India’s Proximity Archives
Date: March 19, 2025
South Asia
After the March 11th attack on the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan, Pakistan’s Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) convened on March 18th. The committee underscored the critical need for immediate implementation of counterterrorism frameworks, including the Nat¬ional Action Plan (NAP) and the Azm-i-Istehkam military operation, to effectively mitigate terrorism. In addressing the rise of terrorism, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, highlighted systemic governance deficiencies and proposed the transformation of Pakistan into a more secure and controlled entity. The Pakistan Army accused India and Afghanistan for the Jaffar Express attack. In response to these accusations, Indian and Afghan authorities countered that Pakistan should focus on its own problems rather than deflecting blame.
After the March 11th attack on the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan, Pakistan’s Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) convened on March 18th. The committee underscored the critical need for immediate implementation of counterterrorism frameworks, including the Nat¬ional Action Plan (NAP) and the Azm-i-Istehkam military operation, to effectively mitigate terrorism. In addressing the rise of terrorism, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, highlighted systemic governance deficiencies and proposed the transformation of Pakistan into a more secure and controlled entity. The Pakistan Army accused India and Afghanistan for the Jaffar Express attack. In response to these accusations, Indian and Afghan authorities countered that Pakistan should focus on its own problems rather than deflecting blame.
Southeast Asia
The second phase of the 31st edition of Exercise Cope Tiger is being held at Korat Air Base and Chandy Range, Thailand, from March 17-28, 2025. The trilateral exercise between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) is being conducted in two phases. The first phase was a Command Post Exercise, held at the Multinational Operations and Exercise Centre in Changi Naval Base, Singapore, from December 17-19, 2024. The exercise allows participating countries to execute air defence, strike and UAV operations to enhance combat readiness and operational capabilities.
The second phase of the 31st edition of Exercise Cope Tiger is being held at Korat Air Base and Chandy Range, Thailand, from March 17-28, 2025. The trilateral exercise between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) is being conducted in two phases. The first phase was a Command Post Exercise, held at the Multinational Operations and Exercise Centre in Changi Naval Base, Singapore, from December 17-19, 2024. The exercise allows participating countries to execute air defence, strike and UAV operations to enhance combat readiness and operational capabilities.
East Asia
The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on March 14, where he proposed five points on the Iranian nuclear issue. Emphasising the need for peaceful political and diplomatic solutions as opposed to force and sanctions, Wang Yi urged for a balanced approach to nuclear non-proliferation and Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the NPT. He reaffirmed the JCPOA as the foundation for negotiations, calling the US to return to talks. China further opposed UNSC intervention, warned against the snapback mechanism, and advocated for a step-by-step, reciprocal approach based on mutual respect.
West Asia
After nearly two months of relative calm since the ceasefire with Hamas, Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza on March 18, reportedly killing more than 400 people. The US supported Israeli airstrikes, asserting that President Trump had made it clear to Hamas that they must release the remaining hostages immediately or face severe consequences. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed that he had ordered the strikes in Gaza following Hamas' rejection of proposals for extending the ceasefire and urged Gazans to evacuate. Meanwhile, the US conducted a series of attacks on Iranian-backed Houthi targets in Yemen (Hodeidah port city) on March 15 as the Houthis continued their attacks on US ships and other nations, disrupting legal commerce for all seafaring nations.
Central Asia
On March 17, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held a meeting with President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. They discussed prospects for expanding bilateral relations of strategic partnership and alliance with a focus on trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They exchanged opinions on key regional issues. Various intergovernmental agreements were signed which included the Strategic Partnership Programme of the two countries’ Defence Ministries for 2026–2030, the Agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia and the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan on cooperation in the industrial sector.
On March 17, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held a meeting with President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. They discussed prospects for expanding bilateral relations of strategic partnership and alliance with a focus on trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They exchanged opinions on key regional issues. Various intergovernmental agreements were signed which included the Strategic Partnership Programme of the two countries’ Defence Ministries for 2026–2030, the Agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia and the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan on cooperation in the industrial sector.
Indian Ocean Region
India and Bangladesh concluded the Naval Exercise Bongosagar 2025 and Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) in the Bay of Bengal on March 13. The exercise saw participation from INS Ranvir, a guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, and BNS Abu Ubaidah, a frigate from the Bangladesh Navy. The drills focused on improving joint operational capabilities through surface firing, tactical manoeuvres, underway replenishment, and Visit-Board-Search-Seizure (VBSS) cross-boarding exercises. The exercise provided the opportunity for both navies to develop closer links in tactical planning, coordination and information sharing for undertaking seamless maritime operations.
