India’s Proximity Archives
South Asia
Nepal is in turmoil, as 22 people, primarily young, were killed starting September 8 when police shot at protestors who were calling for the eradication of corruption, nepotism, favouritism, and misgovernance. K.P. Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal, resigned the next day due to escalating protests in Kathmandu and other parts of the country. The residences of prominent politicians including former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal were targeted by the protesters. The private residence of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the parliament building were set ablaze by protesters. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu has been closed. The demonstrations were initiated following a nationwide prohibition of social media and reports of a traffic accident involving a ministerial vehicle, which struck an eleven-year-old child, and then lefther unattended. According to a Nepalese Army statement, it has assumed control of security in the absence of political leadership and has proclaimed a nationwide curfew commencing on September 10.
Southeast Asia
On September 7, Business tycoon and veteran politician Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Thailand. His appointment marks the third change in leadership within two years, underscoring the country’s ongoing political volatility. Originally a splinter faction from Thaksin Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai Party in 2008, the Bhumjaithai Partyhas come full circle, outmanoeuvring its former parent party with the backing of the progressive People’s Party during a week of intense political bargaining. The People’s Party voted for Anutin on the condition that he dissolves parliament within four months to hold elections. Despite backing his premiership, the People’s Party opted to remain in opposition, leaving Anutin to lead a rare minority government—a precarious position that could limit his legislative power and policy ambitions.
East Asia
On September 8, China’s President Xi Jinping addressed the Virtual BRICS Summit, where he called for “Forging Ahead in Solidarity and Cooperation”. Emphasising the persistent and pervasive practices of hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism, Xi argued that BRICS countries, as the vanguard of the global south, should promote the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation to jointly defend multilateralism, the multilateral trading system, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.He also expressed China’s willingness to work with member states to implement the Global Development Initiative, through Belt and Road cooperation, along with deepening collaboration in other areas, including business, finance, science, and technology.
West Asia
On September 9, the Israel Defence Forces conducted an airstrike against Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, where the Palestinian militant group has its political base. This military strike took place following a terror attack in Jerusalem by Hamas on September 8, which resulted in at least six fatalities and several injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed that the IDF's action against Hamas "terror chiefs" based in Qatar was an independent operation for which Israel takes full responsibility. Qatar condemned Israel's attack on residential buildings housing Hamas Political Bureau members as “cowardly” and a flagrant “violation of international law” that poses a serious threat to Qatar's security and safety.
Central Asia
On September 8, the 3rd trilateral consultations between India, Iran, and Armenia, co-chaired by Mr. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary (PAI); Mr. Mohammad Reza Bahrami, Director General for South Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran; and Ms. Anahit Karapetyan, Head of the Asia-Pacific Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, washeld in Tehran. The sides emphasised expanding and deepening cooperation, especially in the fields of connectivity, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Armenia’s "Crossroads of Peace” project. The parties also reviewed and highlighted initiatives aimed at further developing relations in economic, trade, and other areas of mutual interest.
Indian Ocean Region
INS Surat conducted a passage exercise on September 7 with the Italian Navy’s Andrea Doria‑class destroyer ITS Caio Duilio. The exercise, held under the command of the Force Commander of Operation ASPIDES, Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo, was carried out in close coordination between the Indian Navy and European Union forces. The drill featured coordinated tactical manoeuvres, seamanship evolutions, communication exercises, and cross‑deck helicopter operations, including aircraft tracking. The interaction strengthened operational familiarity, facilitated best‑practice exchanges, and reinforced bilateral maritime interoperability before both ships resumed their planned deployments.
