[ NATIONAL ]

Ukraine Crisis: Biden singles out Quad partner India for ‘shaky’ stand on Russia

ANI- US President Joe Biden on Mon (local time) said that India, an exception among US major allies, “has been somewhat shaky” on the Western sanctions punishing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at the Business Roundtable’s CEO Quarterly Meeting, referring to how unified Washington Allies have been in isolating President Putin, Biden stated, “…The Quad is, with the possible exception of India being somewhat shaky on some of this, but Japan has been extremely strong — so has Australia — in terms of dealing with Putin’s aggression.” India is the only member of the QUAD that has not condemned Russia’s invasion.

India, US discuss the situation in Ukraine

India and the US discussed the Ukraine situation along with other regional and global issues as foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and the US under-secretary of state for political affairs Victoria Nuland co-chaired India-US Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). India and the US are expected to hold the 2+2 dialogue next month.

Greek Foreign Minister to start India visit today (Tue)

ANI – Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias is set to start his India visit on Tue during which he will hold talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. The visit is taking place after Jaishankar visited Athens on June 26, 2021. The Greece Foreign Ministry said that talks between Dendias and Jaishankar are expected to cover issues such as the two countries’ shared commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and the International Law of the Sea. The two ministers are also likely to discuss developments in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region, the Eastern Mediterranean, and other issues of international interest. The Greek FM will call on the Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu.

With maritime security in focus, Oman FM to visit India on March 23

With maritime security in focus, Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi will be on a 2-day India visit from Mar 23-24. This is the first-ever visit as an Oman FM. He is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister on Wed and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thu. Oman the only gulf country, which holds joint exercises with tri-services is strategically located straddling the Strait of Hormuz in the north and Bab al-Mandab Strait in the south and plays an important role in maritime security of the region. The West Asian country also provides key logistics support to Indian ships and aircraft in the region for anti-piracy and maritime security missions. Oman is India’s key interlocutor in the West Asian region. The country has been playing a constructive role in regional conflicts, including in relations to Yemen and Iran. India-Oman trade stood at US$ 5.443 bn (export– US $2.35 bn and imports at US$3.09 bn). In the 3 quarters of the financial year 2021-22, bilateral trade has increased to US$ 6.5 bn. Excluding the oil and gas sector, India is the largest investor in Oman with over 4,100 Indian enterprises and establishments in Oman with an estimated investment of US$ 7.5 billion.

577 Indian fishermen in Pakistan’s custody, 9 died in last 5 years: MEA

The Union ministry of external affairs informed the Rajya Sabha on Mon that according to data shared by the Pakistan govt, there are 577 Indian fishermen in the custody of India’s neighboring country, Pakistan. India and Pakistan have the Bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, 2008, under which both countries exchange lists on Jan 1^st and July 1^st every year on civilian prisoners and fishermen detained in their respective custody, Ministry said. “As a result of sustained efforts by the Indian govt, 2,140 Indian fishermen and 57 Indian fishing boats have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014,” the MEA said.

Sukhoi upgrade gains urgency amid worries over Russian spares

The aircraft, which form a bulk of India’s fighter fleet and were first inducted over two decades ago, have been waiting for an upgrade to the Super Sukhoi standard that will include major Indian-made components including radar, full-glass cockpit, and flight-control computers. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has increased the urgency over an upgrade of India’s frontline fighter fleet that depends heavily on Russian supplies, with officials urging that locally made systems need to be integrated into the Sukhoi 30 MKI combat aircraft at the earliest.

India, Australia call for an end of violence against civilians, leaders in Myanmar

ANI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison called for the immediate cessation of violence against civilians and leaders in Myanmar, a joint statement said on Tue after the second virtual leaders’ summit. During the virtual summit, both the leaders urged Myanmar to implement ASEAN’s 5-Point Consensus, reached last year and stressed dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and an end to violence. The Myanmar military junta took control of the country following a coup, on Feb 1^st last year. Since the coup, security forces have killed at least 1,600 people and detained more than 12,000, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Over 500,000 people have been internally displaced since the coup, while 10K have fled as refugees to Thailand and India, the HRW report had further said citing United Nations refugee agency, United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) data.

India, Australia condemns the use of proxies for cross-border terrorism

Without naming Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and the use of proxies for cross-border terrorism. In a joint statement following the India-Australia virtual summit on Mon, the two leaders stressed the need for all countries to take action to ensure that no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks.

N Biren Singh was sworn in as Manipur CM as BJP begins the second term with an absolute majority

MLAs Nemcha Kipgen, Y Khemchand Singh, Th Biswajit Singh, Awangbou Newmai and Govindas Konthoujam take oath as Cabinet ministers. Pushkar Singh Dhami to take oath as Uttarakhand CM tomorrow. BJP leader Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was elected leader of the legislature party in Uttarakhand on Mon, and lost his seat, will take oath as Chief Minister of the state for a second term on Wed at 3:30 pm.

Army court-martial jails NCO for molesting jawan’s wife in Punjab

ANI – Taking swift action against a non-commissioned officer, a general court-martial of the Indian Army has recommended the dismissal of a Havildar from service along with a one-year jail term after he was found guilty of molesting a jawan’s wife. Sources said the crime took place on Nov 10 last year at the Fazilka Cantonment in Punjab where Havildar from the 2 Jat regiment was posted and charge against him in the court-martial was that he used criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty, sources said.

West Bengal: 10 burnt alive after the murder of panchayat leader in Birbhum

At least 10 people were burnt alive after Bhadu Sheikh, a deputy pradhan of Baguti village in Rampurhat, Birbhum, was murdered on Monday night. Bhadu Sheikh, a panchayat functionary of Barosal village, was attacked with bombs when he was at a shop on NH-60. He died on the spot and was declared brought dead at the hospital. The fire officials said that around a dozen houses were set on fire on Monday night and when they reached the spot late at night they were not allowed to reach the spot to control the fire.

Targeted killings in Kashmir to continue to remain a challenge: DGP Dilbag Singh

Targeted killings will continue to remain a challenge for security agencies till there is a presence of guns and terrorists in the Valley, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh said on Tue. He said J&K Police has been quick to solve incidents of targeted killings and action as per law has been taken against the guilty. Replying to a question on infiltration, the police chief said the border grid is alert to foil any such activity. “Any such attempt (from across the border), will not be allowed.” Bihari street vendor Biswajit Kumar was attacked by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in the Gangoo area of Pulwama in South Kashmir. The victim was rushed to district hospital, likely to be shifted to SMHS. Second major terror attack within an hour in Kashmir valley.

Petrol, diesel prices hiked after 137 days; LPG to cost Rs 50 more

After a freeze of 137 days, petrol and diesel prices on Tuesday were hiked by 80 paise a liter each while domestic cooking gas prices were increased by Rs 50 per cylinder. The hike is a fallout of a spike in global oil prices, especially after Russia invades Ukraine. Sources said a 5kg LPG cylinder will now cost Rs 349 while the 10kg composite bottle will come for Rs 669.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Pakistan assumes the chair of the 48^th session of the OIC Council of foreign ministers

In his opening speech at the 48^th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which began on Tue at the Parliament House in Islamabad, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed that the forum is a bridge amongst Muslim nations and the rest of the world, highlighting its role in resolving conflicts in the Muslim world.

The opposition has agreed to elect Shehbaz Sharif as next Pak PM: Report

Staring at a no-confidence motion in parliament, Pakistan PM Imran Khan has launched a tirade against his political rivals. He has been particularly scathing in his attacks on Nawaz Sharif’s PML(N) and also inveighed against his brother and party president Shehbaz Sharif. Sources said chiefs of opposition parties have agreed to elect Shehbaz as the next PM.

Sri Lanka seeking US$1.5 billion credit facility amid economic crisis, China official says

China is considering offering a US$1.5 billion credit facility to Sri Lanka and a decision is expected soon, a top Chinese official said on Monday, as part of efforts to help the island nation amid its worst economic crisis in decades. Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong told reporters the two sides were also discussing a separate loan of up to US$1 billion which the Sri Lankan government had requested. He added that the South Asian nation was offered a loan of US$500 million from the China Development Bank on March 18.

China locks down the city of 9 million as virus ripples across the country

China locked down an industrial city of 9 million people overnight and reported more than 4,000 virus cases on Tue, as the nation’s “zero-Covid” strategy is confronted by an Omicron wave. It has moved fast in recent weeks to snuff out virus clusters with a pick-and-mix of hyper-local lockdowns and mass testing. It reported two Covid-19 deaths on Sat, the first in over a year.

China says military development of islands within its rights

China’s deployment of “necessary national defense facilities on its territory is a right entitled to every sovereign country and is in line with international law, which is beyond reproach,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters at a daily briefing.

China’s economic slowdown presents major opportunities for India

ANI – China’s economic slowdown is altering the geo-economic dynamics resulting in creating supply chains and new opportunities for India.

Hongkong post-The Indian economy, in particular, has uninterruptedly pursued its economic reforms during the last decade including for improving the Ease of Doing Business.

India’s emergence as an alternative to China is compelling because, in infrastructure, transportation, mass education, literacy, public health, e-commerce, work opportunities for women and skilled workforce, etc., India is far ahead among its peers.

• While the first quarter of 2022 has come to an end, China has failed to normalize its economy as it continues to grapple with real estate prices and an uptick in inflation.
• China’s trade dispute with the US and the declining trust in China-centric supply chains may further increase the problems for the country.
• Similarly, China’s external footprint was also declining as Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the BRI partners were facing an economic crisis with financial flow from China reduced.
• Amid the resurgence of the Omicron, China continues to face economic disruptions with most of its industrial hubs compelled to close.
• Especially, Shenzhen and Changchun account for 11% of China’s automobile output.
• India has the potential to become an important global manufacturing hub for those companies seeking an alternative to China.
• As most of America’s leading companies have either set up large technology operations in India or continue to rely heavily on India-based IT capabilities.
• India’s manufacturing sector has also come a long way in many sectors including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, apparel, and steel.

Now it is trying to scale up in the value chain in newer and diverse areas, viz., mobile phones, semiconductors, medical devices and supplies, automobile parts, batteries, telecom equipment, food products, white goods defense production, electronics, solar panels, and toys, etc.

• All of these are major areas of Chinese manufacturing which appear to be in search of new locations given economic disruptions in China and rising labor costs, it added.
• According to most economic forecasts, the GDP estimates for China for 2022 are said to be between 5 to 5.5%, which is lower than the rate required to employ the Chinese.

Moreover, the crackdown by the Chinese govt on real estate, EdTech, and Tech firms have affected the capital flow into these sectors, which could be leveraged by India and EAC for diversifying manufacturing.

• While there is a shortage of labor force in China, India and South-East Asian Countries (EAC) still offer cheaper locations with an abundant supply of labor.
• Besides, the incentives offered by India under “Make in India,” and “Start-up India” offer opportunities to investors from across the world, reported the media outlet.

Comment: Though prima facia, it seems appealing but there are many differences, between the two countries, notably, in India, the system of governance, red-tapism, low research investment, too much democracy, nationalism some time impacted adversely, above and all, the type of education system are some issues which any investors will consider.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Pakistan assumes the chair of the 48^th session of the OIC Council of foreign ministers

Prime Minister Imran Khan delivered a keynote address at the inaugural session of the 48^th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Tue.

• While talking about the OIC’s role, he said, “We have failed both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir. I am sad to say that we have been able to make no impact at all.”
• The premier said Western countries did “not take the OIC seriously” because “we are a divided house and those in power know it.

The two-day annual meeting of the 57-member body of Muslim countries is being held under the theme of ‘Building Partnerships for Unity, Justice, and Development’. About 46 member states will be represented at the ministerial level in the meeting. The rest will be represented by senior officials.

• Senior representatives of the United Nations and other international bodies, including the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council, will also participate in the meeting.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, for the 1^st time, would also attend as a special guest

China and Pakistan share the concern about “spill-over effects of unilateral sanctions” on Russia over its war against Ukraine and called for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution of the crisis, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Tue.

“Both expressed concerns about the spill-over effects of unilateral sanctions,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement following a meeting on Mon in Pakistan between the neighbors’ foreign ministers.

The Pak FO also issued a statement on the talks in Islamabad, echoing the call for a ceasefire, but it did not mention concern about sanctions.

China assures Pakistan of ‘firm’ support in defending its ‘sovereignty’

Wang Yi on Mon assured Pakistan of Beijing’s “firm” support in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity “no matter what changes” internationally or within the two countries, in an apparent show of strength against regional rival India.

Wang conveyed China’s message of unequivocal support to Pakistan during a joint press conference with his counterpart, Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad. In his meeting with Qureshi, Wang proposed that efforts be made in 4 specific areas:

1. strengthening of bilateral diplomatic ties;
2. accelerating common development and revitalization,
3. deepening counter-terrorism cooperation, and
4. maintaining closer multilateral coordination.

Qureshi said China’s participation in the event and interactions with member states will further strengthen their engagement.

In addition to China, the foreign ministers are expected to deliberate on OIC’s cooperation with the UN, the Russian Federation, and the European Union.

Agenda- Besides, a review on the development of the last meet, the participants would also deliberate on the situation in Afghanistan and India-held Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Foreign minister SM Qureshi said, in an opening remark, “The Muslim world is faced with conflicts in the Middle East, prolonged foreign occupation, and the denial of the right to self-determination, most notably to the people of Palestine and Kashmir,”.

“The Muslims of Palestine and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are still reeling under abominable subjugation.” the foreign minister noted.

• The meeting, OIC said, represented “the 2^nd most prominent OIC activity following an extraordinary meeting of FMs held last Dec on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan”.
• Kashmir issue will also be discussed in a meeting of the Contact Group on J&K on the sidelines of the event.
• Issues on Africa and Muslims in Europe and developments in Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Syria, will also be taken up at the meeting.
• Also, Islamophobia and issues related to international terrorism and cooperation in economic, cultural, social, humanitarian, and scientific domains.

The Pak Foreign Office said, would consider and adopt over 100 resolutions on a broad range of issues, including peace and security; economic development; cultural and scientific cooperation; and humanitarian, legal, administrative, and financial matters.

• Pakistan, it said, had been an ardent supporter of OIC.
• Pakistan, it recalled, had played a seminal role in cementing bonds of unity and solidarity, upholding respect for principles of international law.

• Meanwhile, PM Khan lauded Azerbaijan’s contribution to the OIC, especially as an active member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir.
• Talking to Minister of Defence of the Republic Azerbaijan Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, who called on him on Mon, PM Khan expressed the desire to further expand the brotherly relations.
• Hasanov conveyed the greetings from the Azeri president to the PM.
• He informed that a contingent of Azerbaijan armed forces would participate in the National Day Parade of Pakistan on March 23.

OIC Contact Group On Kashmir Meets Today

The Nation- OIC Contact Group on J&K would meet today on the sidelines of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers conference here and is expected to adopt an action plan on the Kashmir issue.

• (sources)-the OIC contact group comprises Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Niger, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
• The group would take into account the latest situation in IIOJK and would adopt a strong resolution against Indian atrocities being committed against Kashmiri Muslims.
• OIC special envoy on Jammu and Kashmir report on IIOJK would also be tabled for discussion during the meeting.
• AJK President Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary and APHC representatives would also attend the meeting.

US Under Secretary Zeya holds talks with Pak leadership on Afghanistan, Ukraine

US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya on Mon held talks with Pakistan leadership on several issues including relocation of Afghan refugees and the Ukraine crisis.

• Zeya separately met Pakistan National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf and Qureshi.
• Zeya began her trip in Islamabad on Mon where she will lead the US delegation to the 48^th session of the OIC, CFM, and meet with senior govt officials.
• She also met members of civil society and international organizations.

Comment: It is important to underscore, though not new, that the Chief Guest of the Conference is the Chinese foreign minister, an accused of human rights violation of a much larger Muslim community, Uyghurs in China. Also, the question of Islamophobia may be the need of the hour, but why, no one should bother about its answer. OIC meet begins hours after a Hindu minority girl Pooja Kumari was brutally killed in Sindh for refusing to convert. Experts are also saying Pakistan PM Imran Khan to trumpet Islamic credentials as home fires burn, a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.

China says military development of islands within its rights

China on Tue said it has the right to develop South China Sea (SCS) islands as it sees fit in the wake of U.S. accusations that it has fully militarized at least three of several islands it built in the disputed waterway in violation of a previous commitment.

China’s deployment of “necessary national defense facilities on its territory is a right entitled to every sovereign country and is in line with international law, which is beyond reproach,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters at a daily briefing.

• U.S. military activities in the area aimed to “stir up trouble and make provocations,” Wang said.
• “That seriously threatens the sovereignty and security of coastal countries and undermines the order and navigation safety in the South China Sea.”

On Sun, U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. John C. Aquilino said China had armed the islands with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment, and fighter jets, in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby.

Aquilino said the hostile actions were in stark contrast to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s past assurances that Beijing would not transform the artificial islands in contested waters into military bases.

• The efforts were part of China’s flexing of its military muscle, he said.
• “They have advanced all their capabilities and that buildup of weaponization is destabilizing to the region,” he added.
• China claims as its territory virtually the entire SCS, home to fish stocks and undersea minerals, along with sea lanes through which an estimated $5 trillion in global trade travels each year.
• China refuses to acknowledge claims from 5 other govts to some or all of the waterway
• It dismissed the findings of a U.N.-backed arbitration tribunal that invalidated China’s sweeping historical claims under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• The fully militarized islands are among 7 China has constructed in recent years by piling sand and concrete atop coral reefs, causing heavy damage to the marine environment.