India’s Proximity Archives
South Asia
A spokesperson for the Taliban stated that 400 individuals lost their lives in a March 16 airstrike by Pakistan against a 2,000-bed addiction treatment facility in Kabul. The air and artillery strike by Pakistan in Afghanistan have intensified the conflict between the two nations. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned the attack, emphasising that international law mandates protection of medical facilities, personnel, and civilians. Pakistan’s government dismissed accusations, indicating that the target was a former US military installation presently utilised by Afghan Taliban units as an ammunition depot. India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attack, stating that “the international community must hold the perpetrators of this criminal act accountable.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has asserted that prompt, direct dialogue between the Taliban and Pakistan is a prerequisite for de-escalation.
Southeast Asia
On March 13, ASEAN Foreign Ministers convened a Special Meeting to exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and to address its implications for ASEAN. The meeting expressed serious concern over the escalation of conflict following the attacks initiated by Israel and the United States against Iran, and the subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran against several countries in the region. This heightens tensions in the Middle East and poses a grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to regional and global peace and stability. The meeting called on all countries to respect international law, including the UN Charter. It also focussed on the economic ramifications of the conflict, underscoring “the importance of maintaining stable, open, and reliable global energy supply chains and maritime trade routes, and minimising disruption to the flow of energy and essential goods, including food, to safeguard economic stability in ASEAN.”
East Asia
NATO is not in East Asia! Japan does not plan to dispatch naval vessels to escort ships in the Middle East, according to Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi. This was after US President Donald Trump called on allies to send ships to the Middle East. Australia too said it will not be deploying a vessel to the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea emphasised its close coordination with the US on the matter and noted its course of action will be decided after a careful strategic review. President Trump has also urged China to aid in unblocking the strait.
West Asia
On March 17, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the Commander of the Basij, Internal Security Force, were killed in a precision strike in Tehran. Larijani was acting as the de facto leader of Iran following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reacting sharply, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) launched missile attacks on Tel Aviv using cluster warheads. According to reports, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has rejected de-escalation proposals conveyed to Tehran by intermediaries, asserting that the U.S. and Israel must first be “brought to their knees”.
Central Asia
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed Kazakhstan’s new Constitution and a decree on its implementation following the March 15 national referendum, in which 87.15% of participating voters approved it. The Constitution will come into force on July 1, and March 15 has been designated Constitution Day. According to Tokayev, the Constitution strengthens sovereignty, protects territorial integrity, and guarantees citizens’ rights and freedoms. It also establishes conditions for the advancement of education, science, innovation, and culture, while ensuring environmental protection and upholding the rule of law. Five new constitutional laws will be submitted to Parliament, including laws on the President, the Kurultai (Congress in Kazakh), the Khalyk Kenesi (People’s Council), the status of the capital, and the administrative-territorial structure. In addition, more than 60 existing laws will be amended. The new constitution also provides President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with a loophole allowing him to stay in power beyond 2029.
Indian Ocean Region
INS Trikand concluded its port call at Port Louis on March 13 after participating in the 58th Mauritius National Day celebrations. The port call included a series of professional interactions, cultural engagements, sports activities and community outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. Training sessions were also conducted onboard for personnel of the Mauritius National Coast Guard on harbour and sea watchkeeping practices, including firefighting and damage control. After departing Port Louis, INS Trikand undertook a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance jointly with the Mauritius Coast Guard.
