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India’s Proximity Archives
South Asia
Through an X post on March 24th, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered his country as a potential site for US-Iran peace negotiations. This offer was later reposted by US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. This is widely perceived in Islamabad as Washington’s implicit endorsement of Pakistan’s evolving role as a mediator. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, conducted telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, China, and the United Kingdom on the same day to deliberate on this issue. Subsequently, Prime Minister Sharif communicated with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Meanwhile, during a presentation of the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment to the United States Senate Intelligence Committee, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard identified Pakistan as a state posing a considerable threat to the United States. She cautioned US lawmakers that Pakistan’s advancing missile technology could potentially extend its reach to American territory.
Southeast Asia
On March 18, it was confirmed by the Malaysian Trade Ministry’s office that the agreement on reciprocal trade (ART) with Washington was “null and void” and no longer applicable following the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Trade Minister Johari Abdul Ghani had initially stated on March 16 that the agreement was “not on hold. It is no longer there—it’s null and void,” adding that tariffs were being justified on the basis of Malaysia’s trade surplus. He emphasized that the authorities should clearly specify which industries the tariffs applied to and that they could not be imposed on a “blanket basis.” His statement was subsequently retracted by the government, which said that Johari had “misspoken,” without offering further clarification. However, on March 18 Nikkei Asia quoted Johari’s press secretary as saying that the minister’s statement “remains,” which the publication took as a confirmation of Kuala Lumpur’s withdrawal from the agreement. As of now, Anwar’s administration has yet to issue a more formal announcement regarding the deal’s status.
East Asia
On March 19, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with US President Donald Trump for the Japan–US Summit Meeting. During the discussion, President Trump commended the Japanese PM’s leadership and called her a “very popular, powerful woman and a great leader.” Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her government’s unwavering commitment to the Japan–US alliance and intent to deepen bilateral cooperation in key areas, including economic security, trade, energy security, and critical minerals. Articulating Japan’s position on the ongoing Middle East Crisis, she noted that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and its destabilising actions in the Strait of Hormuz are condemnable. Takaichi further underscored the need for Japan to coordinate with the international community, particularly the US, to facilitate early de-escalation while also enhancing bilateral cooperation in energy security with the US through increased procurement of US-sourced energy. Other key issues on which the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment include promoting ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)’, enhancing coordination among like-minded partners in the region, and addressing strategic challenges posed by China and North Korea.
West Asia
On March 24, reports indicated that the U.S. had sent a 15-point plan to Tehran via Pakistan to end the war with Iran. Major demands made by the U.S. include the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programme, reducing the ballistic missile arsenal, ceasing support for proxy groups, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s position is that for any negotiations to resume, the U.S. and Israel must first end the war, provide guarantees against future military action, and compensate for wartime losses. Meanwhile, around 1,000 U.S. soldiers are expected to be deployed to the Middle East in the coming days.
Central Asia
On March 24, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and global developments. The two leaders reviewed cooperation between Türkiye and Kazakhstan and exchanged views on current international issues. President Erdogan reaffirmed Ankara's commitment to further strengthening ties with Astana, saying efforts are ongoing to elevate relations and that additional steps will be taken in the coming period. He also expressed hope that the results of Kazakhstan's recent constitutional referendum would prove beneficial. Both leaders emphasised cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States, reflecting a push for deeper political, economic, and cultural integration among Turkic nations.
Indian Ocean Region
Reaffirming India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR commenced on 16 March 2026. Building on longstanding maritime cooperation efforts, the initiative embodies the Government of India’s MAHASAGAR vision through a unique operational programme integrating naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries into training and sailing aboard an Indian Naval Ship to enhance interoperability and shared maritime understanding. Participants will begin with professional interactions at Indian Naval establishments in Kochi covering naval operations, seamanship, and security concepts before deploying at sea for joint activities, maritime engagements and port visits that strengthen linkages, exchange best practices, and address regional challenges.
