<p>In a major high-level interaction between India and the Maldives, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM)&nbsp;Dr S Jaishankar is visiting the South Asian archipelago nation amid months of bilateral unease between the two sides since pro-China President Muhammad Muizzu was elected to power on an 'India Out' plank, a euphemism to the purported exit of a small number of Indian troops stationed in the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar met President Muizzu in Malé&nbsp;and accompanied his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer for a site visit to the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, an India-funded $500 million&nbsp;road project currently under construction that aims to link the capital&nbsp;with the islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi in the Maldives. The Greater Malé Connectivity Project is not only the biggest project India is funding in the Maldives but also the biggest infrastructure project in the island nation&nbsp;overall.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-thanks-india-for-debt-relief-hopes-for-fta-with-new-delhi-745030">Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi</a></strong><br />
&nbsp;<br />
"It was a pleasure to meet Dr S Jaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives," Muizzu said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).</p>

<p>He&nbsp;also thanked the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi for the support provided to the Maldives.</p>

<p>Muizzu said, "I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region."</p>

<p>Following the meeting, the EAM&nbsp;shared a message on X stating, "Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi. Committed to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region."</p>

<p>Jaishankar also virtually inaugurated and handed over the water and sanitation projects that benefit 28 islands of the Maldives.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives</strong></p>

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<p>"This project has brought safe drinking water to so many islands, to 32 islands and introduced sewerage system in 17 islands. I am happy to note that this has directly impacted the lives of 28,000 Maldivians I believe. And under this project, latest technologies have been used to provide clean drinking water and safe sewerage disposal. In addition, the buildings are also equipped with solar energy providing support to the island grids. With a total funding of a USD 110 million, this is the largest climate adaptation implemented in Maldives with international collaboration," Jaishankar said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Joined Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/MoosaZameer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoosaZameer</a> and Construction &amp; Infrastructure Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/muththo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@muththo</a> for a site visit to the Greater Malé Connectivity Project.<br />
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The flagship project will enhance connectivity and stimulate the economy. <a href="https://t.co/sC9y1sIyss">pic.twitter.com/sC9y1sIyss</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1822280514763444260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, President Muizzu recognised India consistently being "one of the closest" allies to Maldives. "India has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever Maldives has needed it," acknowledged Muizzu according to a press release issued by the Maldives government.</p>


In a major high-level interaction between India and the Maldives, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar is visiting the South Asian archipelago nation amid months of bilateral unease between the two sides since pro-China President Muhammad Muizzu was elected to power on an 'India Out' plank, a euphemism to the purported exit of a small number of Indian troops stationed in the island nation.

In a major high-level interaction between India and the Maldives, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar is visiting the South Asian archipelago nation amid months of bilateral unease between the two sides since pro-China President Muhammad Muizzu was elected to power on an 'India Out' plank, a euphemism to the purported exit of a small number of Indian troops stationed in the island nation. Jaishankar met President Muizzu in Malé and accompanied his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer for a site visit to the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, an India-funded $500 million road project currently under construction that aims to link the capital with the islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi in the Maldives. The Greater Malé Connectivity Project is not only the biggest project India is funding in the Maldives but also the biggest infrastructure project in the island nation overall. Also read | Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi "It was a pleasure to meet Dr S Jaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives," Muizzu said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He also thanked the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the support provided to the Maldives. Muizzu said, "I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region." Following the meeting, the EAM shared a message on X stating, "Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi. Committed to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region." Jaishankar also virtually inaugurated and handed over the water and sanitation projects that benefit 28 islands of the Maldives. Also watch | Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives × "This project has brought safe drinking water to so many islands, to 32 islands and introduced sewerage system in 17 islands. I am happy to note that this has directly impacted the lives of 28,000 Maldivians I believe. And under this project, latest technologies have been used to provide clean drinking water and safe sewerage disposal. In addition, the buildings are also equipped with solar energy providing support to the island grids. With a total funding of a USD 110 million, this is the largest climate adaptation implemented in Maldives with international collaboration," Jaishankar said. Joined Foreign Minister @MoosaZameer and Construction & Infrastructure Minister @muththo for a site visit to the Greater Malé Connectivity Project. The flagship project will enhance connectivity and stimulate the economy. pic.twitter.com/sC9y1sIyss — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 10, 2024 × Earlier, President Muizzu recognised India consistently being "one of the closest" allies to Maldives. "India has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever Maldives has needed it," acknowledged Muizzu according to a press release issued by the Maldives government.

Jaishankar in Maldives: India delivers drinking water project;  Greater Malé Connectivity Project in focus

<p>As India's interim Budget announced allocation of&nbsp;₹770 Crore to Maldives, cash-strapped Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 1) also assured the South Asian archipelago that it will address the "pressing development needs" of the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a telephone conversation with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar reportedly discussed ways to fortify the bilateral ties between the two nations, the President's Office said in a press release.</p>

<p>Muizzu has also "been assured of the support of the Pakistani government to address the pressing development needs of the Maldives," it said.</p>

<p>The Pakistani caretaker prime minister also conveyed his support and assistance to the Maldives' efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, the release said.</p>

<p>The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Pakistan on July 26, 1966.</p>

<h2><strong>India-Maldives ties: The increase in aid and talks in New Delhi</strong></h2>

<p>A high-level delegation from the Maldives has arrived in New Delhi amid the ongoing discussions between the two nations over the presence of Indian military personnel in the island nation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-interim-budget-figures-show-increased-allocation-to-maldives-at-rs-770-crore-685899">Indian interim Budget figures show increased allocation to Maldives at ₹770 crore</a></strong></p>

<p>The core group was formed following Maldives President Muizzu's demand for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country. The pro-China president recently came to power over an 'India Out' plank.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-delegation-in-delhi-ahead-of-core-group-meeting-today-686128">Maldives delegation in Delhi ahead of core group meeting today</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian military personnel are present in Maldives to maintain Indian platforms for humanitarian purposes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions", says Indian Readout on 2nd India Maldives core group meeting in Delhi on presence of Indian military presence in Maldives. <a href="https://t.co/Xfq38ibEKU">https://t.co/Xfq38ibEKU</a> <a href="https://t.co/St5X5WUWEK">pic.twitter.com/St5X5WUWEK</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1753432434954342660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the increased allocation in India's interim Budget reaffirms New Delhi's commitment to expand major infrastructure initiatives and development projects in the Maldives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is supporting the country's biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Maldives delegation in India for second core group meeting</strong></p>

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<p>New Delhi has kept ₹600 Crore for Maldives&nbsp;for the financial year 2024-2025, indicating that the support will continue.</p>

<p>From being the top country&nbsp;for the tourism sector in Maldives last year, India dropped to fifth position this January in the aftermath of the diplomatic spat between the two countries.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As India's interim Budget announced allocation of ₹770 Crore to Maldives, cash-strapped Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 1) also assured the South Asian archipelago that it will address the "pressing development needs" of the island nation.

As India's interim Budget announced allocation of ₹770 Crore to Maldives, cash-strapped Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 1) also assured the South Asian archipelago that it will address the "pressing development needs" of the island nation. During a telephone conversation with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar reportedly discussed ways to fortify the bilateral ties between the two nations, the President's Office said in a press release. Muizzu has also "been assured of the support of the Pakistani government to address the pressing development needs of the Maldives," it said. The Pakistani caretaker prime minister also conveyed his support and assistance to the Maldives' efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, the release said. The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Pakistan on July 26, 1966. India-Maldives ties: The increase in aid and talks in New Delhi A high-level delegation from the Maldives has arrived in New Delhi amid the ongoing discussions between the two nations over the presence of Indian military personnel in the island nation. Also read | Indian interim Budget figures show increased allocation to Maldives at ₹770 crore The core group was formed following Maldives President Muizzu's demand for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country. The pro-China president recently came to power over an 'India Out' plank. Also read | Maldives delegation in Delhi ahead of core group meeting today The Indian military personnel are present in Maldives to maintain Indian platforms for humanitarian purposes. "Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions", says Indian Readout on 2nd India Maldives core group meeting in Delhi on presence of Indian military presence in Maldives. https://t.co/Xfq38ibEKU pic.twitter.com/St5X5WUWEK — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 2, 2024 × Meanwhile, the increased allocation in India's interim Budget reaffirms New Delhi's commitment to expand major infrastructure initiatives and development projects in the Maldives. India is supporting the country's biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). Also watch | Maldives delegation in India for second core group meeting × New Delhi has kept ₹600 Crore for Maldives for the financial year 2024-2025, indicating that the support will continue. From being the top country for the tourism sector in Maldives last year, India dropped to fifth position this January in the aftermath of the diplomatic spat between the two countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Cash-strapped Pakistan assures 'support' to Maldives after India's increased budgetary allocations

<p>The governments of India and Maldives on Friday (Feb 2) agreed to a phased replacement of the Indian military personnel posted in the South Asian archipelago, Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement. The development comes amid New Delhi's emphasis on "mutually workable solutions"&nbsp;after newly-elected&nbsp;pro-China President Muizzu called upon New Delhi to pull out its personnel from the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 77 Indian military personnel are posted in the island nation primarily to operate two helicopters and an aircraft used for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions. The ties between New Delhi and Male have faced challenges since pro-China President Muizzu assumed power in November.</p>

<p>The development came during&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maldives-delegation-in-india-for-second-core-group-meeting-686291">second meeting of the high-level core group</a> in New Delhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: Maldives says, India, Maldives have agreed that India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024. Announcement: <a href="https://t.co/g5Lpjz8Znz">https://t.co/g5Lpjz8Znz</a> <a href="https://t.co/5jPBCx3pcW">pic.twitter.com/5jPBCx3pcW</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1753445183663010179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Both sides agreed that the Government of India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platform by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the &nbsp;other two platforms by 10 May 2024," the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>From the looks of the second core group meet readouts and outcomes, the development appears to be a&nbsp;win-win situation for&nbsp;both the sides, with replacement of Indian military personnel with Indian civilian personnel.</p>

<p>The development comes despite an acute frost in the ties between the two neighbours after President Mohamed Muizzu was elected to power in Maldives last October on an 'India Out' election plank, calling for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island.</p>

<p>Weeks later, the now-suspended ministers in the Muizzu cabinet made disparaging comments against Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi and Indian people in general. This led to&nbsp;the usually flourishing people-to-people ties between the two countries take a beating.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From the looks of the 2nd core group meet readouts &amp; outcomes, it looks like a win win has been achieved by both sides, with replacement of Indian military personnel with Indian civilian personnel. <a href="https://t.co/0FXjfaj294">https://t.co/0FXjfaj294</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1753466235332038712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives," India's Ministry of External Affairs&nbsp;said in its statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Maldives delegation in India for second core group meeting</strong></p>

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<p>The 77 Indian military personnel&nbsp;consist of military engineers, trainers, and pilots who are principally responsible for operating two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.</p>

<p>The two sides have agreed to hold a third high-level core group meeting in Malé on a mutually agreeable date during the last week of February, the Maldivian foreign ministry said in its statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The governments of India and Maldives on Friday (Feb 2) agreed to a phased replacement of the Indian military personnel posted in the South Asian archipelago, Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement.

The governments of India and Maldives on Friday (Feb 2) agreed to a phased replacement of the Indian military personnel posted in the South Asian archipelago, Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement. The development comes amid New Delhi's emphasis on "mutually workable solutions" after newly-elected pro-China President Muizzu called upon New Delhi to pull out its personnel from the island nation. A total of 77 Indian military personnel are posted in the island nation primarily to operate two helicopters and an aircraft used for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions. The ties between New Delhi and Male have faced challenges since pro-China President Muizzu assumed power in November. The development came during the second meeting of the high-level core group in New Delhi. Breaking: Maldives says, India, Maldives have agreed that India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024. Announcement: https://t.co/g5Lpjz8Znz pic.twitter.com/5jPBCx3pcW — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 2, 2024 × "Both sides agreed that the Government of India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platform by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024," the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. What does it mean? From the looks of the second core group meet readouts and outcomes, the development appears to be a win-win situation for both the sides, with replacement of Indian military personnel with Indian civilian personnel. The development comes despite an acute frost in the ties between the two neighbours after President Mohamed Muizzu was elected to power in Maldives last October on an 'India Out' election plank, calling for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island. Weeks later, the now-suspended ministers in the Muizzu cabinet made disparaging comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian people in general. This led to the usually flourishing people-to-people ties between the two countries take a beating. From the looks of the 2nd core group meet readouts & outcomes, it looks like a win win has been achieved by both sides, with replacement of Indian military personnel with Indian civilian personnel. https://t.co/0FXjfaj294 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 2, 2024 × “Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in its statement. Also watch | Maldives delegation in India for second core group meeting × The 77 Indian military personnel consist of military engineers, trainers, and pilots who are principally responsible for operating two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. The two sides have agreed to hold a third high-level core group meeting in Malé on a mutually agreeable date during the last week of February, the Maldivian foreign ministry said in its statement. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Maldives agree to phased replacement of military personnel from island

<p>India-Maldives ties: In the wake of escalating diplomatic tussle between India and the Maldives, the latter's two major Opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, jointly expressed apprehension about President Muizzu's government's 'anti-India stance' during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both parties hailed India's role as the 'most long-standing ally' of the Maldives.</p>

<p>The development unfolded following an announcement by the Maldives government that a Chinese research and survey vessel would be docking at a Maldivian port.</p>

<p>New Delhi has been closely monitoring the movement of the Chinese ship.</p>

<p>At the joint press conference, representatives from the MDP and the Democrats voiced their concerns, stating, "The current administration seems to be taking a clear pivot towards an anti-India stance. Both the MDP and the Democrats believe that distancing from any development partner, particularly the country's most long-standing ally, will be highly detrimental to the long-term development of the Maldives."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India-Maldives tensions: Maldives government confirms arrival of Chinese ship</strong></p>

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<p>They brought&nbsp;focus on the importance of maintaining stable relations with all development partners.</p>

<p>"Stability and security in the Indian Ocean are vital to the stability and security of the Maldives," they added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: Joint press statement by Maldives Opposition MDP &amp; the Democrats say, "the current administration appears to be making a stark pivot towards an anti India stance.. will be extremely detrimental" <a href="https://t.co/Lt523EUcqq">pic.twitter.com/Lt523EUcqq</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1750191399243591730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ongoing tension was ignited when three deputy ministers of the Maldives posted derogatory comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and against Indians in general during the Indian prime minister's visit to Lakshadweep.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-14-year-old-dies-after-president-muizzu-denies-approval-to-use-indian-plane-for-airlift-681975">Maldives:14-year-old dies after President Muizzu 'denies approval' to use Indian plane for airlift</a></strong></p>

<p>President Muizzu subsequently suspended the ministers while responding to concerns from India. But the damage was done as Indians on social media led boycott calls against visiting Maldives.</p>

<p>Adding to the strain, President Muizzu has requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives by March 15. Currently, there are 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, involved in operating a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters provided by India.</p>

<p>In a departure from tradition, President Muizzu made Beijing his first port of call earlier this month after assuming office, marking a shift from the customary practice of the Maldivian President's first visit being to New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India-Maldives ties: In the wake of escalating diplomatic tussle between India and the Maldives, the latter's two major Opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, jointly expressed apprehension about President Muizzu's government's 'anti-India stance' during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 24).

India-Maldives ties: In the wake of escalating diplomatic tussle between India and the Maldives, the latter's two major Opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, jointly expressed apprehension about President Muizzu's government's 'anti-India stance' during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 24). Both parties hailed India's role as the 'most long-standing ally' of the Maldives. The development unfolded following an announcement by the Maldives government that a Chinese research and survey vessel would be docking at a Maldivian port. New Delhi has been closely monitoring the movement of the Chinese ship. At the joint press conference, representatives from the MDP and the Democrats voiced their concerns, stating, "The current administration seems to be taking a clear pivot towards an anti-India stance. Both the MDP and the Democrats believe that distancing from any development partner, particularly the country's most long-standing ally, will be highly detrimental to the long-term development of the Maldives." Also watch | India-Maldives tensions: Maldives government confirms arrival of Chinese ship × They brought focus on the importance of maintaining stable relations with all development partners. "Stability and security in the Indian Ocean are vital to the stability and security of the Maldives," they added. Breaking: Joint press statement by Maldives Opposition MDP & the Democrats say, "the current administration appears to be making a stark pivot towards an anti India stance.. will be extremely detrimental" pic.twitter.com/Lt523EUcqq — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 24, 2024 × The ongoing tension was ignited when three deputy ministers of the Maldives posted derogatory comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and against Indians in general during the Indian prime minister's visit to Lakshadweep. Also read | Maldives:14-year-old dies after President Muizzu 'denies approval' to use Indian plane for airlift President Muizzu subsequently suspended the ministers while responding to concerns from India. But the damage was done as Indians on social media led boycott calls against visiting Maldives. Adding to the strain, President Muizzu has requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives by March 15. Currently, there are 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, involved in operating a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters provided by India. In a departure from tradition, President Muizzu made Beijing his first port of call earlier this month after assuming office, marking a shift from the customary practice of the Maldivian President's first visit being to New Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives: India hailed as 'most long-standing ally' by Opposition amid Muizzu's pro-China stance

<p>A 14-year-old boy died in Maldivian capital Male after President Mohamed Muizzu's administration did not approve the use of an India-given Dornier aircraft for his airlift.</p>

<p>Advanced light helicopters (ALH) and Dornier aircraft provided by India to the South Asian archipelago nation have been extensively used in the past for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports in the local media, pro-China President Muizzu has grounded all Indian Dornier aircraft&nbsp;till Indian troops stationed in The Maldives are withdrawn by New Delhi.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>A 14-year-old brain tumour patient suffered a stroke and had to be transported from his home in Gaaf Ali Villingili to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in the capital Male.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports in the Maldivian media, the family alleged that the authorities failed to arrange medical evacuation promptly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-finding-mutually-workable-solution-says-indian-foreign-ministry-681325">India-Maldives Row: Both countries finding 'mutually workable solution', says Indian foreign ministry</a></strong></p>

<p>"We called Island Aviation to get him to Male' immediately after the stroke but they did not answer our calls. They answered the phone at 8:30 am on Thursday. The solution is to have an air ambulance for such cases," Maldivian publication&nbsp;Adhadhu quoted the boy’s father as saying.</p>

<p>The boy was reportedly brought to Male 16 hours after the emergency evacuation request was made.</p>

<p>Upon arrival, the boy was immediately admitted to an Intensive Care Unit where he reportedly died.</p>

<h2><strong>Spotlight on Muizzu's 'animosity towards India'</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the death of the boy, Maldives MP Meekail Naseem said, "People shouldn’t have to pay with their lives to satisfy the President’s animosity towards India". &nbsp;</p>

<p>This development comes as India-Maldives ties have gone sour following&nbsp;racist comments by Maldivian ministers,&nbsp;now-suspended,&nbsp;against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian people in general.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the first decisions that Maldives' new president Mohamed Muizzu took after&nbsp;assuming office was to ask India to pull out all its military personnel.</p>

<p>India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently met Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer in Kampala at the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit&nbsp;to discuss bilateral ties as well as&nbsp;the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives.</p>

<p>Jaishankar in his post on X mentioned that they had a 'frank conversation', while Zameer mentioned talking about the troop withdrawal.</p>

<h2><strong>Maldives modifying 'current protocols'</strong></h2>

<p>Following the death of the 14-year-old, the Maldives president's office has issued a statement saying that the govt has asked "authorities to revise and modify the current protocols surrounding the emergency transfers of patients"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Maldives Prez office issues statement on the demise of a child (in the aftermath of Indian Dorniers not being given permission); Govt has asked "authorities to revise and modify the current protocols surrounding the emergency transfers of patients" <a href="https://t.co/sosu6rEVsT">pic.twitter.com/sosu6rEVsT</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1749091941453856832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 14-year-old boy died in Maldivian capital Male after President Mohamed Muizzu's administration did not approve the use of an India-given Dornier aircraft for his airlift.

A 14-year-old boy died in Maldivian capital Male after President Mohamed Muizzu's administration did not approve the use of an India-given Dornier aircraft for his airlift. Advanced light helicopters (ALH) and Dornier aircraft provided by India to the South Asian archipelago nation have been extensively used in the past for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. According to reports in the local media, pro-China President Muizzu has grounded all Indian Dornier aircraft till Indian troops stationed in The Maldives are withdrawn by New Delhi. What happened? A 14-year-old brain tumour patient suffered a stroke and had to be transported from his home in Gaaf Ali Villingili to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in the capital Male. According to reports in the Maldivian media, the family alleged that the authorities failed to arrange medical evacuation promptly. Also read | India-Maldives Row: Both countries finding 'mutually workable solution', says Indian foreign ministry "We called Island Aviation to get him to Male' immediately after the stroke but they did not answer our calls. They answered the phone at 8:30 am on Thursday. The solution is to have an air ambulance for such cases," Maldivian publication Adhadhu quoted the boy’s father as saying. The boy was reportedly brought to Male 16 hours after the emergency evacuation request was made. Upon arrival, the boy was immediately admitted to an Intensive Care Unit where he reportedly died. Spotlight on Muizzu's 'animosity towards India' Reacting to the death of the boy, Maldives MP Meekail Naseem said, "People shouldn’t have to pay with their lives to satisfy the President’s animosity towards India". This development comes as India-Maldives ties have gone sour following racist comments by Maldivian ministers, now-suspended, against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian people in general. One of the first decisions that Maldives' new president Mohamed Muizzu took after assuming office was to ask India to pull out all its military personnel. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently met Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer in Kampala at the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit to discuss bilateral ties as well as the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. Jaishankar in his post on X mentioned that they had a 'frank conversation', while Zameer mentioned talking about the troop withdrawal. Maldives modifying 'current protocols' Following the death of the 14-year-old, the Maldives president's office has issued a statement saying that the govt has asked "authorities to revise and modify the current protocols surrounding the emergency transfers of patients" Maldives Prez office issues statement on the demise of a child (in the aftermath of Indian Dorniers not being given permission); Govt has asked "authorities to revise and modify the current protocols surrounding the emergency transfers of patients" pic.twitter.com/sosu6rEVsT — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 21, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives:14-year-old dies after President Muizzu 'denies approval' to use Indian plane for airlift