Maldives is home to one of the largest populations of tiger sharks in the world. Despite their robust diet, tiger sharks do face a challenges to their survival. They are considered near threatened by the IUCN - a status that indicates that they could soon be at the risk of extinction.

WION Climate Tracker: Maldives' tiger sharks soon to be at risk: Experts

Poorly managed plastic waste is threatening the marine ecosystem and economy of the Maldives. A Maldivian youth is hoping to lead a campaign against single-use plastic bottles and packets which are ending up on shores of the beautiful beaches from parts of the world.

WION Climate Tracker: Maldivian youth to lead cleaning campaign as plastic is polluting beaches

Senior Maldives minister has warned that the citizens of Maldives are at the risk of becoming climate refugees. He said that if urgent action is not taken to tackle the climate crisis immediately.

WION Climate Tracker | Maldives faces repercussions of climate change

With rising global temperatures and its impact on sea levels, small countries like the Maldives are left to fight their own battles. The government of Maldives has come up with new ways to protect the marine life there, take a look!

WION Climate Tracker | Rising sea levels a threat to Maldives

A research mission in the Maldives is diving 1,000 metres to probe the links between surface water and deep water. Can this underwater mission uncover deep sea mysteries? Mariam Wardak tells you.

South Asia Diary: Maldivian mission to probe deep sea mysteries

This week on South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak: + Pakistan's monsoon fury + Maldivian mission probes deep sea mysteries + TikTokers banned from Nepalese holy sites + US pullout leaves Bagram reeling

South Asia Diary: Pakistan's monsoon fury | TikTokers banned from Nepalese holy sites

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the President of the United Nations General Assembly and his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid on Monday and discussed the ongoing session of the 76th United Nations General Assembly, as well as, steps to further deepen bilateral relations between the two nations.&nbsp;

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Glad to meet FM of Maldives and UNGA President <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdulla_shahid</a>. Congratulated him on the achievements of his UNGA Presidency. 
 
Working together to advance our special relationship. India’s Neighbourhood First and Maldives’ India First policies complement each other. <a href="https://t.co/XY0XTyR6ts">pic.twitter.com/XY0XTyR6ts</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1564215479933480960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-extends-another-100-million-line-of-credit-to-maldives-502890">India extends another $100 million line of credit to Maldives</a>

Meanwhile, Shahid lauded India's role at the United Nations and called it a "source of pride" for not only South Asia, but for all peace-loving democracies. Talking about India's role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shahid praised India for helping several countries in the remotest parts of the world and termed it the "pharmacy of the world".

He also praised Indian assistance to the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic, and referred to the "Travel Bubble" which saved the island`s economy. He said that India helped pull out the tourism industry of the Maldives from a crisis. "Our tourism industry was shut down, no one travelled, but at the height of the pandemic, we were able to reach an understanding with India on 'Travel Bubble', providing for Indian tourists to visit the Maldives," he said.

"For example, in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, we were able to receive almost half-a-million tourists and that kept our tourism industry moving. Since then our economy is recovering, the pace of recovery is good and our economy is stable."

Shahid was on a visit to India from August 28-29, 2022. On Sunday, Shahid called on the Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar who congratulated him on his exemplary leadership of the UN General Assembly, especially in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing international conflicts, the press release of Ministry of External Affairs said.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra had called on Shahid on August 28 and briefed him on India's priorities in the upcoming session of the UNGA, as well as, during India's remaining tenure at the UN Security Council. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the President of the United Nations General Assembly and his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid on Monday and discussed the ongoing session of the 76th United Nations General Assembly, as well as, steps to further deepen bilateral relations between the two nations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the President of the United Nations General Assembly and his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid on Monday and discussed the ongoing session of the 76th United Nations General Assembly, as well as, steps to further deepen bilateral relations between the two nations. Glad to meet FM of Maldives and UNGA President @abdulla_shahid. Congratulated him on the achievements of his UNGA Presidency. Working together to advance our special relationship. India’s Neighbourhood First and Maldives’ India First policies complement each other. pic.twitter.com/XY0XTyR6ts — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 29, 2022 × Also Read | India extends another $100 million line of credit to Maldives Meanwhile, Shahid lauded India's role at the United Nations and called it a "source of pride" for not only South Asia, but for all peace-loving democracies. Talking about India's role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shahid praised India for helping several countries in the remotest parts of the world and termed it the "pharmacy of the world". He also praised Indian assistance to the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic, and referred to the "Travel Bubble" which saved the island`s economy. He said that India helped pull out the tourism industry of the Maldives from a crisis. "Our tourism industry was shut down, no one travelled, but at the height of the pandemic, we were able to reach an understanding with India on 'Travel Bubble', providing for Indian tourists to visit the Maldives," he said. "For example, in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, we were able to receive almost half-a-million tourists and that kept our tourism industry moving. Since then our economy is recovering, the pace of recovery is good and our economy is stable." Shahid was on a visit to India from August 28-29, 2022. On Sunday, Shahid called on the Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar who congratulated him on his exemplary leadership of the UN General Assembly, especially in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing international conflicts, the press release of Ministry of External Affairs said. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra had called on Shahid on August 28 and briefed him on India's priorities in the upcoming session of the UNGA, as well as, during India's remaining tenure at the UN Security Council. (With inputs from agencies)

UNGA President Abdulla Shahid lauds India's role at the body, thanks for helping the world during pandemic

In Maldives, a scientific mission to study the depth of the Indian ocean is underway. Research is being carried out up to a 1000 meters below the surface.

WION Climate Tracker | New scientific expedition to explore what lies deep in Ocean

A knife attack on the Maldives' environment minister has put the focus on extremism in the country. This year's International Yoga Day celebrations were also disrupted by an extremist mob. What explains this worrying trend in the Maldives? Mariam Wardak tells you.

South Asia Diary | Knife attack on Maldivian minister

A new scientific expedition is all set to explore the depths of the Maldives' ocean. It will help understand what lies below the waves, deeper than the swimming areas for scuba divers.

New scientific expedition to explore depths of the Maldives' ocean

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

In a bit to strengthen ties, India and the Maldives have now signed 6 agreements to expand cooperation in several key areas ranging from terrorism to cyber security. Maldives President Solih further asserted on strong India - Maldives ties.

President Solih in India on a 4 - day visit signs 6 pacts with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India will extend an additional $100 million line of credit for the island nation of Maldives. The announcement was made after PM Modi held talks with&nbsp;Maldives President&nbsp;Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is on a four-day visit to India with the focus on inaugurating&nbsp;Maldives' biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Male Connectivity Project ​(GMCP).&nbsp;

Announcing the line of credit, PM Modi stated that India will always be the first responder for the Maldives.&nbsp;

"We have decided to provide an additional line of credit of USD 100 million to the Maldives so that all projects can be completed in a timely manner," said PM Modi.&nbsp;

Moreover, the two countries also signed six agreements to boost cooperation in areas such as affordable housing, disaster management and cyber security.&nbsp;

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A partnership that delivers tangible benefits for the people. 
 
Watch the progress in execution of these India-assisted projects in Maldives: 
 
1️⃣Addu Development Project (Roads &amp; Reclamation) 
2️⃣Water &amp; Sanitation projects in 34 islands 
3️⃣Restoration of the Malé Hukuru Miskiy <a href="https://t.co/VVrmftsWfh">pic.twitter.com/VVrmftsWfh</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1554380150644428800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;Greater Male Connectivity Project

As reported by WION,&nbsp;the Indian government under PM Modi is already&nbsp;supporting 45 projects in the country with grant assistance of $16.88 million or 260 million Maldivian rufiyaas. Of these 45 projects, 17 have been completed and inaugurated already.

As for GMCP, the project&nbsp;has been supported by New Delhi from its inception. A&nbsp;grant of $100 million and a $400 million line of credit, totalling $500 million was extended for the project.&nbsp;

The project was first discussed during External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country in September 2019. The agreement for the project was signed between AFCONS and Maldives government last year and the mega infrastructure is expected to be completed within two years.

Under the project, a 6.74 kilometres long bridge and causeway link will be built that will connect the national capital Male with three adjoining islands viz. Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/groundbreaking-ceremony-of-maldives-biggest-infra-project-to-be-done-during-prez-solihs-delhi-visit-502007">Groundbreaking ceremony of Maldives biggest infra project to be done during Prez Solih's Delhi visit</a>

After China ensnared the island nation into its debt trap with former President&nbsp;Abdulla Yameen being a pro-China voice, New Delhi stepped up and steered the island nation towards normalcy. It has helped that Solih has opted for a predominant 'India-first&nbsp;policy'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India will extend an additional $100 million line of credit for the island nation of Maldives. The announcement was made after PM Modi held talks with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is on a four-day visit to India with the focus on inaugurating Maldives' biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India will extend an additional $100 million line of credit for the island nation of Maldives. The announcement was made after PM Modi held talks with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is on a four-day visit to India with the focus on inaugurating Maldives' biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP). Announcing the line of credit, PM Modi stated that India will always be the first responder for the Maldives. "We have decided to provide an additional line of credit of USD 100 million to the Maldives so that all projects can be completed in a timely manner," said PM Modi. Moreover, the two countries also signed six agreements to boost cooperation in areas such as affordable housing, disaster management and cyber security. A partnership that delivers tangible benefits for the people. Watch the progress in execution of these India-assisted projects in Maldives: 1️⃣Addu Development Project (Roads & Reclamation) 2️⃣Water & Sanitation projects in 34 islands 3️⃣Restoration of the Malé Hukuru Miskiy pic.twitter.com/VVrmftsWfh — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 2, 2022 × The Greater Male Connectivity Project As reported by WION, the Indian government under PM Modi is already supporting 45 projects in the country with grant assistance of $16.88 million or 260 million Maldivian rufiyaas. Of these 45 projects, 17 have been completed and inaugurated already. As for GMCP, the project has been supported by New Delhi from its inception. A grant of $100 million and a $400 million line of credit, totalling $500 million was extended for the project. The project was first discussed during External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country in September 2019. The agreement for the project was signed between AFCONS and Maldives government last year and the mega infrastructure is expected to be completed within two years. Under the project, a 6.74 kilometres long bridge and causeway link will be built that will connect the national capital Male with three adjoining islands viz. Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. Read More: Groundbreaking ceremony of Maldives biggest infra project to be done during Prez Solih's Delhi visit After China ensnared the island nation into its debt trap with former President Abdulla Yameen being a pro-China voice, New Delhi stepped up and steered the island nation towards normalcy. It has helped that Solih has opted for a predominant 'India-first policy'. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India extends another $100 million line of credit to Maldives

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih are scheduled to hold a joint press conference. In a major boost to strengthen ties between India and Maldives, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Maldives biggest infrastructure project will be held today in New Delhi. WION's principal correspondent Sidhant Sibal brings you more.

India and Maldives exchange MoUs on cybersecurity

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih are scheduled to hold a joint press conference. In a major boost to strengthen ties between India and Maldives, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Maldives biggest infrastructure project will be held today in New Delhi.

Maldives President in India to strengthen bilateral ties | India & Maldives exchange MoUs

In a major boost to strengthen ties between India and Maldives, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Maldives biggest infrastructure project will be held today in New Delhi. Maldives President is in New Delhi on a four-day visit.

Male Connectivity Project: India-Maldives mega infrastructure push

The knives are out in the Maldives as members of the ruling Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) are planning a no-confidence motion against Parliament Speaker Md. Nasheed. Both President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Speaker Mohamed Nasheed are from the same party—MDP.

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a>'s administration has arrested my brother selectively accusing him of homosexuality. Arrest was made against criminal procedures &amp; is politically motivated to appease Hardline Extremists in coalition.
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1552666224907419648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The development comes days after Nasheed, a former president of the country, on Twitter said that his brother has been arrested by "President Solih's administration" terming it "politically motivated to appease hardline extremists in the coalition".

Nasheed has also accused President Solih of adultery, something that has been dismissed by the president's office. The latest controversy comes even as Maldives heads for Presidential elections next year and a bitter power struggle ensues within the ruling party.

Earlier in an interview to WION, when asked whether he will fight the elections next year, Nasheed said, "I don’t want to rule out. If people and our party members decide that I should contest, then I will do that".

Meanwhile, last week, a key collation member of the Maldives government, the Adhaalath Party, issued a research paper that outlines the party's policy towards Yoga and that it is forbidden for Muslims. The detailed document, which is on the conservative party's, website elaborates on Yoga's links with Hinduism and urged "Maldives President and people of the Maldives to uphold Islamic Principles".

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Karudhaas: Islaamee fiqhuveringe meezaanugai Yoga<a href="https://t.co/wFvTve8vO8">https://t.co/wFvTve8vO8</a> <a href="https://t.co/gowjmqdZsB">pic.twitter.com/gowjmqdZsB</a>
— Adhaalath Party (@AdhaalathOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdhaalathOffice/status/1551565373278920704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The detailed research paper was issued last week and points out that such "steps must be taken that such practices are not normalised" in the country and it is against Islamic beliefs. The President of the party, Imran Abdulla, is the country's home minister.

It comes almost a month after an extremist mob stormed the Yoga Day celebrations in the capital Male. The event was organised by the Indian High Commission in Maldives, along with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and UN Maldives.

Maldivian Minister of Youth and Sports, Indian High commissioner and Maldives Foreign Secretary were present as were many High Commissioners and UN resident coordinator when the shocking incident happened that involved attack on Yoga practitioners.

Maldives government had acted against those involved in the attack and issued a strong condemnation of the incident. Maldives President Solih and the ruling MDP issued a statement over the incident with President in a Tweet dubbing it a "matter of serious concern".

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An investigation has been launched by <a href="https://twitter.com/PoliceMv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PoliceMv</a> into the incident that happened this morning at Galolhu stadium. 
 
This is being treated as a matter of serious concern and those responsible will be swiftly brought before the law.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1539117697157713921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The foreign ministry condemned the "violent acts perpetrated" by a "group of individuals targeting the participants, including members of the diplomatic community". The statement pointed out that "such malicious acts of violence aimed at disrupting public safety...will not be tolerated".

The Maldives authorities have arrested over 21 individuals over alleged links with the incident. The flags used in the attack, authorities say, were provided by opposition Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). This party is led by former Maldives President Yameen, who is perceived to be closely aligned with China. It was under his tenure, that the Maldives developed closed relations with Beijing, especially on the investment front.

&nbsp;

The knives are out in the Maldives as members of the ruling Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) are planning a no-confidence motion against Parliament Speaker Md. Nasheed.

The knives are out in the Maldives as members of the ruling Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) are planning a no-confidence motion against Parliament Speaker Md. Nasheed. Both President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Speaker Mohamed Nasheed are from the same party—MDP. President @ibusolih's administration has arrested my brother selectively accusing him of homosexuality. Arrest was made against criminal procedures & is politically motivated to appease Hardline Extremists in coalition. — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) July 28, 2022 × The development comes days after Nasheed, a former president of the country, on Twitter said that his brother has been arrested by "President Solih's administration" terming it "politically motivated to appease hardline extremists in the coalition". Nasheed has also accused President Solih of adultery, something that has been dismissed by the president's office. The latest controversy comes even as Maldives heads for Presidential elections next year and a bitter power struggle ensues within the ruling party. Earlier in an interview to WION, when asked whether he will fight the elections next year, Nasheed said, "I don’t want to rule out. If people and our party members decide that I should contest, then I will do that". Meanwhile, last week, a key collation member of the Maldives government, the Adhaalath Party, issued a research paper that outlines the party's policy towards Yoga and that it is forbidden for Muslims. The detailed document, which is on the conservative party's, website elaborates on Yoga's links with Hinduism and urged "Maldives President and people of the Maldives to uphold Islamic Principles". Karudhaas: Islaamee fiqhuveringe meezaanugai Yogahttps://t.co/wFvTve8vO8 pic.twitter.com/gowjmqdZsB — Adhaalath Party (@AdhaalathOffice) July 25, 2022 × The detailed research paper was issued last week and points out that such "steps must be taken that such practices are not normalised" in the country and it is against Islamic beliefs. The President of the party, Imran Abdulla, is the country's home minister. It comes almost a month after an extremist mob stormed the Yoga Day celebrations in the capital Male. The event was organised by the Indian High Commission in Maldives, along with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and UN Maldives. Maldivian Minister of Youth and Sports, Indian High commissioner and Maldives Foreign Secretary were present as were many High Commissioners and UN resident coordinator when the shocking incident happened that involved attack on Yoga practitioners. Maldives government had acted against those involved in the attack and issued a strong condemnation of the incident. Maldives President Solih and the ruling MDP issued a statement over the incident with President in a Tweet dubbing it a "matter of serious concern". An investigation has been launched by @PoliceMv into the incident that happened this morning at Galolhu stadium. This is being treated as a matter of serious concern and those responsible will be swiftly brought before the law. — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) June 21, 2022 × The foreign ministry condemned the "violent acts perpetrated" by a "group of individuals targeting the participants, including members of the diplomatic community". The statement pointed out that "such malicious acts of violence aimed at disrupting public safety...will not be tolerated". The Maldives authorities have arrested over 21 individuals over alleged links with the incident. The flags used in the attack, authorities say, were provided by opposition Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). This party is led by former Maldives President Yameen, who is perceived to be closely aligned with China. It was under his tenure, that the Maldives developed closed relations with Beijing, especially on the investment front.

Knives out in Maldives as President Solih and Speaker Nasheed at loggerheads

Major General Abdulla Shamaal, Chief of Maldives Defence Forces, lauded India by saying that there are great lessons to learn from the nation in areas of international relations, diplomacy, all-inclusive political and democratic evolution. He was addressing officer cadets of the Indian Army, while reviewing the passing out parade at the Indian Army Officers Training Academy, in the Southern Indian city of Chennai.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/video?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#video</a> : Swords and badges shine in golden light, as the passing-out officer-cadets march past the saluting dais at the Maj Parameswaran drill square, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/army?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#army</a> Officers training academy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAt75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAt75</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/parade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#parade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/drill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#drill</a> <a href="https://t.co/wvt7SFOcHr">pic.twitter.com/wvt7SFOcHr</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1553243175556288512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The military parade at the OTA&nbsp;marked the commissioning of 125 Gentlemen and 41 Women cadets into various Arms and Services of the Indian Army. In addition to this, 28 personnel from the Armed forces of Bhutan and two from Maldives also completed their training at the OTA. The Indian Armed forces have a long-standing tradition of offering training to defence forces personnel from friendly-foreign countries.

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Newly-Commissioned officers of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> singing ‘Kadam Kadam badhaye jaa’ , at the closure of the pipping ceremony… This song traces its roots back to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj , amid India’s freedom struggle against the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/British?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#British</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAt75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAt75</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://t.co/jdjbUmov26">https://t.co/jdjbUmov26</a> <a href="https://t.co/cKAWCG8bcj">pic.twitter.com/cKAWCG8bcj</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1553310224332730368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The parade was followed by the Pipping ceremony, where the newly commissioned Indian officers wear the shining star on their shoulders and swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, committing to 'Serve with Honour' to safeguard the honour of the country.

During his address to the cadets, in the presence of senior and retired officials of the Indian Armed Forces, Maj Gen Abdulla Shamaal appreciated the Indian Armed Forces for having personnel from all religions, states, castes, emphasizing on how they ate, lived, played, trained and fought together. He also extended his wishes to India, as it celebrates the 75th year of its Independence.&nbsp;

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Lt Rajat ranjan Keron is a 3rd gen officer.. his maternal &amp; paternal grandparents, mother served, dad still serving.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indianarmedforces?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indianarmedforces</a> 
 
Today he’s passed out of OTA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> ,which is also his mother Capt Smita’s (retd) alma mater(1995batch) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tamilnadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://t.co/jdjbUmov26">https://t.co/jdjbUmov26</a> <a href="https://t.co/DIh8HGf0PR">pic.twitter.com/DIh8HGf0PR</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1553313766325948416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Among the newly commissioned officers was Lieutenant Rajat Ranjan Keron, a third-generation officer, whose maternal and paternal families served the Army. "It is euphoric and emotional for me, I took the Antim Pag (final step) from this academy 27 years ago. It is amazing to see him go to the regiment, which his father commanded. Rajat was born immediately after the Kargil War, when we were mobilized as well. This child was destined to be here, he always wanted to be here and fulfilled our dreams and his own" Captain Smita Ranjan Keron (Retd), Lt Ranjan's mother, told WION. Notably, Lt Capt Smita Ranjan passed out of the OTA in 1995 as part of the sixth batch of&nbsp;women cadets.

Major General Abdulla Shamaal, Chief of Maldives Defence Forces, lauded India by saying that there are great lessons to learn from the nation in areas of international relations, diplomacy, all-inclusive political and democratic evolution.

Major General Abdulla Shamaal, Chief of Maldives Defence Forces, lauded India by saying that there are great lessons to learn from the nation in areas of international relations, diplomacy, all-inclusive political and democratic evolution. He was addressing officer cadets of the Indian Army, while reviewing the passing out parade at the Indian Army Officers Training Academy, in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. #video : Swords and badges shine in golden light, as the passing-out officer-cadets march past the saluting dais at the Maj Parameswaran drill square, #army Officers training academy #chennai #TamilNadu #IndianArmy #india #Indian #IndiaAt75 #parade #drill pic.twitter.com/wvt7SFOcHr — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 30, 2022 × The military parade at the OTA marked the commissioning of 125 Gentlemen and 41 Women cadets into various Arms and Services of the Indian Army. In addition to this, 28 personnel from the Armed forces of Bhutan and two from Maldives also completed their training at the OTA. The Indian Armed forces have a long-standing tradition of offering training to defence forces personnel from friendly-foreign countries. Newly-Commissioned officers of the #IndianArmy singing ‘Kadam Kadam badhaye jaa’ , at the closure of the pipping ceremony… This song traces its roots back to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj , amid India’s freedom struggle against the #British #IndiaAt75 #india https://t.co/jdjbUmov26 pic.twitter.com/cKAWCG8bcj — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 30, 2022 × The parade was followed by the Pipping ceremony, where the newly commissioned Indian officers wear the shining star on their shoulders and swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, committing to 'Serve with Honour' to safeguard the honour of the country. During his address to the cadets, in the presence of senior and retired officials of the Indian Armed Forces, Maj Gen Abdulla Shamaal appreciated the Indian Armed Forces for having personnel from all religions, states, castes, emphasizing on how they ate, lived, played, trained and fought together. He also extended his wishes to India, as it celebrates the 75th year of its Independence. Lt Rajat ranjan Keron is a 3rd gen officer.. his maternal & paternal grandparents, mother served, dad still serving.. #indianarmedforces Today he’s passed out of OTA #chennai ,which is also his mother Capt Smita’s (retd) alma mater(1995batch) #IndianArmy #tamilnadu #india https://t.co/jdjbUmov26 pic.twitter.com/DIh8HGf0PR — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 30, 2022 × Among the newly commissioned officers was Lieutenant Rajat Ranjan Keron, a third-generation officer, whose maternal and paternal families served the Army. "It is euphoric and emotional for me, I took the Antim Pag (final step) from this academy 27 years ago. It is amazing to see him go to the regiment, which his father commanded. Rajat was born immediately after the Kargil War, when we were mobilized as well. This child was destined to be here, he always wanted to be here and fulfilled our dreams and his own" Captain Smita Ranjan Keron (Retd), Lt Ranjan's mother, told WION. Notably, Lt Capt Smita Ranjan passed out of the OTA in 1995 as part of the sixth batch of women cadets.

Many lessons to learn from India in diplomacy & inclusive evolution, says Maldives Defence Forces Chief

The groundbreaking ceremony of Maldives' biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) will be done during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's visit to India next week.

The groundbreaking ceremony of Maldives' biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) will be done during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's visit to India next week. The project is supported by New Delhi with a grant of $100 million and a $400 million line of credit, totalling $500 million.Under the project, a 6.74 kilometres long bridge and causeway link will be built that will connect the national capital Male with three adjoining islands viz. Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. The project was first discussed during External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country in September 2019. The agreement for the project was signed between AFCONS and Maldives government last year and the mega infrastructure is expected to be completed within two years. Read More: India, Maldives to sign pact on mega Greater Malé Connectivity Project An opportunity to lend further momentum to the relations: EAM Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi informed about the visit last week by stating: "The visit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to review the progress made in this wide-ranging partnership and impart direction to the two sides that will lend further momentum to this strong partnership that we have." During the visit, focus will also be on other major projects that India is helping the Maldives government build. Reportedly, India is supporting 45 projects in the country with grant assistance of $16.88 million or 260 million Maldivian rufiyaas. Of these 45 projects, 17 have been completed and inaugurated already. These projects cover diverse areas of socio-economic development including tourism, sustainable development, education, fisheries, healthcare, local infrastructure, sports & youth development. The projects are identified by the Maldivian government based on its development priorities and are implemented by local councils or concerned ministries. India has replaced China Before GMCP, Sinamalé Bridge, built by the Chinese was the biggest infrastructure project in the Maldives. The bridge is 1.39 km long and connects the capital city of Male with Hulhule. The construction of the bridge was started in 2014 under Abdulla Yameen, the then President who was close to Beijing. Currently, Yameen is leading an anti-India campaign in the country. The last state visit of Solih was in December 2018, just a month after taking charge. During that visit, India announced a $1.4 billion economic package which included support for building ports, airport expansion, reclamation and cricket stadiums amongst other projects. Cricket diplomacy has been a key component of the ties as India is training members of the Maldives cricket team. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Groundbreaking ceremony of Maldives biggest infra project to be done during Prez Solih's Delhi visit

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif rang in her 39th birthday on the beach of the Maldives with her husband, Vicky Kaushal, siblings Isabelle Kaif and Sebastien Laurent Michel, brother-in-law Sunny Kaushal and her friends, including Mini Mathur and Ileana D'Cruz.

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif rang in her 39th birthday on the beach of the Maldives with her husband, Vicky Kaushal, siblings Isabelle Kaif and Sebastien Laurent Michel, brother-in-law Sunny Kaushal and her friends, including Mini Mathur and Ileana D'Cruz. Meanwhile, Vicky on Instagram shared a drop-dead-gorgeous picture of the birthday girl and wrote a sweet note for his lady love. "Baar baar din yeh aaye... baar baar dil yeh gaaye. Happy Birthday my love!!!" (May this day return again and again, and may my heart sing it). Katrina, in the photograph, is seen enjoying the breeze by the beachside wearing an oversized white shirt, open hair and a mesmerising smile on her face. On the other hand, Katrina too shared a slew of photos from her Maldives birthday celebration. The star shared some happy pictures and wrote, "Birthday wala din." Check out Vicky Kaushal's post below:- In the photographs, Katrina is seen striking poses for the camera with her girlfriends Ileana D'Cruz, sister Isabelle Kaif, and Angira Dhar. We can also see Katrina bonding with Sunny Kaushal’s rumoured girlfriend, Sharvari Wagh. In another picture, Vicky’s brother Sunny Kaushal photobombs the pic by posing on the ground wearing a white t-shirt and multi-coloured shorts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) × As soon as Katrina shared the post, her friends from the industry swamped the comment section with wishes on the special day. Neha Dhupia commented, "Sunshine girl," while actress Preity Zinta wrote, "Happy Birthday sweetie" and Activist Malala Yousafzai also sent her best wishes to Kaif. She wrote, "Happy birthday". Katrina’s sister Isabelle Kaif and actor Ileana D'Cruz also shared photos of the celebrations on their respective social media accounts. Isabelle wrote, "Happiest of Birthdays Sister Dearest @katrinakaif love always". Check out Isabelle’s post below:- View this post on Instagram A post shared by Isabelle Kaif (@isakaif) × On the other hand, Ileana D'Cruz posted a group selfie that featured Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Anand Tiwari, Isabelle, Sebastien Laurent Michel, Ileana, and Mini Mathur. "Sunshine, cocktails, and a bit of birthday cake," she wrote. Have a look at Ileana’s post below:- View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ileana D'Cruz (@ileana_official) × Meanwhile, on the work front, Katrina is busy with some great projects. She will be seen sharing screen space with Vijay Sethupathi in ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Tiger 3’ with Salman Khan. She will soon appear on screen with Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khatter in the film 'Phone Bhoot’ scheduled for October 7 release. Also Read: Happy Birthday Katrina Kaif! Some lesser-known facts about the Bollywood diva

Katrina Kaif shares glimpses of her beachside birthday celebration, see pics

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will visit India in the first week of August, a visit that is expected to have key outcomes in areas like connectivity, trade etc. He is likely to visit India on the 2nd and 3rd but the final plan is still taking shape. During India's visit, he will not only be in Delhi to hold political level talks but also visit India's financial capital Mumbai to meet with business leaders.

The last state visit to India by President Solih was in December of 2018, which was also his first foreign visit abroad after assuming office earlier that year. During that visit, New Delhi announced a financial assistance package of US$1.4 billion and also offered additional 1000 scholarships over the next 5 years. In fact, PM Modi also choose the Maldives as his first foreign destination in 2019 after his re-election.

The Maldivian President 2019 paid an unofficial visit to Bengaluru to discuss the contours of capacity building when it comes to cricket in the Maldives and the training of the Maldivian cricket team. He also toured the Chinnaswamy Stadium and visited the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. &nbsp;Cricket diplomacy has been a key part of the ties, with New Delhi gifting cricket equipment worth Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) 1 million to the cricket board of Maldives. Maldives National Men’s and Women’s cricket teams are being trained at the Centre for Sports Science in Chennai.

India and Maldives have seen increased engagement, including a high-level visit of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to the country and a visit of Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid to Delhi. The developmental partnership has been a key pillar of the ties. Under Indian grant assistance of MVR 260 million, 45 projects are being implemented across the country. The projects cover areas of socio-economic development including tourism, sustainable development, education, fisheries, and healthcare. &nbsp;Of these total 45 grant projects, a total of 17 projects have been completed and inaugurated.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-it-time-for-the-big-default-dozen-countries-moving-towards-economic-collapse-497867">Is it time for 'the big default'? Dozen countries moving towards economic collapse</a>

Another area of cooperation has been connectivity. India is supporting the Greater Male Connectivity Project, the largest infrastructure project in the Indian ocean country through a Line of credit of USD 400 million and a grant of USD 100 million. This project aims to connect the national capital Male to Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi islands through a series of bridges, causeways and roads.

Amid the covid crisis, under Operation Sanjeevani, the Indian air force special plane airlifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medical supplies from India to the Maldives in April 2020. A 14-member Rapid Response Medical team was deployed in the Maldives in March 2020 to train the Maldivian authorities and personnel in tackling the Corona threat. The country, along with Bhutan was the first set of countries to get India-made covid vaccines.

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Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will visit India in the first week of August, a visit that is expected to have key outcomes in areas like connectivity, trade etc.

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will visit India in the first week of August, a visit that is expected to have key outcomes in areas like connectivity, trade etc. He is likely to visit India on the 2nd and 3rd but the final plan is still taking shape. During India's visit, he will not only be in Delhi to hold political level talks but also visit India's financial capital Mumbai to meet with business leaders. The last state visit to India by President Solih was in December of 2018, which was also his first foreign visit abroad after assuming office earlier that year. During that visit, New Delhi announced a financial assistance package of US$1.4 billion and also offered additional 1000 scholarships over the next 5 years. In fact, PM Modi also choose the Maldives as his first foreign destination in 2019 after his re-election. The Maldivian President 2019 paid an unofficial visit to Bengaluru to discuss the contours of capacity building when it comes to cricket in the Maldives and the training of the Maldivian cricket team. He also toured the Chinnaswamy Stadium and visited the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Cricket diplomacy has been a key part of the ties, with New Delhi gifting cricket equipment worth Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) 1 million to the cricket board of Maldives. Maldives National Men’s and Women’s cricket teams are being trained at the Centre for Sports Science in Chennai. India and Maldives have seen increased engagement, including a high-level visit of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to the country and a visit of Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid to Delhi. The developmental partnership has been a key pillar of the ties. Under Indian grant assistance of MVR 260 million, 45 projects are being implemented across the country. The projects cover areas of socio-economic development including tourism, sustainable development, education, fisheries, and healthcare. Of these total 45 grant projects, a total of 17 projects have been completed and inaugurated. Also Read: Is it time for 'the big default'? Dozen countries moving towards economic collapse Another area of cooperation has been connectivity. India is supporting the Greater Male Connectivity Project, the largest infrastructure project in the Indian ocean country through a Line of credit of USD 400 million and a grant of USD 100 million. This project aims to connect the national capital Male to Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi islands through a series of bridges, causeways and roads. Amid the covid crisis, under Operation Sanjeevani, the Indian air force special plane airlifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medical supplies from India to the Maldives in April 2020. A 14-member Rapid Response Medical team was deployed in the Maldives in March 2020 to train the Maldivian authorities and personnel in tackling the Corona threat. The country, along with Bhutan was the first set of countries to get India-made covid vaccines.

Maldives President Solih to visit India in first week of August

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has arrived in Singapore on a flight from the Maldives. Singapore's government has confirmed that he had been allowed entry into the country on a private visit.

WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka's fleeing President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrives in Singapore from Maldives

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who has been facing massive protests over the economic situation in the country, left the Maldives today aboard a Saudi airline plane bound for Singapore.

Sri Lanka president Gotabaya Rajapaksa flies to Singapore from Maldives

The situation in Sri Lanka is dangerous. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled to the Maldives. Emergency has been imposed. A chopper was seen hovering over the protesters in Colombo today. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka: Military Chopper hovers over protesters

India has denied helping Gotabaya Rajapaksa escape to the Maldives. Foreign minister S Jaishankar says India is focused on Sri Lanka's economy and is not involved in other matters. Palki Sharma decodes India's role.

Gravitas: India denies helping Gotabaya escape

Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has left the Maldives for Singapore a day after fleeing his home country amidst the worst economic and political crisis.

Reports: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves for Singapore from Maldives

Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled the country before quitting as the Sri Lankan President. The man at the center of the storm has left for Maldives along with his wife and two bodyguards, the news has been confirmed by the Lankan Prime Minister's office.

Sri Lanka economic Crisis: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees to Maldives, will he quit today?

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the president of Sri Lanka, fled to the Maldives, where he named Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president. This escalated the political crisis and set off a new round of protests in the nation, which is currently experiencing the worst financial crisis in decades.&nbsp;During the protests, a couple was seen kissing in public after participating in anti-government demonstrations that resulted in the Prime Minister's office being taken over in Colombo.&nbsp;

NewsWire shared this picture on Twitter with the this captions:&nbsp;"Couple goals! A couple was seen displaying affection after participating in anti-government protests that led to the taking over of the Prime Minister's office in Colombo."

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Couple goals! 
 
A couple was seen displaying affection after participating in anti-government protests that led to the taking over of the Prime Minister's office in Colombo. <a href="https://t.co/mpPG1y2fvD">pic.twitter.com/mpPG1y2fvD</a>
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsWireLK/status/1547166536913207296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Invoking Article 37(1) of the Constitution, which permits a prime minister to "discharge the powers, duties and functions of the office of president" when the president is "ill" or "absent" from the country, Rajapaksa, the 73-year-old leader who had pledged to step down on Wednesday, named Prime Minister Wickremesinghe as the acting president.

President Rajapaksa has appointed Wickremesinghe to act in the president's place while he is away from home, according to Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Abeywardena added that President Rajapaksa had telephoned him to let him know that he would leave office today as planned.

He said that July 20 will be the election day for the incoming president. As demonstrators gathered close to Wickremesinghe's office on Flower Road in Colombo, the country's acting president, announced a state of emergency and enforced a curfew in the Western province.

According to Wickremesinghe, in order to restore normalcy, he has directed the security forces to uphold the emergency and curfew. He added that a committee made up of the leaders of the armed forces has been granted the authority to do this without any political interference. In addition, he promised to resign as prime minister once an all-party coalition was established.

Anti-government protestors, however, were incensed by the event and demanded the resignation of both the President and Prime Minister for handling the economy poorly. Thousands of demonstrators surrounded the PM Office building while waving flags of Sri Lanka, defying the state of emergency. When protesters invaded the prime minister's office and climbed over a barricade to demand his resignation, the police opened fire with tear gas. 
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Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the president of Sri Lanka, fled to the Maldives, where he named Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president. This escalated the political crisis and set off a new round of protests in the nation, which is currently experiencing the worst financial crisis in decades.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the president of Sri Lanka, fled to the Maldives, where he named Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president. This escalated the political crisis and set off a new round of protests in the nation, which is currently experiencing the worst financial crisis in decades. During the protests, a couple was seen kissing in public after participating in anti-government demonstrations that resulted in the Prime Minister's office being taken over in Colombo. NewsWire shared this picture on Twitter with the this captions: "Couple goals! A couple was seen displaying affection after participating in anti-government protests that led to the taking over of the Prime Minister's office in Colombo." Couple goals! A couple was seen displaying affection after participating in anti-government protests that led to the taking over of the Prime Minister's office in Colombo. pic.twitter.com/mpPG1y2fvD — NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) July 13, 2022 × Invoking Article 37(1) of the Constitution, which permits a prime minister to "discharge the powers, duties and functions of the office of president" when the president is "ill" or "absent" from the country, Rajapaksa, the 73-year-old leader who had pledged to step down on Wednesday, named Prime Minister Wickremesinghe as the acting president. President Rajapaksa has appointed Wickremesinghe to act in the president's place while he is away from home, according to Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Abeywardena added that President Rajapaksa had telephoned him to let him know that he would leave office today as planned. He said that July 20 will be the election day for the incoming president. As demonstrators gathered close to Wickremesinghe's office on Flower Road in Colombo, the country's acting president, announced a state of emergency and enforced a curfew in the Western province. According to Wickremesinghe, in order to restore normalcy, he has directed the security forces to uphold the emergency and curfew. He added that a committee made up of the leaders of the armed forces has been granted the authority to do this without any political interference. In addition, he promised to resign as prime minister once an all-party coalition was established. Anti-government protestors, however, were incensed by the event and demanded the resignation of both the President and Prime Minister for handling the economy poorly. Thousands of demonstrators surrounded the PM Office building while waving flags of Sri Lanka, defying the state of emergency. When protesters invaded the prime minister's office and climbed over a barricade to demand his resignation, the police opened fire with tear gas. 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.

Sri Lanka crisis: During protests, a picture of a couple kissing goes viral

The embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is all set to tender his resignation. This comes after massive protests were held outside and inside the Presidential palace, demanding his ouster. But the big question is where is Gotabaya Rajapaksa?

Reports: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees to Maldives before quitting

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed as the country's acting President after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives.

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe takes over as acting President

Sri Lanka is yet again on edge. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled the country even before quitting as the Sri Lankan president. Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country before quitting as the Sri Lankan president. The man at the center of the storm has left for Maldives along with his wife two bodyguards, the news has been confirmed by the Lankan PM's office.

Sources: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to quit after reaching final destination

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