India’s Proximity Archives
Date: March 12, 2025
South Asia
Over 400 passengers, including many security personnel, were taken hostage when terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan on March 11. A military operation to rescue hostages was launched by Pakistani security forces in the Dhadar region of the Bolan Pass. In a gun battle near the Mashkaf Tunnel, almost a dozen people—security personnel and sixteen terrorists—were killed by the morning of March 12. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). On March 12, Pakistan Railways instituted a temporary suspension of all service between Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. This is the first time terrorists have hijacked an entire train, taking all the passengers hostage.
Over 400 passengers, including many security personnel, were taken hostage when terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan on March 11. A military operation to rescue hostages was launched by Pakistani security forces in the Dhadar region of the Bolan Pass. In a gun battle near the Mashkaf Tunnel, almost a dozen people—security personnel and sixteen terrorists—were killed by the morning of March 12. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). On March 12, Pakistan Railways instituted a temporary suspension of all service between Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. This is the first time terrorists have hijacked an entire train, taking all the passengers hostage.
Southeast Asia
Philippine police have arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity over his deadly “war on drugs”, on March 11, 2025. According to the Philippine government, he was taken into custody at Manila’s main airport after returning from a trip to Hong Kong. Duterte’s lawyer and former presidential spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, said the arrest was “unlawful” as the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019. However, the ICC had earlier clarified that it had jurisdiction in the Philippines over alleged crimes committed before the country withdrew as a member. A three-judge panel wrote that based on the evidence presented by the court’s prosecutor, the killings ordered by Duterte as mayor of Davao and later as president were “both widespread and systematic.” The panel also found Duterte individually responsible for crimes against humanity of murder.
East Asia
Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi in a press conference on March 7, 2025, emphasised China’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea through cooperation and dialogue with ASEAN countries. He highlighted China’s initiatives in the region including signing an intergovernmental document on maritime joint development with Indonesia and launch of China-Malaysia bilateral dialogue on the management of maritime issues. Wang stressed the importance of trust and rules for lasting peace and security in the region and called for the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) and the acceleration of negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC). Noting significant progress in consolation on COC and completion of the third reading of its text, he underscored China’s commitment to enhancing communication and cooperation with ASEAN for early conclusion of the COC to ensure the South China Sea remains a region of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
West Asia
Syrian security forces and fighters loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad engaged in major clashes in Latakia province on March 6-7, resulting in the death of more than 1,000 people, including 745 civilians. Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa informed that his regime had contacted the country’s Alawites (Assad’s sect) to build bridges of peace; however, some of them chose to incite sectarian strife and violence that led to the killing of many security forces and some civilians, including Alawites. Meanwhile, on March 10, Kurdish-led and US-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which control much of Syria's oil-rich northeast signed an agreement with the Syrian government to join the country's new state institutions.
Central Asia
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar met the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, in New Delhi, on March 10. The Armenian Foreign Minister is on an official visit to India from March 9 to 11 at the invitation of EAM Jaishankar. The two leaders engaged in productive discussions, focusing on a wide range of issues aimed at further strengthening the growing India-Armenia bilateral relationship. Furthermore, India and Armenia signed two major Memorandums of Understanding between India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) & Armenia’s Center of Drug and Medical Technology Expertise (CDMTE) on cooperation in regulating medical products, and between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and the Diplomatic School of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.
Indian Ocean Region
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, on March 10, 2025, marking its maiden visit to participate in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations. India’s participation will feature a marching contingent, a naval band and a helicopter flypast at the Champs de Mars parade. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest, underscoring the significance of India-Mauritius relations. During its stay from March 10–14, the ship will engage in joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance and naval exercises with Mauritius Coast Guard ships. The visit aligns with India's tradition of naval participation in Mauritius' national events.
