MARITIME TIES
Indian Navy chief meets newly-appointed Bangladesh Army chief; discusses new avenues for cooperation
Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited Bangladesh to bolster defense ties, meeting with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and Air Force Chief Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood. Discussions included enhancing cooperation in training, joint exercises, and interoperability. Tripathi also met with Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, emphasizing the strong naval cooperation between India and Bangladesh. The visit aimed to strengthen bonds and explore new avenues for collaboration.
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi meets Bangladesh Army Chief in Dhaka
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is on a four-day official visit to Bangladesh, meeting with top military officials to discuss enhancing defense cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties. The visit focuses on exploring new avenues for naval collaboration between India and Bangladesh.
India and Bangladesh strengthened defence ties with new naval contracts
India and Bangladesh have strengthened their defence ties through a new deal signed after Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's visit to India. The Bangladesh Navy contracted India's Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers (GRSE) for an 800-tonne oceangoing tug, funded by Indian credit. GRSE also recently signed a deal for a dredger. The tug will aid in towing, berthing, and rescue operations, and can handle harsh sea conditions. The nations also agreed on further cooperation in maritime security, space, and counterterrorism.
India shows interest in mega Teesta river conservation project
A major focus of the talks between the two prime ministers was to explore ways to shore up India-Bangladesh cooperation in digital and energy connectivity even as both sides resolved to work towards peaceful management of borders between the two countries.
India boosts defense ties with Bangladesh as it tries to become a counterweight to China
India and Bangladesh strengthened defense ties, signing agreements to enhance cooperation in maritime security, ocean economy, space, and telecommunication sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Bangladesh's inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, underscoring India's commitment to regional collaboration. Amidst close ties with China, Bangladesh seeks to balance relationships with India and the US. Both countries aim to boost river water sharing, energy cooperation, and infrastructure development through Indian investments. Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh reached $15.9 billion in the financial year 2022-23, with India exporting cotton, vehicles, and electronics, and importing cereals and cement.
PM Modi holds extensive talks with Bangladesh counterpart Hasina
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to strengthen cooperation in trade, connectivity, and energy. The two leaders have met ten times since 2019, making unprecedented transformations in their relationship. The focus of the talks is to impart new momentum to bilateral ties, including trade, connectivity, and energy. India and Bangladesh have been on an upswing in strategic ties, with India being its largest development partner and Bangladesh its largest export destination in Asia.
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India, Bangladesh agree to start talks on comprehensive trade pact
India and Bangladesh have agreed to begin negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced after talks with Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina. Modi emphasized that Bangladesh is India's largest development partner and that New Delhi gives top priority to their relationship. The leaders also discussed enhancing defense cooperation, including defense production and modernization, and signed agreements in areas such as the digital domain, maritime sphere, and railway connectivity.
Jaishankar's Sri Lanka visit key to India's neighbourhood-first, SAGAR policies: MEA
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent visit to Colombo highlighted India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies, according to the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. During the visit, a new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, funded by India with USD 6 million, was jointly commissioned. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, engaging in delegation-level talks and inaugurating housing projects.
India, Sri Lanka commission maritime rescue centre to boost security ties
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiled the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Sri Lanka under a $6 million grant from India to boost maritime security in India's southern neighbourhood. They also inaugurated 106 houses in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale under the Indian Housing Project.
EAM Jaishankar & Sri Lanka President Wickremesinghe formally commission Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe commissioned the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre built with a USD 6 million grant from India. Jaishankar discussed bilateral cooperation in various sectors. They unveiled a virtual plaque for the MRCC and housing projects. This the EAM's first overseas visit. He will focus on ongoing Indian projects and arrangements for a potential visit by PM Modi.
Russia boosts oil revenues as shipping and trading network grows
Russian oil exporters are selling oil to India at higher prices than at any time since the start of the Ukraine war, as more shippers and traders participate in the trade, weakening the impact of Western sanctions. The exporters have had to offer deep discounts to encourage shipping companies to move their crude since the invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, deals struck this month for Urals oil delivery to Indian refiners are at discounts of $3 to $3.50 per barrel to the global Brent crude benchmark, the narrowest since 2023.
China Coast Guard rules the waves and waives the rules
China intimidated Taiwan yet again with its large-scale Joint Sword-2024A exercise on 23-24 May. This saw People's Liberation Army (PLA) and CCG assets surround Taiwan and its outlying islands, underscoring the threat of a future Chinese quarantine or blockade of Taiwan.
US and India strengthen military ties, eye deeper collaboration
Top American and Indian defense officials have highlighted the growing importance of the US-India military partnership, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. At the 'Partners in Progress' symposium in Bengaluru, Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna of the Indian Navy praised the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. He emphasized their joint commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific through enhanced information sharing and maritime awareness. US Defense Attaché to India Rear Admiral Michael Baker also stressed the significant role of the US-India defense partnership in global peace and security.
Third term for Modi likely to see closer defense ties with US as India's rivalry with China grows
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes on boosting India's military preparedness and clout, focusing on expanding defense production and exports to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan, US, South Korean coast guards hold 1st joint drill off Japan's coast as China concerns rise
Japanese, US, and South Korean coast guard vessels conducted their first joint drill off Japan's coast, aimed at strengthening maritime ties in response to China's increased assertiveness in territorial claims. The drill, which involved patrol vessels and helicopters, focused on search and rescue operations. The countries agreed last August to enhance security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Japan has bolstered defenses in southwestern Japan in response to Chinese assertiveness, particularly around Taiwan.
Maldives and China discuss further bolstering defence ties
After Maldives and China signed a defence agreement on March 4, President Mohamed Muizzu, who is perceived to be pro-China, announced that Beijing would supply military equipment and train soldiers under the agreement but offered no details, the portal said. Two days later, Muizzu announced that the Maldives would get free "non-lethal" military equipment and training from China's military under the agreement and underlined that it would further strengthen the Indian Ocean island nation's independence and autonomy.
India’s expanding defence ties in Indo-Pacific region to increase Sino-Indian competition
The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) highlighted India's expanding defence role and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, which could further intensify the competitive nature of India-China relations. India's focus on being a preferred security partner through defence partnerships, combined exercises, and arms transfers is increasing its regional presence and influence, countering Beijing's influence. The report noted that India's defence engagement is primarily focused on the Indian Ocean region but is expanding to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Ocean.
India is Australia’s top-tier security partner, says High Commissioner Green
Highlighting India's capabilities in producing electric vehicles and solar panels at scale, he noted, "India is a key part of our diversification agenda and supply chain resilience." This collaboration is particularly crucial as both countries aim to deal with supply chain disruptions and promote sustainable energy solutions. The High Commissioner lauded the rapid growth in India-Australia relations over the past five years, describing it as the "fastest build-up of one of our big relations in history."
Beyond the clutter: India-US ties transcend ongoing differences
India explained why oil imports from Moscow are necessary to preserve global oil market stability, similarly Chabahar deal is also for regional stability which is valued by the US.
Indian Navy warships complete Manila visit as part of operational deployment to South China Sea
Indian Navy ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan completed their visit to Manila, Philippines as part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea, emphasizing India's commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Yemen's Houthi rebels launch a missile that strikes an oil tanker in the Red Sea, US military says
Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned oil tanker in the Red Sea amid conflicts over the Israel-Hamas war. They disrupted trade routes to China and Russia, causing a fire aboard the Wind. The rebels faced a US-led airstrike campaign in Yemen's Marib province.
IMEC: Indian team in UAE discusses start of work on trade route
An Indian delegation visited ports in the United Arab Emirates, including the Port of Fujairah, to discuss kickstarting the India-UAE leg of the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) with customs authorities. The visit aimed at preparing the India-UAE leg of the IMEC while awaiting peace in the region for the Israel part.
Reach Europe 20 days earlier and for 30% cheaper: How Chabahar port helps India expand its trade footprints globally
India’s pact with Iran to develop the Chabahar port will give a boost to the multimodal transportation network called the International North-South Transport Corridor, enabling exports from South Asia to reach Europe and Russia.
India, Indonesia resolve to expand defence ties
India and Indonesia strengthen defence ties, emphasizing maritime security and military equipment production. Recent meetings and visits aim to enhance cooperation in defence industry, research, and joint production capabilities.
Royal Australian Navy Chief Mark Hammond visits India to enhance maritime ties
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, is visiting India from April 2 to 6 to enhance bilateral maritime relations. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian naval officials in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi, as well as visits to key naval installations. The visit aims to strengthen operational engagements, training exchanges, and information sharing between India and Australia. This visit follows previous interactions between the two countries in maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
India expresses support for Philippines amidst South China Sea tensions
India has pledged support to the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in Manila, reaffirmed India's commitment to helping maintain peace and freedom in the Indo-Pacific. The recent incident near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands has raised concerns, leading to discussions between deputy foreign ministers. Jaishankar also met with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos to expand bilateral ties, emphasizing the need for closer cooperation to address regional challenges.
India, Philippines have seen very perceptible growth in recent times: Jaishankar
Addressing a joint press briefing with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Jaishankar said, "As you all know, India's ties with the Philippines have seen very perceptible growth in recent times. Prime Minister Modi met President Marcos during the India-ASEAN Summit in September last year. And I will have the honour of calling on President (Bongbong Marcos) later this afternoon and look forward to conveying Prime Minister (Narendra Modi's) greetings and good wishes."
Jaishankar in Seoul: India pitches for maritime security partnership with S Korea
The suggestions were put forward by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his address at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul on Tuesday. Jaishankar met the South Korean NSA and its Trade Minister on day one of his two-day trip.
Philippines to push back against China if maritime interests ignored, Marcos says
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines announced that the country will collaborate with China in discussions on the South China Sea dispute, but will firmly defend its sovereignty and maritime rights. He emphasized the importance of working with Southeast Asian nations and China to establish a code of conduct in the South China Sea based on international law. Despite this, Marcos reiterated that the Philippines will not concede any territory to a foreign power.
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