India’s Proximity Archives
Date: April 09, 2025
South Asia
During his official visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, Prime Minister Modi engaged in bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The leaders conducted a comprehensive review of cooperative efforts in connectivity, development, economics, defence, reconciliation, and fisheries. Several projects were virtually inaugurated by the two leaders after their talks, reinforcing India’s pledge to aid Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Seven agreements (MoUs) were reached, covering the sectors of energy, digital technologies, defence, health, and multifaceted support in the Eastern Province. Prime Minister Modi was also conferred with Sri Lanka’s highest honour for foreign dignitaries, the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Award.
During his official visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, Prime Minister Modi engaged in bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The leaders conducted a comprehensive review of cooperative efforts in connectivity, development, economics, defence, reconciliation, and fisheries. Several projects were virtually inaugurated by the two leaders after their talks, reinforcing India’s pledge to aid Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Seven agreements (MoUs) were reached, covering the sectors of energy, digital technologies, defence, health, and multifaceted support in the Eastern Province. Prime Minister Modi was also conferred with Sri Lanka’s highest honour for foreign dignitaries, the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Award.
Southeast Asia
The 6th Summit of the Heads of State/Government of the member States of BIMSTEC was held in Bangkok, on April 4, 2025. The 6th Summit, themed “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”, focused on fostering collaboration among member States to address their shared security and developmental challenges. This was the first in-person BIMSTEC Summit in seven years. It marked a turning point with the unanimous adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030, a comprehensive framework aimed at guiding BIMSTEC’s future. Thailand’s Prime Minister called for expedited negotiations for the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA), which has been under discussion since 2004. Additionally, a maritime transport cooperation agreement was signed, expected to streamline shipping routes, enhance mutual recognition of maritime documentation, and establish dispute resolution mechanisms.
The 6th Summit of the Heads of State/Government of the member States of BIMSTEC was held in Bangkok, on April 4, 2025. The 6th Summit, themed “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”, focused on fostering collaboration among member States to address their shared security and developmental challenges. This was the first in-person BIMSTEC Summit in seven years. It marked a turning point with the unanimous adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030, a comprehensive framework aimed at guiding BIMSTEC’s future. Thailand’s Prime Minister called for expedited negotiations for the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA), which has been under discussion since 2004. Additionally, a maritime transport cooperation agreement was signed, expected to streamline shipping routes, enhance mutual recognition of maritime documentation, and establish dispute resolution mechanisms.
East Asia
South Korea will be holding snap presidential elections on June 3 after the Constitutional Court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office for imposing martial law in December 2024 and briefly using military force against lawmakers amid political deadlock. Although the martial law lasted only six hours, it was widely seen as an authoritarian move, leading to Yoon’s impeachment and arrest on insurrection charges, though he was later released. Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo is currently serving as acting president. In the high-stakes political environment with ongoing economic turmoil triggered by US tariffs and mounting geopolitical and regional tensions, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-Myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon Suk Yeol in 2022, has emerged as the front-runner, holding 34% support as per recent polls.
South Korea will be holding snap presidential elections on June 3 after the Constitutional Court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office for imposing martial law in December 2024 and briefly using military force against lawmakers amid political deadlock. Although the martial law lasted only six hours, it was widely seen as an authoritarian move, leading to Yoon’s impeachment and arrest on insurrection charges, though he was later released. Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo is currently serving as acting president. In the high-stakes political environment with ongoing economic turmoil triggered by US tariffs and mounting geopolitical and regional tensions, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-Myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon Suk Yeol in 2022, has emerged as the front-runner, holding 34% support as per recent polls.
West Asia
On April 8, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, visited India. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two sides discussed ways to further deepen “India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership”. Earlier, on April 5, India’s Ministry of External Affairs informed that the UAE and India have agreed to develop an energy hub in Sri Lanka’s port city of Trincomalee.
On April 8, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, visited India. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two sides discussed ways to further deepen “India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership”. Earlier, on April 5, India’s Ministry of External Affairs informed that the UAE and India have agreed to develop an energy hub in Sri Lanka’s port city of Trincomalee.
Central Asia
Central Asia and the European Union announced a strategic partnership at the inaugural Central Asia-EU summit on April 4, focusing on transport, energy and digital projects to boost regional cooperation. The summit saw European Council president António Costa and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen hold two days of talks with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The main “deliverable” of the meeting, according to an EU press release, is a €12 billion assistance package, providing assistance for expanding trade transit routes, developing the mining sector, addressing water and climate issues and promoting digital connectivity.
Central Asia and the European Union announced a strategic partnership at the inaugural Central Asia-EU summit on April 4, focusing on transport, energy and digital projects to boost regional cooperation. The summit saw European Council president António Costa and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen hold two days of talks with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The main “deliverable” of the meeting, according to an EU press release, is a €12 billion assistance package, providing assistance for expanding trade transit routes, developing the mining sector, addressing water and climate issues and promoting digital connectivity.
Indian Ocean Region
On April 5, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off the Indian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sunayna from Karwar, Karnataka, marking the launch of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, a flagship maritime initiative under India’s “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) vision. The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR doctrine and National Maritime Day. The mission involves 44 naval personnel from nine Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, reflecting India’s deepening commitment to regional maritime security, cooperation, and a rules-based order in the IOR. Their joint training will encompass a wide range of naval operations, including firefighting, seamanship, and engine room management, to enhance interoperability among participating nations.
On April 5, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off the Indian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sunayna from Karwar, Karnataka, marking the launch of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, a flagship maritime initiative under India’s “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) vision. The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR doctrine and National Maritime Day. The mission involves 44 naval personnel from nine Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, reflecting India’s deepening commitment to regional maritime security, cooperation, and a rules-based order in the IOR. Their joint training will encompass a wide range of naval operations, including firefighting, seamanship, and engine room management, to enhance interoperability among participating nations.
