India’s Proximity Archives
South Asia
During a visit to Pakistan from July 15-16, Indonesian Defence Minister, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. General Sjamsoeddin articulated his country’s intention to enhance defense cooperation and investigate collaborative opportunities in the defense manufacturing sector with Pakistan. A press release notes Prime Minister Shehbaz’s reaffirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to seeking and developing partnerships with Indonesia in mutually beneficial investment projects through joint ventures. The ongoing initiatives under the Pakistan-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement were also reviewed, with an agreement to expedite implementation in areas of mutual priority.
Southeast Asia
On July 16, US President Donald Trump said the US would impose a 19 percent tariff on goods from Indonesia under a new agreement, while US exports will not be taxed. Following the announcement at the White House, President Trump stated, “They are paying 19% and we are not paying anything” and further said “We are going to have full access to Indonesia”. Trump later said on his Truth Social platform that Indonesia had agreed to buy US$ 15 billion of US energy products, US$ 4.5 billion of American farm products and 50 Boeing Jets (“many of them 777s), though no time frame was specified.
East Asia
On July 13, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing on the sidelines of the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Wang Yi noted the strengths of China-Russia relations as the most stable, mature, and strategically valuable bilateral ties. He also emphasised that the priority for the two nations should be to prepare for future high-level exchanges, enhance comprehensive strategic coordination, advance mutual development and jointly navigate global challenges. Underscoring the SCO’s role in promoting multilateralism and cooperation among the Global South, Wang Yi expressed China’s readiness to work with Russia and other member states for the success of the upcoming Tianjin Summit. Sergei Lavrov, echoing Wang Yi’s views, affirmed Russia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China across various fields and achieving continued progress in bilateral relations.
West Asia
After several days of clashes between the new Syrian regime forces and the minority Druze community, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) carried out drone strikes in the southwestern Syrian city of Sweida on July 15. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed that the Syrian regime's weapons that entered the Sweida area of the Druze Mountain violated the demilitarisation policy, which prohibits the entry of forces and weapons that endanger Israel from southern Syria. Due to Israel's deep covenant of blood with its Druze citizens and their familial connections with Druze in Syria, PM Netanyahu warned Damascus that Israel remains committed to protecting the Druze community in Syria. Since the outbreak of clashes in Sweida province, at least 203 people have been killed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Central Asia
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu made a significant move towards enhancing regional cooperation by visiting Kabul on July 11. During this visit, he signed a US$ 500 million agreement for the Herat-Torghundi railway project. Nurtleu also met with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and other senior officials from the Taliban-led government. In a joint statement, both sides emphasized their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in areas such as transit, trade, education, and regional security.
Indian Ocean Region
On 10 July 2025, Indian Naval Ship INS Tarkash participated in a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with HS Psara of the Hellenic Navy. The PASSEX included a wide range of advanced naval activities such as validation of communication procedures, tactical manoeuvres, approaches for replenishment-at-sea, surface firing exercises, and helicopter cross-deck landings. This engagement provided a valuable opportunity for both naval forces to exchange best practices, refine procedures, and build mutual understanding in maritime operations.
