Hindi English Translation || Editorial || Friendly neighbourhood: On India-Maldives bilateral relations

Friendly neighbourhood: On India-Maldives bilateral relations

India must strengthen (मज़बूत बनाना) ties with Maldives without taking sides in domestic politics

The conviction (दोषसिद्धि, धारणा) of former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen by a criminal court in the Maldives just a year ahead of general elections could affect his plans to lead the PPM-PNC opposition alliance (सन्धि). He faces 11 years in prison and a $5 million fine after being found guilty of corruption and money laundering (To conceal the origins of (money obtained illegally), typically by transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses) links to a company he was accused of taking kickbacks from, during his tenure (कार्यकाल) as President (2013-2018). The Maldives Constitution disqualifies any candidate convicted of criminal charges and sentenced to a term of more than a year unless they are later acquitted (बरी करना, अपराधमुक्त करना) or a three-year period has elapsed (बीत जाना, गुज़रना) since their release. In a sense, history has now come full circle for Mr. Yameen, as he had pursued cases against his predecessor (Predecessor) Mohamed Nasheed and ensured (To make sure of) that he would step down in favour of his party colleague Ibu Solih ahead of the last election. The conviction was his second in three cases. Mr. Yameen has had a rough relationship with India during his presidential term after he declared an emergency in the island state. As opposition leader he has spearheaded the “India Out” campaign, and has been unrepentant (बेरहम) despite the latest verdict, trying to link his incarceration (क़ैद कर देना) to pressure from India.

Given the inimical (शत्रुतापूर्ण) relationship, as well as Mr. Yameen’s past close links with China, there may be some relief (राहत) in South Block over the possibility of Mr. Yameen’s disqualification. However, the Government needs to tread (To set down the foot in walking) carefully when it comes to the domestic politics roiling its close maritime (समुद्री) neighbour. India’s infrastructure aid, credit lines, loans and commissioning of various projects (Greater Male Connectivity Project, Hanimaadhoo airport, Hulhumale cricket stadium, Gulhifalhu port) have meant high visibility. In addition, close ties and high-level military exchanges since 2018 have raised speculation (अनुमान) that India is eyeing a base. Even as the Solih government has been prompt in countering Mr. Yameen’s allegations (आरोप), condemning the “India Out” campaign, and arresting a senior opposition leader for threatening violence against the Indian High Commission, the protests have gained some traction (The action of pulling something over a surface) in parts of the country. While Mr. Yameen may not be allowed to run in the next election, this might make space for even more radical elements in the opposition combine. New Delhi must keep a close watch on other parts of Maldivian politics, including the rift between India’s closest friends there, President Solih and former President Nasheed, who is threatening to split the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party. Despite having obvious favourites in the polity, New Delhi must actively project the image of the friendly and helpful neighbour without explicitly (In a clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for confusion or doubt) seeking to sway (To move to and fro) next year’s election in any direction.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.Bilateral (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - द्विपक्षीय
English Meaning - Involving two parties, especially countries.

2.Strengthen (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - मज़बूत बनाना
English Meaning - To make stronger.

3.Conviction (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - दोषसिद्धि, धारणा
English Meaning - The act of finding a person guilty of a crime, especially in a court proceeding

4.Alliance (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - सन्धि
English Meaning - A union between people, groups, countries, etc.

5.Tenure (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - कार्यकाल
English Meaning - The holding of anything like a position or office.

6.Acquit (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - बरी करना, अपराधमुक्त करना
English Meaning - Free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty.

7.Elapse (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - बीत जाना, गुज़रना
English Meaning - To pass or go by.

8.Predecessor (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - पूर्वज
English Meaning - A person who precedes another in the office.

9.Unrepentant (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - बेरहम
English Meaning - Not feeling shame or remorse.

10.Incarceration (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - क़ैद कर देना
English Meaning - The state of being confined in prison; imprisonment

11.Inimical (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - शत्रुतापूर्ण
English Meaning - Tending to obstruct or harm.

12.Relief (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - राहत
English Meaning - A means that relieves pain or distress.

13.Maritime (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - समुद्री
English Meaning - Relating to commerce activities on the sea.

14.Speculation (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - अनुमान
English Meaning - The forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

15.Allegation (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - आरोप
English Meaning - An assertion made with little or no proof.

16.Laundering (Verb)

English Meaning - To conceal the origins of (money obtained illegally), typically by transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses.

17.Tread (Verb)

English Meaning - To set down the foot in walking.

18.Traction (Noun)

English Meaning - The action of pulling something over a surface.

19.Ensure (Verb)

English Meaning - To make sure of.

20.Explicitly (Adverb)

English Meaning - In a clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.

21.Sway (Verb)

English Meaning - To move to and fro.