India’s Proximity Archives
Date: April 16, 2025
South Asia
Following his conviction, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian citizen and Pakistani national, was extradited by the United States to India on April 9 to face trial on ten counts of criminal charges stemming from his participation in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, which were carried out by the designated foreign terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT). Rana’s transfer from Los Angeles to New Delhi was facilitated by a dedicated aircraft, accompanied by security details from the NSG and NIA. In an X post, Secretary Rubio affirmed the United States and India’s longstanding pursuit of justice for the 166 victims of the attacks, among whom were six American citizens. The Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has expressed his gratitude for the collaborative counter-terrorism initiatives between India and the United States.
Following his conviction, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian citizen and Pakistani national, was extradited by the United States to India on April 9 to face trial on ten counts of criminal charges stemming from his participation in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, which were carried out by the designated foreign terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT). Rana’s transfer from Los Angeles to New Delhi was facilitated by a dedicated aircraft, accompanied by security details from the NSG and NIA. In an X post, Secretary Rubio affirmed the United States and India’s longstanding pursuit of justice for the 166 victims of the attacks, among whom were six American citizens. The Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has expressed his gratitude for the collaborative counter-terrorism initiatives between India and the United States.
Southeast Asia
On April 15, China’s President Xi Jinping arrived in Malaysia as part of a Southeast Asian tour, which is seen as delivering a personal message that Beijing is a more reliable trading partner than the United States. This is President Xi’s first visit to Malaysia since 2013. Prior to arriving in Kuala Lumpur, President Xi posted an article entitled “May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future”. In his article, President Xi emphasised that the deepening “high-level strategic cooperation” was good for the common interests of both China and Malaysia”, and the two countries will work together“ to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, as well as the counter currents of unilateralism and protectionism”.
East Asia
On April 10, the Republic of Korea (ROK) established diplomatic relations with Syria, marking a historic milestone as the ROK now has formal ties with all 191 UN Member States. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani signed a Joint Communiqué in Damascus, opening a new chapter for bilateral cooperation. Minister Cho emphasised the importance of Syria's stability for global peace and expressed the ROK's willingness to assist in Syria's reconstruction and provide humanitarian aid. In return, Minister al-Shaibani expressed gratitude and called for support in easing sanctions on Syria. Cho also met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, offering support for Syria's new inclusive government and the country's reconstruction and sustainable development.
West Asia
On April 12, the US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held the first round of indirect talks on Iran's nuclear program in Oman. Iran described the dialogue as "constructive and promising", while the US emphasised that any final agreement must establish a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East – underscoring the need for Tehran to cease and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponisation program. According to reports, as part of a possible nuclear deal with Iran, the US would propose transferring Iran's enriched Uranium to a third party, such as Russia. The Russian President's Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov, declined to comment on any such agreement.
On April 12, the US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held the first round of indirect talks on Iran's nuclear program in Oman. Iran described the dialogue as "constructive and promising", while the US emphasised that any final agreement must establish a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East – underscoring the need for Tehran to cease and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponisation program. According to reports, as part of a possible nuclear deal with Iran, the US would propose transferring Iran's enriched Uranium to a third party, such as Russia. The Russian President's Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov, declined to comment on any such agreement.
Central Asia
The Central Asia-European Union Summit between leaders of the EU and the five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on April 4, 2025. The EU was represented by António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The most tangible outcome was the EU’s €12 billion (US$ 13.6 billion) assistance package, which is intended to support the expansion of commercial routes, the mining sector and digital connectivity across Central Asia. However, specifics around how the funds will be distributed or how they are linked to the € 10 billion in development aid pledged at the 2024 Global Gateway Investors Forum are sparse.
The Central Asia-European Union Summit between leaders of the EU and the five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on April 4, 2025. The EU was represented by António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The most tangible outcome was the EU’s €12 billion (US$ 13.6 billion) assistance package, which is intended to support the expansion of commercial routes, the mining sector and digital connectivity across Central Asia. However, specifics around how the funds will be distributed or how they are linked to the € 10 billion in development aid pledged at the 2024 Global Gateway Investors Forum are sparse.
Indian Ocean Region
The Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025 was officially inaugurated on April 13, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and African nations. This large-scale, six-day multilateral naval exercise is co-hosted by India and Tanzania, with participation from nine African countries: Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and the host nation, Tanzania. The Indian Navy is contributing three warships to the Sea Phase — INS Chennai, INS Kesari and INS Sunayna.
The Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025 was officially inaugurated on April 13, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and African nations. This large-scale, six-day multilateral naval exercise is co-hosted by India and Tanzania, with participation from nine African countries: Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and the host nation, Tanzania. The Indian Navy is contributing three warships to the Sea Phase — INS Chennai, INS Kesari and INS Sunayna.
