[ NATIONAL ]

After big Russia move, India to UN: “Safety of citizens in Ukraine top priority”

Russia-Ukraine tensions – “More than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well-being of Indians is of priority to us,” India told the UNSC. 

Govt orders blocking of apps, social media accounts linked to banned organization SFJ

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has ordered the blocking of apps and social media accounts linked to the banned organization– Sikhs For Justice. The channel in question is foreign-based “Punjab Politics TV”, which the govt says has links to SFJ. According to a statement, the channel attempted to use online media to disturb public order during the ongoing Assembly elections in 5 states, based on intelligence inputs. However, now the central government is vigilant and said that it will ensure securing the overall information environment in India and “thwart any actions having the potential to undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity.”

Northern Army Commander visits Galwan, Army tweets rare pictures with tricolor

ThePrint- The newly appointed Northern Army Commander Lt Gen. Upendra Dwivedi visited the Galwan Valley and ‘ground zero’ in forwarding areas in Ladakh Mon. The Army posted pictures on social media of his interaction with soldiers, with an Indian flag featuring in the backdrop. This is the first time the Army has released photographs of a top officer visiting the Galwan Valley in June 2020. Although the Army did not mention the location as Galwan Valley, (sources)- confirmed that one of the pictures is from the Galwan Valley where he interacted with the Dogra Regiment. Despite disengagement having taken place subsequently with the creation of a buffer zone, the valley has been a subject of propaganda tool for China’s People’s Liberation Army.

‘Unwarranted’: India Reacts to UN Rights Experts’ Claim on ‘Judicial Harassment’ of Rana Ayyub

‘India upholds the rule of law but is equally clear that no one is above the law. We expect SRs [special rapporteurs] to be objective and accurately informed,’ India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva said.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Mauritius asks Google map to mark Chagos islands as part of its territory amid row with the UK

The International Court of Justice in 2019 had backed Mauritius over its claims on Chagos islands while declaring that the UK should give up the islands. Mauritius has reportedly asked Google to describe Chagos islands as part of its territory amid a row with the UK. Earlier this month, authorities from Mauritius had hosted their country’s flag above the Peros Banhos atoll as Mauritian ambassador to the UN Jagdish Koonjul said the country is “reclaiming” the island from Britain.

Pakistan PM’s ill-timed Russia visit to begin from Wed

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to begin his two-day maiden visit to Russia from Wed, the first such trip by a Pakistani PM in 23 years, and will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit. This comes after reports emerged last month that Moscow and Islamabad are in talks to finalize a plan for Putin’s visit this year. The Pakistani newspaper had said Putin’s visit was under discussion for the last 2 years but could not materialize because of several reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Moscow also wants that there must be “big-ticket projects” or other initiatives that the Russian president would announce when he finally undertakes the trip to Pakistan.

Pak PM summons three high-level meetings ahead of Oppn’s long march

ANI-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned 3 high-level meetings on Mon to discuss matters related to the Opposition’s long march and the current political situation of the country. Imran Khan will chair Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) central executive committee meeting tomorrow at PM House. This is a major development in Pakistan’s politics as the meeting is called just ahead of the Opposition’s long march. Notably, the opposition parties have formed a committee to move a no-confidence motion against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf govt in Punjab province. Pakistan opposition is jettisoning mutual hatred to ouster Khan. They are planning a no-confidence motion or street protests or even a combination of both in a joint fight against Khan’s misgovernance. Opposition parties like Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and the allies of Imran Khan – Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) are setting aside their differences to ouster ‘Kaptaan’ (Imran Khan). PPP and PML-N have announced separate long marches on Islamabad with the former’s starting on Feb 27 and the latter’s Mar 23.

Afghanistan: People hold protests demanding the release of funds frozen

Expressing their ire over the US’ decision to preserve billions of frozen assets for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, many Afghan men and women held protests on Mon. Urging the United States court to reject any decision over Afghanistan’s assets, a group of Afghan women in Kabul gathered near the UN office. The demonstrators demanded the return of the assets to Afghanistan, Tolo News reported.

India to send 50,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan overland through Pakistan

India will send 50,000 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat to Afghanistan overland through Pakistan on Tuesday. The consignment will be flagged off by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. This comes a few days after India delivered 2.5 tons of medical assistance and clothing to Afghanistan as part of its 5^th batch of medical assistance under humanitarian aid to the crisis-torn country.

China appoints new special envoy for turbulent Horn of Africa region

China has appointed senior diplomat Xue Bing as its new special envoy for the Horn of Africa, a region that is currently troubled by conflict including in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. Xue has previously worked as China’s ambassador to Papua New Guinea and has experience in Africa, America, and Oceania, the foreign ministry said on Tue. His task will be to work to promote China’s “peaceful development” plan for the region which aims to help countries in the region “achieve long-term stability, development, and prosperity,” foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a daily briefing in Beijing. (For more see Feb 4^th newsletter)

Beijing berates the US for ‘trying to include Taiwan in strategy to contain China’

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused the United States of trying to contain China rather than improve relations, and said it was using Taiwan to do so, as he held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The remarks by Wang during a telephone call with Blinken on Tue offered the latest signal that Beijing wants Washington to change its policies towards China before seeking further cooperation. The situation involving Ukraine and Russia was high on the agenda, with Blinken emphasizing the need to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Wang saying all parties should exercise caution and resolve the crisis through dialogue.

Issue of merger loud in Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly

Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Opposition leader Adv. Amjad Hussein of PPP said that a consensus has been drawn on making Gilgit-Baltistan an interim province of Pakistan. He added that soon an announcement would be made and the Assembly will be dissolved early.

After big Russia move, India to UN: “Safety of citizens in Ukraine top priority”

The safety of over 20,000 citizens – including students – in Ukraine remains a top priority, India told the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Tue, as fears of war grow after Russia’s big step to officially validate the two breakaway regions. The latest move is being seen as a prelude amid concerns of invasion by the Kremlin.

“The escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation is a matter of deep concern. These developments have the potential to undermine peace and security of the region,” India’s Permanent Representative to UNSC, TS Tirumurti said at the Meeting on Tue-ANI.

• The meeting was called after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared 2 rebel regions in eastern Ukraine – Donetsk and Luhansk – as independent in violation of the 2015 peace plan.
• He also ordered troops in the region and underlined that the efforts were meant to “maintain peace”.
• The unprecedented step is also being seen as a dare to the west that has urged Russia to de-escalate tensions after it amassed over 150,000 troops along the Ukraine borders.
• In 1^st sanctions, the US has prohibited “new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in” the two breakaway regions.
• India said it is watching the latest developments along Ukraine’s eastern border “with deep concern”, but stopped short of criticizing Moscow’s actions.
• New Delhi’s previous position where it had chosen not to join Western calls for action against Russia.

India said: “More than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well-being of Indians is of priority to us.”

“We strongly emphasize the vital need for all sides to maintain international peace and security by exercising the utmost restraint and intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure that a mutually amicable solution is arrived at the earliest,” Tirumurti told the UNSC.

Condition as of Now in Ukraine-Russia tensions:

• After the US, the EU decides to impose sanctions on Russia- The UK has also threatened ‘significant sanctions’ against Russia.
• Ukraine “is not afraid of anything or anyone,” Volodymyr Zelensky, its leader-AFP. Seeking “clear support” from the west, he said Russia’s step was “a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of the former Soviet state.”
• Hours after Russia’s recognition, Putin ordered troops in the 2 breakaway regions to “keep the peace“, reports said.
• The move to recognize the Ukraine rebel regions, which goes against the 2015 peace plan, sets the pretext for Russia to invade. Tanks were seen in Donetsk- Reuters.
• The UNSC called an emergency meeting on the issue (at 9 pm, Mon, New York Time).
• UNSC, Secy-Gen Antonio Guterres – Moscow’s decision is a “violation” of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter.
• Japan is likely to join the US-led sanctions while French officials have been quoted as saying in reports that the EU is also in discussions for punitive actions against Kremlin.
• The EU has condemned Russia over “a blatant violation of international law as well as of the Minsk agreements,”
• Putin –It was necessary to “take a long-overdue decision, to immediately recognize the independence” of the two regions,” – (Reuters), as he called Ukraine a “puppet” of the west.
  • “As for those who seized and hold power in Kyiv, we demand an immediate end to their military operations,” he said.
• The UK has also warned of further sanctions. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted, “It demonstrates Russia’s decision to choose a path of confrontation over dialog.”
• Global markets are set to see a heavy fall after the latest developments.
• Australia PM Scott Morrison lashed out at Putin. “It’s unacceptable, it’s unprovoked, it’s unwarranted … some suggestion that they are peacekeeping is nonsense,” he said.
• Tensions have peaked over the last few weeks as Russia amassed over 150,000 troops at Ukraine’s borders in one of the worst crises since the Cold War.

Air India special flight departs to bring nationals from Ukraine

• 4 more flights are operating from India to Ukraine amid heightened tensions with Russia, the Indian High Commission in Ukraine has said in a tweet.
• Apart from these, 3 special Air India flights are flying between Tue and Sat – the first 1 left on Tue morning.
• Don’t wait, return immediately, Indian Embassy tells students in Ukraine. Indian embassy “Urging students in Ukraine not to wait for a confirmation of online classes from universities”.

Expected Impact on India

• Raise oil prices- oil jumped to a 7-year high.
• As per BP data, the country pumped about 639 billion m³ of natural gas in 2021, which was nearly 17% of the global production of 3.854 trillion m³. 
• Fall in the stock market.
• After US sanctions, India has to take a side, in which Indo-Pacific shall be an issue for the US too.
• President has already under pressure regarding the purchase of the S-400.
• India’s trade with the US and its allies – $300 bn (maybe even more)
• India’s trade with Russia – $10 bn (maybe even less)

‘Unwarranted’: India Reacts to UN Rights Experts’ Claim on ‘Judicial Harassment’ of Rana Ayyub

‘India upholds the rule of law but is equally clear that no one is above the law. We expect SRs [special rapporteurs] to be objective and accurately informed,’ India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva said.

Permanent Mission of India [PMI, Geneva] responded to the tweet of UNGeneva, on Twitter, “Allegations of so-called judicial harassment are baseless and unwarranted. India upholds the rule of law but is equally clear that no one is above the law. We expect UN Special Procedures to be objective & accurately informed. Advancing a misleading narrative only tarnishes UNHR Geneva’s reputation”

This came in the backdrop of the tweet of UNGenva after UNHR tweeted a note of special rapporteurs of UN human rights experts Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

“Relentless misogynistic and sectarian attacks online against journalist Rana Ayyub must be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the Indian authorities and the judicial harassment against her brought to an end at once, stress.”

Irene Khan and Mary Lawlor were connected with Amnesty International from 2001 to 2009, which has packed up from India, in Sept 2020, after the center implemented a bill in which, any bank account must be linked Unique Identification Number.

• Amnesty said its bank accounts had been frozen and it had been forced to lay off staff in the country and suspend all its campaign and research work.
• India’s government said in a statement that the accusations were “unfortunate, exaggerated and far from the truth”.
• The ED on Feb 10 was reported to have attached over Rs 1.77 crores of bank deposits to Ayyub in connection with a money-laundering probe it has initiated against her, connected to alleged irregularities in charitable funds raised from public donors.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Issue of merger loud in Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly

Kashmir Dharti- Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Opposition leader Adv. Amjad Hussein of PPP said that a consensus has been drawn on making Gilgit-Baltistan an interim province of Pakistan.

• He added that soon an announcement would be made and the Assembly will be dissolved early.
• Gilgit-Baltistan will get a 4% share in the National Finance Commission Award and Gilgit-Baltistan will also get rational representation in the National Assembly.
• The tax exemption will continue.
• Jammu Kashmir Peoples Party President and AJK Assembly Member Sardar Hasan Ibrahim Khan said that Gilgit-Baltistan is an integral part of Kashmir and its separation from the parent body in any form is not acceptable.
• We are the heirs of Kashmir’s History and our elders have made exemplary sacrifices for Kashmir’s freedom therefore no one can think of dividing Kashmir into pieces.
• He added that the Pakistan Government should understand the importance of the Karachi Pact and any decision on Kashmir should be taken only by UN Resolutions.

Siasat- AJK former premier Raja Farooq Haidar also voiced against the idea of making Gilgit-Baltistan an interim province of Pakistan.

• He said that Gilgit-Baltistan as a province is not good for Pakistan as it will weaken Pakistan’s claim on Kashmir.
• He added that mental slavery is worse than physical slavery and it is the responsibility of the people of AJK to reject the division of Kashmir’s 34 thousand miles of the state.

Daily K2-Jamaat-e-Islami Gilgit-Baltistan leader Maulana Abdul Samee said that interim provincial status will end the historical importance of Gilgit-Baltistan and will affect the Kashmir issue also.

• He added that the government is under external pressure and thus such a coin has been tossed.
• For Gilgit-Baltistan, a setup like Azad Jammu Kashmir will only be beneficial and any other setup will harm the Kashmir cause.