India's Proximity Archives
Date: July 24, 2024
South Asia
In his maiden visit abroad, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bhutan from July 19-20. During the visit, he met with the King of Bhutan Jigme Wangchuck and Prime Minster Tshering Tobgay. Foreign Secretary Misri co-chaired the 3rd India Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks for the 13th Five Year Plan (FYP) of Bhutan, with his counterpart Foreign Secretary Pema Choden. They discussed all aspects of bilateral cooperation including the development partnership, energy, trade and investment, connectivity and trade infrastructure, technology, people-to-people ties, as well as other regional issues of mutual importance.
In his maiden visit abroad, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bhutan from July 19-20. During the visit, he met with the King of Bhutan Jigme Wangchuck and Prime Minster Tshering Tobgay. Foreign Secretary Misri co-chaired the 3rd India Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks for the 13th Five Year Plan (FYP) of Bhutan, with his counterpart Foreign Secretary Pema Choden. They discussed all aspects of bilateral cooperation including the development partnership, energy, trade and investment, connectivity and trade infrastructure, technology, people-to-people ties, as well as other regional issues of mutual importance.
Southeast Asia
The Philippines and China have “reached an understanding on the provisional arrangement” for resupply missions to the Philippines’ beached naval ship Sierra Madre on the Second Thomas Shoal on July 22, according to the official statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. The statement further added that the agreement “will not prejudice our respective national positions”. However, no details were specified on the arrangement for rotation and resupply.
East Asia
The Japan-China Strategic Dialogue was held in Tokyo between Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Masaaki Okano and Ma Zhaoxu, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, from July 22 to 23. The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on major strategic issues regarding China-Japan relations. They agreed to actively implement the consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in San Francisco, meet each other halfway, expand cooperation, properly handle differences, comprehensively promote the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries, and strive to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.
The Japan-China Strategic Dialogue was held in Tokyo between Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Masaaki Okano and Ma Zhaoxu, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, from July 22 to 23. The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on major strategic issues regarding China-Japan relations. They agreed to actively implement the consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in San Francisco, meet each other halfway, expand cooperation, properly handle differences, comprehensively promote the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries, and strive to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.
West Asia
The 14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas (Gaza) and Fatah (West Bank), held reconciliation talks in China between July 21-23. They signed the "Beijing Declaration" on ending division and enhancing Palestinian national unity in the presence of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In the Beijing Declaration, the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) was recognised as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, along with its commitment to establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. Hamas and Fatah's agreement regarding joint control of Gaza post-war was rejected by Israel, which reiterated that Hamas would be dismantled. Amidst this, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint session of the US Congress on July 24.
Central Asia
On July 22, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son. On behalf of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov expressed his condolences concerning the death of the Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong. During the conversation, the ministers also discussed the upcoming high-level exchanges, the development of economic ties, investment promotion, and avenues to develop dynamic cooperation and create new bridges in all areas.
Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Navy's warship INS Teg engaged in search and rescue operations for the capsized oil tanker MV Prestige Falcon, which sank approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, Oman, on July 15. The vessel had a crew of 16, consisting of thirteen Indians and three Sri Lankans. Search efforts commenced on the morning of July 16 and are being conducted in collaboration with Omani authorities under challenging weather conditions, including rough seas and strong winds. As of now, INS Teg has successfully rescued nine crew members, including eight Indians and one Sri Lankan.
