Maldives

Both governments denied allegations in the Washington Post about the Indian intelligence agency’s involvement in an aborted plot to impeach President Muizzu.

Tourists aren’t allowed to bring vaping devices either and cigarette prices have more than doubled after the government hiked tariffs.

After staring down disgruntled tourism oligarchs over a requirement to convert foreign currency earnings, President Muizzu has offered a compromise.

The ruling party and tourism industry associations oppose a “blanket ban” on Israeli passport holders as proposed by the opposition and backed by a pro-Palestine public consensus.

The new anti-defection rules effectively allow parties to enforce their whip line with the threat of removal from office.

There is concern in the region that much of the climate finance being extended is in the form of loans that could get them debt-trapped.

China’s efforts to contain India may be less important than smaller countries’ desire to counterbalance Indian influence.

President Muizzu announced plans to dismiss more than 200 political appointees as part of efforts to reduce government spending but postponed politically difficult subsidy reforms.

India’s traditional focus on its continental borders resulted in neglect of the maritime domain. That is changing.

He agreed to open an Indian consulate and endorsed an India-funded military harbor -- projects he previously opposed as they allegedly threatened Maldivian sovereignty.

Malé is hoping for a bailout from New Delhi after credit rating agencies downgraded the country’s debt over a high risk that it could default on an Islamic bond.