The opposition in Maldives is vigorously protesting Indian military presence on the Island state
calling for the expulsion of the Indian military personnel from their tiny island state spread over hundreds of atolls.
“We are a very fragile country. We cannot afford to have any military presence of another country here,” he tellsThe Maldives is one of those key South Asian countries where regional rivals China and India are competing for influence — something that will bear consequences for the wider region, experts say.
“India has always been the Maldives’ closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts,” the government said in a recent“Support provided by India on areas such as search and rescue capabilities, casualty evacuation, coastal surveillance, and maritime reconnaissance, directly benefit the Maldivian people,” it added.the “Indian Military Out” campaign a desperate attempt by the opposition to fulfil a political agenda.
“The Indian military has been in the Maldives for a long time. There’s nothing new about it. They use the aircraft to airlift sick or injured people from isolated islands,” says David Brewster, an expert on Indo-Pacific maritime affairs at the Australian National University. Nevertheless, the persistent pressure mounted by the opposition has put the government in a tight corner.
Maldives, which derives a substantial chunk of its revenue from tourists — many of them Chinese — also became a recipient of Beijing’s investment. The scenic Maldives depends on tourism for most of its foreign revenue. But tourism sites are spread across different atolls and a lack of connectivity hampers job creation in the hospitality industry.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Heavy rains in southern Indian state kill 17, dozens missingAt least 17 people have died and dozens are reported missing in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh after days of heavy rains, authorities said Saturday. The state has been hit by intense torrents since Thursday, sparking massive floods in at least five districts. Deaths from various districts have been reported over the past few days, with officials warning that the numbers could rise as rescue operations carry on.
Read more »
Indian shares decline as Reliance drags; Paytm slidesIndian shares slipped on Monday as market heavyweight Reliance Industries saw its worst day in 10 months, leading energy stocks lower, and the return of COVID-19 restrictions in Europe weighed on investor sentiment.
Read more »
Steel prices could trend 'much higher' compared to the last 10 years, major Indian steelmaker saysThe steel market is going through several changes, including China's evolving role in the market and costs rising, said Tata Steel's CEO, T.V. Narendran.
Read more »
‘Pebbles’ Director & Producers Discuss Their Indian Oscar Entry About Domestic Violence – Contenders InternationalThe sobering story of Pebbles, about domestic violence in India, is inspired by an incident in filmmaker P.S. Vinothraj’s real-life past, in which his sister was “chased away by her husband” …
Read more »
Officials: Sudan's military agrees to reinstate ousted PMCAIRO (AP) — A deal was reached between Sudan's military and civilian leaders to reinstate Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who was deposed in a coup last month, military and government officials said Sunday.
Read more »
Sudan's military chief reinstates prime minister ousted after last month's coupSudan's military chief and the prime minister he overthrew last month have reached a deal for the reinstatement of the premier and the release of jailed political detainees, mediators say
Read more »