India’s Proximity Archives

South Asia 
Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel visited India from January 2-4, during which he held bilateral talks with Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar. In a statement, Khaleel acknowledged India’s steadfast support in addressing the Maldives’ financial challenges, stressing the importance of their collaboration for the country’s long-term economic stability. The two nations signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the third phase of the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP). On January 7-8, Maldivian Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon is visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart. 

Southeast Asia
Indonesia has formally joined BRICS as a full member, further expanding the group of major emerging economies. On January 6, Brazil, which holds the bloc’s presidency in 2025, said the member states approved Indonesia’s entry by consensus as part of an expansion push. “Indonesia shares with the other members of the group support for the reform of global governance institutions and contributes positively to the deepening of cooperation in the Global South,” the Brazilian government said. 

                                                                                      Read More…

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited South Korea on January 6, 2025, amid significant political upheaval following President Yoon Suk-yeol's controversial declaration of martial law and subsequent impeachment. During his visit, he met with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Acting President Choi Sang-mok, reaffirming the United States' “ironclad commitment” to South Korea. Discussions also focused on enhancing trilateral cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. This is Blinken’s second visit to Seoul following the third Summit for Democracy (S4D) hosted by the Yoon administration last year.     

West Asia
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the new Syrian administration, met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on January 3 in Damascus. France and Germany called for a peaceful, inclusive political transition in Syria that involves all ethnic and religious groups, with equal participation from both men and women. While expressing the EU's support for Syria's transition, the two leaders warned that “Europe will not finance Islamist structures”. Meanwhile, Syria’s interim Foreign Affairs Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani visited Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. The Gulf nations reaffirmed their support for all initiatives aimed at achieving security, stability, and sovereignty for Syria. Asaad Al-Shaibani sought Gulf support for Syria’s economic recovery and urged the US to lift sanctions. 

Central Asia
In a wide-ranging interview on January 3, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, reflecting on the dynamics of relations with Russia, China, and the United States. President Tokayev stated that his “primary goal is to strengthen the economic potential, sovereignty, and international standing of our state”. He further addressed that he would continue Kazakhstan’s multi-vector balanced foreign policy. President Tokayev further reiterated the decline of the international system, describing it as “increasingly degrading” and “marred by mutual accusations among major powers”. The United Nations Security Council remains “paralyzed,” he noted. He stated that this “unhealthy” situation raises concerns among nations like Kazakhstan as it hinders economic and social progress.

Indian Ocean Region
On January 4, the French Carrier Strike Group, which includes the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle along with its escort vessels, a frigate, a submarine, and supply ships, arrived in Goa. The group is set to conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) at sea with the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet before continuing to participate in Exercise La Perouse in Indonesia and Exercise Pacific Steller in the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, the Charles de Gaulle CSG and Indian Navy ships will take part in the 42nd annual Varuna bilateral exercise. Meanwhile, the French naval ships FS Forbin and FS Alsace, also part of the Carrier Strike Group, are visiting Kochi to engage in professional interactions with the Southern Naval Command. This visit is part of their deployment in the Indian Ocean under Mission CLEMENCEAU 25.