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India’s Proximity Archives
South Asia
The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran is compelling Pakistan to reformulate its foreign policy approaches towards Gulf states. As per the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defence, Pakistan has deployed fighter aircraft and supporting units to Saudi Arabia to bolster its security. Pakistan’s finance minister announced on April 15th a commitment of USD 3 billion in deposits from Saudi Arabia, intended to strengthen the nation’s foreign currency reserves, in addition to a prior USD 5 billion. These deposits would no longer be bound by the previous annual rollover agreement and would instead be prolonged for an extended duration. Pakistan is also expected to settle a USD 3.5 billion loan with the UAE by the month’s end. Pakistan intensified its diplomatic efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan is scheduled to commence a visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye on April 15th. On April 14th, senior representatives from the Pakistani, Saudi, Turkish, and Egyptian foreign ministries convened in Islamabad. This meeting served as a follow-up to a consultative session held by the respective foreign ministers last month.
Southeast Asia
On April 13, the United States and Indonesia announced the establishment of a new Major Defence Agreement aimed at expanding military ties and “maintaining peace and stability” in Asia. In a joint statement, the U.S. Department of War and Indonesia’s Defence Ministry said that the Major Defence Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) was the fruit of “decades of cooperation” and underscored “the strength and potential of the bilateral defence relationship.” The MDCP is composed of three “foundational pillars”: military modernisation and capacity building; training and professional military education; and exercises and operational cooperation. The two countries say they will pursue “cutting-edge initiatives”, including “next-generation” maritime, subsurface, and autonomous systems technologies, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul support. The statement also said that Sjafrie and Hegseth have “committed to enhance joint special forces training,” and to expand existing multilateral exercises, including Super Garuda Shield.
West Asia
A U.S. delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance and an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf held their first round of direct talks in Islamabad on April 11. VP Vance informed that the two sides had failed to reach an agreement and that Iran had chosen not to accept the U.S.’ terms. Washington’s terms demand that Tehran end all Uranium enrichment, dismantle nuclear facilities, hand over its highly enriched Uranium stockpile, accept a broader security agreement that involves regional countries and fully open the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, on April 13, the U.S. military began a blockade of Iranian ports as part of President Trump’s efforts to force Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz. The second round of U.S.-Iran dialogueis expected to take place in Islamabad in the next few days.
Central Asia
On April 11, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting in Bukhara. The two sides pledged broader efforts to expand trade and strategic cooperation, as well as a joint clean air initiative. Kazakhstan’s leader emphasised that Uzbekistan remains a “reliable strategic partner” and that there are no political disagreements, which helps in the implementation of bilateral agreements.
Indian Ocean Region
India's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has acquired a 51% controlling stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), Sri Lanka's largest shipyard, for USD 26.8 million, marking MDL's first foreign acquisition. This move restructures CDPLC's board, with MDL's Chairman Capt. Jagmohan (Retd) as Non-Executive Chairman, alongside three MDL nominees. The timing of the acquisition coincides with CDPLC's largest shipbuilding deal in its 52-year history. In November 2025, the shipyard signed a contract with Orange Marine of France to build two Cable Laying and Repair Vessels worth around USD 150 million. Construction is already underway, with delivery expected in 2028 and 2029. Beyond the acquisition itself, MDL has been working to plug CDPLC into India’s maritime network. On April 7, CDPLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI), under which CDPLC will serve as DCI’s preferred partner for drydocking, repair, and maintenance work.
