India's Proximity Archives
Date: August 07, 2024
South Asia
After a month of intense protests and the death of over 300 students and security personnel, Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina stepped down from her position and left the country on August 5. She arrived in India temporarily and reportedly plans to seek asylum in the UK, US, or Finland. A series of developments unfolded in Bangladesh, starting with General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, announcing the formation of an interim government. This was followed by President Md Shahabuddin dissolving the parliament and ordering the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
After a month of intense protests and the death of over 300 students and security personnel, Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina stepped down from her position and left the country on August 5. She arrived in India temporarily and reportedly plans to seek asylum in the UK, US, or Finland. A series of developments unfolded in Bangladesh, starting with General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, announcing the formation of an interim government. This was followed by President Md Shahabuddin dissolving the parliament and ordering the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Southeast Asia
Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, paid a state visit to New Delhi, India from July 30 to August 1, 2024. During his visit, he held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The leaders signed nine agreements to deepen the India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership and enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of customs, agriculture, law, radio and television broadcasts, culture and tourism.
Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, paid a state visit to New Delhi, India from July 30 to August 1, 2024. During his visit, he held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The leaders signed nine agreements to deepen the India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership and enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of customs, agriculture, law, radio and television broadcasts, culture and tourism.
East Asia
On August 2, the Philippines and Japan conducted their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea. Two vessels from each side participated in a communications exercise, tactical manoeuvres and a photographic exercise. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated, “this activity was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards realising a free and open Indo-Pacific”. This comes days after the Philippine and US navies conducted a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea on July 31.
On August 2, the Philippines and Japan conducted their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea. Two vessels from each side participated in a communications exercise, tactical manoeuvres and a photographic exercise. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated, “this activity was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards realising a free and open Indo-Pacific”. This comes days after the Philippine and US navies conducted a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea on July 31.
West Asia
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed to punish Israel for killing Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Amidst rising tension between Israel and Iran, the US has deployed additional warships and fighter aircraft to the Middle East. President Biden reaffirmed America's commitment to Israel's security, including defence against missile and drone attacks by Iran and its proxies Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. On August 5, US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Erik Kurilla met Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv to express US support.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed to punish Israel for killing Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Amidst rising tension between Israel and Iran, the US has deployed additional warships and fighter aircraft to the Middle East. President Biden reaffirmed America's commitment to Israel's security, including defence against missile and drone attacks by Iran and its proxies Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. On August 5, US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Erik Kurilla met Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv to express US support.
Central Asia
The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borell, visited Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 1 to 3. In Kazakhstan, Borell said, “it was important to me to come here, to Astana, to reaffirm our strong commitment to strengthen our cooperation with Central Asia as a whole, and Kazakhstan in particular”. During the talks with the Kyrgyz officials, he agreed to strengthening political, economic and cultural cooperation between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic, and reviewed the progress of implementation of the roadmap for strengthening ties between the European Union and Central Asia.
The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borell, visited Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 1 to 3. In Kazakhstan, Borell said, “it was important to me to come here, to Astana, to reaffirm our strong commitment to strengthen our cooperation with Central Asia as a whole, and Kazakhstan in particular”. During the talks with the Kyrgyz officials, he agreed to strengthening political, economic and cultural cooperation between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic, and reviewed the progress of implementation of the roadmap for strengthening ties between the European Union and Central Asia.
Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Navy’s Shishumar-class submarine, INS Shalki, made a port call at Colombo, Sri Lanka, from August 2 - 4, 2024. During this visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Shalki paid a courtesy call on Rear Admiral WDCU Kumarasinghe, the Commander of the Western Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy. Earlier, Kalvari class submarines INS Karanj and INS Vagir had visited Colombo in February 2024 and June 2023.
The Indian Navy’s Shishumar-class submarine, INS Shalki, made a port call at Colombo, Sri Lanka, from August 2 - 4, 2024. During this visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Shalki paid a courtesy call on Rear Admiral WDCU Kumarasinghe, the Commander of the Western Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy. Earlier, Kalvari class submarines INS Karanj and INS Vagir had visited Colombo in February 2024 and June 2023.
