India's Proximity Archives
South Asia
Home Minister of Nepal Sudan Gurung tendered his resignation on April 22 due to escalating controversy surrounding his stock investments and alleged connections to a businessman being investigated for money laundering. Previously, Labour Minister Dipak Kumar Sah was compelled to resign following accusations of leveraging his official capacity to facilitate his relative’s appointment to the Health Insurance Board. Citing ‘special reasons’, President Ramchandra Paudel adjourned the sessions of the federal parliament’s two houses on April 23. Meanwhile, the government’s decision to implement a mandatory customs duty on goods exceeding Rs 100 originating from India, coupled with the banning of student groups associated with political parties, led to protests erupting across Nepal.
Southeast Asia
On April 29, Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said in an interview that the Trump administration has not provided direct assistance to Thailand—a long-standing U.S. treaty ally—as it faces severe economic fallout from the ongoing American-Israeli war against Iran. Because of this lack of support, Thailand has been forced to seek help from U.S. rivals Russia and China. Sihasak explained that while U.S. officials “are aware there are consequences from the war,” they have not offered concrete measures to ease Thailand’s burden. The only gesture, he noted, was President Trump’s suggestion that countries in need of fuel purchase American oil and gas. “Our position is that this war should not have taken place in the first place,” Sihasak said. His remarks came after Thailand hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on April 24. He added, “We don’t want to condemn the U.S. directly. But this is something that should not have started.
West Asia
On April 28, the United Arab Emirates announced that it would exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026. This decision is based on the UAE’s comprehensive review of its production policy, its national interest, and a commitment to effectively meeting market needs. The departure of UAE from OPEC would allow it to expand its oil production, as the country would no longer be bound by OPEC quotas. Abu Dhabi believes OPEC quotas have artificially suppressed its output relative to its growing capacity.
Central Asia
On April 28, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting convened in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. India’s Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh led a high-level delegation that discussed regional defence and security challenges, including international peace, terrorism, transnational crime, and emerging risks in information and cybersecurity. The ministers stressed the need to strengthen trust and mutual understanding among member states’ armed forces, enhance practical cooperation through joint exercises and exchanges, and develop mechanisms for deeper military collaboration within the SCO. During the meeting, Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister Reza Talaei-Nik declared that Iran was prepared to share its defence capabilities and experience with “independent countries,” particularly SCO members. He framed the SCO as part of a broader shift away from what Tehran described as a “unipolar” world order, and used the recent conflict as an example, stating: “We are ready to share our experiences in defeating America with other members of the organization.”
Indian Ocean Region
On April 25, U.S. Naval forces intercepted the sanctioned tanker M/V Sevan in the Arabian Sea, forcing it to return to Iran. The vessel was part of a 19-ship "shadow fleet" illegally transporting Iranian energy products. The M/V Sevan, along with 18 other vessels, has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for activities related to transporting billions of dollars' worth of Iranian energy, oil and gas products, including propane and butane, to foreign markets. Following the interception, the merchant vessel complied with military orders and sailed back to Iran. This operation marks the 37th vessel redirected by U.S. forces since the implementation of the current blockade.
