India’s Proximity Archives
Date: January 22, 2025
South Asia
A state visit to China was undertaken by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake from January 14 to 17. President Disanayake held talks with President Xi Jinping and met with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, during his visit. The Joint Statement indicates that both nations engaged in discussions to enhance Belt and Road collaboration, encompassing the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port integrated development initiatives.
A state visit to China was undertaken by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake from January 14 to 17. President Disanayake held talks with President Xi Jinping and met with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, during his visit. The Joint Statement indicates that both nations engaged in discussions to enhance Belt and Road collaboration, encompassing the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port integrated development initiatives.
Southeast Asia
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos on January 21. The two leaders affirmed that they treasure the traditional friendship, partnership and comprehensive cooperation. PM Chính emphasised Vietnam’s balanced, objective, and consistent stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that all disputes should be resolved through peaceful means, in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, including supporting the mediation efforts of the international community in seeking a long-term peaceful solution to the conflict with the participation of all relevant parties.
East Asia
Post the inauguration of the new US administration, on January 21, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio participated in the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington D.C. The Quad ministers issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) and discussed strategic issues concerning the region. Additionally, the ministers agreed to enhance cooperation on regional maritime, economic, and technology security and planned to hold regular foreign ministers’ meetings in preparation for an upcoming leaders’ summit hosted by India.
Post the inauguration of the new US administration, on January 21, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio participated in the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington D.C. The Quad ministers issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) and discussed strategic issues concerning the region. Additionally, the ministers agreed to enhance cooperation on regional maritime, economic, and technology security and planned to hold regular foreign ministers’ meetings in preparation for an upcoming leaders’ summit hosted by India.
West Asia
Hamas exchanged three Israeli hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in the wake of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect on January 19. As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages over a period of six weeks, while Israel will release some 90 Palestinian prisoners. However, US President Donald Trump stressed that he was "not confident" if the ceasefire in Gaza would last, as there was significant pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume hostilities as some Israeli leaders believe the truce was a capitulation to Hamas. On January 21, President Trump revoked an executive order that had placed sanctions on Israeli settlers for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Hamas exchanged three Israeli hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in the wake of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect on January 19. As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages over a period of six weeks, while Israel will release some 90 Palestinian prisoners. However, US President Donald Trump stressed that he was "not confident" if the ceasefire in Gaza would last, as there was significant pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume hostilities as some Israeli leaders believe the truce was a capitulation to Hamas. On January 21, President Trump revoked an executive order that had placed sanctions on Israeli settlers for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Central Asia
Marco Rubio’s confirmation as US Secretary of State on January 21, has raised hopes among Central Asian leaders – particularly after his recent comments regarding the Jackson-Vanik policy. An amendment to the Jackson-Vanik policy could translate into concrete action to repeal this outdated policy, which continues to hinder mutual trade. The repeal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment for Kazakhstan would be a symbolic and practical step toward deepening U.S. engagement with Central Asia. As Kazakhstan continues its economic reforms and seeks to expand ties with Western partners, Secretary Rubio’s commitment to addressing this “absurd relic” of the past could pave the way for more robust trade relations and a stronger regional partnership. He further warned that continued use of such measures could push nations like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan closer to Russia’s sphere of influence.
