Tag: Maldives

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

India, Maldives Pursue Solution for Aviation Platforms’ Operation

The MEA announced that the next meeting will be held in the national capital…reports Asian Lite News

India and Maldives held a core group meeting on January 14 in which 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 on Thursday.

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 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.”

India and the Maldives also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and expediting the implementation of ongoing projects, the MEA had said earlier.

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.

The first meeting of the High-Level Core Group between the Maldives and India took place in Male’.

“During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, both sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation. Discussions were held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development cooperation,” the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release earlier.

“Both sides expressed willingness to intensify cooperation and agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel,” it also said, adding, “It was agreed that the second meeting of the High-Level Core Group will be held at a mutually convenient time.”

Earlier, the Maldives local media reported that Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has asked the Indian government to withdraw the Indian troops from the island nation before March 15.

Notably, the removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.

On the second day of assuming office, Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives.

In December last year, President Muizzu claimed that, after dialogue with the Indian government, an agreement was reached to withdraw Indian military personnel.

Apart from withdrawal of Indian military personnel, a massive row was triggered after the Maldives deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit.

The Maldives government has, however, distanced itself from the remarks made by its ministers. Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, said that these remarks against foreign leaders are “unacceptable” and do not reflect the official position of the Maldives government. (ANI)

ALSO READ: ‘India, Maldives discuss finding mutually workable solution’

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

‘India, Maldives discuss finding mutually workable solution’

Abdulla Nazim, the Policy Director of the Maldives President’s Office, told reporters that President Muizzu had proposed to withdraw Indian troops from the Maldives…reports Asian Lite News

India and the Maldives discussed finding a “mutually workable solution” to continue the operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.

The discussions were held during the first meeting of the India-Maldives High-Level Core Group that was held in Male on Sunday.

India and Maldives also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and expediting the implementation of ongoing projects.

“During the meeting, both sides held discussions on wide-ranging issues related to bilateral cooperation towards identifying steps to enhance the partnership, including expediting the implementation of ongoing development cooperation projects,” the MEA statement read.

“Both sides also held discussions on finding mutually workable solution to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives,” it added.

The two sides also agreed to hold the next meeting of the High-Level Core Group in India on a mutually convenient date.

Earlier, Maldives local media reported that Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has asked the Indian government to withdraw the Indian troops from the island nation before March 15.

Abdulla Nazim, the Policy Director of the Maldives President’s Office, told reporters that President Muizzu had proposed to withdraw Indian troops from the Maldives.

“During the meeting, the President proposed the removal of Indian troops before March 15. The government, the President’s Office and the President have proposed this date for the agenda of the meeting. Those discussions are now underway,” Maldives-based Adhadhu newspaper quoted Nazim as saying at the press conference.

Nazim further said that Indian troops cannot stay in Maldives and that is “what the people want,” the local newspaper reported.

“The most important point is that Indian troops cannot stay in this country. That is the policy of this government. That is the promise of President Mohammed Muizzu and what the people want,” he said.

Notably, the removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.

On the second day of assuming office, Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives.

In December last year, President Muizzu claimed that, after dialogue with the Indian government, an agreement was reached to withdraw Indian military personnel. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Maldives President Attends Programme in Chinese Fujian Province

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

Maldives asks India to withdraw troops by March 15

The Maldives official said Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar and some senior officials are attending the meeting, while senior officials from the Maldives Foreign Ministry and the President’s Office will represent the Maldives…reports Asian Lite News

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has asked the Indian government to withdraw the Indian troops from the island nation before March 15, Maldives-based Adhadhu newspaper reported on Sunday.

This comes after a meeting between officials from the Indian High Commission in the Maldives and officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male.

Abdulla Nazim, the Policy Director of the Maldives President’s Office, told reporters that President Muizzu had proposed to withdraw Indian troops from the Maldives.

“During the meeting, the President proposed the removal of Indian troops before March 15. The government, the President’s Office and the President have proposed this date for the agenda of the meeting. Those discussions are now underway,” Adhadhu newspaper quoted Nazim as saying at the press conference.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs has not issued any statement on the reported meeting so far.

Nazim further said that Indian troops cannot stay in Maldives and that is “what the people want,” the local newspaper reported.

“The most important point is that Indian troops cannot stay in this country. That is the policy of this government. That is the promise of President Mohammed Muizzu and what the people want,” he said.

The Maldives official said Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar and some senior officials are attending the meeting, while senior officials from the Maldives Foreign Ministry and the President’s Office will represent the Maldives.

“The meeting is being attended by the Indian High Commissioner and Joint Secretary as well as several other senior officials from India. Senior officials from the Foreign Ministry and some senior officials from the President’s Office are also participating on behalf of Maldives,” Nazim said.

Officials in the meeting include Chief of Staff of the President’s Office Abdulla Fayaz, Ambassador at Large Ali Naseer, Maldives Ambassador to India Ibrahim Shaheeb and Chief of Defense Force Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef, according to Adhadhu newspaper.

The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.

On the second day of assuming office, Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives.

In December last year, President Muizzu claimed that, after dialogue with the Indian government, an agreement was reached to withdraw Indian military personnel.

A diplomatic row erupted over disparaging remarks made by some Maldivian deputy ministers and government officials against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lakshadweep visit.

Several Maldivian politicians, including former presidents and ministers, too, condemned the remarks and reiterated that India was a close and important partner for the island nation.

In the face of online fury and a flurry of cancellations of scheduled visits to the island country, the Maldivian government distanced itself from the remarks made by its ministers.

Meanwhile, Muizzu was on a state visit to China from January 7-12 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. Xi also hosted a state banquet for President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Maldives President Takes Dig at India, Alleges Bullying

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

Maldives President Takes Dig at India, Alleges Bullying

President said that the Indian Ocean doesn’t belong to any “specific country”…reports Asian Lite News

Amid the ongoing row, Maldives President Mohamad Muizzu, fresh from his China visit, made another indirect jab at India, accusing it of “bullying” his “small” nation.

“We may be small but this doesn’t give them the license to bully us,” he said at a press conference on his return from China, according to a viral video.

He also said that the Indian Ocean doesn’t belong to any “specific country” and that Maldives is one of the countries with “the biggest share” due to its large EEZ.

President Muizzu’s remarks follows bad blood between the two countries after three Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his Lakshwadeep visit

While the three ministers were dismissed, the incident created tension with various Indian celebrities and companies asking people to avoid visiting the Maldives and taking other action to deter Indians visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

ALSO READ: Netanyahu Vows Israel’s Unyielding Fight Against Hama

Categories
-Top News Asia News China

China Rolls Out Red Carpet for Maldivian President Amid Row With India

Muizzu, who is on a state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, also signed key agreements with the Chinese government …reports Asian Lite News

Amid the controversy around the disparaging remarks by Maldivian ministers and government officials against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent visit to Lakshadweep, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted a state banquet for Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed on Wednesday.

Muizzu, who is on a state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, also signed key agreements with the Chinese government and held official talks to enhance collaboration between the two countries, the Maldivian President Office said in an official press statement.

Further, according to the release, President Muizzu also held several meetings with Chinese officials to explore avenues to strengthen socioeconomic connections and bilateral relations between the two countries.

Significantly, this is the first state visit of the newly elected Maldivian President since assuming office in November last year. He is being accompanied by a high level delegation.

During his ongoing visit, the Maldivian President and Republic of China exchanged twenty key agreements. During the signing of agreements, he attended the ceremony at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.

China and the Maldives signed twenty MoUs, including on Disaster Risk Reduction, Fisheries, Digital Economy, Cooperation Plan on BRI, and Grant Assistance, among others.

According to an official release, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Disaster Management Authority of Maldives and the Ministry of Emergency Management of China on cooperation in the Area of Disaster Risk Reduction.

Additionally, a MoU was signed on Deepening Blue Economy Cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Republic of the Maldives, read the press statement.

President Muizzu’s maiden state visit to China, as opposed to India, came in the backdrop of a social media uproar and diplomatic row over disparaging remarks made by some Maldivian junior ministers and government officials against PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit.

Taking a strong exception to the unsavoury remarks, New Delhi summoned the Maldivian envoy and registered a strong protest.

Meanwhile, with #BoycottMaldives catching on with netizens, prominent faces of the Indian film industry and other leading celebrities came out in support of PM Modi’s call to promote beach tourism in Lakshadweep and other tourist destinations in the country.

Several Maldivian politicians, including former Presidents and ministers, too, condemned the remarks and reiterated that India was a close and important partner for the island nation.

Meanwhile, in the face of online fury and a flurry of cancellations of scheduled visits to the island country, the Maldivian government distanced itself from the remarks made by its ministers.

Maldivian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, said such remarks against foreign leaders were “unacceptable” and did not reflect the official position of the government. (ANI)

ALSO READ: US Military Faces Backlash from Philippine Senator Over Fuel Transfer

Categories
Lite Blogs Travel Travel & Tourism

Step into 2024 with Style

For young VIPs, the ‘Merry Little Pizza Bake’ in Holoworld awaits, allowing budding chefs to create festive pizzas with joy. At Kandima, we are committed to delivering an extraordinary and immersive experience, ensuring every moment is truly memorable…reports Asian Lite News

Embark on a journey to a tropical utopia where pristine beaches meet crystal-clear waters. Kandima Maldives invites you to experience an unparalleled escape in the heart of paradise. Nestled in the breathtaking Maldivian archipelago, this active lifestyle destination is unlike any other, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences amidst pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class amenities.

Look no further! Kandima has something special for everyone making it the perfect place to kick off your holiday in bliss. The resort now has a larger inventory to offer on the 3 km long island with newly added Sunset Beach Pool Villas.

Unveiling exclusive year-end family activities

Immerse yourself in the magical transformation of Kandima’s very special year-end programme called Holoworld on till  to January 7, 2024. Witness thetropical paradise evolve into a captivating dreamscape with holographic wonders, vibrant colours, light installations, musical performances, beach parties, art festivals, and a glamorous New Year’s Eve Gala. Guests of all ages are promised an unforgettable experience and can choose or book the activities of their choice.

For young VIPs, the ‘Merry Little Pizza Bake’ in Holoworld awaits, allowing budding chefs to create festive pizzas with joy. At Kandima, we are committed to delivering an extraordinary and immersive experience, ensuring every moment is truly memorable.

Holoworld at Kandima offers a diverse array of activities to welcome 2024. Enjoy enchanting music from the K’Twins or groove to ALGRS’ lively beats. Unleash your creativity at the KULA Art Festival and savour delectable steaks at Smoked. Welcome the new year under the Maldivian sun with a diverse Asian brunch at Sea Dragon. Experience an unparalleled celebration at Kandima’s Holoworld, seamlessly blending entertainment, art, and culinary delights.

For the perfect end-of-the-year stay experience, guests can opt for this exclusive stay offer and enter a world where imagination seamlessly merges with reality and anticipate a metamorphosis with Kandima’s Holoworld, transforming the tropical island paradise into a dazzling dreamscape.

Haven for Lovers: Embracing Romance in Paradise this February 2024

Indulge in an unparalleled romantic escape at Kandima, where pristine white sands beckon you and your loved one to stroll hand in hand. The meticulously crafted Valentine’s Day theme creates an intimate and magical atmosphere exclusively for couples. Join the Love Karnival from February 12th to 14th, 2024, at #YourKindOfPlace.

Experience indulgence with our ‘Merry-go-round of Bliss’ spa package for couples, while little ones enjoy the ‘Little VIP Eskape’ wellness treatments. From beach bonfires to moonlit dancing, Kandima transforms into a love haven. Serenade your special someone with ‘Cupid Karaoke,’ enjoy ‘Cinema Under the Stars,’ or take a ‘Love Boat Sunset Cruise.’ After celebrations, relish a three-course Champagne dinner at ‘Gourmet Champagne Dinner.’

Let the ‘TropiKal Sundowner’ enchant you with live acoustic melodies and complimentary canapés as you cherish these precious moments. At Kandima, every detail is crafted to make your celebration of love unforgettable.

Easter Bliss: An Extravaganza of Joy and Celebration this April 2024

As the season of renewal approaches, Kandima Maldives transforms into an Easter wonderland. Imagine an Easter egg hunt along palm-fringed beaches or a special brunch overlooking crystal-clear turquoise waters. Join family and friends to celebrate the spirit of Easter with various activities and surprises, capturing the essence of this festive season.

This Easter promises delightful preparations, including a chocolate lover’s paradise and secret culinary delights. Guests are invited to a tantalizing buffet feast, unwinding on the sandy shore while enjoying an Easter movie under the sparkling stars with delectable popcorn.

Look forward to a heavenly breakfast featuring live waffles and pancakes adorned with a divine Easter egg benedict. Refresh with the bubbly Hugo Spritz as you indulge in a stylish family dinner with sand between your toes—a 4-course menu crafted by talented chefs. Join in for a unique Easter extravaganza, guided by our skilled resident artist, creating colorful bunny-shaped bowls and dishes.

ALSO READ-Chef Kunal Kapoor’s Winter Delights

Categories
-Top News Asia News China

Maldives President Begins 5 Day State Visit to China

In a statement the Maldives President’s Office stated, “The visit aims to pave the way for technological and other collaborations between the two countries.”…reports Asian Lite News

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed on Monday arrived in China on a five-day State visit. Chinese officials greeted them upon their arrival at the airport in Fujian.

Muizzu and his wife are on a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This is the first bilateral visit since assuming office on December 17 last year.

In a post shared on X, Maldives President’s Office stated, “H.E. President Dr @MMuizzu and H.E. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed have arrived in Xiamen, in China’s Fujian province, today on a state visit to China. This visit is at the invitation of the President of China, H.E. Xi Jinping.”

During Muizzu’s visit, the Maldives and China will hold official talks and sign key agreements to enhance trade, professional development, and socio-economic cooperation. Muizzu will also attend the Invest Maldives Forum in Fuzhou and meet senior Chinese business leaders.

In a statement the Maldives President’s Office stated, “The visit aims to pave the way for technological and other collaborations between the two countries.”

A high-level delegation is accompanying the Maldives President and the First Lady.

The Maldives President’s Office stated, “Additionally, the President will meet with senior Chinese government officials, attend the Invest Maldives Forum, and have meetings with senior Chinese business leaders to explore avenues of mutual collaborations in investments and trade between the Maldives and China.”

Diplomatic ties between the Maldives and China were established on October 14, 1972. Since then, China and the Maldives have actively engaged in fostering strong bonds of friendship between the two countries. In 2007, Maldives opened an embassy in Beijing. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Maldives sacks 3 ministers over remarks against Modi

Categories
-Top News Asia News

Maldives sacks 3 ministers over remarks against Modi

Ties between the two countries took a downturn after Mohamed Muizzu, whose election pledge was to remove a small contingent of some 75 Indian military personnel in the country…reports Asian Lite News

The Maldivian government suspended three ministers whose social media posts against Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked a massive firestorm with several Indians claiming to have cancelled their scheduled vacation to the nation made up of more than a hundred islands dotted with luxury resorts.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today issued a statement on the stand of the Government of India in relation to some posts on social media that are insulting to neighboring India,” the Maldives government said in a statement.

“Those who made such posts on social media while in government positions have now been suspended from their jobs,” the statement said. Ministers Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid have been suspended. It all began when these ministers and some other leaders in the Maldives posted derogatory remarks against PM Modi after he posted several photos and videos from his recent visit to Lakshadweep. His posts where he was seen snorkelling went viral, prompting social media users to suggest India’s smallest Union Territory as an alternate tourist destination to the Maldives. The Maldivian government, earlier in the day, distanced itself from these remarks and said the opinions were  “personal and do not represent the views of the Government” after several opposition leaders in the country slammed the “appalling language”.

The freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, and negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners, it said. The statement followed massive outrage within the Maldives with several prominent leaders criticising the remarks against the nation’s “closest neighbour”. Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed described the remarks as “appalling” and asked President Mohamed Muizzu’s government to distance itself from these comments. This comes as a big reassurance to India amid the diplomatic tussle with the island nation. Ties between the two countries took a downturn after Mohamed Muizzu, whose election pledge was to remove a small contingent of some 75 Indian military personnel in the country and alter the Maldives’s “India first” policy, took over as president of the Indian Ocean nation in November. Unlike most of his predecessors who visited India first after being elected, Mr Muizzu chose Turkey as his first international port of call.

He later met PM Modi in the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of COP28. The two countries have set up a core group to discuss the withdrawal of Indian troops. Indian personnel are deployed to operate three gifted aircraft patrolling the maritime territory. The geography of both these destinations is very similar as both these places have low-lying islands, reefs and pristine beaches. Lakshadweep and Maldives are separated by the Eight Degree Channel.

Maldives ex-President slams remarks

Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday condemned the use of ‘hateful language’ against India by government officials on social media, saying New Delhi has always been a good friend to the island nation. Taking to his official handle on social media platform X, Solih posted, “I condemn the use of hateful language against India by Maldivian government officials on social media.” He stressed that “India has always been a good friend to the Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age-old friendship between our two countries”. A massive uproar broke after a Maldivian deputy minister and some other government officials shared derogatory posts about PM Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep.

PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep on January 2 and shared several pictures, including an ‘exhilarating experience’ of him trying his hand at snorkelling. In a series of posts on X, PM Modi shared pictures of the white beaches and the pristine blue skies and the ocean, and tagged them with a message that read, “For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.” In a post that has now been deleted, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi over his visit to the Indian island cluster. Her post even featured images of PM Modi from his visit to Lakshadweep. A section of India’s film fraternity, too, came out in support of PM Modi and strongly criticised the derogatory remarks by Maldivian leaders against the country and its leader. They also voiced support for PM Modi’s call for promoting beach tourism in Lakshadweep. He also laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1,150 crore in Agatti on Tuesday. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Maldives President Picks China For State Visit After Turkey

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Maldives President Picks China For State Visit After Turkey

The President’s office confirmed the visit through an official release on Thursday…reports Asian Lite News

After departing from convention in picking Turkey, and, not India, for his first official visit, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, will undertake a state visit to China from January 7-12.

The President’s office confirmed the visit through an official release on Thursday.

The first couple will embark on the China visit on an invitation extended by President Xi Jinping, the release added.

President Muizzu of the Maldives chose Turkey for his first official visit, instead of India, breaking the longstanding trend followed by previous Maldivian presidents.

While he has not yet visited India, President Muizzu did have a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in early December.

During their meeting, PM Modi congratulated President Muizzu on his assumption of office. Both leaders reviewed the wide-ranging bilateral relations between the two countries, including people-to-people linkages, development cooperation, economic relations, climate change and sports. The two leaders also discussed ways to further deepen their partnership. They also agreed to set up a core group in this regard.

Significantly, in December last year, the Maldives said it would not renew the Hydrographic Survey agreement made with India, a Maldives-based news website, The Press, reported.

Maldives’ Under Secretary for Public Policy Mohamed Firuzul said part of the ‘Hafthaa-14’ roadmap was to revoke bilateral and diplomatic agreements with other countries that would put the country’s sovereignty in danger.

The hydrographic survey agreement was signed on June 8, 2019, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Maldives. Under the agreement, India was allowed to conduct a comprehensive study of the island nation’s territorial waters, which includes reefs, lagoons, coastlines, ocean currents, and tide levels.

The 3rd Joint Hydrographic Survey by the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) was carried out by the Indian Naval Ship Investigator (INS Investigator) from January 19 to February 26, 2023.

An Indian Navy ship surveyed the Northern Maldives, covering Ihavandhippolhu and Thiladhanmatee atolls and Gallandhu Kandu. Since 2018, Indian naval assets have made several trips across the Maldives for the survey, according to The Press.

The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.

Muizzu reiterated the administration’s approach to ensuring the Maldives’ position as a welcoming and hospitable nation, underscoring the importance of mutual respect for security boundaries with other countries.

India and the Maldives have thus agreed to set up a core group with reference to the withdrawal of Indian troops from the island nation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). (ANI)

ALSO READ: Shanghai Aims to Reinforce Manufacturing Leadership With Smart Factories

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

India, Maldives Set Up Core Group for Troop Removal

The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign of Muizzu’s party….reports Asian Lite News

India and the Maldives agreed to set up a core group in reference to the withdrawal of Indian troops from the island nation following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Dubai, the Ministry of External Affairs said onThursday.

MEA spokesperson Arindham Bagchi, while addressing a weekly press briefing on Thursday, highlighted the discussions held between PM Modi and Maldivian President Muizzu on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai, UAE.

“In Dubai, during the conversation, the prime minister and president of the Maldives discussed ways to further deepen our partnership and, in this regard, they agreed to set up a core group. Let’s see how we will be guided by what the core group says,” Bagchi said.

The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.

Muizzu reiterated the administration’s approach to ensuring the Maldives’ position as a welcoming and hospitable nation, underscoring the importance of mutual respect for security boundaries with other countries. He further reiterated that the platform has been provided by India, and these platforms have been providing much-needed humanitarian assistance.

“The platform provided by India and these platforms have been providing much-needed humanitarian assistance and medical evacuation facilities to the people of the Maldives,” adding, “This has been consistently appreciated by the government of the Maldives,” MEA Spokesperson Bagchi stressed.

India and the Maldives recently discussed the status and future of Indian platforms engaged in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) activities in the Maldives, sources familiar with the matter said. The sources also stated that there have been reports about the role of Indian platforms in HADR activities in the Maldives and emphasised the continued recognition of their usefulness.

Recently, President Muizzu has conveyed the Indian government’s assurance to honour and respect the desire of the Maldivian people to abstain from accommodating foreign military presence within the country.

The Maldives President said that after dialogue with the Indian government, an agreement has been reached to withdraw Indian military personnel. The agreement is currently in progress at a technical level. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Indian Troops Leaving Maldives?