India's Proximity Archives
Date: January 24, 2024
South Asia
On January 16, 2024, Iran carried out an attack inside Pakistan's territory, targeting the base of the terrorist group Jaish al Adel. Iran defended its actions as self-defence, claiming that the terrorists were planning to infiltrate and conduct an attack inside its territory. According to Pakistan's official statement, two children were killed in this attack, and the country recalled its Ambassador from Iran as well as placed entry restrictions on the Iranian Ambassador. Pakistan also carried out missile and drone strikes inside Iranian territory on January 18, allegedly against Baluch separatists. Iran stated that nine non-Iranian civilians lost their lives in these attacks. After the consultations between foreign ministers of both countries, the situation de-escalated on January 19. Ambassadors of both countries may return to their respective posts by January 26.
On January 16, 2024, Iran carried out an attack inside Pakistan's territory, targeting the base of the terrorist group Jaish al Adel. Iran defended its actions as self-defence, claiming that the terrorists were planning to infiltrate and conduct an attack inside its territory. According to Pakistan's official statement, two children were killed in this attack, and the country recalled its Ambassador from Iran as well as placed entry restrictions on the Iranian Ambassador. Pakistan also carried out missile and drone strikes inside Iranian territory on January 18, allegedly against Baluch separatists. Iran stated that nine non-Iranian civilians lost their lives in these attacks. After the consultations between foreign ministers of both countries, the situation de-escalated on January 19. Ambassadors of both countries may return to their respective posts by January 26.
Southeast Asia
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Hun Manet, commenced his first official two-day visit to Paris on January 18, 2024. During his visit, Prime Minister Hun Manet met with President Emmanuel Macron, President of the Senate Gérard Archer, and the President of the National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet. The two sides have signed a USD 235 million aid agreement for drinking water and energy infrastructure development, as well as vocational training.
East Asia
On January 19, North Korea conducted a test of its underwater nuclear weapons system to protest against the joint military drills by South Korea, the United States, and Japan on January 17. The test of the ‘Haeil-5-23’ system, which is a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone system was conducted in the water off its east coast. The Ministry’s unnamed spokesman accused the United States, South Korea and Japan of “getting frantic with military exercises”, warning of “catastrophic consequences”.
West Asia
On January 17, the US designated Ansarallah (Houthis) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group in response to continued Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The US and its allies also conducted strikes on eight Houthi targets in Yemen. On the other hand, on January 20, militants backed by Iran launched missile attacks against the US military's al-Asad airbase in Iraq. In response, the US conducted airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah and other militant groups in Iraq.
On January 17, the US designated Ansarallah (Houthis) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group in response to continued Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The US and its allies also conducted strikes on eight Houthi targets in Yemen. On the other hand, on January 20, militants backed by Iran launched missile attacks against the US military's al-Asad airbase in Iraq. In response, the US conducted airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah and other militant groups in Iraq.
China
The Maldives announced that it has allowed a Chinese research vessel, whose activities in the Indian Ocean had previously raised red flags, to dock at Malé port, but that the vessel will not conduct research in Maldivian waters. Xiang Yang Hong 03, which left southern China’s Sanya port earlier this month is scheduled to arrive in Malé within a couple weeks. The activities of Chinese research vessels in the Indo-Pacific have garnered scrutiny over the past few years, as they are thought to serve both scientific and military purposes. The Maldivian foreign ministry said that China had made a request for clearances for Xiang Yang Hong 03 at Malé for “rotation of personnel and replenishment”. It added that the vessel would “not be conducting any research while in [Maldivian] waters”.
The Maldives announced that it has allowed a Chinese research vessel, whose activities in the Indian Ocean had previously raised red flags, to dock at Malé port, but that the vessel will not conduct research in Maldivian waters. Xiang Yang Hong 03, which left southern China’s Sanya port earlier this month is scheduled to arrive in Malé within a couple weeks. The activities of Chinese research vessels in the Indo-Pacific have garnered scrutiny over the past few years, as they are thought to serve both scientific and military purposes. The Maldivian foreign ministry said that China had made a request for clearances for Xiang Yang Hong 03 at Malé for “rotation of personnel and replenishment”. It added that the vessel would “not be conducting any research while in [Maldivian] waters”.
Central Asia
The European Parliament adopted a report entitled ‘EU Strategy on Central Asia’ on January 17. The comprehensive document strongly emphasises regional cooperation, sustainable development, and human rights as the cornerstones of the EU’s approach to the strategically significant region. The report prepared by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) notes the region has seen a substantial impact from adverse geopolitical factors, including the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and therefore, the EU needs to update its strategy published in 2019.
The European Parliament adopted a report entitled ‘EU Strategy on Central Asia’ on January 17. The comprehensive document strongly emphasises regional cooperation, sustainable development, and human rights as the cornerstones of the EU’s approach to the strategically significant region. The report prepared by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) notes the region has seen a substantial impact from adverse geopolitical factors, including the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and therefore, the EU needs to update its strategy published in 2019.
