Saturday, August 2, 2025

Polaris of Enlightenment

Assessing the importance of India-Maldives ties amid growing strife

Published 25 January 2024
– By Sukanya Saha
PM Narendra Modi's serene Lakshadweep beach photo, an unexpected catalyst of diplomatic strains, shared on Twitter/X.
4 minute read

The Maldives finds itself amid a diplomatic storm, as its relationship with India has taken a hit due to a series of contentious events. The dispute began when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a seemingly harmless photograph of himself relaxing on a sunbed at a pristine beach in Lakshadweep.

This tropical archipelago, consisting of 36 atolls and coral reefs, is located in the Laccadive Sea, off the coast of Kerala. The images also captured the 73-year-old Modi snorkelling activities while sporting an orange life vest.

However, Modi’s relaxing pictures quickly stirred discontent among some in the Maldives, interpreted as an effort to divert tourists from the Indian Ocean archipelago, a region heavily dependent on tourism as a cornerstone of its economy.

Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, mocked Modi in a post, referring to him as a “clown”, a “terrorist” and “puppet of Israel” on microblogging site X, which has now been deleted.

Following this, several Indian celebrities, including actors and cricketers, began openly supporting initiatives aimed at showcasing local beaches and alternative tourist destinations. Moreover, one of the prominent travel websites in India temporarily halted flight reservations to the Maldives.

In response, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s government called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, embarked on a significant overseas visit to China, and annulled a crucial water survey pact, intensifying tensions. However, beneath the surface of this brewing conflict lies a web of interconnected interests and dependencies that both nations share.

High Stakes in India-Maldives relations

At stake is a diplomatic and political relationship that has evolved over six decades. Since India established diplomatic ties with the Maldives in 1965, the two nations have developed deep connections across various sectors. Despite changes in government, India has worked tirelessly to build relationships with political, military, business, and civil society leaders. This meticulous effort has made India the preferred destination for Maldivians in areas such as education and healthcare.

Why does India need the Maldives?

The strategic location of the Maldives is a key factor. Situated barely 70 nautical miles from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles from India’s west coast, the Maldives holds significant importance in India’s maritime security calculus. India has invested heavily in training the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), with nearly 70 per cent of their defence training conducted by India.

The looming Chinese presence in the region adds urgency to India’s need for the Maldives as an ally. As China has extended its influence over the last 15 years, India’s longstanding connections with the Maldives position it as a crucial ally in mitigating the growing impact of China’s presence. The establishment of a coastal radar system in the Maldives further underscores India’s commitment to monitoring activities in the Indian Ocean.

What compels the Maldives to rely on India?

India plays a pivotal role in meeting Maldives’ daily needs. From essential food supplies, medicines, and infrastructure materials to education, India’s contribution is integral to Maldives’ functioning. Indian universities and boarding schools have become the educational lifeline for Maldivian students, who seek quality education. Indian assistance during times of crisis, such as the 2004 tsunami and the 2014 drinking water crisis, has solidified the bond between the two nations.

Maldives’ economic dependence on India is evident, with India being its second-largest trade partner in 2022. The construction of the 300-bed Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé and India’s role as a security provider during the 1988 coup attempt underscore the multifaceted nature of the relationship.

Muizzu’s move to revive China FTA raises concerns

In his current visit to China, Muizzu has suggested revitalising the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Beijing. Muizzu’s push to revive the China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is stirring apprehension as some experts fear it could heighten the risk of a debt crisis in the Maldives.

China currently holds 37 per cent of the total debt in the Maldives, and there are concerns that the FTA might exacerbate this, potentially leading the Maldives into a crisis similar to that of Sri Lanka, as reported by The Economic Times.

In its October report, the World Bank cautioned that deepening ties with China could pose challenges for Maldives, given its existing debt of $1.37 billion to Beijing. China holds the position of being the largest bilateral creditor for Maldives, surpassing both Saudi Arabia and India.

The path forward

It is crucial for both New Delhi and Male to recognise the depth of their interdependence and work towards de-escalating tensions. Diplomacy must prevail over knee-jerk reactions. While political rhetoric and public posturing may create temporary rifts, India’s historical role as a reliable partner in times of need and the Maldives’ strategic importance to India’s security interests highlight the mutual benefits of preserving a strong bilateral relationship. Therefore, both nations must engage in open and constructive dialogue to address concerns and find common ground.

Sukanya Saha is a contributing editor at The Nordic Times. Based in New Delhi, she is an accomplished journalist who has previously worked with several major Indian media outlets such as NDTV, India Today, IANS, and Jagran English. Currently, she is associated with Hindustan Times. In 2022, she topped the BRICS International Journalism Programme from India. Committed to understanding the complex dynamics that shape our world, Sukanya's passions range from world politics to science and space exploration.

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Trump: No trade deal if Canada recognizes Palestine

Donald Trump's USA

Published 31 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Is Donald Trump's loyalty to the state of Israel beginning to affect the US negotiations on the country's trade agreements with other nations? NOTE: The image is an archive photo.
2 minute read

US President Donald Trump threatens to halt a trade deal with Canada if the country recognizes Palestine. The statement comes after Canada’s Prime Minister confirmed plans for recognition at the UN General Assembly this coming September.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that the country plans to recognize Palestine as an independent state when the UN General Assembly convenes in September.

Carney highlighted humanitarian arguments and argued that prospects for a two-state solution have disappeared, which other countries – including France and the United Kingdom – have also expressed during the summer.

However, the recognition is conditional and dependent on reforms within the Palestinian Authority as well as promised general elections in 2026 – elections in which Hamas would not be allowed to participate.

Donald Trump reacted immediately and wrote on his Truth Social platform that Canada’s intended recognition would have serious consequences for relations between the countries.

– That will make it very hard for us to make a trade deal with them, Trump declared shortly after Canada’s announcement.

Shaky relations between US and Canada

Trump has previously threatened to impose 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods from August 1, something that has already caused concern in trade relations between the neighboring countries.

According to American sources, Trump’s move aims to increase pressure on Canada to refrain from recognizing Palestine. The goal is also to defend US trade policy and geopolitical interests at a time of increased tensions surrounding Israel and the war in Gaza.

Mark Carney, (LPC), Canada’s Prime Minister. Photo: World Economic Forum/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The trade relationship between the US and Canada is among the world’s largest and has historically been very close, but over the past year several major conflicts regarding tariffs, energy and climate regulations have strained cooperation.

Analysts believe that an American trade halt or high tariffs could have significant economic consequences for Canada’s export industry.

It remains unclear how far the Trump administration is prepared to go, or whether Canada will stick to its planned recognition ahead of the UN meeting in September.

The situation is expected to be closely watched by both other allied countries and international organizations in the coming weeks.

Democrats push Trump for full transparency on Epstein probe

The Epstein case

Published 31 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) is now attempting to use the "rule of five" law to compel the US Department of Justice to release the Epstein investigation.
3 minute read

The Democrats want to force the US Department of Justice to release the entire Epstein investigation. Through a rarely used law, they hope to obtain the material that Donald Trump previously promised to publish – but which he is now accused of withholding.

During Trump’s election campaign, he was clear that he wanted to release the convicted sex offender’s “black book” with names of clients who, among other things, flew on the scandal-ridden “Lolita Express” to a private island in the Caribbean – where there is testimony regarding sex trafficking of young women and girls.

Furthermore, Trump also said he wanted to release classified documents regarding the Epstein investigation that have not been published to the public.

In May this year, in connection with an internal investigation, the US Department of Justice announced that they would not release the documents, citing that the material contains child pornography and other sensitive information.

The investigation also claims that no black book with customers was found or that Jeffrey Epstein blackmailed clients.

Accused of cover-up

According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Trump’s name allegedly appears multiple times, and the Department of Justice is said to have informed Trump about this. Trump subsequently supported the decision not to release the investigation, which led to sharp criticism from certain voters and political commentators.

American political commentator Nick Fuentes has also accused the Trump administration of covering up the Epstein investigation. Following the criticism, Trump chose to release certain documents regarding the investigation, but a large portion of the material remains classified.

Broken his promise

Now the Democrats want to force the US Department of Justice to release the documents regarding the investigation, reports CBS News. They plan to do this by using a law called the “rule of five”.

The situation with the Epstein files is very simple – Donald Trump promised transparency and he has broken that promise, says minority leader Chuck Schumer at a press conference. As a candidate, Trump said on many occasions he would release the Epstein files if elected, and yet he has refused to do so.

In brief, the law makes it possible to force federal agencies to release documents if five members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs request it. The law, which was enacted in 1928, is used very rarely and therefore it is difficult to predict whether it will hold up in court.

Chuck Schumer said the request covers “all documents, files, evidence or other materials in the possession of the Department of Justice or the FBI related to the case of United States v. Jeffrey Epstein” but also that “the private information of any victims is protected”.

Despite Trump’s previous promises and the Democrats’ intensified demands, it remains unclear whether the entire investigation will ever become fully public, or whether legal and confidentiality barriers will set limits on what the public gets to know.

Reports: 18,500 children have been killed in Gaza

The genocide in Gaza

Published 31 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
A child who was injured in connection with Israel's warfare in Gaza.
2 minute read

According to recent figures, a total of approximately 18,500 children have been killed in Gaza since the war began. The Washington Post has now published all their names.

Since the war began in October 2023, over 60,000 Palestinians have been reported dead and more than 145,000 injured. The figures include both civilians and combatants and are considered to be significantly underestimated, according to public health analysts and doctors.

According to them, Israel’s attacks on health and medical infrastructure have made reliable data collection nearly impossible.

Of these, 18,500 are children, according to a name list published by Gaza’s health department in mid-July. The Washington Post has now published the names of all the children who were killed.

The ministry’s list of names is the only official record of the dead. Children fill page after page”, the newspaper writes.

Infants among the killed

The list includes children of all ages – over 900 of them did not live to see their first birthday. Among them Houriya Amran, Samir Tamraz and Anas Ashour.

Three-year-old Reem Badwan is also on the list, who was killed together with her five-year-old older brother Tariq in November 2023. Images of their grandfather holding her lifeless body, kissing her eyes and calling her “soul of my soul”, have spread around the world.

Cannot be justified

Gaza’s health department is controlled by Hamas and its figures are therefore regularly questioned. But medical personnel work within the department, and in previous conflicts their numbers have often been close to independent assessments.

Other and more independent data is not available – Israel does not allow international experts or foreign journalists to enter.

Israel states that it tries to avoid civilian casualties but that Hamas operations in civilian areas justify attacks on homes, schools, hospitals and refugee camps.

The UN, human rights organizations and several European governments argue, however, that Hamas presence cannot justify the extensive destruction and civilian casualties.

Powerful earthquake triggers tsunami warnings across four continents

Published 30 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
The tsunami reaches several coastlines, including Severo-Kurilsk on Paramushir Island in Russia's Kuril Islands chain. The image on the right has been released by Russian authorities.
3 minute read

An 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast has led to tsunami warnings in over twenty countries. Waves exceeding four meters have already reached several coastal areas and millions of people have been ordered to evacuate beach areas.

The powerful earthquake occurred on July 30, 2025, off the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s far east and is the strongest since the Tōhoku earthquake in 2011. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located 136 kilometers east of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Tsunami warnings have been issued for the USA, Russia, Japan, Canada, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan and China. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has warned that “a tsunami with significant widespread inundation is expected”.

First waves reach Hawaii and Japan

The first tsunami waves have already reached Hawaii, where waves exceeding 1.5 meters have been reported at Kahului on the island of Maui. Hawaii Governor Josh Green urged residents to immediately evacuate coastal areas.

It is, again, not just a 3-foot wave. It is a forceful wall of water, Green said during a press conference.

In Japan, the first waves measuring 30 centimeters in height have reached the northernmost island of Hokkaido. The country’s meteorological institute has warned of waves up to three meters along Japan’s eastern coast and urged over 1.9 million people to seek safer areas.

Extensive damage in Russia

In Russia, the earthquake has caused extensive damage in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, home to 181,000 people. According to Russian news media, many rushed out onto the streets without shoes and outerwear when the earthquake struck. A kindergarten collapsed and the power grid was damaged.

Tsunami waves measuring 3-4 meters in height have been recorded in the Yelizovo district on Kamchatka. The small port town of Severo-Kurilsk on the Kuril Islands was completely flooded and 2,000 residents were evacuated. Video footage shows water rushing between buildings, carrying boats and containers.

Warnings stretch across the Pacific

Tsunami warnings now cover large parts of the Pacific coast. In the USA, the highest warning level applies to Hawaii, parts of Alaska and northern California. Less severe advisories have been issued for the rest of the American west coast and parts of British Columbia in Canada.

Waves of 1-3 meters are expected to reach Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica. Mexico’s navy has warned of waves up to one meter along the Pacific coast and urged people to stay away from beaches.

The Philippines, where authorities have warned of tsunami waves smaller than one meter, and New Zealand have also issued warnings about “strong and unusual currents”.

Robert Weis, tsunami expert at Virginia Tech, stated that the event should be taken seriously: “It’s right to be concerned about this event”.

The earthquake, which USGS has classified with a rare red warning level, could become one of the strongest ever measured and is estimated to potentially cause billions of dollars in damage.

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