Abdulla Shahid, the Maldives' Foreign Minister, is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. During the visit, he met with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and the two nations signed nine agreements on project development under India's grant assistance. The minister's visit is part of a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the strategic relationship between the two Indian Ocean region neighbours.

During Shahid's high-level visit, WION approached the Maldivian minister&nbsp;and talked to him about the strategic relationship that India and Maldives share.

Talking about the nine agreements signed by the two nations, the minister said that the MoUs are on various projects "ranging from the development of small fish processing plants in islands to street lighting and development of a volleyball court".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-foreign-minister-hopeful-of-india-becoming-a-voice-for-global-south-568109">Maldives' foreign minister hopeful of India becoming a voice for Global South</a>

"There's a whole range of small community high-impact projects," said Shahid, adding that both he and the Indian external minister are satisfied with the ongoing process.

Talking about the defence cooperation between India and Maldives, Shahid said, "We are committed to making sure that we work together with our neighbours in making sure that we keep the Indian Ocean stable and prosperous."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
'Every time there is an emergency and we dial international 911, India is the first to respond, regardless of what government is in Maldives or New Delhi, the response is the same,' says <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdulla_shahid</a>, foreign minister, Maldives, while speaking to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/SinghBhairavi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SinghBhairavi</a> <a href="https://t.co/iDAc4mC7cp">pic.twitter.com/iDAc4mC7cp</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1679168161701314562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Answering a question about the upcoming elections in the Maldives and a potential shift in government and how such a change might impact India, Shahid said that they are "confident" of&nbsp;winning a second term.

Talking about the so-called "India out" campaign run by a certain sect of people in his nation, the finance minister said, "I would always regard it as a group of people that has nothing better to sell."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-finance-ministry-employee-leaks-secret-classified-info-to-pakistan-number-held-614573">India: Finance ministry employee leaks secret, classified info to Pakistan number, held</a>

He said that all the people behind this campaign "have done is create hate and they have come out to sell hate to the people".

However, he said that "the people of Maldives will not buy it and that is why we have not seen this take off," because "the relationships between the people of Maldives and the people of India are too solid."

"So these fringe groups, the hate mongers will not succeed."

Acknowledging India's consistent helping hand for his nation, Shahid said, "President Solih (Ibrahim Mohamed Solih) is fully committed in his foreign policy for India first and we are encouraged by Prime Minister Modi's SAGAR policy the neighbourhood first policy, and he has also very clearly said that amongst the neighbourhood Maldives is the first."

Maldives is a key maritime neighbour of India. The nation holds a special place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security And Growth for All in the Region).

Addressing the future areas of collaboration between the two nations, the Maldivian foreign minister commended India for its contribution to the Maldives' human resource development "over the last several decades" and said that "it is also something that will continue."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Abdulla Shahid, the Maldives' Foreign Minister, is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. During the visit, he met with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and the two nations signed nine agreements on project development under India's grant assistance.

Abdulla Shahid, the Maldives' Foreign Minister, is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. During the visit, he met with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and the two nations signed nine agreements on project development under India's grant assistance. The minister's visit is part of a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the strategic relationship between the two Indian Ocean region neighbours. During Shahid's high-level visit, WION approached the Maldivian minister and talked to him about the strategic relationship that India and Maldives share. Talking about the nine agreements signed by the two nations, the minister said that the MoUs are on various projects "ranging from the development of small fish processing plants in islands to street lighting and development of a volleyball court". Also read | Maldives' foreign minister hopeful of India becoming a voice for Global South "There's a whole range of small community high-impact projects," said Shahid, adding that both he and the Indian external minister are satisfied with the ongoing process. Talking about the defence cooperation between India and Maldives, Shahid said, "We are committed to making sure that we work together with our neighbours in making sure that we keep the Indian Ocean stable and prosperous." 'Every time there is an emergency and we dial international 911, India is the first to respond, regardless of what government is in Maldives or New Delhi, the response is the same,' says @abdulla_shahid, foreign minister, Maldives, while speaking to WION's @SinghBhairavi pic.twitter.com/iDAc4mC7cp — WION (@WIONews) July 12, 2023 × Answering a question about the upcoming elections in the Maldives and a potential shift in government and how such a change might impact India, Shahid said that they are "confident" of winning a second term. Talking about the so-called "India out" campaign run by a certain sect of people in his nation, the finance minister said, "I would always regard it as a group of people that has nothing better to sell." Also read | India: Finance ministry employee leaks secret, classified info to Pakistan number, held He said that all the people behind this campaign "have done is create hate and they have come out to sell hate to the people". However, he said that "the people of Maldives will not buy it and that is why we have not seen this take off," because "the relationships between the people of Maldives and the people of India are too solid." "So these fringe groups, the hate mongers will not succeed." Acknowledging India's consistent helping hand for his nation, Shahid said, "President Solih (Ibrahim Mohamed Solih) is fully committed in his foreign policy for India first and we are encouraged by Prime Minister Modi's SAGAR policy the neighbourhood first policy, and he has also very clearly said that amongst the neighbourhood Maldives is the first." Maldives is a key maritime neighbour of India. The nation holds a special place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security And Growth for All in the Region). Addressing the future areas of collaboration between the two nations, the Maldivian foreign minister commended India for its contribution to the Maldives' human resource development "over the last several decades" and said that "it is also something that will continue." 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.

Exclusive: Maldives' foreign minister says his nation is committed to 'India first'

Over the years, the sporting fraternity has been blessed with several marquee athletes from across&nbsp;the globe. Many sports have seen certain performers&nbsp;own the game they play. Many have had an illustrious career with many highs along with some steep falls. Nonetheless, some of them have also reinvented themselves to flourish&nbsp;at&nbsp;the latter stage of their respective&nbsp;careers.&nbsp;

One such athlete has been the&nbsp;2004 Olympic 100m gold medalist Justin Gatlin. The American sprinter was a prominent name when Usain Bolt came up the ranks, scripted some glorious highs before doping led to his suspension only to stage a comeback in 2010 and continue&nbsp;long enough to beat&nbsp;the Jamaican&nbsp;in his final race. After continuing&nbsp;to produce age-defying performances, Gatlin&nbsp;finally retired&nbsp;earlier this year. However, he continues to be an inspiration for many.&nbsp;

In a chat with Wion's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, ahead of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, the 40-year-old Gatlin looked back on his career and has heaped praise on India's rising star Neeraj Chopra.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;F<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-lionel-messi-to-stephen-curry-top-5-forbes-richest-athletes-of-2022-478350">rom Lionel Messi to Stephen Curry: Top 5 Forbes’ richest athletes of 2022</a>

While Gatlin is an inspiration for many to date, he feels Neeraj is now inspiring a the younger generation. In his maiden Olympic outing, Neeraj returned with a gold medal in the men's javelin final to create history and take India past the final hurdle (where they have always struggled in marquee events).

Thus, Gatlin compared Neeraj's success with Usain and said, "What he has done for India, same thing that Usian has done for Jamaica. He has inspired so many young talents. They can say that I come from the same background, even I can reach there and make my country proud. Golden Boy has done a great thing for his country and I believe there are now many many more athletes who will come out from India."

Given that such huge words of praise from a legendary name like Gatlin, it will do wonders for Neeraj's confidence going ahead.

Over the years, the sporting fraternity has been blessed with several marquee athletes from across the globe. Many sports have seen certain performers own the game they play.

Over the years, the sporting fraternity has been blessed with several marquee athletes from across the globe. Many sports have seen certain performers own the game they play. Many have had an illustrious career with many highs along with some steep falls. Nonetheless, some of them have also reinvented themselves to flourish at the latter stage of their respective careers. One such athlete has been the 2004 Olympic 100m gold medalist Justin Gatlin. The American sprinter was a prominent name when Usain Bolt came up the ranks, scripted some glorious highs before doping led to his suspension only to stage a comeback in 2010 and continue long enough to beat the Jamaican in his final race. After continuing to produce age-defying performances, Gatlin finally retired earlier this year. However, he continues to be an inspiration for many. In a chat with Wion's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, ahead of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, the 40-year-old Gatlin looked back on his career and has heaped praise on India's rising star Neeraj Chopra. ALSO READ | From Lionel Messi to Stephen Curry: Top 5 Forbes’ richest athletes of 2022 While Gatlin is an inspiration for many to date, he feels Neeraj is now inspiring a the younger generation. In his maiden Olympic outing, Neeraj returned with a gold medal in the men's javelin final to create history and take India past the final hurdle (where they have always struggled in marquee events). Thus, Gatlin compared Neeraj's success with Usain and said, "What he has done for India, same thing that Usian has done for Jamaica. He has inspired so many young talents. They can say that I come from the same background, even I can reach there and make my country proud. Golden Boy has done a great thing for his country and I believe there are now many many more athletes who will come out from India." Given that such huge words of praise from a legendary name like Gatlin, it will do wonders for Neeraj's confidence going ahead.

EXCLUSIVE | What Neeraj Chopra has done for India, Usain Bolt has done the same for Jamaica: Justin Gatlin

The South Korean envoy to India, Chang Jae-bok has said that his country "understands India's position" amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, while the West has been announcing sanctions and criticising Moscow, Asian countries have taken their own stance and have chosen to balance ties with both Russia and the West.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chang explained his country's position saying, "South Korea is together with the sanction against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of the peace and prosperity of the world, including Ukrainian people."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-accepts-indias-position-says-australian-envoy-on-ukraine-crisis-464090">Quad accepts India's position, says Australian envoy on Ukraine crisis</a>

He was speaking on the sidelines of the in-person opening of Korean Cultural Centre India in Delhi as the covid crisis abates. The centre promotes Korean culture, with classes on Samulnori, K-Pop, Korean language, and Taekwondo. Asked about the popularity of K pop becoming a cultural phenomenon globally, he said, "I hope that it will go further."

WION: Korean Cultural Centre India has been reopened; how does it help propagate Korean Culture in India?&nbsp;And does it mean that the worries about Covid are over?

Chang Jae-bok: Our culture centre in India has been trying to have activities online, now it is getting back to normal work. We cannot get back to exactly the same situation as before the covid pandemic, however, we are getting back to normal little by little.&nbsp;

This is a great effort by Korean Cultural Centre India. Our embassy together with the cultural centre hopes that the Korean culture and language will go along with the Indian people, especially Indian young people who appreciate Korean pop culture.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-modi-and-japans-kishida-discuss-china-and-ukraine-conflict-463860">India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla</a>

This is a great opportunity for Indian people to appreciate and enjoy not only popular culture but also traditional and modern art. I hope that the many people in India will appreciate the exhibition and also the cultural activities.&nbsp;

WION: South Korea has emerged as a major superpower when it comes to its culture. K-pop is very popular. How has South Korea emerged as this major superpower on this front?

Chang Jae-bok: I think it's part of the creativity of Korean artists and people. The Korean government supports these activities for K-pop, but it does not interfere with private or commercial businesses engaged in cultural entertainment. I think that is the key to the success of Korean pop culture in the world.&nbsp;

WION: How popular is K-pop in India? You must have noticed its popularity.

Chang Jae-bok: I felt its popularity among young people. I don't think it started a long time ago. Especially during the pandemic, Indian people started to get into the OTT, online platforms. I hope that it will go further.

Watch |&nbsp;US President Biden praises QUAD, NATO but singles out India for 'Shaky' response to Russian invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-biden-praises-quad-nato-but-singles-out-india-for-shaky-response-to-russian-invasion-464481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WION: What is South Korean policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Chang Jae-bok: South Korea is together with the sanctions against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of peace and prosperity in the world, including the Ukrainian people.&nbsp;

WION: Have you spoken about it with the Indian side?

Chang Jae-bok: We understand India's position, we understand very well that it is a very complicated issue. Each nation, each country has its own position. However, India is also a peace-loving country. I think India is also standing with the world community against the atrocities and war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The South Korean envoy to India, Chang Jae-bok has said that his country "understands India's position" amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, while the West has been announcing sanctions and criticising Moscow, Asian countries have taken their own stance and have chosen to balance ties with both Russia and the West.

The South Korean envoy to India, Chang Jae-bok has said that his country "understands India's position" amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, while the West has been announcing sanctions and criticising Moscow, Asian countries have taken their own stance and have chosen to balance ties with both Russia and the West. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chang explained his country's position saying, "South Korea is together with the sanction against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of the peace and prosperity of the world, including Ukrainian people." Also read | Quad accepts India's position, says Australian envoy on Ukraine crisis He was speaking on the sidelines of the in-person opening of Korean Cultural Centre India in Delhi as the covid crisis abates. The centre promotes Korean culture, with classes on Samulnori, K-Pop, Korean language, and Taekwondo. Asked about the popularity of K pop becoming a cultural phenomenon globally, he said, "I hope that it will go further." WION: Korean Cultural Centre India has been reopened; how does it help propagate Korean Culture in India? And does it mean that the worries about Covid are over? Chang Jae-bok: Our culture centre in India has been trying to have activities online, now it is getting back to normal work. We cannot get back to exactly the same situation as before the covid pandemic, however, we are getting back to normal little by little. This is a great effort by Korean Cultural Centre India. Our embassy together with the cultural centre hopes that the Korean culture and language will go along with the Indian people, especially Indian young people who appreciate Korean pop culture. Also read | India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla This is a great opportunity for Indian people to appreciate and enjoy not only popular culture but also traditional and modern art. I hope that the many people in India will appreciate the exhibition and also the cultural activities. WION: South Korea has emerged as a major superpower when it comes to its culture. K-pop is very popular. How has South Korea emerged as this major superpower on this front? Chang Jae-bok: I think it's part of the creativity of Korean artists and people. The Korean government supports these activities for K-pop, but it does not interfere with private or commercial businesses engaged in cultural entertainment. I think that is the key to the success of Korean pop culture in the world. WION: How popular is K-pop in India? You must have noticed its popularity. Chang Jae-bok: I felt its popularity among young people. I don't think it started a long time ago. Especially during the pandemic, Indian people started to get into the OTT, online platforms. I hope that it will go further. Watch | US President Biden praises QUAD, NATO but singles out India for 'Shaky' response to Russian invasion WION: What is South Korean policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Chang Jae-bok: South Korea is together with the sanctions against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of peace and prosperity in the world, including the Ukrainian people. WION: Have you spoken about it with the Indian side? Chang Jae-bok: We understand India's position, we understand very well that it is a very complicated issue. Each nation, each country has its own position. However, India is also a peace-loving country. I think India is also standing with the world community against the atrocities and war in Ukraine.

Exclusive | 'Understand India's position', South Korean envoy Chang on Ukraine crisis

WION in an exclusive conversation spoke to former Union Secretary of Health Sujatha Rao on what steps has the Indian government taken to tackle the novel coronavirus.

WION Exclusive Conversation with Former Union Secretary of Health Sujatha Rao on COVID-19

In the segment of WION Wings watch an exclusive conversation with Gulf Air CEO Kresimir Kucko.

WION Wings: Exclusive conversation with Gulf Air CEO Kresimir Kucko

In an exclusive conversation WION, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan talks about Turkey's stand on Jammu and Kashmir.

What's driving Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's J&K obsession?

exclusive-conversation

Exclusive Conversation, News on Exclusive Conversation, stories on Exclusive Conversation, articles on Exclusive Conversation, Exclusive Conversation stories at Wion, Exclusive Conversation news, Exclusive Conversation latest news