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 | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly updates

 

Switzerland reports $112 mil in frozen Syrian assets

The Swiss government stated Wednesday that 99 million Swiss francs ($112 million) worth of Syrian assets are now frozen in Switzerland, the majority of which have been barred for years. 

Since Switzerland ratified European Union sanctions against Syria in May 2011, the majority of the amount has been frozen, according to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco). 

In response to an EU move, Switzerland this week added three additional individuals to its list of individuals subject to sanctions relating to Syria.

read more: https://thepaypers.com/digital-identity-security-online-fraud/switzerland-announces-technical-framework-for-e-id-and-e-wallet--1271436 

Switzerland supports UN Gaza ceasefire resolution

Switzerland supported a successful resolution passed by the UN General Assembly that demanded the immediate release of the hostages and an unconditional, long-term peace in the Gaza Strip. 

Late Thursday in New York, Switzerland and 157 other members approved the text. Despite 13 abstentions and nine votes against, including from the US and Israel, the resolution was approved. 

UN General Assembly resolutions have political symbolic value but are not legally enforceable. The body passed identical resolutions twice last year, but this time the demands are more forceful and the language of the text is clearer.

read more: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/switzerland-supports-un-gaza-ceasefire-resolution/88580726

Swiss parliament rejects UN migration pact

The parliament has decided that Switzerland should not ratify the UN Global Compact on Migration. 

Even though the document is not legally obligatory on the Confederation's immigration policy, the House of Representatives rejected it on Thursday by a vote of 121 to 65, following the Senate's lead. 

The Pact is a comprehensive framework for action to enhance international cooperation in the subject of migration, and it was adopted by the UN in December 2018.

read more: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/parliament-says-no-to-un-migration-pact/88581862

Belgium ordered to pay reparations for colonial kidnappings

Five mixed-race ladies who were taken from their families during the Belgian Congo's colonial era were ordered to receive reparations from the government by a Belgian court. 

According to a governmental policy, the women, who are now in their 70s, were taken from their mothers when they were young and placed in orphanages. 

A "plan to systematically search for and abduct children born to a Black mother and a white father" was alleged by the court. 

Judges declared the kidnappings "an inhumane act of persecution" and declared this a crime against humanity on Monday.

read more: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3l1w2pn9go.amp

Tibetans in Switzerland and Liechtenstein Commemorate the 76th International Human Rights Day with Peaceful Demonstration

The Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein planned a nonviolent protest in front of the UN Human Rights Council and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva on December 10, 2024, the 76th International Human Rights Day. 

They encouraged the Chinese authorities to shut down permanent schools and demanded human rights in Tibet. After singing the Tibetan national song and organising a nonviolent march, the event started with a gathering in front of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights office in Geneva. 

A representative from the Tibet Bureau in Geneva, Thinley Chukki, took part in the protest. They gathered in front of the world conference and then honoured the Tibetan martyrs with a moment of silence.

read more: https://tibet.net/tibetans-in-switzerland-and-liechtenstein-commemorate-the-76th-international-human-rights-day-with-peaceful-demonstration/

News Bits collected by [Region Head]: 

Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 3rd year)

Uttam Roy (BA IR 3rd year)

Published By: Varsha Das (BA IR, 3rd year)

 Austria Halts Asylum Processing for Syrians Following Assad’s Ouster

Austria’s caretaker government suspended the processing of asylum applications for Syrians after Syrian rebels seized Damascus, leading to President Bashar al-Assad's flight to Russia.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced plans for a "programme of orderly repatriation and deportation" to Syria, though no specific methods were disclosed.

The government also paused family reunification for Syrian refugees, affecting 1,146 pending applications.

The move reflects Austria’s conservative People's Party's hardline stance on immigration, which aligns with the policies of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO).

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/austria-stops-processing-syrians-asylum-applications-after-assad-falls-2024-12-09/

 Austria Lifts Veto on Bulgaria and Romania’s Full Schengen Membership

Austria has lifted its veto on Bulgaria and Romania becoming full members of the Schengen free-travel area, clearing the way for EU interior ministers to formalize the decision.

Bulgaria and Romania had previously joined "Schengen Air" in March 2024, with air and maritime border checks lifted. The latest move allows land border entry into the Schengen zone.

Austria claims its initial veto prompted stronger border controls, resulting in a significant drop in illegal border crossings — from 70,000 interceptions last year to 4,000 this year.

The Austrian Interior Ministry framed the shift as a success in addressing illegal immigration, crediting its initial opposition for the enhanced border control measures.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/austria-drops-veto-bulgaria-romania-fully-joining-schengen-travel-zone-2024-12-09/

Belgium Found Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity for Colonial-Era Abduction of Children in Congo

A Brussels appeals court ruled that Belgium committed crimes against humanity by kidnapping thousands of mixed-race children from their Black mothers during colonial rule in Congo (1908-1960). Five women, now in their 70s and 80s, were awarded €50,000 each as compensation for "moral damage" caused by their forced separation from their families.

Thousands of mixed-race children, known as métis, were taken from their mothers and placed in Catholic institutions where they were labeled "children of sin." The children suffered malnutrition, abuse, and loss of identity, with some being told their fathers were dead or that "the state" was their parent.

After Belgium's government apologized for its role in 2019, five survivors, including Lea Tavares Mujinga and Simone Ngalula, pursued legal action. Initially, a lower court rejected their claim in 2021, but they won on appeal in 2024, marking a landmark legal acknowledgment of Belgium’s colonial crimes.

The ruling is being hailed as a historic victory and a precedent in European legal history. It represents the first time a European court has condemned a colonial-era state for crimes against humanity, setting a legal precedent for addressing colonial injustices.

"The Belgian government took my youth away," said plaintiff Monique Bitu Bingi. The ruling offers some relief for survivors and their families, with many hoping it will prompt further accountability for colonial-era abuses.

Read more at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/belgium-has-been-found-guilty-of-crimes-against-humanity-for-kidnapping-thousands-of-children-in-congo-180985639/

French Government Collapses After No-Confidence Vote Against PM Michel Barnier

The French government has fallen after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote, the first such collapse since 1962. The motion, backed by 331 MPs, came just three months after Barnier’s appointment by President Emmanuel Macron.

The crisis was sparked when Barnier invoked special powers to pass a €60bn deficit-cutting budget, drawing opposition from the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) and far-right National Rally (RN), who called it "toxic" and undemocratic.

Barnier must resign but may remain as caretaker PM. President Macron faces pressure to appoint a successor quickly, especially with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump visiting Paris for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

With no parliamentary majority and no new elections until July, the next prime minister will face similar challenges. While Macron is not directly affected, Marine Le Pen warned that ignoring voters' voices could increase calls for his resignation.

Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxz934p56qo

Russia to Halt Gas Supplies to Austria from Saturday: Key Highlights

Russia will suspend gas deliveries to Austria via Ukraine, effectively ending Moscow’s last significant gas flows to Europe. This move follows Ukraine’s refusal to extend its gas transit agreement with Gazprom, aimed at cutting Russia's war profits.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer assured citizens that no household will face heating issues, as gas storage is sufficient. Energy supplier OMV has prepared for the cut-off, securing imports from Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Hungary and Slovakia, which also rely on gas via Ukraine, will face changes. Hungary already imports gas via the TurkStream pipeline, while Slovakia will need to adjust its energy sources.

The gas suspension is seen as a strategic flex by Russia amid growing pressure for a Ukraine ceasefire. EU officials stated that member states have alternative supply options, reducing reliance on Russian gas.

Read more at: https://indianexpress.com/article/news-today/austria-says-russia-to-cut-off-gas-soon-9672244/

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)