India’s Proximity Archives
South Asia
On September 17th, during a state visit to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif ratified a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement”. While the agreement’s specific terms remain confidential, the press release indicates that aggression against one nation will be regarded as aggression against both. In addition, the agreement’s objective is to cultivate elements of defence collaboration between the two states and reinforce joint deterrence to potential aggression. On September 18, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif stated that Pakistan’s nuclear program would be accessible to Saudi Arabia, if required, as stipulated by the recently established defence agreement. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that it will analyse the consequences of this event for India’s national security, as well as regional and worldwide stability.
Southeast Asia
Thousands of Filipinos took to the streets to protest against government corruption after it was alleged on September 21 that taxpayers have lost billions of dollars to bogus flood relief projects. Estimates by the Philippine government suggest that the country’s economy may have lost as much as US $2.001 billion over the last two years from corruption in flood control projects. Protests that have been largely peaceful have resulted in more than 200 people being arrested in the Philippine capital, Manila”.
East Asia
On September 19, 2025, President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, President Donald J. Trump, had a telephonic conversation during which they discussed China-US relations and other issues of mutual interest. President Xi noted the significance of China-U.S. relations for mutual prosperity and the greater good of the world, while also highlighting historical ties, recalling support from the US and other anti-fascist Allied nations in China’s War of Resistance. China’s president urged the US to refrain from imposing unilateral trade restrictions which disrupt the consultative rapport between the two countries, and expressed China’s willingness to negotiate terms on the TikTok issue in a manner consistent with its laws and regulations while taking into account the interests of both sides. He also argued that the US should ensure an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese businesses and investors. President Trump spoke of the importance of US–China relations and expressed his desire to build a long-term, strong partnership with China, working together on a wide range of issues to promote global peace and stability. He also affirmed his readiness to cooperate with China on the bilateral economic and trade aspects, including negotiating an appropriate TikTok deal.
West Asia
On September 22, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Malta, Andorra, Portugal, San Marino, and Monaco formally recognised the State of Palestine at a High-Level UN General Assembly Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the recognition of Palestine represents “recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people”, whom France has always supported. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the “one-sided” recognition of Palestine by Western leaders, warning that Israel would expand settlements in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and would not permit the establishment of a Palestinian State.
Central Asia
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, underscored a “crisis of trust” in multilateral institutions and called for urgent, comprehensive UN reform to adapt to the new global realities. Serious violations of international law have become new normality, which undermines global stability and erodes confidence between peoples, between political leaders, and between states,” he cautioned. Tokayev emphasised the moral responsibility of global leaders to choose cooperation over conflict, warning that failure to act on peace will impose heavier burdens on future generations. He proposed establishing a dedicated expert group to make concrete proposals for UN reform, including a review of the UN Charter and expansion of the Security Council to better represent Asia, Africa, Latin America, and “responsible Middle East powers”. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in New York on September 21 for a working visit scheduled to last until September 23.
Indian Ocean Region
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of India, undertook an official four-day visit to Sri Lanka from September 22 to 25, 2025. He held extensive discussions with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, senior defence officials, and tri-service chiefs, focusing on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in maritime security, joint training, and operational synergy. The talks reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepen naval collaboration and interoperability across the services in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The Navy Chief will also participate in the 12th edition of the Galle Dialogue 2025 – International Maritime Conference in Colombo, themed ‘Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics’. Admiral Tripathi highlighted successful joint anti-piracy missions and narcotics interdiction operations as exemplars of effective Indo-Sri Lankan naval cooperation. The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Satpura was present in Colombo during the visit.
