India's Proximity Archives
Date: June 12, 2024
South Asia
The Maldivian parliamentary committee announced on June 10 that it will evaluate three agreements inked by former President Ibrahim Solih’s administration with India. These agreements pertain to hydrographic surveys, the construction of the Uthuru Thilafalhu dockyard with grant assistance from India and the gifting of a Dornier aircraft by India to Maldives defence forces for humanitarian, search and rescue operations. This announcement coincided with President Muizzu’s official visit to India to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing in ceremony..
The Maldivian parliamentary committee announced on June 10 that it will evaluate three agreements inked by former President Ibrahim Solih’s administration with India. These agreements pertain to hydrographic surveys, the construction of the Uthuru Thilafalhu dockyard with grant assistance from India and the gifting of a Dornier aircraft by India to Maldives defence forces for humanitarian, search and rescue operations. This announcement coincided with President Muizzu’s official visit to India to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing in ceremony..
Southeast Asia
The East Asia Summit Senior Officials’ Meeting (EAS SOM) and the ASEAN Regional Forum Senior Officials’ Meeting (ARF SOM) were convened on June 7 and 8, 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. India was represented in these two meetings by Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs of India. Secretary (East) appreciated the critical role of EAS, and ASEAN-led mechanisms, especially the ARF in promoting peace and stability in the region. He extended India’s invitation to the 6th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation to be held in Mumbai on July 4-5, 2024.
East Asia
The United States and South Korea conducted their first precision-guided bombing drill in seven years in Seoul on June 5, 2024. The US B-1B Lancer and two South Korean F-15K Eagles dropped precision 500-pound JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions) at an unspecified firing range, as part of the drills. The Lieutenant-General David Iverson, US Force Korea Deputy Commander, stated that “this training showcases the incredible capabilities of our combined forces to simultaneously strike multiple targets in a contested environment”.
West Asia
On June 8, Israeli forces rescued four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza's al-Nuseirat neighbourhood. A spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that a Special Forces commander was killed during the operation. President Biden and the European leaders welcomed the return of hostages and promised to continue their efforts until all hostages return home and a ceasefire is achieved. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Middle East and met leaders of Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar from June 10-12. In Jordan, Secretary Blinken attended a conference on urgent humanitarian assistance for Gaza. He also asked Arab leaders to press Hamas to accept the Israeli ceasefire proposal.
On June 8, Israeli forces rescued four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza's al-Nuseirat neighbourhood. A spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that a Special Forces commander was killed during the operation. President Biden and the European leaders welcomed the return of hostages and promised to continue their efforts until all hostages return home and a ceasefire is achieved. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Middle East and met leaders of Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar from June 10-12. In Jordan, Secretary Blinken attended a conference on urgent humanitarian assistance for Gaza. He also asked Arab leaders to press Hamas to accept the Israeli ceasefire proposal.
Central Asia
At the invitation of President Serdar Berdymuhamedov, President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Seok-yeol paid a state visit to Turkmenistan from June 10-11, 2024. The two leaders held a bilateral summit where they agreed to expand cooperation in large-scale energy and infrastructure projects and cooperate on Seoul’s new “K-Silk Road Cooperation” strategy, which aims to create a new cooperation model linking Korea’s innovative capabilities with Central Asia’s development potential and resources.
Indian Ocean Region
On June 11, the Indian Navy’s indigenous stealth frigate INS Shivalik arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, to participate in the 8th edition of Japan-India Maritime Exercise ‘JIMEX 24’. The visit of INS Shivalik is part of the operational deployment to the South China Sea and the Western Pacific Ocean. The ship was warmly welcomed by Vice Admiral ITO Hiroshi, Commander JMSDF Yokosuka District and Ambassador Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan.
