Asia

Maldives’ Turmoil: Muizzu’s Leadership Challenges
Asia

Maldives’ Turmoil: Muizzu’s Leadership Challenges

Maldives' parliament saw a low turnout for President Mohamed Muizzu's inaugural address, with only 24 members out of 81 attending, according to local news outlet Adhadhu. The main opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, boycotted the session entirely, citing concerns about the government's democratic practices. This resulted in an absence of 56 MPs, with 44 belonging to the MDP and 13 from the Democrats. Only 24 MPs were in attendance when the session commenced. Earlier, on 23, December 2023, the two main opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, in a joint press statement strongly condemned the government's recent shift towards an "anti-India" foreign policy. They issued a joint statement labelling this move as "ext...
<strong>China on the defensive in Taiwan after poll victory of William Lai</strong>
Asia, China

China on the defensive in Taiwan after poll victory of William Lai

The election of Lai Ching-te as the President of Taiwan has put China on the defensive in its policies vis-a-vis the island territory. Earlier when the elections were approaching, Beijing had gone on the aggressive mode to intimidate the people of Taiwan not to vote in favour of William Lai, as he is popularly called. China had sent warships to the coasts of Taiwan; had sent numerous warplanes to the skies of the island and in the last leg of campaigning had even dispatched spy balloons to Taiwan. Beijing had openly asked the people of Taiwan not to vote for William Lai if they wanted to have peace in future. Nothing of these seems to have had an effect on the common Taiwanese people who voted for William Lai to elect him to power; the underlying message being that the people of Taiwan wa...
<strong>India-Bangladesh Friendship: A Beacon of Solidarity and Cooperation</strong>
Asia

India-Bangladesh Friendship: A Beacon of Solidarity and Cooperation

The bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh has witnessed a reaffirmation of warmth and mutual cooperation, as emphasized by Dr. Hasan Mahmud, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, during his inaugural visit to India in January 2024. Expressing gratitude towards the people and government of India, Dr. Mahmud highlighted India's steadfast support for ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election process in Bangladesh, thereby safeguarding democracy.[1] The relationship between India and Bangladesh stands as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and collaboration between two neighboring nations. Established immediately after Bangladesh's independence in December 1971, India was the first country to recognize Bangladesh as a separate and independent state, setting the s...
<strong>From Liberation to Limitation: Deprivation of Women’s Rights in Maldives</strong>
Asia

From Liberation to Limitation: Deprivation of Women’s Rights in Maldives

Dreaming of a holiday in the picturesque Maldives, with its sandy beaches and the carefree ambiance symbolized by "Hakuna Matata," one might envision a paradise where troubles cease to exist.  Indeed, there are no troubles if you give up your basic rights and are ready to live your life as a second-grade citizen. Beneath this idyllic facade lies a stark reality for nearly half the population of the Maldives—the women. While much attention has been rightfully directed towards the environmental challenges facing the Maldives, nearly nothing could be found on women’s conditions in the increasingly intolerant Maldivian society. Operating under Sharia law as mandated by the country's constitution, it’s hardly surprising that Maldivian women are victims of the rampant gender discriminat
<strong>Maldives’ Economic Downfall Under President Muizzu’s Choices.</strong>
Asia

Maldives’ Economic Downfall Under President Muizzu’s Choices.

As the Maldives approaches a critical juncture in its economic trajectory, the decisions made by President Mohamed Muizzu are coming under intense scrutiny. The nation, composed of around 550,000 people  stands at a crossroads, grappling with economic challenges exacerbated by a series of decisions that have raised eyebrows and sparked concerns. The recent reports indicating that the Maldivian government under President Muizzu is living beyond its means send a clear signal that the economic health of the country is in jeopardy. The recurring expenditure is on the rise, and capital expenditure is being funded through external debt, notably from India and China, or by resorting to deficit-financing closer to home. This financial tightrope walk raises questions about the sustainability ...
India Emerging As A Major Player Responding To Red Sea Turmoil
Asia

India Emerging As A Major Player Responding To Red Sea Turmoil

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has triggered wider tensions in the Red Sea, impacting India despite its apparent distance. Houthi rebels have directly targeted commercial ships bound for Indian ports, including the December 23rd attack on the M V Chem Pluto docked in Mangalore. This follows another drone attack on the M V Sai Baba en-route to India on the same day. In response, the Indian Navy has significantly increased its presence and surveillance in the region to safeguard its shipping interests and crew safety. Four Project 15A and 15B class destroyers have been deployed to counter drone and missile threats, while long-range P8I anti-submarine aircraft, Dornier planes, and helicopters provide crucial reconnaissance capabilities. This deployment aims to monitor the situation and safe...
<strong>Maldives: Paradise of Violence</strong>
Asia

Maldives: Paradise of Violence

Maldives has become synonymous with sandy beaches, azure waters and luxurious resorts in the past few years. The hedonistic tropical island welcomes millions of tourists from across the globe every year, relaxing their eyes and warming their hearts with great hospitality. But on the other side the rosy picture lie a dark and grim reality full of criminal gang violence and murders fueled by political interests. Between 2013 and 2018, the years of PPM government and Gayoom’s presidency, have been marked by a surge in violence, religious extremism and migration of over 250 Maldivians to join ISIS. It should come as no surprise that ex-President Gayoom’s protégé, Mr. Muizzu, would tread the same path. Since the change of government in late 2023 there has been a disturbing uptick in the
<strong>Will the Filipino President’s Vietnam visit give sleepless nights to China?</strong>
Asia, China

Will the Filipino President’s Vietnam visit give sleepless nights to China?

More than four months after US President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on January 29 landed in Hanoi on a two-day visit, giving Manila a much-needed opportunity to strengthen ties with the Southeast Asian nation which is also facing its claim over the South China Sea being challenged by China. In the strategic circle, the Philippines President’s visit to Vietnam is considered very important as it has led to Manila deepening its maritime cooperation and forging greater regional cooperation with Vietnam on South China Sea disputes. On January 24, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing’s claim to the Paracel and Spratly Islands in the South China Sea is backed by history. China issued this statement to counter Vietnam’s claim that it has suf
<strong>Sino-Japanese relations continue to deteriorate amid Chinese aggression</strong>
Asia, China

Sino-Japanese relations continue to deteriorate amid Chinese aggression

Japanese people’s sentiments toward China worsened in 2023 and they are expected to deteriorate further as the tension between the two countries is expected to rise. Beijing’s latest decision to patrol the Senkaku Islands around the clock is going to add to the already strained relations. Both countries witnessed friction on a few issues in 2023. Now, the tension is set to escalate further as Japan has started taking measures to counter Chinese aggression and coercion. Under President Xi Jinping's rule, there have been increased military activities across Indo-Pacific region. Tokyo has a reason to worry as Beijing is flexing its military muscles to lay its claim on the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyu Islands. Recently, Xi asked the Chinese naval forces to
<strong>Maldives must vary of Chinese friendship: Lessons from South Asia’s experiences</strong>
Asia, China

Maldives must vary of Chinese friendship: Lessons from South Asia’s experiences

The recent events in India-Maldives bilateral relationship have taken a turn that can potentially disrupt some long-term objectives of the decades old partnership between the two countries. These tides however in India-Maldives ties must not be seen as one that should remain disrupted for short-term gains, especially within Indian political circles. The escalation in the bilateral relationship began with the election of the current President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu who won the election based on his ‘India Out’ campaign. Under Muizzu’s regime, collaboration and cooperation with India in terms of bilateral engagements have significantly reduced. Nevertheless, a greater worry for the Maldivian population and policymakers should be the tilt towards Beijing that the current government i