India’s Proximity Archives
South Asia
Following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on December 18, protests erupted across Bangladesh from December 19, with calls for the arrest of the individuals responsible for his shooting. Protesters damaged and set fire to media outlets and attacked Indian diplomatic missions throughout Bangladesh. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladeshi envoy Riaz Hamidullah to express its concerns regarding the actions of certain extremist groups that are inciting anti-Indian sentiment. As a reciprocal action, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pranay Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka. Tension persisted nationwide following attacks targeting political figures and members of the minority community in various regions.
Southeast Asia
On December 22, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers met in Malaysia, seeking to end border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia that have killed at least 40 people and displaced more than half a million in the latest round of conflict. The ASEAN meeting chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan focused on the steps ASEAN could take to help de-escalate the situation and end the fighting. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope that the meeting would “enable Thailand and Cambodia to negotiate openly, resolve differences and achieve a fair and lasting solution”. In an official statement, Bangkok outlined three conditions for moving forward - Cambodia must officially declare a ceasefire; the ceasefire must be maintained and observed in practice; and Cambodia must demonstrate genuine cooperation in de-mining operations along the border. While Thailand and Cambodia failed to reach an immediate ceasefire agreement on December 22, the two countries confirmed they will reconvene on December 24 to continue discussions.
East Asia
On December 18, the United States authorised the sale of USD 11 billion in arms to Taiwan. The sale is subject to the approval by the US Congress. This marks the second arms sale to Taiwan that was announced during the Trump administration. The eight arms sales agreements encompass 82 high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), 60 self-propelled howitzer systems, and associated equipment. However, Taiwan’s opposition KMT party which holds a majority in the legislature refused to pass a $ 40 billion supplementary defense budget needed to underwrite the arms acquisition, meaning that Taiwan’s ability to pay was in question. Beijing voiced its anger, denouncing the sale announcement.
West Asia
India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Oman on December 18. India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, stated that the agreement would enhance opportunities for Indian exporters as it opens up nearly universal duty-free access to Indian goods in Oman's market, facilitates greater mobility of Indian professionals, and expands services commitments across high-growth sectors. It will benefit India's labour-intensive sectors, generating employment and strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Central Asia
On December 20, Japan and five Central Asian nations unveiled new initiatives—most notably on critical minerals supply chains—at their first-ever summit in Tokyo. The Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue brought together Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Zhaparov, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Tokyo Declaration, an ambitious roadmap for future cooperation, was adopted during the summit. It aims to transform relations between Japan and the five Central Asian countries into a deep and multifaceted strategic partnership. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi said: "Central Asia’s presence in the international arena has increased, against the backdrop of changes in the international situation within and surrounding the region over the past 21 years."
Indian Ocean Region
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Sri Lanka on December 23, 2025, as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister and held meetings with Sri Lankan leaders, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. He assured them of India’s commitment to the island nation’s reconstruction in the wake of destruction caused by cyclone Ditwah and pledged a reconstruction package of $450 to Sri Lanka as part of India’s First Responder activity under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The package comprises $100 million in grant and $350 million in concessional credit lines. He said that the assistance will cover sectors worst affected by the cyclone, including rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway and bridge connectivity; support for the construction of damaged houses; support for health and education systems; agriculture; and working towards better disaster response and preparedness.
