The Indian Ocean archipelago’s ban comes in solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza.
![Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu speaks during a plenary session at the COP28 U.N. Climate Summit, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)](/https/www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AP23335614469410-1703140500.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
The Indian Ocean archipelago’s ban comes in solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza.
Muizzu’s party wins huge mandate in parliamentary polls. Will Beijing now step in to alleviate Maldives’ economic woes?
Provisional results give President Mohamed Muizzu’s PNC party a supermajority in parliament, with opposition far behind.
Vote is being keenly watched by India and China as they vie for influence in the island nation.
Decision comes days before the Indian Ocean archipelago nation holds parliamentary elections.
The two countries agreed to a withdrawal of 89 Indian soldiers and their support staff from the nation by May 10.
MPs went after each other, throwing punches, pulling hair and blowing toy trumpets during a rowdy session of parliament.
India’s PM Modi campaigned for tourists to visit the idyllic archipelago. But people there have more basic demands.
Maldives’ new president makes first state visit to Beijing as China and India vie for influence in Indian Ocean nation.
Three deputy ministers were disciplined over social media posts about India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mohamed Muizzu broke with long tradition of Maldivian presidents visiting New Delhi first to travel to Ankara instead.
Mohamed Muizzu, who is seen as pro-China, campaigned on a promise to evict Indian troops from the country.
It’s the highest number among all regions in the world, the UN children’s agency says.
Mohamed Muizzu discusses how regional dynamics may change following his inauguration on November 17.