India’s Proximity Archives
South Asia
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) continued to protest in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), demanding political, economic and human rights. The ongoing demonstrations are a consequence of 11 individuals being killed by security forces during clashes with protesters on June 8. Though authorities¬ stated that the protest campaign had ended, the JAAC’s activists and supporters continued to assemble in Rawalkot, drawing thousands. A week-long shutdown strike was observed in most areas of PoK, including Muzaffarabad. Meanwhile, the Pakistani government escalated its actions against the leadership of JAAC, suspending national identity cards for all 31 principal members and revoking their passports.
Southeast Asia
On June 16, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. President Xi endorsed the political leadership of Myanmar’s military chief-turned-President Min Aung Hlaing and mapped out the future development of bilateral ties. He emphasised that China, a neighbour with whom Myanmar shares the longest border, is a trustworthy friend and partner. The two agreed to steadily advance the construction of major projects such as the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor on the basis of ensuring safety and security to support Myanmar in growing its economy and improving livelihoods. The two presidents witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in transport, livelihood and other areas. The visit is Min Aung Hlaing’s second international visit since he was sworn in as President in April, with the first being to India.
West Asia
On June 15, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the U.S. and Iran had agreed on a peace deal, leading to immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts including in Lebanon. It is expected that the deal will be formally signed in Switzerland on June 19. Reports indicated that the MoU includes an agreement for the simultaneous lifting of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S.’ blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said that the MoU will lay the foundation for future technical negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear programme. He stressed that “a core part of the agreement is that the U.S. and the IAEA are going to help Iran destroy its highly enriched Uranium stockpile”.
Central Asia
On June 15, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Ben Black. Tokayev described the visit as a continuation of agreements reached during talks in Washington in November 2025 and an important step toward deepening Kazakhstan’s multifaceted partnership with the United States. He said relations between Astana and Washington had intensified since President Donald Trump returned to office. Tokayev added that Kazakhstan’s political and economic reforms are aimed at shifting the country from a resource-dependent model to a diversified, knowledge-based economy, and noted that the DFC’s investment priorities align closely with Kazakhstan’s development agenda. The two sides discussed prospects for cooperation in critical minerals, transport connectivity, agriculture, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. They also reviewed the possibility of opening a permanent DFC office in Kazakhstan.
Indian Ocean Region
India lodged a strong diplomatic protest against the United States after a US military strike killed three Indian seafarers aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman on June 11, 2026. The United States claimed that the vessel was violating its blockade of Iranian ports and failed to comply with instructions, describing it as a “precision” strike against the ship after its crew did not follow directions. This was the third attack in a week on vessels carrying Indian mariners off Oman, following separate attacks on the Marivex, Settebello, and Jalveer on June 8, 9, and 11 respectively.
