Indian financial aid opens ’new chapter’ with Maldives

India has agreed to extend hundreds of millions of dollars in financial support to the Maldives to help strengthen its struggling economy.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is expected to seek financial assistance from India during his upcoming visit as his country faces a growing economic crisis and the possibility of a debt default.

Police in the Maldives have detained a state environment minister, with local media reporting accusations of performing `black magic` on the president.

The Maldives, renowned for its luxurious resorts, will prohibit Israelis from entering the country. This decision comes amid growing public outrage in the predominantly Muslim nation concerning the conflict in Gaza.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu`s party has emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections, securing a significant majority in a landslide victory. 

The Maldives is set to vote in a parliamentary election on Sunday, a significant event that could serve as a litmus test for President Mohamed Muizzu`s stance towards China, potentially shifting away from the country`s traditional ally, India.

India has initiated the withdrawal of military personnel conducting surveillance operations in the Maldives following an order from the new pro-China president, leading to strained relations between the two nations, as reported by local media on Tuesday.

In a move that could escalate geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean region China and the Maldives inked a defense cooperation agreement on Monday. 

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu declared on Monday that an agreement has been reached between India and the Maldives to repatriate the initial contingent of Indian troops stationed in the country before March 10 of this year.

The President of the Maldives has formally requested India to withdraw its nearly 100 troops from the archipelago by March 15, as part of a election promise. 

China and the Maldives strengthened their ties on Wednesday during the inaugural state visit of the newly elected President, Mohamed Muizzu, to Beijing. 

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed commenced their state visit to China on Sunday night, responding to an invitation extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu officially requested that India withdraw its military from the archipelago Saturday, a day after being sworn in.

Mohamed Muizzu, a pro-China candidate, emerged victorious in the Maldives` presidential election held on Saturday, signaling a potential shift in the archipelago`s relationship with its long-standing partner, India.