India's Proximity Archives
Date: October 09, 2024
South Asia
From October 6-10, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the President of Maldives, visited India and engaged in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, during which both countries agreed to embrace the shared vision of their “Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.” The vision document provides a way forward to enhance relationships through political exchanges and cooperation in the following sectors; development, trade and economy, digital and financial, energy, defence and security, capacity building and training, regional and multilateral fora. During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that both leaders had extensive talks on defence and security cooperation. They also signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and inaugurated several development projects. India agreed to provide financial support of more than %u20B96,300 crore to the Maldives.
From October 6-10, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the President of Maldives, visited India and engaged in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, during which both countries agreed to embrace the shared vision of their “Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.” The vision document provides a way forward to enhance relationships through political exchanges and cooperation in the following sectors; development, trade and economy, digital and financial, energy, defence and security, capacity building and training, regional and multilateral fora. During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that both leaders had extensive talks on defence and security cooperation. They also signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and inaugurated several development projects. India agreed to provide financial support of more than %u20B96,300 crore to the Maldives.
Southeast Asia
Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and State President, To Lam, commenced an official visit to France on October 7, 2024. During his visit, he is scheduled to hold meetings with the President of the French National Assembly, the National Secretary of the French Communist Party (PCF), and representatives from the France-Vietnam Friendship Association. On October 8, President Lam met with French President Emmanuel Macron and officially upgraded the Vietnam-France relations to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership". The two leaders discussed ways to enhance security and defence cooperation between the two countries.
East Asia
On October 6, the leaders of China and North Korea vowed to enhance bilateral cooperation on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China’s President Xi Jinping said in his message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, “I attach great importance to the development of the China-DPRK relations,” and China was ready to continue to “write a new chapter” of relations through strengthened communications and cooperation. Similarly, in his message to Xi, Kim pledged to “steadily strive to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and China as required by the new era”.
On October 6, the leaders of China and North Korea vowed to enhance bilateral cooperation on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China’s President Xi Jinping said in his message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, “I attach great importance to the development of the China-DPRK relations,” and China was ready to continue to “write a new chapter” of relations through strengthened communications and cooperation. Similarly, in his message to Xi, Kim pledged to “steadily strive to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and China as required by the new era”.
West Asia
On October 8, Hezbollah launched more than 100 rockets targeting the Israeli port city of Haifa as the IDF extended its ground invasion into southwestern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the successor to slain Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was also killed in an airstrike in Beirut. While the US State Department stressed the importance of a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict, it informed that Hezbollah has changed its tone and is seeking a ceasefire with Israel because it has been "battered". PM Netanyahu and President Biden are scheduled to discuss Israeli plans to strike Iran on October 9.
On October 8, Hezbollah launched more than 100 rockets targeting the Israeli port city of Haifa as the IDF extended its ground invasion into southwestern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the successor to slain Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was also killed in an airstrike in Beirut. While the US State Department stressed the importance of a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict, it informed that Hezbollah has changed its tone and is seeking a ceasefire with Israel because it has been "battered". PM Netanyahu and President Biden are scheduled to discuss Israeli plans to strike Iran on October 9.
Central Asia
On October 8, Kazakhstan’s Central Referendum Commission officially announced results of the national referendum on October 6, revealing 71.12% support for the construction of a nuclear power plant. Of the 7.82 million people who voted, 5.56 million people (71.12%) backed the proposal. “Thus, the referendum is deemed valid, and the proposal has been approved,” said CEC Chairman Nurlan Abdirov. While the government has framed the plant as essential for diversifying the energy mix, ensuring energy security and reducing reliance on coal, constructing a nuclear power plant has sparked varying opinions nationwide. Some have raised concerns about its economic feasibility, potential environmental risks, and long-term nuclear waste storage.
Indian Ocean Region
Indian Navy and the Italian Navy held historic first-ever joint operations involving Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) from both nations, INS Vikramaditya and ITS Cavour, alongside INS Visakhapatnam and ITS Alpino, from October 1 to 6, 2024. The exercise marked a significant milestone in bilateral defence cooperation. It comprised a harbour phase focused on professional exchanges and planning, followed by an intense sea phase on October 5 and 6, which included large-force engagements, air combat missions, helicopter operations, search-and-rescue missions, coordinated weapon firings, and joint manoeuvres, all aimed at enhancing interoperability and demonstrating command and control capabilities.
Indian Navy and the Italian Navy held historic first-ever joint operations involving Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) from both nations, INS Vikramaditya and ITS Cavour, alongside INS Visakhapatnam and ITS Alpino, from October 1 to 6, 2024. The exercise marked a significant milestone in bilateral defence cooperation. It comprised a harbour phase focused on professional exchanges and planning, followed by an intense sea phase on October 5 and 6, which included large-force engagements, air combat missions, helicopter operations, search-and-rescue missions, coordinated weapon firings, and joint manoeuvres, all aimed at enhancing interoperability and demonstrating command and control capabilities.
