South Asia

Maldives Republic | 9 months ago | concerned

Media Under Increasing Stress in South Asia

The article analyzes media stress in South Asia, focusing on Nepal and Bangladesh. In Nepal, a youth revolt against a social media ban by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli led to his overthrow. Media Action Nepal reported 32 assaults on press freedom affecting 40 journalists between May 2024 and May 2025, including arrests, confiscations, and intimidation. Legislative threats include the Media Council Bill and Social Media Bill. In Bangladesh, despite the July–August 2024 revolution that ousted Sheikh Hasina, media oppression continues. Human Rights Support Society reported that in six months, 257 journalists faced torture/harassment in 152 attacks, with 111 injured. Reporters Without Borders' Célia Mercier noted a worrying surge in violence. At least 266 journalists face charges related to the revolution.

Maldives Republic | 10 months ago | positive

European Delegation Concludes Visit to Maldives to Strengthen South Asia Ties

A high-level European delegation concluded a two-day visit to Malé on Tuesday (12 August 2025) aimed at strengthening political, economic and climate cooperation. The visit, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), included German Bundestag members Sandra Weeser and Dr Marcus Faber, and other civil society figures. The delegation met with the chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the Mayor of Malé, and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, and toured the People's Majlis. They also met the Maldives-German Friendship Group to discuss democratic reforms, legislative transparency, climate change adaptation, and political collaboration. The FNF highlighted the Maldives' strategic role in maritime security and Indo-Pacific stability. The visit was part of a South Asia study tour covering India, Bangladesh and Bhutan, and covered economic cooperation, skilled-labour migration, and expanding Maldives-Germany relations.

The Standard | 1 year, 1 month ago | optimistic

South Asia Breathes Easier: Maldives Praises India and Pakistan for Choosing Peace

Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel commended India and Pakistan for agreeing to an immediate ceasefire after heightened tensions following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. The United States mediated, with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaging both nations. Dr. Khaleel expressed his appreciation on social media platform X. Despite the ceasefire, reports of violations emerged. The Maldives' support aligns with its foreign policy emphasizing peace and stability.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 7 months ago | neutral

US Presidential Election’s Impact on Maldives and South Asia

This analysis discusses the impact of the US presidential election on South Asia, predicting policy continuity under either Trump or Harris. For the Maldives, relations are expected to be smooth as President Muizzu's government appears pro-India and less pro-China. The US has provided $36 million in bilateral aid since 2018 and signed a defense framework in 2020. US-India relations are strained due to allegations of assassination plots against Sikh separatists, with both the US and Canada accusing Indian agents. The article cites IR experts and notes strong bipartisan support for US-India ties.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 9 months ago | concerned

Geopolitical Impact of Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster

The ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by a student-led movement on August 5 has upset South Asian geopolitics. India suffers a setback as Hasina was a close ally, while the US, China, and Pakistan see opportunities. India had provided $7.9 billion in lines of credit. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could come to power, souring India-Bangladesh relations. The US had criticized Hasina's authoritarian rule and India's support for her. US envoy Eric Garcetti publicly cast doubt on the depth of India-US relations. Bangladesh's location is strategic for the Indo-Pacific.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | positive

Ibrahim Hameed Elected President of South Asian Bodybuilding Federation

Ibrahim Hameed, President of the Bodybuilding Association of Maldives (BBAM), was elected President of the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (SABPF) during the SABPF Congress held in the Maldives alongside the 14th South Asian Bodybuilding Championship. Paul Chua, President of the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (ABBF) and World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF), attended. Hameed also serves as a member of the steering committee of the Maldives Olympic Committee and is an international-level bodybuilding judge.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | neutral

India Rejects Accusations of Regional Bullying, Highlights Support to Neighbours

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar denied allegations of regional bullying, citing India's financial and humanitarian support to neighbors, including a USD 4.5 billion aid package, vaccine supplies, and assistance during crises. His comments appear to counter Maldivian President Muizzu's January remarks about unnamed countries bullying the Maldives. Jaishankar highlighted improved relations with Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives, emphasizing India's cooperative approach. He spoke at an event hosted by the Ananta Aspen Center.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | optimistic

Muizzu Calls for Renewed Commitment to SAARC Principles on 39th Charter Day

President Mohamed Muizzu called for renewed commitment to SAARC principles on its 39th Charter Day. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia. The message was addressed to the SAARC Secretary-General and member states. SAARC was founded on 8 December 1985 by Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Maldives, as a founding member, has been active in shaping the organization, including proposing the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), a social charter, and informal political consultations. Muizzu's message underscored the continued relevance of SAARC in addressing contemporary challenges.