Srinagar, July 26 (IANS) The annual Amarnath Yatra 2025 is proceeding peacefully and smoothly since it started on July 3 as more than 3.6 lakh devotees had ‘Darshan’ during the last 22 days, officials said on Saturday.
Officials added that the ongoing Amarnath Yatra is proceeding peacefully and smoothly as more than 3.6 lakh had ‘Darshan’ inside the holy cave shrine during the last 22 days.”A fresh batch of 2,324 Yatris left for the Valley in two escorted convoys on Saturday from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas.””Of these the first escorted convoy of 34 vehicles carrying 741 Yatris left at 3:25 a.m. for Baltal base camp and the second escorted convoy of 58 vehicles carrying 1,583 Yatris left at 3.45 a.m. for Pahalgam base camp,” officials said.The ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s holy mace) was taken for the traditional Puja to Sharika-Bhawani temple atop the Hari Parvat hillock in Srinagar on Friday.The Chhari Mubarak will be taken from its seat at the Amareshwar Temple in Dashnami Akhara building in Srinagar to the holy cave shrine on August 4 by its sole custodian, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri.The procession of the Chhari Mubarak will include Sadhus and devotees who will perform customary Puja en route at Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan and Pahalgam before the holy mace arrives at the cave shrine on August 9.Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.Additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police.The Army has deployed more than 8,000 special Commandos to secure the passage of the pilgrims this year.The Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot.This trek takes a pilgrim four days to get to the cave shrine. And, those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after having darshan.No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.–IANSsq/khz

Cairo, July 26 (IANS) Egypt and Qatar have pledged to continue mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza.

In a statement on Friday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that Egypt and Qatar are continuing their intensive mediation to reach an agreement that would put an end to the war, stop the humanitarian suffering in the enclave, and ensure the protection of civilians and the exchange of detainees and prisoners, Xinhua news agency reported.The two countries said that some progress had been made in the latest round of intensive negotiations that started on July 6, noting that suspending negotiations for consultations before resuming the dialogue is a normal occurrence in the context of these complex talks.Israel on Thursday recalled its negotiating team from Doha for consultations after receiving Hamas’s response to the latest ceasefire proposal. A senior Hamas official said the group had been informed by the mediators that the Israeli delegation would return next week to continue the talks.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Friday that Israel is considering new ways to release the Israeli hostages held in Gaza.The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has resulted in more than 59,210 Palestinian deaths and over 143,040 injuries, according to Gaza’s health authorities.Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as Israel limited the entry of goods and supplies into the enclave, leading to widespread starvation.”We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” said US envoy Steve Witkoff. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said that “Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal”.The Palestinian group has rejected the accusations.Tel Aviv estimates that of the around 250 Israeli hostages taken by Hamas, 50 still remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.Meanwhile, more than 10,000 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, enduring torture, starvation, and medical neglect that has led to the death of many, according to Palestinian and Israeli reports.Israel has killed more than 59,700 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, collapsed the health system, and led to mass hunger and starvation.–IANSint/khz

Aden (Yemen), July 26 (IANS) Yemen’s pro-government forces have said they had repelled a large-scale attack launched by Houthi militia targeting military positions in the northern province of Saada.
In a statement posted on Friday on social media platform X, the forces said they “thwarted a large-scale attack” by Houthis on the Aleb military front, north of Saada province, Xinhua news agency reported.The statement said that 10 government soldiers were killed in the confrontation, while “dozens of enemy fighters” were killed or wounded. It added that bodies of Houthi militants were found scattered across valleys in the area, and three Houthi military vehicles were destroyed.No immediate response was available from the Houthi group regarding the reported confrontation.Yemen has remained in a fragile state of calm since the collapse of a UN-brokered truce at the end of 2022, with both sides failing to agree on its renewal or expansion.The conflict, which began in late 2014, has killed hundreds of thousands and pushed millions to the brink of famine, according to UN estimates.In a statement shared by the military media center on X, Brigadier General Yasser Mujalli, commander of the Alab Axis and the 63rd Infantry Brigade, said that Houthi forces launched a wide-scale attack at dawn targeting army positions along the Alab front in northern Saada.”Our forces detected enemy movements and thwarted the attack,” Mujalli said, adding that a counteroffensive inflicted heavy losses on the Houthis and forced them to retreat.”Dozens of enemy fighters were killed or wounded, and their bodies remain scattered in the valleys and rugged terrain,” he said, noting that three Houthi military vehicles were also destroyed.Mujalli confirmed that 10 soldiers were killed “while fulfilling their national duty with honour and bravery”.There was no immediate comment from the Houthi group on the incident.The clashes are said to be the fiercest clashes between the two sides since August 2022, when a similar battle in Taiz province left 10 government soldiers and 23 Houthi fighters dead.While a UN-brokered truce declared in April 2022 led to a relative reduction in hostilities, intermittent fighting has continued to threaten the fragile calm.The Houthi group continues to control several provinces in northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, which it seized on September 21, 2014.In December 2023, UN envoy Hans Grundberg announced that both the Yemeni government and the Houthis had agreed to a roadmap including a nationwide ceasefire and measures to improve humanitarian conditions.However, the plan has yet to be implemented amid mutual accusations of non-compliance.–IANSint/khz

Jerusalem, July 26 (IANS) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that it had killed a Hamas counter-intelligence commander in a strike in the northern Gaza Strip.

Amjad Muhammad Hassan Shaer, head of the counter-intelligence directorate in Hamas’ General Security Apparatus, was killed on Wednesday, the IDF said on Friday in a statement.According to the Israeli army, the directorate is responsible for thwarting espionage and securing senior Hamas officials, Xinhua news agency reported.The statement added that over Thursday, in cooperation with ground forces, the Israeli Air Force struck dozens of military targets in the Gaza Strip.Palestine’s official news agency WAFA reported that Israeli warplanes struck a school sheltering displaced civilians in the Gaza City on Friday, killing at least five Palestinians and wounding dozens of others.The strikes come as five divisions continue ground operations across the Strip.The Israeli military said that the 98th Division has expanded its operations in Gaza City.Separately, Israeli troops struck an anti-tank missile post in Gaza City over Thursday after shots were fired at soldiers operating in the area. No injuries were reported.Soldiers are continuing operational activity across the northern Gaza Strip, particularly in the areas of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Gaza City’s Daraj Tuffah.Troops are continuing to locate and dismantle tunnel shafts and other terrorist infrastructure.In coordination with ground forces, the Israeli Air Force attacked dozens of Hamas targets over the past 24 hours, including terrorist cells, tunnel networks, anti-tank missile launch sites and weapons storage facilities.On Thursday, the IDF killed Hamas terrorist Muhammad al-‘Amour near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.Al-‘Amour reportedly managed the goods terminal at the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Sinai, where he facilitated the smuggling of hundreds of weapons and other military equipment — a key contribution to Hamas’s terrorist buildup.IDF Chief of Staff Lietenant General Eyal Zamir visited the Ground Forces headquarters at Camp Bar-Lev near Kiryat Malakhi on Wednesday, emphasising the critical juncture the military faces in the ongoing multi-front campaign.Zamir noted the unprecedented nature of the current conflict, with IDF operations spanning several fronts.”There has never been a war like this in the history of the IDF—we are operating in Tehran, Sanaa, Beirut, Syria, Jenin and the main center of gravity, the Gaza Strip,” he said.Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas leaders on Wednesday, saying, “The Sinwar brothers have destroyed Gaza. Izz al-Din al-Haddad is turning it into ruins. Hamas leaders abroad are celebrating in palaces and luxury hotels, refusing to release the hostages. If they are not released soon, the gates of hell will open.” (The IDF killed Hamas leaders brothers Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Sinwar in October 2024 and May 2025, respectively. Izz al-Din al-Haddad (nom de guerre Abu Suhaib) has headed Hamas’s Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades since May 2025.)The US will examine “alternative options” to bring home the 50 captives held by Hamas as the terrorist group “does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday.”It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way,” he added, emphasising that Washington remains “resolute” in achieving peace.The announcement came shortly after the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that “in light of the response delivered by Hamas this morning,” Jerusalem had decided to recall its negotiators for consultations.The Jewish state appreciates “efforts by the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, and the efforts of envoy Witkoff, to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations,” the PMO statement added.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff got it right. Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal. Together with our US allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas’s terror rule and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region.”Speaking at a state memorial ceremony for Revisionist Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky on Thursday night, Netanyahu said he remained “determined to achieve all war aims,” including the return of all hostages and Hamas’s complete defeat.”If Hamas understands our readiness to reach a deal as weakness, as an opportunity to dictate terms of surrender to us that will endanger Israel, it is greatly mistaken,” the Prime Minister declared in his remarks.–IANSint/khz

United Nations, July 26 (IANS) The already catastrophic conditions in Gaza are fast deteriorating as the deadly starvation crisis deepens amid military operations that bring death and destruction, UN humanitarians said.
“Life is being drained out of Gaza, as systems and services are on the verge of collapse,” said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Friday. “Just yesterday, the local health authorities announced that two more people died from starvation.”OCHA said that hunger and malnutrition increase the risk of illnesses that weaken the immune system, especially among women, children, older people, and those with disabilities or chronic diseases, Xinhua news agency reported.”The consequences can turn deadly fast,” the office noted. “Food scarcity is also having a severe impact on pregnant and breastfeeding women, as their babies are more likely to be born with health complications.”OCHA said that the trickle of supplies into the Gaza Strip is nowhere near adequate to address the immense needs.The Times of Israel, citing an Israeli military civil affairs unit, said that Israel would allow Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to airdrop humanitarian supplies to Gaza, in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces.”We welcome all efforts to provide aid to people in Gaza who desperately need it,” said Stephanie Tremblay, associate spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Friday. “We reiterate that the most efficient way to bring in supplies is by road. This is why it is imperative that aid is allowed to enter through all crossings and via all available corridors.”On another front, OCHA said the UN relief chief has written a letter to the head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the US-run, Israeli-backed system for distributing aid through four militarised hubs for the entire strip, as opposed to the traditional UN-led system of 400 community-based supply points.Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said the world body stands ready to engage with any partner to ensure that desperately needed humanitarian aid reaches people in Gaza. However, he added that any such partnership must adhere to the globally accepted principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.He said that aid must go where the needs are most significant, without discrimination, and that humanitarians answer to civilians in need, not the warring parties.OCHA said that safe, sustained humanitarian access is missing.”Aid workers face constant danger, crossings are unreliable, and critical items are routinely blocked,” the office said. “If Israel opens the crossings, lets fuel and equipment in, and allows humanitarian staff to operate safely, the United Nations will accelerate the delivery of food aid, health services, clean water and waste management, nutrition supplies, and shelter materials.”The office said that various constraints imposed by the Israeli authorities on aid delivery continue to hamper humanitarians’ ability to respond.OCHA said that as access constraints continue, out of 15 attempts to coordinate humanitarian movements inside Gaza on Thursday, four were outright denied, with another three impeded.”The quantities of fuel entering Gaza remain insufficient to maintain critical facilities,” OCHA added.–IANSint/khz

Cape Town (South Africa), July 26 (IANS) Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, held a meeting with Alexander Pankin, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, and discussed bilateral cooperation as well as contemporary issues, including in the G20.Taking to social media platform X, MoS Margherita on Friday evening said: “Had a productive meeting with Alexander Pankin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. As strategic partners, discussed progress in bilateral cooperation and contemporary issues, including in the G20.”He also took part in the first session of the G20 Development Minister’s meeting on combating illicit financial flows and social protection on Thursday.MoS Margherita in another post on X said: “Participated in the first session of the #G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting on Combating Illicit Financial Flows & Social Protection today. Highlighted India’s key achievements in ensuring inclusive Social Protection for all and emphasized the need to bridge the SDG financing gap.”Earlier on Thursday, the MoS met with South African Minister of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa and invited the nation to join the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.In another X post, he wrote: “Glad to meet @MaropeneRamo, Minister of DPME, South Africa. Expressed India’s support for the priorities of the South African presidency and emphasized the importance of critical minerals and debt sustainability for Africa. Also invited South Africa to join the @isolaralliance and @cdri_world.”MoS Margherita, met with Thani MohamedSoilihi, France’s Minister of International Partnerships, on the sidelines of the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting (DMM) in Johannesburg, South Africa.Both leaders discussed the 4Ps (Planet, People, Peace and Prosperity), pursuing the shared interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) restructuring of the global financial architecture and enhancing disaster resilience.“It was a pleasure to meet Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of International Partnerships of France on the margins of G20 Development Minister’s Meeting. Discussions were held on 4P and continuing our common interest in AI, reform of international financial architecture, and disaster resilience,” MoS Margherita posted on X.The MoS arrived at Kruger National Park in South Africa’s Mpumalanga on Thursday to attend the G20 DMM after concluding his successful visit to Lesotho and Eswatini.He said that that he is looking forward to “meaningful engagements” with stakeholders from G20 members and invited nations to discuss key development issues faced by the world.The G20 Development Working Group Ministerial Meeting is being held at Kruger National Park. South Africa holds the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025.The theme for South Africa’s G20 Presidency is ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.’Upon his arrival in South Africa, MoS Margherita posted on X, “Arrived at Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa, to attend G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting under the South African G20 Presidency. Looking forward to meaningful engagements with stakeholders from G20 members and invited countries to discuss key development issues facing the world.”–IANSint/khz

New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) The Indian medical team, currently visiting Bangladesh, held the second round of consultations with doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka.
The medical team continued their mission to provide medical support to Bangladesh authorities for treatment of critically injured patients in the aftermath of the plane crash of July 21 at Milestone School and College in Dhaka, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said in a post on social media platform X.They visited some of the patients and observed their prognosis, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said.The team further deliberated management protocols with the doctors at the Institute and provided critical inputs for treatment methodology.The Indian medical team, now in Dhaka to help provide treatment to Milestone crash victims, held detailed medical consultations with senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka.They reviewed each of the critical cases, exchanged views on the treatment methodologies, and conveyed their assessment on future course of treatment.The visit of the Indian doctors and nursing officials follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance to extend all possible assistance and support to Bangladesh in the wake of the tragic incident of plane crash in Dhaka on July 21.Earlier on July 24, the visiting Indian medical team held detailed consultations with senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, reviewing critical cases from Monday’s horrific plane crash. The Indian experts also exchanged views on the treatment methodologies and conveyed their assessment on future course of treatment for the admitted patients.”The Indian medical team visiting Bangladesh began their visit by holding detailed medical consultations with senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health & doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. They reviewed each of the critical cases, exchanged views on the treatment methodologies and conveyed their assessment on future course of treatment. The visit of the Indian doctors & nursing officials follows PM Narendra Modi’s assurance to extend all possible assistance and support to Bangladesh in the wake of the tragic incident of plane crash in Dhaka on 21 July 2025,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.The crash occurred when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft slammed into the Milestone School and College campus in Dhaka’s Uttara on Monday, which has claimed 32 lives so far and injured over 162 people. As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, India’s medical outreach is expected to play a vital role in the recovery of survivors and the broader healing process.A specialised team of doctors from India had arrived in Bangladesh late Wednesday evening to treat the burn victims of the fighter jet crash. The team includes doctors and nurses from Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital — two of India’s leading centres for burn treatment and plastic surgery.Earlier, PM Modi had expressed condolences over the tragedy and assured Bangladesh of India’s full support.In a statement shared on Monday on X, PM Modi wrote, “Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives, many of them young students, in a tragic air crash in Dhaka. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”In a follow-up to his message, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka formally reached out to the Bangladeshi government, offering critical medical assistance for the injured.India’s swift response underscores the humanitarian dimension of its regional diplomacy and reflects the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.–IANSint/khz

Male, July 26 (IANS) During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Male on the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, several agreements across diverse sectors were signed on Friday which reaffirmed the bilateral partnership between India and Maldives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said: “This is indication of how strong, deep-rooted and extensive the India-Maldives friendship is.”Several memorandum of understanding were signed between PM Modi and President Muizzu which includes: agreement for a Line of Credit (LoC) of Rs 4,850 crore to Maldives; amendatory agreement on reducing annual debt repayment obligations of Maldives on Indian government-funded LoCs; to launch the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA)-Terms of Reference finalised; MoU on cooperation in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture; MoU between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS), Ministry of Tourism and Environment; MoU on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation between Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology of Maldives; MoU on recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) by Maldives; network-to-network agreement between India’s NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL) and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) on Unified Payments Interface in Maldives, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.PM Modi and President Muizzu also jointly released commemorative stamps on 60th anniversary of establishment of India-Maldives diplomatic relations, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal added.Strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Maldives was reaffirmed by PM Modi and President Muizzu such as handing over of 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale, Maldives, under India’s Buyers’ Credit facilities; inauguration of roads and drainage system project in Addu city in Maldives; inauguration of 6 High Impact Community Development Projects in Maldives; handing over of 72 vehicles and other equipment; handing over of two BHISHM Health Cube sets; and inauguration of the Ministry of Defence Building in Male.”On behalf of people of India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu and the people of Maldives on the historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of their Independence,” PM Modi said in a joint press statement with President Muizzu.On the historic occasion, PM Modi also thanked President Muizzu for inviting him as the Guest of Honour on the 60th anniversary of independence of Maldives.”This year also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. However, the roots of our relationship are older than history itself and is as deep as the ocean. The commemorative stamp released today, featuring the traditional boats of both our countries is a reflection of the fact that we are not just neighbours, but also fellow voyagers on a shared journey,” the Prime Minister said, the MEA quoted in a press statement.”India is the closest neighbour of the Maldives. The Maldives holds a key place in both India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and our MAHASAGAR vision. India also takes pride in being the Maldives’s most trusted friend. Be it natural disasters or pandemics, India has always stood by the Maldives as the ‘First Responder’. Whether it was ensuring the supply of essential commodities or supporting economic recovery post-Covid, India has always worked hand-in-hand with the Maldives,” PM Modi added.During President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024, both India and Maldives shared a vision for a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership, which is now becoming a reality with our bilateral ties reaching new heights, and several important projects also been inaugurated as well, he said.”The four thousand social housing units built with India’s support will now mark a new beginning for many families in the Maldives — a place they can truly call home. Projects like the Greater Male Connectivity Project, the Addu Road Development Project, and the redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport will transform this entire region into a vital hub for transit and economic activity,” PM Modi noted.”Very soon, with the launch of the ferry system, connectivity between the various islands will become even easier. After that, distances between islands will not be measured by GPS, but simply by ferry time!” he said.”To give a new momentum to our development partnership, we have decided to extend a Line of Credit of $565 million — nearly five thousand crore rupees — to the Maldives. This will be used for infrastructure development projects aligned with the priorities of the Maldivian people,” PM Modi added.”We have taken several steps to accelerate our economic partnership. To boost mutual investment, we will soon work towards finalising a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Discussions on a Free Trade Agreement have also begun. Our goal now is — From paperwork to prosperity!” the Prime Minister said.”Wth the local currency settlement system, trade can now take place directly in Rupees and Rufiyaa. The rapid adoption of UPI in the Maldives will further strengthen both tourism and the retail sectors,” he added.”Cooperation in the field of defence and security is a reflection of mutual trust. The Ministry of Defence building, being inaugurated today, is a concrete symbol of that trust — an embodiment of our strong partnership,” PM Modi said.”Our collaboration will now also extend to weather science. No matter what the weather, our friendship will always remain bright and clear!” he added.”India will continue to support the development of Maldives’ defence capabilities. Peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region is our shared objective. Together, through the Colombo Security Conclave, we will strengthen regional maritime security,” he said.”Climate change is a major challenge for both our nations. We have agreed to promote renewable energy, and in this area, India will share its experience with the Maldives,” he added.”Once again, on this historic occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and the people of Maldives. I also thank you all for the warm welcome. Ireaffirm that India will stand with Maldives at every step on its path to development and prosperity,” PM Modi concluded his speech, thanking President Muizzu.–IANSint/khz

Male, July 26 (IANS) Reflecting on the 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has described the diplomatic ties between the two nations as a reflection of shared history and enduring partnership.

He made the remarks here at a state banquet held on Friday evening in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently undertaking a state visit to the Maldives.”This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, a milestone that reflects not only our shared history but also the depth and resilience of our partnership. Yet, the bond between our people predates diplomatic formalities. For centuries, the Indian Ocean has been a witness to our shared journey. As traders, travellers and neighbours we exchanged goods, stories and ideas across these waters for centuries. It is the same ocean that unites us today with ties that no tide can break,” said President Muizzu congratulating PM Modi for becoming the second longest consecutive serving PM of India.Speaking at the official banquet hosted in honour of PM Modi during his two-day visit to the Maldives, Muizzu praised the Prime Minister’s leadership.In his speech, President Muizzu noted that the relationship between the Maldives and India extends far beyond formal diplomacy, with deep-rooted connections dating back centuries. He referred to the Indian Ocean as a living testament to these long-standing ties, emphasising that the shared journey of both nations, as traders and neighbours, has forged a resilient and unbreakable bond.The President expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its continued support and steadfast friendship. He said that the Maldivian government is committed to building an inclusive and dynamic economy, empowering young people, and ensuring peace and security in the region. President Muizzu acknowledged that India’s partnership is instrumental in realising these ambitions.Reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to nurturing this special relationship, the Maldivian President conveyed his hopes for the future, expressing his wish for a flourishing Maldives–India partnership that brings lasting peace and prosperity to both nations.Prime Minister Modi, in his address to the gathering, echoed these sentiments of mutual trust and enduring friendship. He highlighted the cultural bonds that have enriched both societies over generations, reinforcing the shared heritage that continues to unite the peoples of the Maldives and India.Highlighting the depth of the bilateral ties between India and Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday here that the relationship between both the countries is centuries-old, adding that “both the countries are neighbours, partners, and true friends who stand together in times of need.””As I have said before — Maldives holds a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’… This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity,” PM Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his gratitude and reflected upon the celebration of six decades of deep friendship between India and Maldives during an official banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male.Prime Minister Modi said: “Last year, the President (Mohamed Muizzu) visited India on a State Visit. Now, I have received the opportunity to be the first State Guest of his tenure.”Marking the significance of the occasion, the Prime Minister added, “Arriving here as the Guest of Honour on the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives is an honour for me. For this invitation, I express my gratitude to the President. On behalf of all the people of India, I extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the Maldives.”He noted that this visit comes at a symbolic moment for both nations. “This year, the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives relations is also being celebrated. This happy coincidence — the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives and the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives relations — has made my visit even more special,” PM Modi said.Underscoring the civilisational and cultural bonds, he remarked, “Our shared heritage is as old as the monsoon and as sweet as Addu Bondi. Our languages reflect the depth of our culture. Several words in Dhivehi have come from India… Our tastes are also similar… Absolutely perfect despite being different.”PM Modi also emphasised the strength of people-to-people ties between the two countries, saying, “The loving relations that have been formed between the people of our two nations for centuries are ever strong even today… Your tourist number 10 lakh this year turned out to be an Indian.””Our two nations are colleagues of the Global South. Be it infrastructure or capacity building, in every turn of the journey of development in Maldives, India has been a true partner and co-passenger. Now, we should go ahead on trade, security and sustainable development. India and Maldives’ relations are based on the foundation of trust and thrive on goodwill. Today, we have reiterated our commitment to its bright future,” he said.”It is an honour for me to attend as the Guest of Honour on the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives. I express my gratitude to the President for this invitation. And on behalf of all Indians, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Maldives,” PM Modi added.–IANSint/khz

Male, July 26 (IANS) Highlighting the depth of the bilateral ties between India and Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday here that the relationship between both the countries is centuries-old, adding that “both the countries are neighbours, partners, and true friends who stand together in times of need.”

“As I have said before — Maldives holds a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’… This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity,” PM Modi said.Prime Minister Modi also expressed his gratitude and reflected upon the celebration of six decades of deep friendship between India and Maldives during an official banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male.The Prime Minister said: “Last year, the President (Mohamed Muizzu) visited India on a State Visit. Now, I have received the opportunity to be the first State Guest of his tenure.”Marking the significance of the occasion, he added, “Arriving here as the Guest of Honour on the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives is an honour for me. For this invitation, I express my gratitude to the President. On behalf of all the people of India, I extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the Maldives.”He noted that this visit comes at a symbolic moment for both nations.”This year, the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives relations is also being celebrated. This happy coincidence — the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives and the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives relations — has made my visit even more special,” PM Modi said.Underscoring the civilisational and cultural bonds, he remarked, “Our shared heritage is as old as the monsoon and as sweet as Addu Bondi. Our languages reflect the depth of our culture. Several words in Dhivehi have come from India… Our tastes are also similar… Absolutely perfect despite being different.”PM Modi also emphasised the strength of people-to-people ties between the two countries, saying, “The loving relations that have been formed between the people of our two nations for centuries are ever strong even today… Your tourist number 10 lakh this year turned out to be an Indian.””Our two nations are colleagues of the Global South. Be it infrastructure or capacity building, in every turn of the journey of development in Maldives, India has been a true partner and co-passenger. Now, we should go ahead on trade, security and sustainable development. India and Maldives’ relations are based on the foundation of trust and thrive on goodwill. Today, we have reiterated our commitment to its bright future,” he said.”It is an honour for me to attend as the Guest of Honour on the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives. I express my gratitude to the President for this invitation. And on behalf of all Indians, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Maldives,” PM Modi added.”This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, a milestone that reflects not only our shared history but also the depth and resilience of our partnership. Yet, the bond between our people predates diplomatic formalities. For centuries, the Indian Ocean has been a witness to our shared journey. As traders, travellers and neighbours we exchanged goods, stories and ideas across these waters for centuries. It is the same ocean that unites us today with ties that no tide can break,” said President Muizzu as he congratulated PM Modi for becoming the second longest consecutive serving PM of India.Speaking at the official banquet hosted in honour of PM Modi during his two-day visit to the Maldives, Muizzu praised the Prime Minister’s leadership.–IANSint/khz