India Observers

  India and the Maldives have signed a significant agreement providing a ₹4,850 crore Line of Credit (LoC) to support development projects in the island nation. The agreement was finalized during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Malé. The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across sectors. India also agreed to amend earlier credit terms, easing the Maldives’ annual debt repayment obligations. Key areas of cooperation include infrastructure, health, climate change, digital transformation, and aquaculture. New Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were inked on fisheries, weather services, and digital public infrastructure. The two sides also agreed to advance discussions on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring mutual goals for regional peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean.

  Qasim Ibrahim, leader of the  Jumhooree Party  in the Maldives, has urged President Mohammed Muizzu to apologize to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for his controversial remarks after visiting China. The issue began after President Muizzu made controversial remarks about the “India Out” campaign, led by Abdulla Yameen, which claimed Indian soldiers in the Maldives were against their country’s independence. Ibrahim questioned why President Muizzu did not stop the ban, arguing that ending it would harm their country. He is asking President Muizzu to apologize to India and Prime Minister Modi for his comments after visiting China. The situation has led to  India and the Maldives  working together to remove Indian military personnel from the Maldives, as part of President Muizzu’s party’s promise. Negative comments about Prime Minister Modi’s policies, particularly regarding the development of Lakshadweep, have created more tension, even thoug...

  Three Maldivian ministers have been suspended for making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lakshadweep, causing tensions between India and the Maldives. Indian tourists have canceled their planned trips to the Maldives, and celebrities are promoting Lakshadweep as an alternative destination. EaseMyTrip, an online travel company, has suspended all Maldives flight bookings in solidarity with India. Indian celebrities like Akshay Kumar and Sachin Tendulkar have encouraged people to explore Indian islands like Lakshadweep instead. Bollywood stars have also joined the movement to promote Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. Eva Abdulla, a former Deputy Speaker and MP from the Maldives, has apologized for the offensive remarks and called on Indians to end the #BoycottMaldives campaign. The Ministry of External Affairs has summoned the Maldives High Commissioner to discuss the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Lakshadweep and unveiled...