India's Proximity Archives
Date: May 15, 2024
South Asia
During his visit to India on May 9, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer held a bilateral meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. In his opening remarks, Dr Jaishankar said, “as close and proximate neighbours, the development of our ties is obviously based on mutual interests and reciprocal sensitivity”. Minister Moosa Zameer assured that his country is taking “proper action” to ensure that ‘derogatory remarks’ against India are not repeated. Meanwhile, India has extended budgetary support of USD 50 million to the Maldives in the form of treasury bills.
During his visit to India on May 9, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer held a bilateral meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. In his opening remarks, Dr Jaishankar said, “as close and proximate neighbours, the development of our ties is obviously based on mutual interests and reciprocal sensitivity”. Minister Moosa Zameer assured that his country is taking “proper action” to ensure that ‘derogatory remarks’ against India are not repeated. Meanwhile, India has extended budgetary support of USD 50 million to the Maldives in the form of treasury bills.
Southeast Asia
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made a state visit to Qatar from May 12 to 14, 2024. During his visit, he held a meeting with the Hamas delegation led by political leader Ismail Haniyeh. PM Anwar expressed gratitude for the willingness of Hamas to release hostages and accept a peace plan. “Malaysia will remain committed to playing its role on the international level for an end to the attacks on Rafah,” said Mr Anwar. The PM urged Israel to end its attacks on Palestinians, release prisoners and agree to the plan put forward by the Arab world.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made a state visit to Qatar from May 12 to 14, 2024. During his visit, he held a meeting with the Hamas delegation led by political leader Ismail Haniyeh. PM Anwar expressed gratitude for the willingness of Hamas to release hostages and accept a peace plan. “Malaysia will remain committed to playing its role on the international level for an end to the attacks on Rafah,” said Mr Anwar. The PM urged Israel to end its attacks on Palestinians, release prisoners and agree to the plan put forward by the Arab world.
East Asia
On May 13, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, who embarked on a two-day visit to China, marking the first such visit by a South Korean foreign minister to Beijing in over six years. Experts suggest that while the focal point is the upcoming China-Japan-South Korea trilateral leaders’ summit scheduled for the end of the month, the trip also aims to improve South Korea’s foreign relations with China. There has been a stronger desire to make “an improvement oriented adjustment in South Korea’s foreign relations” deeming it conducive to regional security and stability.
On May 13, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, who embarked on a two-day visit to China, marking the first such visit by a South Korean foreign minister to Beijing in over six years. Experts suggest that while the focal point is the upcoming China-Japan-South Korea trilateral leaders’ summit scheduled for the end of the month, the trip also aims to improve South Korea’s foreign relations with China. There has been a stronger desire to make “an improvement oriented adjustment in South Korea’s foreign relations” deeming it conducive to regional security and stability.
West Asia
On May 13, India and Iran signed a Long-term Main Contract to develop the Shahid Beheshti Port Terminal in Chabahar, Iran. Chabahar Port will enhance regional connectivity, serving as a gateway for India’s trade with Afghanistan and the broader Central Asian region. In light of this, the US State Department spokesperson urged entities considering doing business with Iran to be aware of the potential risks of sanctions. Iran described its relationship with India as strategic and called for greater bilateral and multilateral cooperation within BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
On May 13, India and Iran signed a Long-term Main Contract to develop the Shahid Beheshti Port Terminal in Chabahar, Iran. Chabahar Port will enhance regional connectivity, serving as a gateway for India’s trade with Afghanistan and the broader Central Asian region. In light of this, the US State Department spokesperson urged entities considering doing business with Iran to be aware of the potential risks of sanctions. Iran described its relationship with India as strategic and called for greater bilateral and multilateral cooperation within BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Central Asia
On May 8, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, engaged in talks with the Russian President Vladimir Putin, amidst escalating tensions between the “estranged allies”. The meeting, though brief, shed light on the tension between the two nations. Only a brief transcript was released wherein President Putin said the bilateral trade between the two countries was growing. President Putin, while acknowledging regional security concerns, made it clear that these issues would not be discussed in the public part of their meeting.
On May 8, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, engaged in talks with the Russian President Vladimir Putin, amidst escalating tensions between the “estranged allies”. The meeting, though brief, shed light on the tension between the two nations. Only a brief transcript was released wherein President Putin said the bilateral trade between the two countries was growing. President Putin, while acknowledging regional security concerns, made it clear that these issues would not be discussed in the public part of their meeting.
Indian Ocean Region
As part of the operational deployment of the Eastern Fleet, the Indian Navy ship INS Kiltan arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on May 12, 2024 . Meanwhile, IN Ships Delhi and Shakti arrived at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.The ships will participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the host navies on completion of their visit.
As part of the operational deployment of the Eastern Fleet, the Indian Navy ship INS Kiltan arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on May 12, 2024 . Meanwhile, IN Ships Delhi and Shakti arrived at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.The ships will participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the host navies on completion of their visit.
