INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

 

India’s Growing Strategic Ties with West Asia

• India’s shift from the “Look West” policy under Dr. Manmohan Singh to PM Modi’s “Link and ACT West” strategy has deepened ties with GCC nations, balancing energy security, defence cooperation, and relations with Iran, Israel, and Palestine.

• PM Modi’s 2024 visit to Kuwait elevated relations to a strategic partnership, diversifying cooperation to defence, technology, healthcare, and energy while signing multiple MoUs, including counterterrorism commitments.

• GCC nations, including Kuwait, contribute significantly to India’s energy needs (35% of oil, 70% of gas imports) and economic engagement, with bilateral trade with Kuwait alone reaching $10.75 billion in 2023-24.

• India’s defence agreements with GCC countries mark a shift beyond traditional oil and trade relations, as GCC nations increasingly look towards Asia for strategic partnerships, fostering mutual growth and regional stability.

Read Ahead At:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/ChanakyaCode/india-and-kuwait-elevate-their-ties-to-strategic-partnership-part-of-link-and-act-west-asia-policy/

Renewed Threat of ISIS and Global Lone-Wolf Attacks

• A truck attack in New Orleans killed 15 and injured 30, followed by a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an IS-inspired former military serviceman, was killed, and investigations revealed possible links between the two incidents.

• Despite losing its Caliphate, IS continues to inspire global terror through propaganda, urging attacks during western celebrations. Similar tactics led to lone-wolf attacks worldwide in 2014-15, targeting cities from Orlando to Istanbul.

• The group has shifted operations to Afghanistan and Africa while attempting to rebuild in Syria, looting weapons and exploiting conflicts. Kurdish fighters warn of IS preparing for a comeback amid Syria’s ongoing turmoil.

• The U.S. must counter radicalisation within its borders and prevent IS from regaining a foothold in West Asia. A dual approach of military force and ideological countermeasures is essential to combat the evolving threat.

Read Ahead At:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/%E2%80%8Bforce-of-ideas-on-the-new-orleans-truck-attack/article69054089.ece

Israel’s Stern Warning to Houthis Amid Escalating West Asia Conflict

• Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon issued a strong warning at the UN, cautioning Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels against missile attacks on Israel, threatening severe retaliation akin to actions against Hamas and Hezbollah.

• Despite the warning, Houthis launched missiles targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and a power station, intercepted by Israel’s defense systems. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree vowed continued attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

• In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi infrastructure in Yemen, with Defense Minister Israel Katz pledging to target Houthi leaders and escalate military action if the attacks persist.

• The conflict raises fears of broader regional instability and humanitarian crises, with international observers, including the UN, expressing concerns over the escalating violence and its implications for West Asia.

Read Ahead At:

https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/news/israel-issues-stern-warning-to-houthis-amidst-west-asia-war-at-un-2024-12-31-968846

UAE taxes, laws and charges coming into effect from January 2025

• The UAE will implement new legislation aimed at addressing health care inequalities and enhancing environmental protection.

• The government plans to rethink its tax strategies, suggesting possible changes to existing tax policies.

• The forthcoming laws are expected to significantly affect the daily lives of both UAE citizens and residents.

• The new measures underscore a commitment to improving healthcare access and promoting sustainability within the UAE.

Read Ahead At: 

https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/01/01/uae-taxes-laws-and-charges-coming-into-effect-from-january-2025/

Syria FM in Saudi Arabia on maiden trip as new rulers reset regional ties

• Syria's new Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, made his inaugural overseas trip to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant diplomatic step after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

• Al-Shaibani expressed hopes to establish a "new, bright page" in Syrian-Saudi relations, emphasizing the historical ties between the two nation.

• The Syrian delegation included key officials, such as the Defence Minister and the Head of General Intelligence, highlighting the visit's importance for diplomatic and strategic collaboration.

• Saudi officials indicated a commitment to support Syria’s political transition and discussed potential investments, reflecting Riyadh's interest in strengthening ties as Iran's influence wanes in the region.

Read Ahead At: 

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/2/syria-fm-in-saudi-arabia-on-maiden-trip-as-new-rulers-reset-regional-ties

Benign food prices help Turkey’s disinflation path

• Turkey's December inflation rate was reported at 1.0%, lower than expected, with annual inflation decreasing to 44.4% from 47.1% the previous month.

• The food sector significantly contributed to the lower inflation, with unprocessed food inflation moderating, leading to a drop in fresh fruit and vegetable prices.

• Core inflation showed improvement, with the monthly rate at 1.1%, the lowest since mid-2021, suggesting a positive underlying trend in inflation management.

• Despite potential temporary increases in inflation due to government adjustments, disinflation is expected to continue, with forecasts indicating inflation may drop below 30% by the end of 2025.

Read Ahead At: 

https://think.ing.com/snaps/turkey-disinflation-continues-with-benign-food-prices/

Deepanshi Pathak (BA IR, 3rd year) (Region Head)

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 2nd year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 2nd year)

Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)

INR | APAC : Weekly Updates

 

Australia strikes US$118 million policing deal with China-friendly Solomon Islands

• Australia is confirmed to help boost the police force of Solomons Island with an infrastructure package, multi-year funding, and training for the Pacific nation with close ties with China. 

• It represents a new foundation for Australia’s security partnership with the Solomon Islands, according to Prime Minister Antonio Albanese.

• The Solomons police announced on the same day that it had received a modest donation from China as well, a sign of the competition Australia faces from Beijing.

Read ahead:

Australia announces $118 million deal to enhance policing in the Solomon Islands

An ethnic group claims to have captured a regional army headquarters

• The latest in the long series of regional talks held in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, it has made no headway in restoring peace to the war-torn Southeast Asian nation. 

• Myanmar has been wracked by violence ever since its army overthrew the elected government in the year 2021. They violently repressed the pro-democracy protests, lasting to the arms resistance movement. 

• The military government has used harsh tactics to suppress its opponents, including air strikes, but the war has only become fiercer, especially in the past year. 

Read ahead:

An ethnic armed group in western Myanmar claims to have captured a major regional army headquarters | AP News

Pakistan Denounces US Sanctions on Its Missile Programmes

• Pakistan denounces the US sanctions on the country's missile program as “discriminatory” that puts the region's peace and security at risk.

• Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the sanctions “have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond.”

•  It also accused the U.S. of “double standards” for waiving licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries.

Read ahead:

Pakistan denounces US sanctions on its missile program as ‘discriminatory’ | CNN

US arms manufacturers could help boost Vietnam's military capabilities, said US ambassador

• US manufacturers could help build up Vietnam’s armed forces by working with Vietnamese counterparts

• The US Ambassador Mark Knapper said, “Our goal is to ensure that vietnam has what it needs to defend its interests”.

• Vietnam has been trying to increase its domestic arms manufacturing instead of being dependent on Russia for weapon imports.

• Read ahead:

US ambassador to Vietnam says US arms manufacturers could help Vietnam build up its armed forces - The Economic Times

102 Rohingya refugees were rescued by the Sri Lankan navy

• A Sri Lankan navy spokesperson said that more than 100 people believed to be Rohingya refugees were spotted by a fisherman on the Sri Lankan northern coast.

• The refugees include 25 children and 30 women. Later they were escorted to the eastern coast where they were given medical care, food, and water.

• The navy has not yet confirmed if the refugees are Rohingya because of the communication difficulties but the group is believed to be from Myanmar according to the navy.

Read ahead:

Sri Lanka's navy rescues 102 Rohingya refugees found adrift aboard a fishing trawler | AP News

China criticizes Phillippine’s plan to deploy mid range missiles

• The Philippines has announced their plans to acquire midrange missile systems to strengthen its territorial defence amidst tensions with China in the South China Sea.

• China has marked this move as "extremely irresponsible," claiming it could provoke geopolitical confrontations and an arms race.

• The United States has reaffirmed their commitment to mutual defence and advocated for the typhoon as a necessary defence against China’s growing military presence.

Read Ahead: https://apnews.com/article/china-philippines-deploy-missile-system-95a5d4b923b262f400c540e1b6926b0e

Violence in Manipur leads to widespread displacement

• Ethnic violence in Manipur has led to a humanitarian crisis, causing thousands of people to be displaced from their homes due to ongoing standoff.

• The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, is causing concerns over the region's stability and human rights violations.

• The Indian government has been criticized for its slow response, with calls for immediate action to restore peace and provide assistance to the displaced populations.

Read Ahead: https://apnews.com/article/india-manipur-ethnic-violence-displacement-9153549db3852e7f34a3ef70b7bdb349

India marks tsunami anniversary with reflection on earthquake’s impact

• On the anniversary of the 2004 tsunami, India mourns the devastating loss of life, with thousands of families still in pain of their lost loved ones in Tamil Nadu.

• The scars left by the tsunami and the earthquake remain, as survivors are still facing the harsh reality of rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the tragedy.

• For many, the trauma of that day is still raw, and the anniversary serves as a painful reminder of the immense cost of human lives due to natural disasters.

Read Ahead: https://apnews.com/article/india-tsunami-anniversary-earthquake-tamil-nadu-9b0f71ec5cb2135747f349208bf5beb2

Japan’s former Emperor Akihito marks his 91st birthday

• Japan’s beloved former Emperor Akihito marked his 91st birthday on Monday, as he continues to pursue his lifetime research into goby fish, care for his wife and pray for peace.

• Akihito, who abdicated in 2019 and handed over the Chrysanthemum throne to his son, Emperor Naruhito, now holds the title of Emperor Emeritus.

Read Ahead: https://apnews.com/article/japan-akihito-emperor-empress-birthday-abdication-monarchy-58cca340fee8f2353e826620f5a8ee66

Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility for a deadly military checkpoint attack in the northwest

• The Pakistani Taliban on Saturday claimed responsibility for a deadly military checkpoint attack in the country’s northwest.

• The militant group said it killed 35 soldiers and injured 15 others in an early morning raid. It also claimed seizing equipment including a night vision device and weapons. 

• It’s Pakistan Taliban’s latest assault on troops in the restive province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan. They made the claims in one of their WhatsApp chat groups.

Read ahead: https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-taliban-checkpoint-attack-waziristan-fff19247b8a3f72b10b12554527ea039

Drafted by:

Daney Antonio Martin (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year) (Region Head)

Gouri Kapoor (BA IR, 1st Year)

Nripan Babu (BA IR, 1st Year)

Published by:

Varsha Das (B.A. I.R., 3rd Year)

INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

 

Israel conducts strikes in central Syria killing 7 people, injuring 15 others: Report

• Israel conducted airstrikes in central Syria, resulting in the deaths of 5 people and injuring 19 others, according to a report.

• The airstrikes targeted Iranian-backed militia positions in the Palmyra region of Syria, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirming the casualties.

• The Israeli military has not commented on the strikes, but it has been known to target Iranian-backed forces in Syria in the past.

• The incident is the latest in a series of reported Israeli strikes in Syria, which have been aimed at preventing Iran from establishing a military presence in the country.

Read more - https://www.firstpost.com/world/israel-conducts-strikes-in-central-syria-killing-5-people-injuring-19-others-report-13813181.html

Azerbaijan holds snap parliamentary election amid recent territorial gains

• Azerbaijan held a snap parliamentary election on February 9, with voters electing a new parliament amid recent territorial gains by the country.

• The election was called by President Ilham Aliyev in December, with the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party expected to maintain its majority in the 125-seat parliament.

• The election comes after Azerbaijan's military victory in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia in 2020, which led to the country regaining control of several territories.

• The new parliament is expected to focus on rebuilding and developing the recently regained territories, as well as addressing economic and social issues in the country.

Read more - https://www.firstpost.com/world/azerbaijan-holds-snap-parliamentary-election-amid-recent-territorial-gains-13810388.html

First India-Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers' meet promises to deepen ties 

• The first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' meeting was held, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between India and the GCC countries.

• The meeting resulted in a joint statement promising to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, security, and counter-terrorism, with a focus on mutual benefit and shared interests.

• The GCC countries, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are key partners for India in the region, with bilateral trade valued at over $100 billion.

• The meeting is seen as a significant development in India's efforts to expand its diplomatic and economic ties with the Gulf region, with potential opportunities for cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges.

Read more - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/first-india-gulf-cooperation-council-foreign-ministers-meet-promises-to-deepen-ties/articleshow/113173009.cms?from=mdr

Cracks in export backbone: MSME units in 4 manufacturing hubs shut shops as global orders dry up

• MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) units in four major manufacturing hubs in India, including Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Surat, are shutting down due to a decline in global orders.

• The decline in exports has led to a significant decrease in production, resulting in job losses and financial difficulties for many MSMEs, which are a crucial part of India's export backbone.

• The main reasons for the decline in exports include a global economic slowdown, increased competition from other countries, and a rise in raw material costs, making Indian products less competitive in the global market.

• The shutdown of MSME units is likely to have a ripple effect on the overall economy, as these units are often the primary source of employment and income for many people, and their closure could lead to a decline in economic growth and increased unemployment.

Read more - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/trade/exports/insights/cracks-in-export-backbone-msme-units-in-4-manufacturing-hubs-shut-shops-as-global-orders-dry-up/articleshow/113113947.cms?from=mdr

India's Strengthening Ties with West Asia: Strategic Partnerships and Enhanced Cooperation

• India's West Asia strategy has evolved from a transactional relationship to a strategic partnership, with frequent high-level exchanges and a focus on energy, economy, and expatriate welfare.

• India has successfully de-hyphenated its relationships with Gulf countries, maintaining ties with Israel and Palestine while fostering partnerships with GCC nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

• India is working on free trade agreements (FTAs) with the GCC, aiming to build on its success with the UAE and enhance economic cooperation, including bilateral trade in local currencies.

• India has joined multilateral platforms like I2U2 and IMEEC, with ambitions to create an ‘India-GCC/West Asia Strategic Forum’ to deepen institutional and strategic collaboration.

• India's growing influence in mediating regional conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine war, and its involvement in initiatives like BRICS are further boosting its stature in West Asia.

Read Ahead At: https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/india-gcc-meet-how-modi-era-diplomacy-has-bridged-the-gulf-between-india-and-west-asia-13813247.html

Oil Prices Surge Amid Fears of West Asia Escalation and US Rate Cut Speculation

• Brent crude and US crude futures both rose by about 1% due to concerns that escalating Gaza conflict could disrupt oil supplies.

• Weekend clashes between Hezbollah and Israel raised fears of a broader regional conflict that might involve Iran and the US, though no oil output disruptions have occurred yet.

• Oil prices were further boosted by expectations of US interest rate cuts, following statements from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

• Investors remain cautious about OPEC+'s planned production increase, with potential excess supply concerns, especially amid weakening demand in China.

• Strong US oil demand and the refilling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) are providing some support to prices against OPEC supply risks.

Read Ahead At: https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/oil-prices-jump-1-on-west-asia-escalation-fears-us-rate-cut-expectations-124082600419_1.html

Deepanshi Pathak (BA IR, 3rd year) (Region Head)

Jiah Malik (BA IR 2nd year) 

published by 
Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)