India’s Proximity Archives
Date: June 18, 2025
South Asia
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on June 18. PM Modi discussed “Operation Sindoor” with President Trump and highlighted that at no point was there a discussion on the India-US trade deal or any proposal for US mediation between India and Pakistan. He also told President Trump that India would now treat terrorist attacks as acts of war rather than proxy actions. Earlier, President Trump had claimed that the US played a significant role in facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, emphasising that his commitment to enhancing trade relations with both nations was instrumental in achieving the cessation of hostilities.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on June 18. PM Modi discussed “Operation Sindoor” with President Trump and highlighted that at no point was there a discussion on the India-US trade deal or any proposal for US mediation between India and Pakistan. He also told President Trump that India would now treat terrorist attacks as acts of war rather than proxy actions. Earlier, President Trump had claimed that the US played a significant role in facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, emphasising that his commitment to enhancing trade relations with both nations was instrumental in achieving the cessation of hostilities.
Southeast Asia
On June 16, Cambodia delivered a letter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) requesting it to rule on the demarcation of disputed border areas with Thailand. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said "Cambodia will not back away from using legal mechanisms through the ICJ to seek a resolution on the Cambodia-Thailand border issue over TAMONE THOM Temple, TAMONE TOUCH Temple, TA KRABEY Temple, and MOMBEI area. However, Thailand has indicated that it prefers that the disputed border be settled through bilateral negotiations with the Joint Boundary Commission as the main venue.
East Asia
On June 12, 2025, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong met with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi for a new round of the China-India Vice Foreign Minister-Foreign Secretary Dialogue. Sun emphasised the need to build on the recent positive momentum in bilateral relations, calling for enhanced political trust, cooperation, and constructive engagement based on the leaders’ understanding reached in Kazan. Both sides discussed key international and regional issues, pledged support for each other’s initiatives, including India’s support for China’s SCO presidency, and noted preparations for the 24th Special Representatives' Meeting on the boundary issue. They also committed to reviving dialogue mechanisms, resuming direct flights and media exchanges, facilitating Indian pilgrims’ travel to Xizang, and continuing commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Sun conveyed China’s condolences over the air crash in Gujarat on the same day.
On June 12, 2025, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong met with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi for a new round of the China-India Vice Foreign Minister-Foreign Secretary Dialogue. Sun emphasised the need to build on the recent positive momentum in bilateral relations, calling for enhanced political trust, cooperation, and constructive engagement based on the leaders’ understanding reached in Kazan. Both sides discussed key international and regional issues, pledged support for each other’s initiatives, including India’s support for China’s SCO presidency, and noted preparations for the 24th Special Representatives' Meeting on the boundary issue. They also committed to reviving dialogue mechanisms, resuming direct flights and media exchanges, facilitating Indian pilgrims’ travel to Xizang, and continuing commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Sun conveyed China’s condolences over the air crash in Gujarat on the same day.
West Asia
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) conducted pre-emptive strikes on Iran's nuclear sites on June 13, marking a significant escalation of the military conflict between the two countries. IDF’s precision strikes resulted in the deaths of key figures within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including Commander Hossein Salami, Aerospace and Ballistic Missile Program Chief Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and Intelligence Chief Mohammad Kazemi. All three were close advisers to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missiles targeting Israel’s financial hub, Tel Aviv, as well as Haifa and Jerusalem. Amidst this, President Trump urged Iran to surrender and agree to a new nuclear agreement, warning that the US and Israel had gained comprehensive control over Iran's airspace and were aware of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's location.
Central Asia
The Second China-Central Asia Summit was convened, in Astana, on June 17, 2025. Hosted at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the event was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Central Asian counterparts. During the Summit, President Tokayev declared that ties between Central Asia and China have reached the level of an eternal and comprehensive strategic partnership. Additionally, the heads of state signed the Astana Declaration of the second Central Asia-China summit and the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship, and Cooperation. The summit saw agreements signed across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology, solidifying China’s growing influence in the strategically vital region. China and the Central Asian nations are poised to finalize over 35 memorandums collectively valued at more than $17 billion.
Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (UK) conducted a two-day Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the North Arabian Sea on June 9 and 10, 2025. The exercise involved INS Tabar, an Indian Navy submarine, and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft operating alongside the UK Carrier Strike Group, which included HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond. The navies executed a series of complex operations, including anti-submarine warfare drills, tactical manoeuvres, cross-deck helicopter operations, and officer exchanges. A key highlight was the coordinated anti-submarine warfare exercises, which utilized the Indian Navy’s submarine and the advanced sensors of the P-8I aircraft in conjunction with Royal Navy assets to enhance interoperability and maritime security.
