India’s Proximity Archives
Date: March 27, 2024
South Asia
Following Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay's visit to India from March 14-18, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Thimphu from March 22-23. He held talks with Tshering Tobgay, his counterpart, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the current King of Bhutan, and Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. PM Modi was conferred the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, Bhutan’s highest civilian decoration. In a Joint Statement, both sides agreed to continue “close coordination and cooperation with each other on issues relating to their national interests,” and promote “connectivity in its broadest form.” India announced a grant 100 billion Indian Rupees assistance in the 13th plan of Bhutan.
Following Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay's visit to India from March 14-18, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Thimphu from March 22-23. He held talks with Tshering Tobgay, his counterpart, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the current King of Bhutan, and Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. PM Modi was conferred the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, Bhutan’s highest civilian decoration. In a Joint Statement, both sides agreed to continue “close coordination and cooperation with each other on issues relating to their national interests,” and promote “connectivity in its broadest form.” India announced a grant 100 billion Indian Rupees assistance in the 13th plan of Bhutan.
Southeast Asia
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded his second official two-day visit to Manila, Philippines on March 27, 2024. He met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and called on President Bongbong Marcos. The two sides discussed their shared interests in ensuring maritime safety and Quick Impact Projects in agriculture, health and capacity building. Dr. Jaishankar also visited INS Samudra Paheredar docked at Manila Bay in the Philippines as part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstrating Indian Coast Guard Marine Pollution Response capabilities.
East Asia
A North Korean delegation led by Kim Song Nam, head of the International Department of the ruling Workers' Party Central Committee, visited Beijing on March 21, 2024. The delegation met with Chinese officials led by Wang Huning, China's fourth-ranked leader. The two sides committed to further developing bilateral ties. During the meeting, Mr. Huning stated that “no matter how the international situation may change, the China-DPRK friendship, a strategic choice of both sides, will never waver". Mr. Kim also held meetings with Cai Qi, head of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China, and Liu Jianchao, who leads the Chinese Communist Party's body in charge of managing ties with foreign political parties.
A North Korean delegation led by Kim Song Nam, head of the International Department of the ruling Workers' Party Central Committee, visited Beijing on March 21, 2024. The delegation met with Chinese officials led by Wang Huning, China's fourth-ranked leader. The two sides committed to further developing bilateral ties. During the meeting, Mr. Huning stated that “no matter how the international situation may change, the China-DPRK friendship, a strategic choice of both sides, will never waver". Mr. Kim also held meetings with Cai Qi, head of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China, and Liu Jianchao, who leads the Chinese Communist Party's body in charge of managing ties with foreign political parties.
West Asia
On March 25, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan, the unconditional release of hostages, and “the urgent need to expand the flow” of aid into Gaza. Fourteen member states of the UNSC voted in favour of the resolution, while the US abstained, indicating a growing divide between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that the US is retreating from its consistent position since the beginning of the war, which hurts both the war effort and the release of the hostages.
On March 25, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan, the unconditional release of hostages, and “the urgent need to expand the flow” of aid into Gaza. Fourteen member states of the UNSC voted in favour of the resolution, while the US abstained, indicating a growing divide between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that the US is retreating from its consistent position since the beginning of the war, which hurts both the war effort and the release of the hostages.
Central Asia
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that his country must compromise and hand over four frontier villages to Azerbaijan and return to its Soviet-era borders. He warned that the alternative is another round of bloody fighting between the two nations. On a visit to the frontier, Prime Minister Pashinyan said that the government has decided to follow a policy of prevention of war – “we must not allow a war to start”, further arguing that Armenia could face an attack “by the end of the week” if it does not cede the villages. Armenia hoped that they could form part of an exchange which Azerbaijan rejected.
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that his country must compromise and hand over four frontier villages to Azerbaijan and return to its Soviet-era borders. He warned that the alternative is another round of bloody fighting between the two nations. On a visit to the frontier, Prime Minister Pashinyan said that the government has decided to follow a policy of prevention of war – “we must not allow a war to start”, further arguing that Armenia could face an attack “by the end of the week” if it does not cede the villages. Armenia hoped that they could form part of an exchange which Azerbaijan rejected.
Indian Ocean Region
On March 23, the Indian Navy's ongoing maritime security operation 'Op Sankalp' entered its 100th day. During this time, the Indian Navy has displayed an unwavering commitment to "securing the seas" and protecting the maritime community from numerous non-traditional risks occurring in the region as a result of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since December 23, over 5000 personnel have been deployed at sea for over 450 ship days (with more than 21 ships deployed) and 900 hours of flying by maritime surveillance aircraft to combat maritime threats. Indian Navy’s response to security incidents highlights the importance of 'Safety of Life at Sea' for all seafarers, regardless of their nationality.
On March 23, the Indian Navy's ongoing maritime security operation 'Op Sankalp' entered its 100th day. During this time, the Indian Navy has displayed an unwavering commitment to "securing the seas" and protecting the maritime community from numerous non-traditional risks occurring in the region as a result of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since December 23, over 5000 personnel have been deployed at sea for over 450 ship days (with more than 21 ships deployed) and 900 hours of flying by maritime surveillance aircraft to combat maritime threats. Indian Navy’s response to security incidents highlights the importance of 'Safety of Life at Sea' for all seafarers, regardless of their nationality.
