India on Tuesday hit out at China, and Pakistan at United Nations Security Council meeting on terrorism, calling out both on several counts from "double standards" to "hypocrisy" over the issue.

WION Dispatch: India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism at UNSC

The Indian state of Bihar is witnessing another political divorce. CM Nitish Kumar has ended Janata Dal (United)'s alliance with BJP & joined hands with RJD. What explains the move? How has Nitish Kumar made a career by switching sides? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Decoding the 'political divorce' in Bihar

Will cheap Chinese phones lose access to the Indian markets? India is said to be mulling curbs on Chinese smartphone markers. They could be curbed from selling phones cheaper than $150 (Rs 12,000). Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: No cheap Chinese phones for India

India has developed into a superpower in the world of cricket and perhaps its biggest gift to the game was the Indian Premier League. A look at the cash-rich tournament that has captivated cricket fan all around the world.

India@75: IPL – India’s gift to world cricket

Apple is likely to start manufacturing iPhone in India at the same time as China. A reliable apple analyst has confirmed that Apple will begin production of iPhone 14 in both China and India together.

iPhone 14 to be manufactured in India: Reports

India has hit at China and Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council meeting on terrorism criticizing both the countries on several accounts from double standards to hypocrisy.

UNSC meet on terrorism: India slams Pakistan, China for double standards

India slams Pakistan, China for double standards

A 17-year-old boy allegedly killed his parents in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh to cure his mentally-ill elder brother. He killed his mother and father, offering them as a sacrifice at the behest of a ‘tantric’ (shaman), India-based news agency PTI reported.

The incident happened in Chhattisgarh state’s&nbsp;Raigarh district. Reports also revealed that some relatives were also involved.

As reported by PTI, local police said that on Tuesday (August 9) the teenager and six others have been apprehended from the neighbouring Jashpur district. An official also informed that one accused is still at large.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-lumpy-skin-disease-a-viral-infection-that-killed-thousands-of-cows-and-buffaloes-in-india-505309">Explained: What is Lumpy Skin Disease? A viral infection that killed thousands of cows and buffaloes in India</a>&nbsp;

Abhishek Meena, who is the superintendent of police, said that the bodies of Sukru Ram Yadav (40) and his wife Manmati (35) were found under a bridge on the Mahanadi river in the Saria region on August 1.

The SP said that while interrogating their minor son, it was revealed that the deaths were part of witchcraft as he and others killed the couple on the advice of a shaman.&nbsp;

The minor boy revealed that about a month ago, his elder brother developed a psychological ailment. To cure him, they approached the shaman, who told him that the reason was the ‘black magic’ practised by their mother. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-women-in-kupwara-are-making-special-national-flags-for-the-har-ghar-tiranga-campaign-504874">Kashmir: Women in Kupwara are making special national flags for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign</a>&nbsp;

The boy further told the police that the tantric apparently advised him to kill his parents in order to cure his elder brother. The shaman also told the boy that the so-called sacrifice would also improve their financial condition. &nbsp;

As a result, with help of his brother-in-law Nar Singh, cousin brother Rajuram Yadav and accomplices Bhole Shankar Yadav, Shankar Yadav, Khageshwar Yadav, Ishwari Yadav and Dasrath Yadav, the minor allegedly strangled his parents on July 30. He threw the bodies under the bridge, the police officer said. The police said that one accused Dasrath Yadav was still absconding.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A 17-year-old boy allegedly killed his parents in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh to cure his mentally-ill elder brother. He killed his mother and father, offering them as a sacrifice at the behest of a ‘tantric’ (shaman), India-based news agency PTI reported.

A 17-year-old boy allegedly killed his parents in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh to cure his mentally-ill elder brother. He killed his mother and father, offering them as a sacrifice at the behest of a ‘tantric’ (shaman), India-based news agency PTI reported. The incident happened in Chhattisgarh state’s Raigarh district. Reports also revealed that some relatives were also involved. As reported by PTI, local police said that on Tuesday (August 9) the teenager and six others have been apprehended from the neighbouring Jashpur district. An official also informed that one accused is still at large. ALSO READ | Explained: What is Lumpy Skin Disease? A viral infection that killed thousands of cows and buffaloes in India Abhishek Meena, who is the superintendent of police, said that the bodies of Sukru Ram Yadav (40) and his wife Manmati (35) were found under a bridge on the Mahanadi river in the Saria region on August 1. The SP said that while interrogating their minor son, it was revealed that the deaths were part of witchcraft as he and others killed the couple on the advice of a shaman. The minor boy revealed that about a month ago, his elder brother developed a psychological ailment. To cure him, they approached the shaman, who told him that the reason was the ‘black magic’ practised by their mother. ALSO READ | Kashmir: Women in Kupwara are making special national flags for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign The boy further told the police that the tantric apparently advised him to kill his parents in order to cure his elder brother. The shaman also told the boy that the so-called sacrifice would also improve their financial condition. As a result, with help of his brother-in-law Nar Singh, cousin brother Rajuram Yadav and accomplices Bhole Shankar Yadav, Shankar Yadav, Khageshwar Yadav, Ishwari Yadav and Dasrath Yadav, the minor allegedly strangled his parents on July 30. He threw the bodies under the bridge, the police officer said. The police said that one accused Dasrath Yadav was still absconding. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Minor boy ‘sacrifices’ parents to cure mentally-ill brother

Mortuary employees, street vendors, Anganwadi workers, and Mudra Scheme loanees will be the special guests during the celebrations of the 75th Independence Day, defence secretary Ajay Kumar announced on Wednesday.

“This year we have invited mortuary workers, street vendors, Anganwadi workers and Mudra Scheme loanees as special guests for the 15th August Independence Day celebrations,” Kumar said.

<img alt="Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33e7bd97-6201-487e-9e79-cf1e4580549d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FZyLlitaUAEL_3p2022081009264720220810100227.jpg" />

Defence secretary Ajay Kumar. Photo credits: ANI&nbsp;

Speaking of the special initiative for the 75th Independence Day celebrations, he also disclosed that the ceremonial salute will be fired with indigenously designed and developed Advanced Towed Artillery&nbsp;Gun&nbsp;System (ATAGS)&nbsp;for the first time.

“We are going to use indigenously designed and developed gun for the ceremonial 21 gun salute. We have been using a British one-pound ceremonial gun for the 21-gun salute ever since the Independence. Now, we have developed the ATAGS gun designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and developed by the industry partners and it has been customised for blank firing shell and its sound attributes. This will also be used along with the usual British gun,” Kumar added.

One ATAGS gun will be used in ceremonial gun salutes in addition to British weapons as a sign that India is now able to produce firearms.

The defence secretary also discussed a plan to display India's cultural variety by having National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from every district of the nation, each dressed in traditional garb, sit in front of the Red Fort in the shape of the map of India.

He also noted in his speech that cadets from 14 nations, including Mauritius, Argentina, Seychelles, UAE, Mozambique, Fiji, USA, UK, Indonesia, Maldives, Nigeria, Brazil, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, have&nbsp;been invited to the Independence Day celebrations ceremony.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mortuary employees, street vendors, Anganwadi workers, and Mudra Scheme loanees will be the special guests during the celebrations of the 75th Independence Day, defence secretary Ajay Kumar announced on Wednesday.

Mortuary employees, street vendors, Anganwadi workers, and Mudra Scheme loanees will be the special guests during the celebrations of the 75th Independence Day, defence secretary Ajay Kumar announced on Wednesday. “This year we have invited mortuary workers, street vendors, Anganwadi workers and Mudra Scheme loanees as special guests for the 15th August Independence Day celebrations,” Kumar said. Defence secretary Ajay Kumar. Photo credits: ANI Speaking of the special initiative for the 75th Independence Day celebrations, he also disclosed that the ceremonial salute will be fired with indigenously designed and developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) for the first time. “We are going to use indigenously designed and developed gun for the ceremonial 21 gun salute. We have been using a British one-pound ceremonial gun for the 21-gun salute ever since the Independence. Now, we have developed the ATAGS gun designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and developed by the industry partners and it has been customised for blank firing shell and its sound attributes. This will also be used along with the usual British gun,” Kumar added. One ATAGS gun will be used in ceremonial gun salutes in addition to British weapons as a sign that India is now able to produce firearms. The defence secretary also discussed a plan to display India's cultural variety by having National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from every district of the nation, each dressed in traditional garb, sit in front of the Red Fort in the shape of the map of India. He also noted in his speech that cadets from 14 nations, including Mauritius, Argentina, Seychelles, UAE, Mozambique, Fiji, USA, UK, Indonesia, Maldives, Nigeria, Brazil, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, have been invited to the Independence Day celebrations ceremony. (With inputs from agencies)

Mortuary workers, street vendors to be special guests for 75th Indian Independence Day celebration

The 44th chess Olympiad came to an end on Monday in Chennai, the two week long event was held in India for the first time ever and saw a record number of teams take part. Uzbekistan were crowned champions in the open section while hosts India finished with bronze.

44th Chess Olympiad: Uzbekistan win Gold in open category

Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties. Tejashwi Yadav has been sworn in as the deputy chief minister. Kumar recently resigned as Bihar’s chief minister after breaking alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After Kumar’s resignation, Nitish and other leaders addressed a joint press conference and announced their&nbsp;new ‘Mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance, consisting of seven parties, and claimed support of 165 MLAs, including an Independent.

On a day of quick and sudden political developments in Bihar, Kumar earlier met the governor, Phagu Chauhan, twice: once to submit his resignation as CM, and the second time to stake claim for a new government after being chosen as the leader of the grand alliance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-resigns-as-bihar-cm-snaps-ties-with-bjp-505166">India politics: Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar chief minister, snaps ties with BJP</a>

BJP&nbsp;attacked Kumar for snapping the pre-poll alliance&nbsp;and accused him of having disrespected the mandate given by the people of Bihar. 
 
Kumar, who is being trolled on social media for switching sides frequently,&nbsp;had earlier severed ties with the BJP in 2013 but had aligned again with it in 2017. He claimed that the decision to break ties was taken by a unanimous vote. JD-U members&nbsp;claimed that ties with the BJP deteriorated due to a number of instances, including RCP Singh’s exit from the party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-india-slams-china-pakistan-for-double-standards-on-terrorism-505306">At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism</a>

In&nbsp;the joint press conference, Tejashwi criticised the BJP and accused it of destroying parties with whom it formed an alliance. He said, “Across the Hindi heartland, BJP does not have any alliance partner. History shows that the BJP destroys the parties with whom it makes alliances. We did see that happening in Punjab and Maharashtra.”

Kumar has worked with the BJP several times in the last 20 years and had even served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government at the Centre in 1996. JD-U is the third major ally to snap ties with the BJP in the last three years&nbsp;after Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties.

Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties. Tejashwi Yadav has been sworn in as the deputy chief minister. Kumar recently resigned as Bihar’s chief minister after breaking alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After Kumar’s resignation, Nitish and other leaders addressed a joint press conference and announced their new ‘Mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance, consisting of seven parties, and claimed support of 165 MLAs, including an Independent. On a day of quick and sudden political developments in Bihar, Kumar earlier met the governor, Phagu Chauhan, twice: once to submit his resignation as CM, and the second time to stake claim for a new government after being chosen as the leader of the grand alliance. Also read | India politics: Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar chief minister, snaps ties with BJP BJP attacked Kumar for snapping the pre-poll alliance and accused him of having disrespected the mandate given by the people of Bihar. Kumar, who is being trolled on social media for switching sides frequently, had earlier severed ties with the BJP in 2013 but had aligned again with it in 2017. He claimed that the decision to break ties was taken by a unanimous vote. JD-U members claimed that ties with the BJP deteriorated due to a number of instances, including RCP Singh’s exit from the party. Also read | At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism In the joint press conference, Tejashwi criticised the BJP and accused it of destroying parties with whom it formed an alliance. He said, “Across the Hindi heartland, BJP does not have any alliance partner. History shows that the BJP destroys the parties with whom it makes alliances. We did see that happening in Punjab and Maharashtra.” Kumar has worked with the BJP several times in the last 20 years and had even served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government at the Centre in 1996. JD-U is the third major ally to snap ties with the BJP in the last three years after Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar CM for the 8th time, Tejashwi Yadav becomes deputy

In an ongoing encounter in Central Kashmir's Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir police claim that terrorists were involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat are trapped at the operation site.

An encounter started earlier today between terrorists and security forces in the Waterhail area of Central Kashmir's Budgam district. Jammu and Kashmir police say three terrorists are holed up at the encounter site. The terrorists belonging to the LeT(TRF) terror outfit are trapped. And the terrorist Lateef, involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat,&nbsp;was among the three terrorists trapped at the site.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-major-tragedy-averted-as-security-forces-recover-and-diffuse-ied-505462">J&amp;K: Major tragedy averted as security forces recover and diffuse IED</a>

''Encounter has started at Waterhail area of Budgam. 03 terrorists from the terror group LeT (TRF), including terrorist Lateef Rather, are caught up in an ongoing battle. Terrorist Lateef is involved in several civilian killings including Rahul Bhat &amp; Amreen Bhat," said Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir Police.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-women-in-kupwara-are-making-special-national-flags-for-the-har-ghar-tiranga-campaign-504874">Kashmir: Women in Kupwara are making special national flags for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign</a>

The security forces had received input about the presence of the terrorists in the area, after which a cordon and search operation was launched by a joint team of RR, Police, and CRPF. The terrorists fired on the forces while they were close to the site where terrorists were hiding, resulting in a gun battle.

Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed 78 encounters so far in the year 2022. Security forces have killed 127 terrorists during these encounters and among them were 33 Pakistani terrorists. Kashmir also witnessed the killings of 20 Civilians this year. Security forces also lost 16 soldiers in various terror incidents.&nbsp;

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In an ongoing encounter in Central Kashmir's Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir police claim that terrorists were involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat are trapped at the operation site.

In an ongoing encounter in Central Kashmir's Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir police claim that terrorists were involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat are trapped at the operation site. An encounter started earlier today between terrorists and security forces in the Waterhail area of Central Kashmir's Budgam district. Jammu and Kashmir police say three terrorists are holed up at the encounter site. The terrorists belonging to the LeT(TRF) terror outfit are trapped. And the terrorist Lateef, involved in the killing of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat, was among the three terrorists trapped at the site. Also read | J&K: Major tragedy averted as security forces recover and diffuse IED ''Encounter has started at Waterhail area of Budgam. 03 terrorists from the terror group LeT (TRF), including terrorist Lateef Rather, are caught up in an ongoing battle. Terrorist Lateef is involved in several civilian killings including Rahul Bhat & Amreen Bhat," said Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir Police. Also read | Kashmir: Women in Kupwara are making special national flags for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign The security forces had received input about the presence of the terrorists in the area, after which a cordon and search operation was launched by a joint team of RR, Police, and CRPF. The terrorists fired on the forces while they were close to the site where terrorists were hiding, resulting in a gun battle. Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed 78 encounters so far in the year 2022. Security forces have killed 127 terrorists during these encounters and among them were 33 Pakistani terrorists. Kashmir also witnessed the killings of 20 Civilians this year. Security forces also lost 16 soldiers in various terror incidents. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Encounter in Budgam district, killers of TV actress and Kashmiri pandit trapped

The outbound tourism in India is going to surpass 42 billion dollar by 2024. The government of India could bring about certain policy changes to boost the growing market like increasing direct connections to popular and upcoming destinations allowing foreign cruise vessels to operate on Indian waters.

India's international tourism to surpass $42 billion by 2024

Sri Lanka deferred a proposed visit by China's Yuan Wang 5 spy vessel amid growing pressure from India. China responded by indirectly accusing India of 'disturbing' its relations with Sri Lanka. Palki Sharma tells you why it's advantage India for now.

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India has been experiencing phenomenal growth in the telecom industry. It is the world’s second-largest telecommunications market with a subscriber base of 1.16 billion.

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India is often called the most prolific film-making nation in the world. Combining Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood and other regional film industries, thousands of films are made in dozens of languages every year. And, according to the Guinness World Records, India makes the most movies as compared to other countries. In 75 years of independence, the nation has achieved countless milestones in the world of cinema and movie-making.

India@75: How India became world's movie capital

'Operation Smiling Buddha' was the assigned code name of India's first successful nuclear bomb test. The Ministry of External Affairs designated it as Pokhran-I.

India@75: Smiling Buddha - When India became nuclear state

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Freedom fighter and ardent Gandhian Pingali Venkayya was the first to sketch out India's national flag design in 1921. He was born on August 2, 1876.

India@75: Pingali Venkayya, the man who designed India’s national flag

During the struggle for independence, India's peasants emerged as the dominant force, directly fighting for their own demands.

India@75: Major peasant movements that led way to the struggle for independence

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India. 

Solih’s visit assumes importance since the Maldives is an important partner for India in the latter’s geopolitical competition against China in the Indian Ocean Region. India’s sustained diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives and Solih’s favourable response to the same since his becoming president in 2018 have been crucial in India’s counterbalance strategy against China in South Asia. 

Solih’s visit to India combines continuity along with a reset in the India-Maldives relations. 

Continued engagements

Since Solih became the president in 2018, India has accelerated its engagements with Maldives. Solih’s predecessor Abdulla Yameen, during his tenure from 2013 to 2018, pushed Maldives closer to China and away from India. In 2015, the constitution of Maldives was amended which allowed foreigners to own properties in the Maldives. In 2017, a free trade agreement was finalized between Maldives and China. According to former President Mohamed Nasheed, Chinese debt was $3.1 billion which included government-to-government loans and money lent to state enterprises and private entities. Other experts differ on this and estimate the amount of debt owed by Maldives to China to be around $1.1 to 1.4 billion, still a substantial amount considering Maldives annual GDP to be about $4.9 billion. 

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s victory in the 2018 presidential elections turned Maldivian foreign policy orientation towards India. India proactively responded to this opportunity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the oath-taking ceremony of Solih in November 2018. For his part, Solih chose India as the country of his first foreign visit as president in December 2018. Under Solih’s presidency, Maldives also prioritized relations with India under the India First Policy. This policy has been complemented by India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. 

Since 2018, India’s ties with Maldives have witnessed an upswing. &nbsp;Even as China vies to keep upper hand, India has been successful in making inroads in Maldives by way of economic assistance and infrastructure projects. 

During his recent visit to India, Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Greater Male connectivity projects in Maldives. India has provided $100 million in grant and $400 million under line of credit. India has also provided $100 million line of credit for development projects in Maldives. Solih’s visit also saw the two countries entering into agreements in the areas of cyber security, disaster management and police infrastructure development. 

India’s status as a favoured partner of Maldives stems from the fact that Indian economic assistance is not aimed at creating a debt trap, like China’s economic engagements. Further, Maldivian economy depends substantially on tourism. However, with the tourism suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives would need assistance for economic recovery on liberal terms which is available from India. 

Challenges to the bilateral relations 

While India has been consistent with its engagements with Maldives there are challenges to the bilateral relations. 

While India has made significant inroads in Maldives, India Out campaign had been gaining ground in Maldives for about past year. Former President Abdulla Yameen led this campaign that was backed by China. Yameen, who was sentenced to five years of imprisonment and a $5 million fine for embezzling $1 million from state funds, was released from house arrest in 2021. The court also cleared him of the embezzlement charges citing insufficient evidence. These developments mark Yameen’s return to politics and the upcoming 2023 presidential elections could decide the fate of the India-Maldives relations should Yameen contest and win. In a bid to counter the anti-India sentiments, Solih signed a decree in April this year stating India Out campaign as a threat to national security and allowing security agencies to take action against opposition parties spearheading this campaign. 

Another area of concern is the radicalization in Maldives. Maldives’ transition to democracy in 2008 also led to growing undercurrents of radicalization. Opposition parties blamed the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which won the 2008 elections, of ruining the sacred Islamic values. Further the of terror organization ISIS in the Middle East has contributed to radicalization in Maldives. The attack on former President Mohamed Nasheed has been linked to growing radical tendencies in Maldives. Maldives is the country with highest per capita foreign fighters in the world joining the ISIS. In June this year, a violent mob attacked an event organized by the Indian High Commission in Maldives to celebrate International Day of Yoga. This attack is believed to have carried out by the members of Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). Ilmuveringe Gulhun, an Islamic radical organization had called for stopping the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga as it goes against Islamic principles. 

Maldives is an important country in the Indian Ocean Region for India. India’s deep diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives seek to address traditional as well as non-traditional security threats. &nbsp;It is pertinent for India to keep up with the engagements and at the same time make an effort to connect with the Maldivian people for greater acceptability. Such measures could lead to India sustaining a geopolitical advantage in Maldives.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

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Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India.

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India. Solih’s visit assumes importance since the Maldives is an important partner for India in the latter’s geopolitical competition against China in the Indian Ocean Region. India’s sustained diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives and Solih’s favourable response to the same since his becoming president in 2018 have been crucial in India’s counterbalance strategy against China in South Asia. Solih’s visit to India combines continuity along with a reset in the India-Maldives relations. Continued engagements Since Solih became the president in 2018, India has accelerated its engagements with Maldives. Solih’s predecessor Abdulla Yameen, during his tenure from 2013 to 2018, pushed Maldives closer to China and away from India. In 2015, the constitution of Maldives was amended which allowed foreigners to own properties in the Maldives. In 2017, a free trade agreement was finalized between Maldives and China. According to former President Mohamed Nasheed, Chinese debt was $3.1 billion which included government-to-government loans and money lent to state enterprises and private entities. Other experts differ on this and estimate the amount of debt owed by Maldives to China to be around $1.1 to 1.4 billion, still a substantial amount considering Maldives annual GDP to be about $4.9 billion. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s victory in the 2018 presidential elections turned Maldivian foreign policy orientation towards India. India proactively responded to this opportunity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the oath-taking ceremony of Solih in November 2018. For his part, Solih chose India as the country of his first foreign visit as president in December 2018. Under Solih’s presidency, Maldives also prioritized relations with India under the India First Policy. This policy has been complemented by India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. Since 2018, India’s ties with Maldives have witnessed an upswing. Even as China vies to keep upper hand, India has been successful in making inroads in Maldives by way of economic assistance and infrastructure projects. During his recent visit to India, Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Greater Male connectivity projects in Maldives. India has provided $100 million in grant and $400 million under line of credit. India has also provided $100 million line of credit for development projects in Maldives. Solih’s visit also saw the two countries entering into agreements in the areas of cyber security, disaster management and police infrastructure development. India’s status as a favoured partner of Maldives stems from the fact that Indian economic assistance is not aimed at creating a debt trap, like China’s economic engagements. Further, Maldivian economy depends substantially on tourism. However, with the tourism suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives would need assistance for economic recovery on liberal terms which is available from India. Challenges to the bilateral relations While India has been consistent with its engagements with Maldives there are challenges to the bilateral relations. While India has made significant inroads in Maldives, India Out campaign had been gaining ground in Maldives for about past year. Former President Abdulla Yameen led this campaign that was backed by China. Yameen, who was sentenced to five years of imprisonment and a $5 million fine for embezzling $1 million from state funds, was released from house arrest in 2021. The court also cleared him of the embezzlement charges citing insufficient evidence. These developments mark Yameen’s return to politics and the upcoming 2023 presidential elections could decide the fate of the India-Maldives relations should Yameen contest and win. In a bid to counter the anti-India sentiments, Solih signed a decree in April this year stating India Out campaign as a threat to national security and allowing security agencies to take action against opposition parties spearheading this campaign. Another area of concern is the radicalization in Maldives. Maldives’ transition to democracy in 2008 also led to growing undercurrents of radicalization. Opposition parties blamed the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which won the 2008 elections, of ruining the sacred Islamic values. Further the of terror organization ISIS in the Middle East has contributed to radicalization in Maldives. The attack on former President Mohamed Nasheed has been linked to growing radical tendencies in Maldives. Maldives is the country with highest per capita foreign fighters in the world joining the ISIS. In June this year, a violent mob attacked an event organized by the Indian High Commission in Maldives to celebrate International Day of Yoga. This attack is believed to have carried out by the members of Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). Ilmuveringe Gulhun, an Islamic radical organization had called for stopping the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga as it goes against Islamic principles. Maldives is an important country in the Indian Ocean Region for India. India’s deep diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives seek to address traditional as well as non-traditional security threats. It is pertinent for India to keep up with the engagements and at the same time make an effort to connect with the Maldivian people for greater acceptability. Such measures could lead to India sustaining a geopolitical advantage in Maldives. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Continuity and challenges in the India-Maldives relations

Chinese embassy has reportedly sought an urgent meeting with senior Sri Lankan authorities. The move comes after Colombo reportedly saw deferment of the planned docking of high-tech Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5.

Sri Lanka blocks Chinese vessel in Indian ocean after India raises concern

A US navy ship called the Charles Drew arrived at a shipyard in India, southern sea of Tamil Nadu for repair work and allied services. This is the first time that an American vessel has visited India for repairs.

US warship Charles drew in India for repair, arrives in Tamil Nadu

China seeks urgent meeting over ship docking, Sri Lanka opposes vessel

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