this goes beyond government to government. Now, because of the easy accessibility of social media, this has reached to a lot of Indians and to a lot of Maldivians. And as arguments take over from both side, there has been a lot of insults coming back and forth. So the government needs to show that there was no intention on the part of the government. These were just isolated individual opinions of these people who, unfortunately, were given positions in the government. So that needs to be clearly shown to the Indians, to the Maldivians, and to the entire world at large,” he told ANI.

    On the other hand, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is on a China visit where he is likely to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and sign key agreements. During this visit, Muizzu has urged China to increase tourists to the island nation. China has also reacted sharply to the diplomatic row by accusing India of ‘Hegemonic Mentality’ and ‘Lack Of Confidence’. China has earlier said that it never asked Maldives to reject India.

    On January 2, PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and shared several pictures, including an ‘exhilarating experience’ of him trying his hand at snorkelling. In a series of posts on your list.”

    In a post that has now been deleted, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi. Indians, including cricketers and film celebrities, have since come out in open support in promoting local beach destinations and other tourist spots. They also voiced support for PM Modi’s call for promoting beach tourism in Lakshadweep.

  • Amid Boycott By Indians, Maldives President Muizzu Woos China For More Tourists | world news

    New Delhi: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday appealed to China to “intensify” efforts to send more tourists to his country, amid a spate of cancellation of reservations by Indian tourists after a diplomatic row erupted over the derogatory remarks by his ministers against Prime Minister. Narendra Modi. Muizzu, who is on a five-day state visit to China, termed China as the island nation’s “closest” ally and praised its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

    Muizzu said that China “delivered the most significant infrastructure projects witnessed in Maldivian history”. He also said that his administration is committed to the quick implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with China, describing it as a symbol of the close commercial ties between the two countries.

    “China remains one of our closest allies and development partners,” Muizzu said in his address to the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province on Tuesday. He urged China to bolster the flow of its tourists to the Maldives, which is heavily dependent on tourism for its economy.

    “China was our number one market pre-Covid, and it is my request that we intensify efforts for China to regain this position,” he said, according to a readout posted on his official website.

    Muizzu Turns To China Amid Diplomatic Row With India

    Muizzu’s appeal for more Chinese tourists came amid a diplomatic row following the derogatory remarks by some Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi after he posted a video of him on a pristine beach during his recent visit to Lakshadweep. Muizzu’s government suspended three deputy ministers for their derogatory posts on social media, while the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) strongly condemned the comments.

    According to data released by the Maldives Tourism Ministry earlier, India has remained the largest tourist market for the country in 2023, followed by Russia and China. However, the recent controversy has led to a backlash from Indian tourists, who have canceled or postponed their bookings to the Maldives.

    Meanwhile, China, which held the top spot before COVID, is currently struggling to revive its domestic and foreign tourism due to a nearly four-year lockdown policy and the continued slowdown of its economy. As a result, Chinese tourists who traveled abroad for holidays in millions before COVID are now restricting themselves given the economic slowdown.

    Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-China politician in the Maldives, told the Forum that his administration is focused on diversifying Maldives’ economic base and ensuring economic security while continuing to strengthen and drive the tourism industry and boost visitor numbers.

    He also said that his administration is committed to the quick implementation of the FTA signed with China, which aims to boost bilateral trade and investments, especially increasing Maldives’ export of fish products to China. Maldives and China signed the FTA in December 2014 during the pro-China President Abdulla Yameen administration.

    However, his successor, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration did not implement the agreement, according to Maldives media reports. China-Maldives bilateral trade in 2022 totaled to USD 451.29 million of which China’s exports constituted USD 451.29 million against USD 60,000 of exports from Maldives.