India’s Proximity Archives
Date: November 27, 2024
South Asia
Political turmoil in Pakistan persisted as the opposition party, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) initiated protests, declaring them a “final call” for the release of their imprisoned leader, Imran Khan. On November 26, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur led thousands of protesters into Islamabad. Skirmishes have left dozens injured, with six security personnel losing their lives. The Government sought help from the Army following a confrontation in the federal capital, which ended with the PTI leadership and supporters retreating from the Red Zone on November 27. The Government has ruled out negotiations with the PTI and has shown no willingness to release Imran Khan.
Political turmoil in Pakistan persisted as the opposition party, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) initiated protests, declaring them a “final call” for the release of their imprisoned leader, Imran Khan. On November 26, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur led thousands of protesters into Islamabad. Skirmishes have left dozens injured, with six security personnel losing their lives. The Government sought help from the Army following a confrontation in the federal capital, which ended with the PTI leadership and supporters retreating from the Red Zone on November 27. The Government has ruled out negotiations with the PTI and has shown no willingness to release Imran Khan.
Southeast Asia
India reiterated its commitment to a rule-based international order and peaceful coexistence in the Indo-Pacific region during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s address at the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) held in Vientiane, Laos, on November 21, 2024. He emphasised India’s policy of resolving international conflicts through dialogue and peaceful negotiations, advocating for collaboration on global challenges. Minister Singh further expressed India’s preference for a Code of Conduct that aligns with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982). He stated, “Sustainable solutions can only be achieved when nations engage constructively, acknowledging and respecting each other’s perspectives.”
East Asia
On November 25, Malaysia and South Korea elevated their relations to a Strategic Partnership during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Anwar’s official visit from November 24 to 26. The leaders identified four key areas for enhanced cooperation and signed three MoUs on higher education, carbon capture and storage and cooperative approaches of the Paris Agreement. The joint statement reaffirmed their commitment to work closely during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship and the Republic of Korea's APEC Chairmanship. Both leaders emphasized the need to finalise a Free Trade Agreement by 2025.
On November 25, Malaysia and South Korea elevated their relations to a Strategic Partnership during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Anwar’s official visit from November 24 to 26. The leaders identified four key areas for enhanced cooperation and signed three MoUs on higher education, carbon capture and storage and cooperative approaches of the Paris Agreement. The joint statement reaffirmed their commitment to work closely during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship and the Republic of Korea's APEC Chairmanship. Both leaders emphasized the need to finalise a Free Trade Agreement by 2025.
West Asia
Israel’s security cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on November 26, brokered jointly by France and the US. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Biden for the US’ role in achieving the ceasefire and reaffirmed the IDF's freedom of action in the face of any threats from Lebanese territory. With Hezbollah out of the picture, Netanyahu vowed to ratchet up pressure on Hamas and secure the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected Israel's requests challenging the court’s jurisdiction over the situation in the State of Palestine. On November 21, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israel’s PM Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Israel’s security cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on November 26, brokered jointly by France and the US. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Biden for the US’ role in achieving the ceasefire and reaffirmed the IDF's freedom of action in the face of any threats from Lebanese territory. With Hezbollah out of the picture, Netanyahu vowed to ratchet up pressure on Hamas and secure the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected Israel's requests challenging the court’s jurisdiction over the situation in the State of Palestine. On November 21, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israel’s PM Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Central Asia
The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku from November 11–22, 2024, underscored the critical role of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in advancing Caspian Sea regional energy transitions. Both countries leveraged their positions along the Middle Corridor to present ambitious renewable and nuclear energy strategies. Furthermore, as the host and chair of COP29, Azerbaijan positioned itself as a renewable energy connector between Central Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan prioritised key renewable energy projects to align with its goal of achieving a 30% renewable share in its electricity mix by 2030. Among these is the operational Garadagh Solar Power Plant, a 230-megawatt (MW) facility developed by the UAE’s Masdar. Complementing this is the planned Alat Solar Project, a 400-MW solar installation expected to be operational by 2027. These projects aim to bolster domestic electricity supply and expand Azerbaijan’s capacity to export renewable energy.
The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku from November 11–22, 2024, underscored the critical role of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in advancing Caspian Sea regional energy transitions. Both countries leveraged their positions along the Middle Corridor to present ambitious renewable and nuclear energy strategies. Furthermore, as the host and chair of COP29, Azerbaijan positioned itself as a renewable energy connector between Central Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan prioritised key renewable energy projects to align with its goal of achieving a 30% renewable share in its electricity mix by 2030. Among these is the operational Garadagh Solar Power Plant, a 230-megawatt (MW) facility developed by the UAE’s Masdar. Complementing this is the planned Alat Solar Project, a 400-MW solar installation expected to be operational by 2027. These projects aim to bolster domestic electricity supply and expand Azerbaijan’s capacity to export renewable energy.
Indian Ocean Region
The seventh edition of the bilateral military exercise between the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and the Indian Navy ‘Exercise Ekatha’ was concluded on November 23, 2024. The exercise was held at MNDF Northern Area Command in Lh. Maafilaafushi. The Indian Navy’s Marine Commando, the MNDF’s Marine Corps, and operatives from the Special Operations Group participated in the exercise, which aims to enhance interoperability, address common threats, and promote bilateral cooperation.
