DPG West Asia Review
Confrontation between Egypt and Turkey over Libya is escalating. Egypt has drawn red lines and President El-Sisi warned Turkey that the flow of Turkish-backed militias into Libya means an assault on the national security of Egypt, which could result in direct military intervention. In other major news, Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi will visit Washington next week for the second round of strategic talks between the two countries. The Iraqi government has also received parliamentary approval to borrow USD 5 billion from abroad to cope with the on-going COVID-19 crisis and fall in crude oil prices.
The COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. sanctions have ravaged Iran’s economy. President Rouhani accepted this reality, while, Supreme Leader Khamenei warned that Iran’s economy could worsen further if coronavirus continues to spread. In a major development of geopolitical significance, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced plans to establish a permanent military base in the Indian Ocean by March 2021. The U.S. on the other hand continues to push for re-imposition of the UN arms embargo on Iran. Secretary of State Pompeo said, “If the UN fails to extend an arms embargo on Iran, the U.S. will seek "snap back" multilateral sanctions.”
India-Israel defence cooperation has strengthened significantly in the last few years. In the on-going standoff between India and China, Israeli Heron drones have been used for technical surveillance in Eastern Ladakh. Israel has also committed to provide air defence equipment to India.
The Vande Bharat Mission launched to repatriate stranded Indian’s from abroad has entered fourth phase. In this phase 41 flights from Kuwait, 59 from UAE and 16 from Oman will be operated for repatriation. In other major news that will affect thousands of Indian Muslims, Saudi Arabia has barred international pilgrims from performing Haj in 2020.
On the economic front, a consortium of six global firms entered into a deal worth $20 billion with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) on June 23, 2020. In another news of major geo-economic significance, Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah has said, “China is prepared to invest in key infrastructure projects in Lebanon should the crisis-hit country embrace the East.”
