India’s Proximity Archives
Date: April 02, 2025
South Asia
From March 26–29, Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, visited China to attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Hainan Province. The visit coincided with the celebration of fifty years of diplomatic relations between both countries. Muhammad Yunus and President Xi Jinping conducted a bilateral discussion in Beijing on March 28. President Xi highlighted the critical need for both nations to firmly support one another’s “core interests and principal concerns”. A bilateral agreement on economic and technical cooperation was signed, accompanied by eight memoranda of understanding largely pertaining to soft power initiatives. A formal instrument for the commencement of the China Industrial Economic Zone and a Commercial Agreement for the Mongla port’s modernisation and expansion was also signed.
From March 26–29, Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, visited China to attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Hainan Province. The visit coincided with the celebration of fifty years of diplomatic relations between both countries. Muhammad Yunus and President Xi Jinping conducted a bilateral discussion in Beijing on March 28. President Xi highlighted the critical need for both nations to firmly support one another’s “core interests and principal concerns”. A bilateral agreement on economic and technical cooperation was signed, accompanied by eight memoranda of understanding largely pertaining to soft power initiatives. A formal instrument for the commencement of the China Industrial Economic Zone and a Commercial Agreement for the Mongla port’s modernisation and expansion was also signed.
Southeast Asia
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used his first trip to Asia to try to reassure allies that the United States was committed to deterring Chinese “threats” to the region. On March 28, during a press conference in Manila, Secretary Hegseth said that the Trump administration would work with allies to ramp up deterrence against threats across the world, including China’s aggression in the South China Sea. He further blamed the previous Biden administration for insufficient actions that emboldened aggressors like China over the years. He said the US military was being rebuilt under President Donald Trump and was re-establishing its “warrior ethos” in the region. During his meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, he also stated “Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there is free navigation whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea”.
East Asia
The Third Japan-India Space Dialogue, held in Tokyo on April 1, facilitated discussions on space policy, security, bilateral cooperation, global navigation satellite systems, space situational awareness, and international space norms. Marking the start of the "Japan-India Science Technology and Innovation Exchange Year," both sides emphasized strengthening collaboration between JAXA and ISRO and fostering industry ties. The Japanese delegation was led by Assistant Minister SAITA Yukio and Director-General KAZEKI Atsushi. The Indian delegation was headed by Joint Secretary Muanpuii Saiawi and ISRO’s Scientific Secretary M. Ganesh Pillai. Officials from various ministries and agencies participated, agreeing to hold the dialogue regularly to enhance space cooperation.
West Asia
Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), held major anti-government demonstrations on March 29 to protest the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem %u0130mamo%u011Flu. Protestors claimed that %u0130mamo%u011Flu's arrest, stemming from a corruption investigation on charges widely perceived as baseless, highlights the authoritarian tendencies of President Erdo%u011Fan's administration. The CHP has nominated Ekrem %u0130mamo%u011Flu as its Presidential candidate for the 2028 election.
Central Asia
On March 31, President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan signed the Treaty on the Junction Point of State Borders and the Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship. These documents were signed during a trilateral summit in Khujand, Tajikistan, underscoring the commitment of the three nations to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while fostering constructive dialogue and cooperation in Central Asia. The Kyrgyz Republic issued a statement saying, “The agreements open up new prospects for strengthening mutual trust, maintaining stability, and developing integration processes in the region.”
Indian Ocean Region
The 14th edition of the Indian-Russian bilateral naval exercise, INDRA, was conducted from March 28 to April 2, 2025, off the coast of Chennai. The exercise was conducted in two phases; the Harbour Phase from March 28 to 30 included an opening ceremony, subject matter expert exchanges, reciprocal visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sail briefings. The Sea Phase, taking place from March 31 to April 2 in the Bay of Bengal, featured advanced naval drills such as tactical manoeuvres, live weapon firings, anti-air operations, and helicopter cross-deck landings. Participating vessels include Russian ships Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov alongside Indian ships Rana and Kuthar. The exercise aimed to enhance naval interoperability and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and Russia through shared operational practices and collaborative training efforts. This exercise, which began in 2003, has been a cornerstone of the enduring maritime partnership between India and Russia.
