[ NATIONAL ]

India-China ties not normal, border issues key: Jaishankar post talks with Wang

EAM, S Jaishankar addressed the media after holding extensive talks with his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi covering the eastern Ladakh row and the geopolitical turmoil triggered by the crisis in Ukraine.

Colombo expands defense ties with India: Lankan Navy to acquire floating dock for Trincomalee

ET-The Sri Lanka Navy has entered into an agreement with Goa Shipyard Ltd, India for the construction of a Floating Dock with Colombo eyeing to expand its defense ties with New Delhi. According to Sri Lanka Navy, the Floating Dock is a much-needed requirement for the navy, and it will be delivered to Sri Lanka as a grant from India. The Sri Lankan Navy said that the Floating Dock will be established at the Trincomalee Naval DockYard within the next 30 months.

Defence Ministry approves 107 Line Replacement Units for indigenization

To reduce the imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and ensure self-sustenance in defense manufacturing under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the Ministry of Defence on Thu approved another list of 107 strategically important Line Replacement Units with a timeline beyond which there will be an embargo on their import, as mentioned in a press release by the Ministry. DPSUs will indigenize these items under the ‘Make’ category which aims to achieve self-reliance by involving greater participation of Indian industry. Projects involving the design and development of equipment, systems, major platforms, or upgrades thereof by the industry can be taken up under this category. DPSUs will offer these identified LRUs for industry-led design and development.

The number of terrorists decreasing, but violence won’t end till there are guns and grenades: J&K DGP

Jammu and Kashmir’s DGP Dilbagh Singh on Thu said while the number of terrorists is decreasing in the Union Territory, violence will not end till youngsters possess guns and grenades. He appealed to the youngsters who have joined terror ranks to shun the path of violence and join the country’s mainstream. He said the killings by terrorists are condemnable and such acts need to be stopped. Asked about the steps being taken for the security of panchayat members, he said security measures have been initiated wherever there is a threat assessment by security forces. Police warned that properties of people providing shelter to militants or their associates will be attached under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The process has started for attachment of some immovable properties which have been used for purpose of terrorism as per section 2(g) & 25 of ULP (UAPA) Act, Srinagar Police wrote on its Twitter handle.

Huge mandate spells new challenges: Yogi Adityanath

Yogi Adityanath was formally chosen as the leader of the BJP legislative party on Thursday, paving the way for his appointment as the UP CM for the second consecutive term. Yogi will be sworn in as CM in the presence of top BJP leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, at a grand ceremony in Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium on Fri.

Calcutta HC orders CBI probe into Birbhum violence

The Calcutta high court on Fri ordered a CBI investigation into the Birbhum killings case. Earlier on Wed, the high court took cognizance of the Birbhum incident where eight people were burnt to death following the killing of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Bhadu Sheikh. Presently, Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Bengal government is investigating the case. The recovery of 5 crude bombs comes a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked the police to conduct special raids to seize all bombs, arms, and ammunition produced illegally in the state.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Russia more of a burden to China after Ukraine invasion, says Pentagon official

In Feb, China and Russia declared a “no limits” partnership, backing each other over standoffs on Ukraine and Taiwan. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made it more of a strategic burden on China, a senior Pentagon official said on Thu. “I do think that there’s a degree to which what Putin has done in Ukraine makes Russia much more of a strategic burden for Beijing than it was 6 weeks ago or 6 months ago,” Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl said. In Feb, China and Russia declared backing each other over standoffs on Ukraine and Taiwan with a promise to collaborate more against the West.

The US sanctions China, North Korea, and Russian entities for weapons proliferation

The State Department says Chinese firm Zhengzhou Nanbei Instrument Equipment supplied Syria with controlled equipment Two Russian companies and a North Korean entity were also sanctioned for transferring sensitive items to Pyongyang’s missile program.

China’s plan for a military base in the Solomon Islands unsettles Australia

Senior Australian govt ministers have expressed concern about a draft security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands, which could give the Asian nation’s naval vessels a safe harbor around 2,000 km from Canberra’s mainland. The ministers spoke out after a copy of the agreement was circulated on social media by a New Zealand academic on Thu. The Australian Broadcasting Corp. said it had verified the document as authentic, but it is unclear how far along the negotiations are. Speaking to the ABC on Thu, Trade Minister Dan Tehan said the govt was trying to get more details about the document and it was a “concerning development. Tehan and Defence Minister Peter Dutton expressed concern about the proposal to allow Beijing to establish a military base in the Pacific nation.

Europe should forge closer tech cooperation with US, Japan amid ongoing IP dispute with China, think tank says

The European Union must pursue closer ties with the US and Japan to control technology transfers related to semiconductors and other hi-tech advances to China, according to a French think tank. The suggestion comes as the EU remains locked in an intellectual property dispute with China, while Beijing refuses to publicly condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A report by Paris-based Institut Montaigne (IM) on Thu urged the EU to “deepen cooperation with the United States and Japan” as a means to strengthen its policy against forced technology transfers to China. That increased collaboration, however, would mark a further decline in the trading relationship between the EU and China.

On Taiwan’s frontline outposts, the Ukraine war raises fears about their own fate

Lin Jih-shou was brewing tea last month in his popular breakfast place when he heard the buzz of a plane – a rare sound on the remote Taiwanese-held island of Dongyin near the mainland Chinese coast. The island does not have an airport and Lin, 64, rushed outside, seeing only the shadow of what the govt later described as a small, propeller-driven mainland aircraft that most likely was testing Taiwan’s military response. It was a stark reminder to residents of Dongyin and Taiwan’s other islands off the mainland coast of the threat from their huge neighbor, which considers Taipei’s democratically elected govt illegitimate and Taiwan a rogue province to be taken by force if needed.

Speaker adjourns Parliament until Mon, Mar 28^th for No-trust motion against PM Imran Khan: Pakistan media

Pakistan has been on the edge since Opposition parties on Mar 8^th submitted a no-confidence motion before the National Assembly Secretariat, alleging that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) govt led by Prime Minister Imran Khan was responsible for the economic crisis and the spiraling inflation in the country. Pakistan is scheduled to vote for its next govt by 2023. Of the 342 seats in the NA, the ruling PTI has 155 seats. Khan is reportedly facing an internal rebellion too apart from the increasing pressure from the opposition. Imran Khan needs 172 lawmakers on his side. Reports say that about two dozen lawmakers have stirred up an internal rebellion. Pakistan’s powerful army has distanced itself from the current political crisis.

Shahbaz Sharif has said that we will give a surprise to Imran Khan before he can give us a surprise

Leader of opposition in the National Assembly and the President of ML-N Shahbaz Sharif has said that we will give a surprise to Imran Khan before he can give us a surprise. Imran Khan is happy with unconstitutional steps but we will not allow it to happen. Imran Khan has announced to give a surprise on 27^th Mar but we will give our surprise before it. Imran Khan is a victim of mental confusion and his sickness is increasing day by day. We will make him more confused. The other day Imran Khan had said that he will not sit with Shahbaz Sharif. Sitting with him is an insult to me. The opposition has shown all of its cards but I will show my cards one day before the voting on the no-confidence motion. (Local Newspaper).

4 Pakistani soldiers killed as forces thwart infiltration attempt from Afghanistan

Four Pakistani soldiers were killed as they foiled plans of a group of terrorists who “attempted to infiltrate” Pakistan from Afghanistan, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces. During the combat between the Pakistani Armed Forces and the terrorists, the soldiers were killed while the terrorists fled away with severe injuries. According to the statement by ISPR, the terrorists attempted to enter Pakistan on the midnight of Mar 23-24 in the Hassan Khel area of North Waziristan district, reported The News International.

India-China ties not normal, border issues key: Jaishankar post talks with Wang

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Fri said ties between India and China were currently not normal, given a large number of troops deployed along the border, which was in contravention of the 1993-96 agreements.

Jaishankar addressed the media after holding extensive talks with his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, covering the eastern Ladakh row and the geopolitical turmoil triggered by the crisis in Ukraine.

He was joined by senior officials, including foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi during the press meet.

What all he said:

• We discussed our bilateral relations that have been disturbed as a result of Chinese actions in April 2020.
• “I was honest in conveying our sentiment on this issue,” adding restoration of normal ties will require restoration of normalcy in border areas.
• He said the current situation is a “work in progress” – at a slower pace than desirable.
• “So long there are very large deployments, border situation is not normal. We still have ongoing friction areas…. Our discussion today was how to take this forward.”
• There was no discussion on the Quad meet.
• The occasion provided an opportunity to exchange views on major international issues, including Afghanistan and Ukraine.
• So far as Afghanistan is concerned, India’s policy is guided by the UNSC Resolution 2593.
• The Chinese Minister Yi had not invited him to Beijing for a neighboring countries’ foreign ministers’ meet on Afghanistan.
• On the Ukraine issue, we discussed our respective approaches and perspective but agreed that diplomacy and dialogue must be the priority.
• “We hope China will take a ‘non-discriminatory’ approach since it involves the future of many young people,” he said.
• “Mr. Wang Yi discussed hosting BRICS summit this year, which China wants all leaders to attend, but no date.”

“Early and complete disengagement,” NSA Ajit Doval tells Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

ANI (Sources) – During a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi and National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval:

• The Chinese side invited NSA to visit China to take forward the mandate of Security Representatives.
• NSA responded positively to the invitation, stating that he could visit after immediate issues are resolved successfully.
• Need to take early and complete disengagement in the remaining areas to allow bilateral ties to take their natural course.
• Continuation of the present situation is not in mutual interest. Restoration of peace will help build mutual trust.
• Need to continue positive interactions at diplomatic, military levels for restoration of peace- a prerequisite for normalization.
• Ensure that actions don’t violate the spirit of equality and mutual security. Work in the same direction and resolve outstanding issues as quickly as possible.

Wang Yi: China and India should adhere to the long-term vision, win-win thinking, and cooperation attitude– Chinese Foreign Ministry:

• Both should take a long-term perspective and keep the border issue in an appropriate place.
• Both should view the other’s development as a positive; says China doesn’t want unipolar Asia, respects India’s traditional role in the region, open to ‘plus one’ projects in South Asia
  • “….put the differences on the border issue in an appropriate position in bilateral relations”
• Both should cooperate multilaterally, says this year and next year are ‘Asian moment’ for global governance with China, India hosting BRICS, G20, SCO; says if both speak in the same voice, the world will listen.

China’s Wang Yi lands in India with diplomatic outreach, get cold reception before talks

ThePrint-India and China are set to step up their diplomatic engagement Fri and seek to reduce tensions along their Himalayan border as Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi on Thu late evening for his first visit in two years — although to an unusually low profile and even frosty reception.

• The visit is happening at a time when troops of both countries are engaged in a tough border stand-off on the eastern sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for nearly 2 years.
• This is Wang’s first visit to India since the stand-off began in April-May 2020 and witnessed the killing of 20 Indian soldiers in June 2020 in the Galwan Valley.
• Wang last visited India for the Special Representative talks on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Dec 2019.
• He will leave for Nepal Fri afternoon.

• (source)-During his brief stay, he will meet Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, at the Hyderabad House.
• India wanted China to make the announcement first while Beijing was awaiting New Delhi’s to make the first move.

However, New Delhi decided to completely abandon the idea of making an official announcement when the Chinese FM spoke about J&K at the meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Pakistan. 

On Thu, in response to media queries on references to India in the statements and resolutions adopted at the OIC meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs said “associate themselves with such exercises should realize the impact it has on their reputation”.

• Despite such high-profile meetings, both sides chose to maintain stone-cold silence blaming the other for not announcing promptly.
• Beijing also kept silent about Wang’s visit. 
• However, hours earlier, when Wang was in Kabul on a surprise visit, Beijing had been actively promoting the trip.
• This is because Beijing wanted to send the message out that China sees South Asia as one of the priority areas in its foreign policy.

Financial Express– Sana Hashmi, a farmer consultant to MEA-“The visit was kept under wraps because it seems the expectations from the visit are low, especially from the Indian side. And, India’s position on the issue is clear- the relations won’t be normalized until the border issue is taken seriously.”

On the outcome of the visit, she said, “.. depends on what Wang Yi has got to offer. Given he has already crossed the red line during his visit to Pakistan, Wang’s India visit won’t be momentous.”

China says willing to extend CPEC to Afghanistan

Dawn-Beijing welcomes Afghanistan’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure plan proposed by China, and is willing to push for extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thu.

• China is among just a handful of countries, including Pakistan and Qatar, which has sent a minister to Afghanistan since the Taliban took over the country in August.
• China will host a meeting of regional foreign ministers later this month, and the statement said Muttaqi would also participate in the meeting.

On the OIC statement

• On Thu, MEA called Pakistan a “manipulator” after reporters asked questions on references to India at the OIC meeting.
• “The statements and resolutions adopted at the meeting demonstrate both the irrelevance of the OIC as a body and the role of Pakistan as its manipulator,” he said.
• “Nations and Governments that associate themselves with such exercises should realize the impact it has on their reputation.”
• Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a few remarks on the India-China ties during a lecture in St. Stephen’s College.

“The world being what it is, self-interest and convergence cannot be fully counted upon, especially with neighbors..… Any prudent policy, therefore, backs its posture with capabilities and deterrence,” said Jaishankar.

Hu Shisheng, expert of South Asian Studies at the China Institutes, told ‘The Hindu’ that it was “time for us two giants to do something out of the box”.

Exiled Tibetans exhort India to press China to resume dialogue with Dalai Lama

ANI -With Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi for an official visit, exiled Tibetans have called upon India to press Beijing to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Tibetan Parliamentarians-in-exile also demanded that China should stop repressive policies in Tibet while expressing mixed reactions to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s India visit and the talks between the two countries.

Comment: What appeared from outside, and very well expected “No breakthrough in talks on Ladakh”. China told –keep the border issue in the box and accept the changed status quo and move on. No clarity in EAM’s press briefing on whether there was an agreement or discussion on a schedule/ timetable for de-escalation. Net-net – India, and China continue to talk. That’s it. It was interesting to note is that EAM stated “we discussed bilateral, multilateral and [even] UN reform” in a candid and cordial manner.

Colombo expands defense ties with India: Lankan Navy to acquire floating dock for Trincomalee

The Sri Lankan Navy said that the Floating Dock will be established at the Trincomalee Naval DockYard within the next 30 months.

• It is paramount to annually direct the vessels and boats of the Sri Lanka Navy for underwater maintenance and repairs to increase their efficiency for service, said Lanka Navy.
• Adding that at present the Navy’s dry docks can only facilitate the underwater repairs and services of vessels and boats that weigh less than 350 tonnes.
• The Lankan Navy also noted that to address the issue, delegates deliberated with neighboring countries from 2015 to 2017, and it was endorsed that the Navy required its Floating Dock.
• The Navy added that further discussions on securing a Floating Dock from India were discussed at Military Staff Level meetings between India and Sri Lanka.
• Following a lengthy process, the Cabinet of Ministers in 2020 approved to obtain a Floating Dock from India as a grant and approved Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) as the supplier.
• The Sri Lanka Navy in 2017 & 2018 procured 2 Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels from GSL.

The AOPVs manifest operational prowess by conducting patrols, maritime policing, reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR ) and pollution control missions in Sri Lanka’s maritime zones.

The Floating Dock from GSL is valued at approximately $ 20 Million, and the Lankan Navy will be able to save Rs. 600 Million annually spent.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

The US sanctions China, North Korea, and Russian entities for weapons proliferation

The United States sanctioned Zhengzhou Nanbei Instrument Equipment Co Ltd for supplying Syria with equipment controlled by a chemical and biological weapons nonproliferation regime known as the Australia Group.

• The State Department said the sanctions on the Chinese company underscored Beijing’s shortcomings in implementing export controls and its nonproliferation track record.
• The US has imposed sanctions on 2 Russian and 1 North Korean entities for transferring sensitive items to N Korea’s missile program, the State Department said on Thu.
• It named the Russian entities as the Ardis Group of Companies LLC (Ardis Group) and PFK Profpodshipnik LLC.
• The North Korean entity targeted for sanctions was named the Second Academy of Natural Science Foreign Affairs Bureau.
• In addition, Russian national Igor Aleksandrovich Michurin and North Korean national Ri Sung Chol were also sanctioned.
• The sanctions announcement came on the same day North Korea said it tested a new, powerful type of intercontinental ballistic missile.