On the India-Maldives row that soured the relations between two nations, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has voiced significant concerns regarding the ramifications of India's boycott call on the Maldives, particularly in the context of tourism. Nasheed, currently in India, conveyed apologies on behalf of the Maldivian people and emphasised their wish for Indian tourists to continue visiting the country. Nasheed highlighted the impact of the boycott on the Maldives, stating, "It has impacted the Maldives a lot, and I am actually here in India. I'm very worried about this. I want to say the people of the Maldives are sorry, we are sorry that this has happened. We want Indian people to come on their holidays to the Maldives, and there will not be any change in our hospitality."
09 March,2024 01:12 PM IST
Amid the Indian-Canada row, the number of study permits for Indian students has sharply declined. The number of study permits Canada issued to Indian students fell sharply last year after India ejected Canadian diplomats. In an interview with Reuters, Canada’s Immigration Minister said, the number of study permits for Indians is unlikely to rebound soon. Diplomatic tensions erupted in June last year after Canadian PM Trudeau alleged India’s involvement in killing of pro-Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In October, Canada was forced to pull 41 diplomats, or two-thirds of its staff, out of India on orders from New Delhi. With more than 41%, Indians have formed the largest group of international students in Canada in recent years. International students are a cash cow for Canadian universities as they bring in about C$22 billion annually. Canada is a popular destination for international students since it is relatively easy to obtain work permits after finishing courses. In 2023, Canada had projected that some 900,000 international students would study in Canada that year.
17 January,2024 07:43 PM IST
After concluding his China visit, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said that “Maldives may be small, but it does not give countries the license to bully it,” reported Maldives-based Sun.mv. President Muizzu’s comments came amid India-Maldives Row. Mohamed Muizzu visited China 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. Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at the Great Hall of the People, called Muizzu "an old friend", Reuters reported. Recently, Maldives Envoy to India, Ibrahim Shaheeb was spotted at Ministry of External Affairs in the national capital's South Block.
17 January,2024 11:41 AM IST
As India-Maldives diplomatic tensions brewing, President Muizzu has made a ‘desperate’ attempt to boost tourism. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu requested China to intensify efforts to send more tourists. This appeal comes in the wake of a diplomatic spat with India after Maldivian MPs’ derogatory remarks. During his 5-day visit, President Muizzu described China as the “closest” ally of Maldives. Muizzu also lauded China’s Belt & Road initiative projects which were initiated by President Jinping in 2014. Maldivian media reported that the two countries signed a $50 million project aimed at developing integrated tourism zone. As per Maldives Tourism Ministry, India remained the largest tourist market for the country in 2023. However, after the India-Maldives row, #boycottmaldives started trending on social media. Showing solidarity with India, travel company EaseMyTrip also cancelled flight bookings to Maldives from Jan 08.
10 January,2024 03:59 PM IST
Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Maldives, pressure is mounting on President Md Muizzu. Maldives’ Parliamentary Minority leader Ali Azim has called for the removal of President Mohamed Muizzu. Amid India-Maldives row, Maldivian opposition leaders are leaving no stone unturned to oust the incumbent Govt. Another MP Meekail Naseem formally demanded Parliament to summon Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. The diplomatic tension escalated following Maldivian MPs’ anti-India, anti-Modi remarks on social media. Indian netizens were quick to react and started trending #BoycottMaldives on social media ‘X’. Renowned Indian celebs joined hands in support of Lakshadweep and condemned Maldivian MPs' remarks. On diplomatic levels, Maldivian High Commissioner to India was summoned by MEA on January 08.
10 January,2024 01:22 PM IST
While speaking over the India-Maldives Row, Former Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Didi said for Maldives India has been like a 911 call. This statement comes amid tensions between India and Maldives. the Maldives Government suspended three ministers over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The diplomatic row started after PM Modi shared his experiences from Lakshadweep and thanked the people of the islands. Reacting to a post featuring PM Modi's visit, Maldives MP Zahid Rameez said that the idea of competing with them is "delusional". Days after MP Zahid Rameez’s remark went viral on social media, India summoned Maldives High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb on Jan 08.
10 January,2024 12:25 PM IST
Amid the ongoing Indo-Canadian Nijjar row, the US has been and will continue to remain in touch with Indians at high levels over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that the Indian government was behind the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on September 21 (local time). On whether US President Joe Biden intends to speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue and whether the allegations could disrupt the US efforts to boost its ties with India, Sullivan said, "I am not going to get into the private diplomatic conversations that have either already happened or going to happen on this topic. Only to say that we have been and will be in contact with Indians at high levels on this issue. It is a matter of concern for us. It is something we take seriously,” said Jake Sullivan.
22 September,2023 11:48 AM IST
Diplomatic tensions soar as Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accuses India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Nijjar, resulting in a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats. Australian PM Anthony Albanese responds to a reporter's question about his previous remarks regarding PM Modi, urging them to "chill out a bit." Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern over the escalating situation and states that Australia is closely monitoring developments with its international partners. The India-Canada dispute remains a point of contention, despite PM Modi's efforts to address the Khalistan issue with Trudeau during the 18th G20 Summit in 2023.
20 September,2023 11:47 AM IST
After the two days G20 Summit 2023 concluded in Delhi, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sept 10 hailed Central Government for the ‘Delhi Declaration’ consensus. Hailing India’s huge win, Tharoor dubbed the adoption a “diplomatic triumph for India” However, the Congress leader also highlighted some ‘disappointments’ of the mega G20 event. The Delhi Leaders’ Summit Declaration was adopted on Sept 09 in a massive breakthrough as members of the G20 arrived at a “100 pc consensus.”
11 September,2023 12:41 PM IST | Mumbai
PM Modi embarked on a visit to Papua New Guinea on May 21 after attending the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan. This visit is groundbreaking for India as this will be the first by any Indian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea. Modi will be received by the PM of Papua New Guinea upon his arrival at Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea doesn’t give a ceremonial welcome for any leader arriving after sunset. However, a special exception is being made for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
21 May,2023 12:42 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
