Plans are to send the UK's high-readiness Littoral Response Group to the Indian Ocean region in 2024, as well as the Carrier Strike Group, for combined training in 2025. Both will visit and collaborate with the Indian military. The deployment of the UK's most modern naval capabilities is a significant step in strengthening UK-India security cooperation. Watch Commander Dalgleish, Commander, UK Navy, Amphibious Task Force's special interaction with WION's Sidharth M.P

UK Royal Navy & Indian Navy to conduct exercise in Pacific Ocean in 2025

On Inside South Asia with @Bhairavi Singh #IndiaElections2024 - Rahul Gandhi's 'no-benefit' contest from Wayanad? Why is China blocking Dalai Lama's visit to Sri Lanka? Nepal's Right-Wing party demands Hindu kingdom A ray of hope for Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh's Bhasan Char Camp Eid celebrations across South Asia

I.N.D.I.A vs I.N.D.I.A battle in Wayanad | China blocks Dalai Lama

India-UK defence ties are set to reach new highs in the New Year the UK's Royal Navy carrier strike group and the Indian Navy will conduct exercises in the India Pacific. A first step towards this two Royal Navy ships are undergoing repairs at an Indian Shipyard.

India-UK joint military exercise brings defence ties, deeper than ever

Inflation data is out and there are mixed signals for India's economy. There is some good news on India's inflation. March saw inflation hitting a 5-month low of 4.85%, largely due to falling fuel prices. But economists warn this relief might be temporary. Food prices, a major concern for households, remain high, rising over 8% year on year.

India releases inflation data, inflation reaches 5-month low

<p>In an attempt to bring Indian tourists back, the Maldives will hold road shows in key Indian cities, as reported by PTI.</p>

<p>After the number of Indian tourists visiting&nbsp;Maldives decreased, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO)&nbsp;met with India's High Commissioner, Munu Mahawar, to discuss ways&nbsp;of improving travel and tourism cooperation between the two nations.</p>

<p>The Maldives faced severe criticism after three Maldivian officials made derogatory comments about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media after he shared&nbsp;images and videos of the&nbsp;Lakshadweep Islands on January 6.</p>

<h2><strong>Dwindling numbers&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Many Indians, including celebrities, cancelled their reservations and&nbsp;plans to visit the Maldives. Consequently, India, which was previously a top source of visitors, dropped to fifth place in tourism arrivals statistics for the Maldives, and now it stands at sixth place since January this year.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-fm-thanks-eam-indian-government-for-allowing-export-of-essential-commodities-708363">Also read |&nbsp;Maldives FM thanks Indian government, EAM for allowing export of essential commodities</a></p>

<p>As of April 10,&nbsp;the Maldives&nbsp;Ministry of Tourism reported that out of the total 663,269 tourists arriving, China had the highest number at 71,995, followed by the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, Germany, and India.</p>

<p>Following talks at a meeting held at the Indian High Commission in Male, MATATO stated its desire to work closely with the Indian High Commission in the Maldives to strengthen tourism efforts, as reported by Sun.mv news portal.</p>

<p>“In this trajectory, plans are currently underway to launch comprehensive road shows across key Indian cities and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the upcoming months,” it said quoting from the statement.</p>

<p>“While India remains a crucial tourist market to the Maldives, MATATO states they look forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination,” the news portal further added.</p>

<p>The Association also viewed its meeting with the Indian High Commissioner as evidence of MATATO's ongoing commitment to strengthening tourism connections between the Maldives and India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before this diplomatic dispute arose, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, shortly after taking office last November, requested India to withdraw its 88 military personnel from the country, citing concerns about their presence threatening Maldives' sovereignty.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Suspended Maldives Minister Shiuna apologises after making anti-India remarks</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/suspended-maldives-minister-shiuna-apologises-after-making-anti-india-remarks-709120/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an attempt to bring Indian tourists back, the Maldives will hold road shows in key Indian cities, as reported by PTI. After the number of Indian tourists visiting Maldives decreased, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) met with India's High Commissioner, Munu Mahawar, to discuss ways of improving travel and tourism cooperation between the two nations.

In an attempt to bring Indian tourists back, the Maldives will hold road shows in key Indian cities, as reported by PTI. After the number of Indian tourists visiting Maldives decreased, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) met with India's High Commissioner, Munu Mahawar, to discuss ways of improving travel and tourism cooperation between the two nations. The Maldives faced severe criticism after three Maldivian officials made derogatory comments about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media after he shared images and videos of the Lakshadweep Islands on January 6. Dwindling numbers Many Indians, including celebrities, cancelled their reservations and plans to visit the Maldives. Consequently, India, which was previously a top source of visitors, dropped to fifth place in tourism arrivals statistics for the Maldives, and now it stands at sixth place since January this year. Also read | Maldives FM thanks Indian government, EAM for allowing export of essential commodities As of April 10, the Maldives Ministry of Tourism reported that out of the total 663,269 tourists arriving, China had the highest number at 71,995, followed by the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, Germany, and India. Following talks at a meeting held at the Indian High Commission in Male, MATATO stated its desire to work closely with the Indian High Commission in the Maldives to strengthen tourism efforts, as reported by Sun.mv news portal. “In this trajectory, plans are currently underway to launch comprehensive road shows across key Indian cities and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the upcoming months,” it said quoting from the statement. “While India remains a crucial tourist market to the Maldives, MATATO states they look forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination,” the news portal further added. The Association also viewed its meeting with the Indian High Commissioner as evidence of MATATO's ongoing commitment to strengthening tourism connections between the Maldives and India. Before this diplomatic dispute arose, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, shortly after taking office last November, requested India to withdraw its 88 military personnel from the country, citing concerns about their presence threatening Maldives' sovereignty. Also watch | Suspended Maldives Minister Shiuna apologises after making anti-India remarks (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives plans road shows in India to attract tourists back

In India the Karnataka high court has squashed a notification by Center which effectively bans 23 dog breeds. The order bans the import breeding and selling of breeds that are deemed 'ferocious.' Watch in for more details!

Gravitas: Centre's 'ferocious dogs' list thwarted by Karnataka High Court

Will India-China ties see a thaw soon? After PM Modi described ties with Beijing as "important" and "significant", China has reponded saying that stable ties serve both the neighbours. India maintains that there cannot be any restoration of normalcy as long as border tensions persist.

Gravitas: PM Modi calls India-China ties 'Important', Beijing says 'stable ties serve both'

A major tourism body in Maldives is planning to conduct road shows across several key Indian cities. It wants to explore ways to boost travel and tourism cooperation with India. Despite his anti-india stance, President Muizzu is forced to beg for help.

Gravitas: Maldives' Muizzu begs for tourists from India

India is the new hub for smartphone maker Apple. A recent report shows that Apple has assembled iPhones worth 14 billion dollars in the previous fiscal year. This figure stood at zero just a few years ago. On Pollnomics, we tell you what this tells us about India's global ambitions?

India is pitching itself as the next global manufacturing hub

Canada has removed dozens of staffers from its diplomatic missions in India citing the reduction of Canadian staff available to "effectively manage and maintain" operations. There was no official word on the number of employees that have been removed but reports say it doesn't exceed 100.

Gravitas: Canada reduces diplomatic staff from Indian mission, cites shortage of personnel

India has emerged as a key market for global automakers due to a surge in demand and Bouyant consumer sentiment. Sales are surging across segments, so what do the numbers suggest about the state of the Indian economy?

Auto demand picks up across rural & urban segments

<p>Indian foreign ministry on Friday (Apr 12) issued an advisory to all Indians asking them to not travel to Iran or Israel till further notice amid the escalating tensions in the West Asian region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The advisory noted that all those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian embassies there and register themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-likely-to-avoid-major-escalation-in-retaliatory-attack-israel-remains-on-high-alert-710328">Iran to avoid 'major escalation' in retaliatory attack, Israel on 'high alert'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Fear looms over&nbsp;Israel-Iran war</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>This comes after the United States issued concerns saying that an Iranian attack on Israel is imminent. US-based media outlets claimed that the strike could involve high-precision missile and drone attacks at military and government sites in Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also said on Thursday that Israel would respond directly to any attack by Iran. "A direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran," Gallant told US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, according to remarks issued by his office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tehran has already issued a warning as supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said this week that Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for attacking the Iranian embassy compound in Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lufthansa-extends-tehran-flight-suspension-amid-middle-east-security-concerns-710165">Lufthansa extends Tehran flight suspension amid middle east security concerns</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Pentagon has given an "iron-clad" commitment to Israel's security against the Iranian threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pentagon said, "Echoing President Biden's unequivocal message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Secretary Austin assured Minister Gallant that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, which Tehran has publicly threatened."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that they are keeping up its war in Gaza but is also preparing for scenarios in other areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively," he said in comments released by his office following a visit to the Tel Nof air force base in southern Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Israeli jets hit Hezbollah military targets&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>France also issued&nbsp;travel advisory&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The French foreign ministry on Friday advised French citizens against travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Palestinian territories amid Iran's threats against its regional adversary.</p>

<p>In a statement on social media platform X, the French foreign ministry added that relatives of Iran-based diplomats will return to France and that French civil servants are now banned from conducting any missions in Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian foreign ministry on Friday (Apr 12) issued an advisory to all Indians asking them to not travel to Iran or Israel till further notice amid the escalating tensions in the West Asian region.

Indian foreign ministry on Friday (Apr 12) issued an advisory to all Indians asking them to not travel to Iran or Israel till further notice amid the escalating tensions in the West Asian region. The advisory noted that all those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian embassies there and register themselves. "They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum," it added. Also read: Iran to avoid 'major escalation' in retaliatory attack, Israel on 'high alert' Fear looms over Israel-Iran war This comes after the United States issued concerns saying that an Iranian attack on Israel is imminent. US-based media outlets claimed that the strike could involve high-precision missile and drone attacks at military and government sites in Israel. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also said on Thursday that Israel would respond directly to any attack by Iran. "A direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran," Gallant told US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, according to remarks issued by his office. Tehran has already issued a warning as supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said this week that Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for attacking the Iranian embassy compound in Syria. Also read: Lufthansa extends Tehran flight suspension amid middle east security concerns Meanwhile, the Pentagon has given an "iron-clad" commitment to Israel's security against the Iranian threats. The Pentagon said, "Echoing President Biden's unequivocal message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Secretary Austin assured Minister Gallant that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, which Tehran has publicly threatened." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that they are keeping up its war in Gaza but is also preparing for scenarios in other areas. "Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively," he said in comments released by his office following a visit to the Tel Nof air force base in southern Israel. Watch: Israeli jets hit Hezbollah military targets × France also issued travel advisory The French foreign ministry on Friday advised French citizens against travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Palestinian territories amid Iran's threats against its regional adversary. In a statement on social media platform X, the French foreign ministry added that relatives of Iran-based diplomats will return to France and that French civil servants are now banned from conducting any missions in Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East crisis: Indians advised not to travel to Iran and Israel till further notice

India's auto sales in the fast lane

A record 18 million voters aged 18-19 are set to cast their votes for the first-time during Lok Sabha Elections. As India's election summer heats up, off the Chennai coast in southern India, 18-year-old scuba diver PG Keerthana passed the #ElectionVibeCheck with flying colours.

India Elections: Voter awareness campaign sixty feet underwater

UK to deploy Carrier Strike Group to Indo-Pacific, Exercise with Indian Navy

- France urges citizens not to travel to West Asia - Indians told to avoid going to Iran & Israel - Belgium probing Russian role in polls - Burmese flee to Thailand - Time running out in war torn Sudan says W.H.O - IDF says its on high-alert

Indians told to avoid going to Iran & Israel | West Asia Crisis

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed a massive election rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur region on Friday. He was campaigning for Union Minister Jitender Singh who is contensting the upcoming polls from the Udhampur Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Indian PM addresses rally in J&K's Udhampur, says 'statehood to be restored assembly polls soon'

India's National Investigation Agency has arrested two accused including the mastermind behind the Bengaluru's Rameswaram Cafe blast that took place last month. The two accused have been arrested near the eastern city of Kolkata.

Bengaluru cafe blast: Mastermind, key accused arrested near Kolkata; taken into custody

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive election rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur region on Friday. He was campaigning for Union Minister Jitender Singh who is contesting the upcoming polls from the Udhampur Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Indian PM addresses rally in J&K's Udhampur, says assembly polls soon

In an apparent attempt to entice Indian tourists back to the Maldives, a prominent tourism organization has announced that it will organize road shows in important Indian towns. Watch to know more.

Maldives to hold road shows in India to woo tourists back

<p>Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu expressed his optimism that India could replace China as the major semiconductor manufacturer as "China may not be a reliable partner in high-tech production".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comments come even as Taiwan company PSMC and Tata Group have come together for India's first semiconductor fab in Gujarat's Dholera.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-taiwan-president-says-taiwan-china-can-peacefully-resolve-differences-710162">&nbsp;Former Taiwan president says Taiwan, China can peacefully resolve differences</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"People have started to understand that China may not be a reliable partner in high tech production, and therefore people are looking for an alternative and when people see India, which is a democracy, which is a reliable partner, and which also provides an abundance of skilled engineers and labourers. So making investments in India or entering into cooperation with Indian electronics or manufacturing becomes a viable option," said Taiwanese Minister Joseph Wu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to our WION correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Taipei, the Taiwanese foreign minister also warned of disinformation campaigns ahead of the Indian election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "India is also going through an election and I'm sure the Chinese would like to create this open environment to shape the minds of the Indian people."&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Taiwan have seen high-level developments, including the signing of a mobility pact. Under the mobility pact, Indian workers can travel to Taiwan which can boost the self-ruled island's economy. Taiwan is also working on opening up its office in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch part of the interview here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The foreign minister also spoke on the visit of Taiwan's former President Ma's visit to Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "And most of the people here in Taiwan who like to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, it's about 80% or more and those who would advocate the lies advocated by former president Ma is in a very small minority, and those who would advocate to change the status quo in a rapid way to defy Taiwan and China is also a small minority".</p>

<p>Speaking about India extending its support to Taiwan in the aftermath of the earthquake, the minister said, "We are very touched by Prime Minister Modi's gesture. Even though he's running for election right now, still he took out time to post about the earthquake here in Taiwan and sent his condolences, sympathy and support for the countless people at this very difficult time."&nbsp;</p>


Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu expressed his optimism that India could replace China as the major semiconductor manufacturer as "China may not be a reliable partner in high-tech production".

Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu expressed his optimism that India could replace China as the major semiconductor manufacturer as "China may not be a reliable partner in high-tech production". The comments come even as Taiwan company PSMC and Tata Group have come together for India's first semiconductor fab in Gujarat's Dholera. Also read: Former Taiwan president says Taiwan, China can peacefully resolve differences "People have started to understand that China may not be a reliable partner in high tech production, and therefore people are looking for an alternative and when people see India, which is a democracy, which is a reliable partner, and which also provides an abundance of skilled engineers and labourers. So making investments in India or entering into cooperation with Indian electronics or manufacturing becomes a viable option," said Taiwanese Minister Joseph Wu. Speaking to our WION correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Taipei, the Taiwanese foreign minister also warned of disinformation campaigns ahead of the Indian election. He said, "India is also going through an election and I'm sure the Chinese would like to create this open environment to shape the minds of the Indian people." India and Taiwan have seen high-level developments, including the signing of a mobility pact. Under the mobility pact, Indian workers can travel to Taiwan which can boost the self-ruled island's economy. Taiwan is also working on opening up its office in Mumbai. Watch part of the interview here: × The foreign minister also spoke on the visit of Taiwan's former President Ma's visit to Beijing. He said, "And most of the people here in Taiwan who like to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, it's about 80% or more and those who would advocate the lies advocated by former president Ma is in a very small minority, and those who would advocate to change the status quo in a rapid way to defy Taiwan and China is also a small minority". Speaking about India extending its support to Taiwan in the aftermath of the earthquake, the minister said, "We are very touched by Prime Minister Modi's gesture. Even though he's running for election right now, still he took out time to post about the earthquake here in Taiwan and sent his condolences, sympathy and support for the countless people at this very difficult time."

India can replace China as major semiconductor manufacturer, says Taiwan FM Joseph Wu

Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh has issued a warning to Pakistan along with an 'offer' over its state-sponsored terrorism. Rajnath Singh has offered India's assistance to Pakistan in combating Terror on its soil.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan over home-grown terror

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Assam on April 16th and 17th. He will address a mega-election campaign rally in Nalbari Barpeta Lok Sabha constituency.

Lok Sabha election 2024: PM Modi to Campaign in Assam on April 16 & 17

The United Kingdom has appointed its first woman High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said she's expected to assume her new role later. This month her appointment comes at a time when India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement both sides have expressed intent and interest in wrapping up the negotiations by the end of the year.

UK appoints first woman envoy Lindy Cameron to India

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