India's Proximity Archives
Date: April 24, 2024
South Asia
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Pakistan from April 22 to 24 and held bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Both countries decided ‘in principle’ not to provide safe haven to terrorist organisations within their country, to increase cooperation in border management, and to prevent smuggling and drugs trafficking. President Raisi also held a meeting with Pakistan Army Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Pakistan from April 22 to 24 and held bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Both countries decided ‘in principle’ not to provide safe haven to terrorist organisations within their country, to increase cooperation in border management, and to prevent smuggling and drugs trafficking. President Raisi also held a meeting with Pakistan Army Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir.
Southeast Asia
The Philippines and the United States commenced a three-week joint combat training exercise, named Balikatan, on April 22, 2024. The exercise involves training in maritime security, air and missile defense, dynamic missile strikes, cyber defense and information operations and witnessed the participation of a total of 16,700 troops from the Philippines and the U.S. Fourteen countries will join the drills as observers including India, Japan and countries from ASEAN and Europe.
East Asia
China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, made an official visit to Papua New Guinea from April 20 to April 21, 2024. In meetings with PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko, the two sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, start negotiations on a free trade agreement as soon as possible, enhance cooperation in multiple sectors and further raise the height and quality of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Wang Yi at the joint press conference stated that “China’s engagement and cooperation with the South Pacific Island countries is dedicated to mutual support and assistance to achieve common development, without any geopolitical self-interest”.
China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, made an official visit to Papua New Guinea from April 20 to April 21, 2024. In meetings with PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko, the two sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, start negotiations on a free trade agreement as soon as possible, enhance cooperation in multiple sectors and further raise the height and quality of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Wang Yi at the joint press conference stated that “China’s engagement and cooperation with the South Pacific Island countries is dedicated to mutual support and assistance to achieve common development, without any geopolitical self-interest”.
West Asia
During a United Nations Security Council meeting on April 18, the US vetoed a Palestinian request to become a full member of the UN, while Britain and Switzerland abstained. Palestine will remain a non-member observer state. The US reiterated its support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, acknowledging that such a solution can only be achieved by direct negotiations between the parties. Meanwhile, on April 23, the US Congress passed a bill that includes USD 26 billion in wartime aid to Israel and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
Central Asia
On April 18, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, welcomed the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov for an official visit. The leaders chaired the sixth meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic on April 19 and announced the signing of a historic agreement intended to deepen and expand relations between their countries, unlocking broader opportunities for the advancement of interaction. According to President Tokayev, the agreement is expected to have a positive impact on both countries’ economies and is indicative of their shared commitment to fostering growth and development in the region.
Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Navy (IN) conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar (XPOL 2024) on the East Coast on April 20. The exercise aimed at readiness to tackle security challenges in the region witnessed the participation of ships, submarines, aircraft, and special forces. In addition, assets from the IAF, Andaman and Nicobar Command, and Coast Guard also participated.
