India’s Proximity Archives
Date: February 12, 2025
South Asia
On February 6th, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka in response to a virtual address by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accusing Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to Bangladesh’s caretaker government, of plotting against her life. Earlier, the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was demolished by a mob, despite the police being present at the scene. The residences of several Awami League leaders across the country were also targeted by protesters. Over 1,300 individuals with purported connections to gangs associated with the Awami League were detained during a significant nationwide security operation called “Operation Devil Hunt”. India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner on February 7 to express its displeasure regarding Bangladesh’s recent attempts to connect India to its internal affairs.
On February 6th, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka in response to a virtual address by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accusing Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to Bangladesh’s caretaker government, of plotting against her life. Earlier, the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was demolished by a mob, despite the police being present at the scene. The residences of several Awami League leaders across the country were also targeted by protesters. Over 1,300 individuals with purported connections to gangs associated with the Awami League were detained during a significant nationwide security operation called “Operation Devil Hunt”. India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner on February 7 to express its displeasure regarding Bangladesh’s recent attempts to connect India to its internal affairs.
Southeast Asia
President Xi Jinping met with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was in China for an official visit on February 6, 2025. President Xi said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations as well as the “Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship” and as such the two sides should build on past achievements and work together to advance the building of the China-Thailand community with a shared future to deliver more benefits to the two peoples, the region and the world at large. Xi added that China supports Thailand’s role as co-chair of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and congratulated Thailand on becoming a BRICS partner country. Prime Minister Shinawatra reassured President Xi that ensuring the safety of foreign visitors in Thailand is a government priority.
East Asia
Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba travelled to the United States to meet President Donald Trump on February 7th. The two leaders deliberated on issues such as enhancing security cooperation and underscoring deterrence strategies, particularly in the context of the larger Indo-Pacific peace and security agenda. Economic relations were also in critical focus. PM Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s commitment towards US-Japan economic ties by increasing investment in the US, fostering business and industrial partnerships, and collaborating on advanced technologies such as AI and semiconductors and energy security. Both leaders also recognised the importance of strengthening coordination with allies.
Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba travelled to the United States to meet President Donald Trump on February 7th. The two leaders deliberated on issues such as enhancing security cooperation and underscoring deterrence strategies, particularly in the context of the larger Indo-Pacific peace and security agenda. Economic relations were also in critical focus. PM Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s commitment towards US-Japan economic ties by increasing investment in the US, fostering business and industrial partnerships, and collaborating on advanced technologies such as AI and semiconductors and energy security. Both leaders also recognised the importance of strengthening coordination with allies.
West Asia
Hamas announced on February 10 that it intends to delay the release of Israeli hostages scheduled for February 15 "until further notice" in response to alleged Israeli violations of the ongoing ceasefire agreement. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that unless Hamas releases hostages, "intense fighting" will resume until Hamas is dismantled. President Trump also demanded the release of Israeli hostages by February 15 or he would cancel the ceasefire and "let hell break out" in Gaza.
Hamas announced on February 10 that it intends to delay the release of Israeli hostages scheduled for February 15 "until further notice" in response to alleged Israeli violations of the ongoing ceasefire agreement. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that unless Hamas releases hostages, "intense fighting" will resume until Hamas is dismantled. President Trump also demanded the release of Israeli hostages by February 15 or he would cancel the ceasefire and "let hell break out" in Gaza.
Central Asia
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and his Uzbekistan counterpart, Bakhtiyor Saidov, co-chaired the 2nd Joint Commission on Bilateral Consultation (JCBC) on February 11. Sugiono and Saidov agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in various sectors. They will release a joint statement on February 12. During the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to promote cooperation and investment in various strategic sectors, including infrastructure, mining, and tourism. Sugiono and Saidov also pushed for the creation of a bilateral trade agreement between the two nations. As a concrete step in strengthening bilateral cooperation, the two countries agreed on a 2025-2026 Action Plan.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and his Uzbekistan counterpart, Bakhtiyor Saidov, co-chaired the 2nd Joint Commission on Bilateral Consultation (JCBC) on February 11. Sugiono and Saidov agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in various sectors. They will release a joint statement on February 12. During the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to promote cooperation and investment in various strategic sectors, including infrastructure, mining, and tourism. Sugiono and Saidov also pushed for the creation of a bilateral trade agreement between the two nations. As a concrete step in strengthening bilateral cooperation, the two countries agreed on a 2025-2026 Action Plan.
Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Navy's capstone Theatre Level Operational Exercise, TROPEX-25, is taking place in the Indian Ocean Region from January to March 2025. This exercise involves the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard. A total of 65 Indian Naval ships, 9 submarines including the INS Vikrant, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata Class destroyers, Kalvari Class submarines, and over 80 aircraft are participating. TROPEX-25 integrates diverse aspects of combat operations, cyber and electronic warfare, live weapon firings, and amphibious exercises, enhancing synergy and jointness among the Services.
The Indian Navy's capstone Theatre Level Operational Exercise, TROPEX-25, is taking place in the Indian Ocean Region from January to March 2025. This exercise involves the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard. A total of 65 Indian Naval ships, 9 submarines including the INS Vikrant, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata Class destroyers, Kalvari Class submarines, and over 80 aircraft are participating. TROPEX-25 integrates diverse aspects of combat operations, cyber and electronic warfare, live weapon firings, and amphibious exercises, enhancing synergy and jointness among the Services.
