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 | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA: Weekly Updates

Exclusive: U.S. researchers find probable launch site of Russia's new nuclear-powered missile 

• Two U.S. researchers say they have identified the probable deployment site in Russia of the 9M730 Burevestnik, a new nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile touted by President Vladimir Putin as "invincible."

• Using images taken on July 26 by Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, the two researchers identified a construction project abutting a nuclear warhead storage facility known by two names - Vologda-20 and Chebsara - as the new missile's potential deployment site.

• The identification of the missile's probable launch site suggests that Russia is proceeding with its deployment after a series of tests in recent years marred by problems, said Eveleth and the second researcher, Jeffery Lewis, of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

Read More - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-researchers-find-probable-launch-site-russias-new-nuclear-powered-missile-2024-09-02/

6 Killed, 13 Wounded In Suicide Bombing In Afghanistan's Kabul 

•  Kabul: A suicide bomber triggered explosives in the Afghan capital on Monday, police said, killing six people and wounding 13 more.

• Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran said "a person wearing explosives on his body detonated", and one woman was among the fatalities.

• Afghanistan's Taliban authorities have declared security their highest priority since surging back to power following the chaotic withdrawal of foreign forces three years ago.

Read More - https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/6-killed-13-wounded-in-suicide-bombing-in-afghanistans-kabul-cops-6475387

Afghanistan's escalating repression of women sparks global outrage 

• “Whenever an adult woman leaves her home out of necessity, she is required to conceal her voice, face, and body,” states a new law from the Afghan Ministry of Justice, aimed at “promoting virtue and preventing vice” among the Afghan population. 

• The plight of Afghan women, already banned from many jobs and with 4 million girls barred from secondary school, has sparked outrage worldwide.

• “Today, in Afghanistan, no woman can walk the streets with peace of mind,” said Sarah, a 27-year-old Afghan refugee in France. “They are afraid. I hope things will change one day, but sometimes I lose hope.”

Read More - https://international.la-croix.com/world/afghanistans-escalating-repression-of-women-sparks-global-outrage

Kazakhstan aims to position itself as hub of Eurasia with emphasis on rule of law

• President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised the importance of Kazakhstan’s commitment to progress, urging the nation to look beyond provocations and rely on the rule of law in his Monday’s 2 state-of-the-nation address.

• Tokayev emphasised the need for a peaceful and balanced foreign policy, stressing that diplomacy is essential in strengthening Kazakhstan’s sovereignty, protecting the rights of its citizens abroad, promoting national interests and attracting investment.

• Tokayev also stressed the necessity of developing air hubs to double the 150,000 tons of air cargo currently handled annually in Kazakhstan over the next four years.

Read More - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/kazakhstan-aims-to-position-itself-as-hub-of-eurasia-with-emphasis-on-rule-of-law/articleshow/113008547.cms

Russia's Nuclear Doctrine Shift: Responding to Escalation in Ukraine

• Russia is now making changes to its nuclear doctrine in response to what it perceives as an escalation driven by Western powers in Ukraine, suggesting potential changes to the conditions that might lead to the use of nuclear weapons.

• The recent cross-border incursion by Ukraine into Russia's Kursk region, employing weapons supplied by Western nations, has enhanced apprehensions regarding the possibility of Russia resorting to nuclear arms as a means of protecting its territory, representing a notable intensification of the ongoing conflict.

• Global and domestic ramifications are evident as Russia has been signalling to both its internal and external constituents the potential for modifications to its nuclear strategy. There have been continuous dialogues regarding the conceivable employment of nuclear arms in reaction to perceived threats against its territorial sovereignty, which has heightened apprehensions about a direct clash with Western nations.

Read more:

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/03/russia-hints-at-changing-stance-on-using-nuclear-weapons.html

Putin's Mongolia Visit: Warm Welcome Despite ICC Arrest Warrant

• Notwithstanding an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes, Vladimir Putin received a warm welcome in Mongolia with governmental authorities sidestepping calls to arrest the Russian president during the meeting with the Mongolian head of state Ukhnaa Khurelsukh.

• While a member of the ICC, Mongolia has stayed silent on any move against Russia over Ukraine and assumed a more neutral stance, abstaining from UN votes on the conflict-a position also driven by dependence on Russia for fuel and electricity, and China for mining investments.

• Throughout the visit, both Putin and Khurelsukh joined in a ceremony commemorating the 1939 Soviet-Mongolian victory against Japan while holding discussions on various prospective economic initiatives, including the Trans-Mongolian gas pipeline and a possible trilateral summit involving China.

Read more: 

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/3/putin-shrugs-off-war-crimes-warrant-on-visit-to-mongolia

Pakistan's SCO Summit: Will Modi Attend Amid India-Pakistan Tensions?

• Pakistan is all set to host  the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in October, but much attention is on whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend amid lingering tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

•  The long-standing rivalry between India and Pakistan has previously hampered organisations such as SAARC, with some apprehension that it may affect the SCO, though the latter is far better placed under the leadership of China and Russia.

• Analysts are sceptical of Modi attending the summit,given the tense relations between the two countries,  especially in light of India's recent hardline stance over dialogue with Pakistan.

Read more:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/3/will-india-pakistan-rivalry-hurt-russia-china-led-sco-grouping

Ukraine Escalates Conflict with Largest Drone Attack on Russia

• Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Russia, targeting key infrastructure including a refinery and a power station close to Moscow, in yet another signal of the increasingly violent conflict.

• The Ukrainian President, Zelensky said this is the only reasonable response after the relentless Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, and called on the West to drop restrictions on long-range weaponry that can hit key Russian targets.

• The government of Ukraine is pressing the US to supply Army Tactical Missile Systems [ATACMS] for deeper strikes within Russia on the grounds that many critical Russian military targets remain within reach despite current limitations.

Read more: 

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/02/europe/ukraine-big-drone-attack-russia-intl-hnk/index.html

News Bits collected by [Region Head]: 

Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 3rd year)

Drafted by: 

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 2nd year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 2nd year)

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

INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA : Weekly Updates

 Russian exclusion at the Olympic Games

• Mariya Lasitskene, a Tokyo 2020 gold medallist, expresses the hurt of not being able to participate in Paris 2024 due to the ban against Russian athletes issued since the beginning of aggression against Ukraine, showing how profound the emotional and professional impact is on Russian athletes.

• The Russian press and politicians give pejorative nicknames to the Paris Olympics, which indicates that for them, the Olympic Games have been politicized—but more than that, a broad national sentiment of grievance and exclusion is carried through.

•  In response to the exclusion, Russia hosted nationalistic sports festivals. These include traditional recreations and military-themed activities that are quite far from the international Olympic spirit.

Read more:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clwyy9j8wxdo

Russian Defence officials arrested in corruption probe

• Major General Vladimir Shesterov and Vyacheslav Akhmedov, the head of Patriot Park, have been detained over suspicions of fraud relating to the misappropriation of funds destined for work in the park.

• Wider Anti-Corruption Drive: It is part of an unprecedented wave of corruption investigations in the Russian military and defense sectors that have seen several high-ranking officials and businessmen arrested since April.

• The decision of President Vladimir Putin to replace Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu recently with Andrei Belousov signals towards the Kremlin's big push to tighten control over the defense budget and repressions against corruption in the midst of war in Ukraine.

Read more:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russia-detains-senior-defence-official-over-suspected-fraud-at-military-theme-park-101722860614475.html

Ukrainian athletes shine at the Olympic Games amidst the ongoing war

• Yaroslava Mahuchikh took gold in high jump and set a new world record, while her compatriots Iryna Gerashchenko and Mykhaylo Kohkan captured bronze medals, showcasing the spirit of strength and national pride amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

• Deep emotional turbulence and devotion are expressed by athletes in such remarks. In particular, Gerashchenko and Mahuchikh dedicate their medals to friends and family who have become victims of the war. The impact on athletes' personal lives and training conditions since this conflict broke out, including Mahuchikh's displacement from Dnipro, is highlighted.

• Despite the ruined sports infrastructure and miserable condition, the Ukrainian Olympic team continue to perform admirably; President Zelenskyy hails their strength. The athletes look upon participating in and winning the Olympics as a demonstration of the strengthening of their nation and a reminder of the ongoing war.

Read more: 

https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/paris-olympics-away-from-war-team-ukraine-wins-a-battle-and-more-9497448/

Mali severs ties with Ukraine over Wagner attack 

• Mali cuts ties with Ukraine over comments by a Ukrainian official acknowledging Kyiv's involvement in helping Tuareg rebels attack Russian Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers in a deadly assault.

• The rebels carried out a heavy strike in northern Mali, leaving many dead. It was among the heaviest blows suffered by Wagner. Ukraine stated it was not in any way related to the strike; its foreign ministry declared the decision of Mali to sever relations with it to be "shortsighted and hasty."

• The pivot toward Russia, spearheaded by the Malian approach to Wagner, further consolidated from 2021 after the coup that took place in 2020. In that context, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has, in fact, reaffirmed the support due for Mali.

Read more:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/5/mali-breaks-off-diplomatic-ties-with-ukraine

South Korea and Poland strengthen bilateral ties through air force consultative body

• South Korea and Poland have agreed to set up a consultative body between the air forces in order to improve two-way military cooperation, following Poland's acquisition of Korean fighter jets. Details and launching time are currently under negotiation.

• The new body would handle various aspects of military cooperation, from strategies and tactics to developments in the defense industry. Poland has purchased enormous amounts of defense equipment from South Korea—FA-50 fighter jets, K9 howitzers, and K2 tanks.

• The consultative body will facilitate the sharing of operational know-how concerning the FA-50s jets and may involve a pilot exchange program. Discussions may further be held on the possible exports by South Korea to Poland of its advanced KF-21 Boramae fighters.

Read more: 

https://www.thehansindia.com/news/international/south-korea-poland-to-establish-air-force-consultative-body-896740?infinitescroll=1

Resurgent far-right conjures Austria-Hungary headache for EU on Ukraine

• The far-right favorites to win Austria's next election have forged an alliance with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban that could deepen defiance of Brussels and threaten an already fragile consensus over the Ukraine war if they take power.

• "We're entering what I would like to call a new era in European politics," Kickl said with Orban announcing their European alliance in June in a Vienna hotel alongside Andrej Babis, head of the biggest party in the Czech Republic's lower house, and a former prime minister of that country.

• The EU has agreed 14 rounds of sanctions since Russia's invasion, and in February passed a 50 billion euro ($54 billion) aid package for Ukraine until 2027.

Read More - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/resurgent-far-right-conjures-austria-hungary-headache-eu-ukraine-2024-08-05/

Hungary to revoke green number plates from hybrid vehicles

• According to a government decree, from 1 September 2024, only fully electric and zero-emission vehicles will be eligible for green number plates upon their first domestic registration, iho.hu writes.

• Owners of less environmentally friendly vehicles—classified as 5P (plug-in) and 5N (extended range) hybrid electric vehicles—must initiate the replacement of their green plates with white ones by 30 November 2026.

• Consequently, the tax incentives associated with green number plates are also under review, marking the end of the era for luxury SUVs with green plates.

Read More - https://dailynewshungary.com/hungary-green-number-plate-hybrid-vehicles/

The Taliban says people in Afghanistan on previous government’s visas can stay for now

• Afghanistan’s Taliban government said Monday it would allow people in the country on visas issued by the former Western-backed government to stay for now, but that they wouldn’t be allowed back in without documents from a Taliban-approved diplomatic mission.

• The move is part of the Taliban’s efforts to gain control of Afghanistan’s representation abroad since returning to power in 2021.

• In March 2023, the Taliban said they were trying to take charge of more Afghan embassies abroad. Their chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the administration had sent diplomats to at least 14 countries.

Read More - https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-embassies-65876e961468ddff762ea70d6f01c72a

Fire at Iran-Afghanistan border extinguished after massive inferno

• "Smoke from the fire in this economic hub is visible up to 18 kilometers away," the deputy governor of Taybad for political, security, and social affairs said.

• Fuel tanks caught fire on Monday on Iran's side of the Iran-Afghanistan Dogharoun Special Economic Zone at the border, semi-official Iranian state Tasnim news agency reported.

• "Firefighters have already been dispatched to control the fire, but the amount of damage has not yet been reported," Tasmin news agency reporter Mohammad Reza Rezaei said.

Read More - https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-813363

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan keen to take their multifaceted partnership to next level

• "The head of state received the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. During the meeting, current issues of further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries were discussed," the source said.

• "The head of state received the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. During the meeting, current issues of further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries were discussed," the source said.

• "The head of state received the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. During the meeting, current issues of further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries were discussed," the source said.

Read More - https://www.azernews.az/region/229544.html

News Bits collected by [Region Head]: 

Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 3rd year)

Drafted by: 

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 2nd year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 2nd year)

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