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Indo-Pacific Monitor
Air and missile power, primarily from US aircraft carriers and CENTCOM forces in the region and from Israel, struck Iran commencing February 28, 2026, bringing war to the Gulf and the Western Indian Ocean. An Iranian warship was sunk off Sri Lanka, while two others were interned in Kochi and Trincomalee. Iran used its ballistic missiles and drones to attack energy facilities and US bases in the Gulf and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, severely impacting global energy flows and trade. At the end of March, continued and even escalating conflict appeared likely.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Washington D.C. from March 18-20 for a summit with US President Donald Trump. She announced Japanese investments in the US worth $ 73 billion, signalled closer bilateral defence ties, and affirmed her personal rapport with the US President.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited India, Australia and Japan from February 28 – March 07 in an attempt to build economic and security relations with Asian powers and hedge against volatility in ties with the US.
Mauritius suspended diplomatic relations with the Maldives, citing the latter’s refusal to recognise its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.
President Trump delayed a visit to China that was to commence on March 31 on account of the US war on Iran. The visit is now scheduled for May 14-15, 2026.
China announced a defence budget of 1.91 trillion Yuan (about $ 277 billion) for 2026 on March 05.
US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby visited India from March 24-25. He co-chaired a meeting of the India-US Defence Policy Group to take forward bilateral defence ties.
China, continuing its policy of grey zone coercion, was involved in confrontation with the Philippines and Australia in the Spratly Islands and Yellow Sea respectively during the month.
Australia conducted its International Fleet Review at Sydney and multi-national Exercise Kakadu commencing March 21. INS Nilgiri represented India at both events.
To read this issue please click Indo-Pacific Monitor Vol. VII, Issue 3.
