India’s Proximity Archives
South Asia
The India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Dialogue was convened in New Delhi on June 30. The bilateral talks included deliberation on the various elements of support and an assessment of the implementation progress of projects previously sanctioned. Implementation of 61 PTA projects (INR 49.58 billion) and 283 HICDPs (INR 4.17 billion) is underway in Bhutan, spanning numerous sectors. The Bhutanese delegation submitted the second installment of project proposals for the PTA initiative, slated for execution within the 13th FYP. Approval was granted by both sides for ten projects, valued at a total of 11.13 billion INR, and encompassing healthcare, connectivity, urban infrastructure, and the livestock sector. India’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, is undertaking a four-day visit to Bhutan, commencing June 30th. Gen. Dwivedi held meetings with the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Lt. Gen. Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, during his visit.
Southeast Asia
The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute has led to political turmoil in Bangkok, with the Constitutional Court suspending Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties on July 1, 2025. In announcing the decision, the court raised the possibility that Thailand would be in danger if the Prime Minister continued her role, citing leaked audio of her phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen that provoked public anger. Paetongtarn will be suspended until the court reaches a final verdict. The Constitutional Court has ordered Paetongtarn to send all documents and evidence to present her case within 15 days. The court is then expected to further investigate the case.
East Asia
On July 1, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi met his counterpart Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington D.C. Expressing his condolences for the recent plane crash in Gujarat, Minister Iwaya emphasised on the growing importance of Japan-India cooperation amid global challenges and the relevance of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision. EAM Dr. Jaishankar echoed the desire to deepen the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership and enhance collaboration across security, economic and people-to-people domains, especially in light of Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Japan. The two ministers reiterated their commitment towards promoting peace and stability in the region through the Quad.
West Asia
On July 1, President Trump informed that Israel has “agreed to the necessary conditions” for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, during which the US will work with all parties to end the war. He warned Hamas that accepting the proposed ceasefire agreement would serve the broader interests of the Middle East; otherwise, the situation would likely deteriorate further for the Palestinian terror group. Hamas would receive the final ceasefire proposal from Qatar and Egypt, two Arab nations that have played a significant role in the peace negotiations in Gaza. Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that the US’s airstrikes had delivered a major setback to Iran’s nuclear program that would take years to overcome.
Central Asia
On June 26, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign a joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao, China, as it would have diluted India’s position on critical issues, particularly concerning terrorism and regional security. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson said that "Certain members, member countries, could not reach consensus on certain issues and hence the document could not be finalised on our side.” He further stated that "India wanted concerns on terrorism reflected in the document, which was not acceptable to one particular country and therefore the statement was not adopted," he said, without naming the country. According to sources, Rajnath Singh refused to sign the document as it did not mention anything about the Pahalgam terror attack, but it did mention militant activities in Balochistan.
Indian Ocean Region
On July 1, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F 71) at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate of Project 1135.6 and the second ship of the follow-on Tushil class, with the first ship, INS Tushil, commissioned in December 2024. All seven ships of this series are part of the Western Fleet, known as the “Sword Arm” of the Indian Navy. INS Tamal was built in Russia; it features 26% indigenous components, notably including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile system and the HUMSA-NG sonar system—both developed in India. Following commissioning, INS Tamal will embark on its maiden voyage to its homeport at Karwar, Karnataka.
