India’s Proximity Archives
Date: January 01, 2025
South Asia
Days after Pakistani air raids, on December 28, the Taliban reported attacks on various sites in Pakistan. The Taliban Defense Ministry’s statement didn’t specify Pakistani targets but claimed the strikes occurred beyond their unilaterally defined border, rejecting the Durand Line’s international status. Pakistani media reports that clashes left one soldier dead, eleven injured, and eight Taliban fighters killed. As negotiations to de-escalate tensions continue between Pakistan and the Taliban, Pakistan issued a warning: lethal attacks on Pakistani security forces will trigger retaliatory bombing of insurgents within Afghanistan.
Days after Pakistani air raids, on December 28, the Taliban reported attacks on various sites in Pakistan. The Taliban Defense Ministry’s statement didn’t specify Pakistani targets but claimed the strikes occurred beyond their unilaterally defined border, rejecting the Durand Line’s international status. Pakistani media reports that clashes left one soldier dead, eleven injured, and eight Taliban fighters killed. As negotiations to de-escalate tensions continue between Pakistan and the Taliban, Pakistan issued a warning: lethal attacks on Pakistani security forces will trigger retaliatory bombing of insurgents within Afghanistan.
Southeast Asia
On December 30, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the 2025 budget into law, saying a planned 10 per cent increase in government spending to a record 6.33 trillion pesos ($109.2 billion) would support economic growth and reduce poverty. Budget minister Amenah Pangandaman revealed in a press briefing that 35 billion pesos were earmarked for the military’s modernisation programme, lower than the 50 billion pesos the government proposed originally.
East Asia
China has launched its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, named Sichuan (51), at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. The ship boasts a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tons, with some estimates suggesting it could reach 50,000 tons, making it one of the largest amphibious assault ships globally. The Sichuan features a dual-island superstructure and a full-length flight deck, enhancing its operational capabilities compared to previous models like the Type 075. It is equipped with an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), allowing it to launch fixed-wing aircraft, and includes a well deck for launching landing crafts. The Sichuan is now in the fitting-out phase and is expected to undergo testing and sea trials before officially joining the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet by 2027.
West Asia
Wang Yi, the Director of China’s Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister met in Beijing on December 28. The two leaders agreed to accelerate the implementation of China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan and deepen cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS to advance the interests of the Global South. Director Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing's support for the ‘Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’ (JCPOA) concerning Iran’s nuclear programme and opposed Western sanctions. FM Araghchi expressed Tehran's support for the one-China principle, as well as China's position on Xinjiang, Tibet, and human rights.
Central Asia
On December 27, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov, the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Zheng Shanjie, and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev participated in a ceremony to mark the start of construction on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. The event occurred in the village of Tosh-Kutchu in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad region, where they laid the first stone for this significant regional transportation project. Speaking at the ceremony, President Japarov highlighted the importance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as more than just a transportation route, describing it as a critical strategic bridge linking the East and West. .
Indian Ocean Region
INS Tushil, the Indian Navy's latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, arrived at Casablanca, Morocco, on December 27, as part of efforts to enhance bilateral relations and naval cooperation between India and Morocco. INS Tushil's visit include engaging with the Royal Moroccan Navy through functional-level discussions and professional exchanges. Following the port call, both navies conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) at sea to improve interoperability and share best practices. This visit follows previous visits by three other Indian Navy ships—INS Tabar, INS Tarkash, and INS Sumedha.
