[NATIONAL]

Seven soldiers killed as the vehicle with 26 soldiers falls in Ladakh’s Shyok river

Seven soldiers were dead and several injured in an unfortunate vehicle accident. A party of 26 soldiers was moving from the Transit Camp in Partapur to a forward location in Sub Sector Hanif. At approx 0900 hr, around 25 km from Thoise, the vehicle skidded off the road and fell in Shyok river (to a depth of approx 50-60ft), resulting in injuries to all occupants. All 26 individuals have been evacuated to 403 Field Hospital at Partapur and Surgical teams from Leh have moved to Partapur. Seven individuals have been declared Fatal so far. There are grievous injuries to others as well: Army.

Chinese national with Aadhaar card detained in Kashmir, flown out of Valley after questioning

The Jammu and Kashmir Police this week briefly questioned a Chinese national, in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, who was traveling from Leh towards Srinagar and carried an Aadhaar card as well, Economic Times reported. The foreigner, identified as Yang Xuhong, 47, was spotted by police while he was traveling in Ganderbal, which connects Kashmir with Kargil of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The report quoting officials said Yang Xuhong had arrived in Leh on a flight and stayed there for some time before traveling towards Kashmir by road. (here)

India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan, this will not change: NSA at Regional Security Conference

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, while taking part in the 4^th Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in Dushanbe on Fri, highlighted that India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan and asserted that “nothing can change this.” Following the 3^rd Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi in Nov 2021, the NSAs of Tajikistan, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and China took part in the dialogue in Dushanbe. Taking forward the spirit encapsulated in the Delhi Declaration, the NSAs discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region. (sources)- NSA took the opportunity to meet his counterparts from Iran, Tajikistan, Russia, and other partners in the Dialogue on the sidelines of the meeting. After Aug 2021, India has already provided 17000 MT of Wheat out of a total commitment of 50k MT, 500k doses of Covaxin, 13 tons of essential life-saving medicines, and winter clothing as well as 60 million doses of polio vaccine. (here) “There is a need for all present at the dialogue to enhance the capability of Afghanistan to counter-terrorism”. Makes no mention of who in Afghanistan should be aided to develop this CT capability.

Def Min Rajnath Singh to visit Vietnam after Quad decides on better ties with ASEAN

The Quad countries decided during their meeting in Tokyo earlier this week to intensify ties with the 10 ASEAN countries. Now, plans for a visit by the defense minister, Rajnath Singh, in Jun to Vietnam, an ASEAN country with a history of confrontation with China, are being worked out. Singh is likely to be in Hanoi for a couple of days next month, to meet with his counterpart, Gen Phan Van Giang. Singh is likely to call on the Vietnamese top leadership. The meeting is likely to include discussions of the region, a euphemism for Chinese aggression in the South and East China Seas. Besides, India could expand its line of credit for defense-related equipment to Vietnam. Singh’s visit is particularly significant as India and Vietnam are strategic partners and there have been reports of Chinese naval vessels moving close to oil rigs in the SCS being jointly developed by India and Vietnam. Vietnam has strongly refuted such claims. Singh will also be visiting Britain in early Jul, after his trip to Vietnam. (here)

Army accuses Pakistan of ‘deceit under the garb of LoC ceasefire’ as infiltration bid is foiled

The Indian Army hit out at Pakistan Thu, accusing it of “deceit” under the “garb of the ceasefire” at the Line of Control (LoC) as an infiltration attempt was foiled in Jammu & Kashmir’s Keran sector, amid rising violence in the Valley. 3 terrorists were killed Thu while they were attempting to infiltrate from the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In a statement, Chinar Corps, which takes care of the entire LoC, said “exporting terrorism in J&K has been a state policy of Pakistan in the last three decades”. It said that the increased desperation of terrorist handlers in PoK is evident as a result of effect-based operations conducted by the Indian Army, and prevailing peace and tranquility evident from a large number of tourists coming to the Valley. Giving details of the infiltration attempt, the army said that the counter-operation was launched based on joint intelligence from several agencies. (here)

Russia’s role as a balancer vis-a-vis China shapes India’s policy on Ukraine

A key factor that is shaping India’s policy on Ukraine is Russia’s role as a balancer, especially vis-a-vis China, reported the Italian think-tank Institute for International Political Studies. Russia is a critical arm and energy supplier to India with a time-tested relationship. At the time of the Doklam episode and the Galwan Valley clashes, Russia remained neutral and focused on continuing with the Russia-India-China framework. This framework, as a means of dialogue post the conflict, highlights Russia’s outlook toward India. Another key aspect is Russia’s role as a gateway for its “Connect Central Asia Policy“. India has been striving to strengthen ties with the Central Asian Nations. This is also significant as China eyes expanding its footprint in the region. Russia also plays a prominent role in acting out as a critical regional power. Infrastructure ventures like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) focused on connecting India with Northern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. (here)

From agricultural field to playing field, drones will soon be a way of life, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions India as a global drone hub in the world, underscoring Fri that these unmanned vehicles would soon be a way of life in the country – from the agricultural field to the playing field while inaugurating India’s biggest drone festival – Bharat Drone Mahotsav – at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. He said India’s enthusiasm about drone technology was “amazing”. “This indicates the possibilities of employment generation in this emerging sector,” he said, adding, “Technology has paved the way to ensure the last-mile delivery of government schemes.” The PM launched 150 remote pilot certificates at the 2-day event. On the occasion, Civil Aviation Minister said the drone industry would reach a turnover of Rs 15,000 cr by 2026, adding that there are 270 drone startups in India.” (here)

BSF apprehends two Pakistani fishermen, seizes 4 fishing boats from Bhuj

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thu apprehended two Pakistani fishermen and seized 4 country-made Pakistani fishing boats near the horizontal channel of Harami Nala in Gujarat’s Bhuj, the force said. The BSF observed the movement of some Pakistani fishing boats while patrolling in the general area of Harami Nala at about 8.30 am. Nothing suspicious was recovered from the boats, as per BSF.

MoS Lekhi calls India-Hungary Business Forum a step towards realizing the ‘full potential’ of trade between countries

While inaugurating the India-Hungary Business Forum in New Delhi on Fri along with visiting Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi said that the event is a step in realizing the full trade and investment potential between the countries. The event was followed by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with Szijjarto. EAM also held a bilateral meeting with Minister Szijjarto and discussed global affairs on the sidelines of the India-Hungary Business Forum. Earlier, Jaishankar met Szijjarto on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum on Sept 1-2, 2021 in Slovenia and again on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York on Sept 22, 2021. (here)

RBI to hike rates amid rising inflation but increases need not be endless: Governor Das

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das voices confidence in ability to bring down elevated and persistent inflation without triggering panic in the market, and the apex bank will not unveil extreme measures to restrain prices. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will hike interest rates to reduce inflation, but the aim is to ensure that the market doesn’t get any shocks and that economic recovery is not hurt, Das told ET in an interview. He went on to add that aggressive RBI rate rises need not necessarily be endless as the recent cut in fuel taxes and restrictions on exports of some farm commodities may have a positive impact to keep inflation in check and a geopolitical crisis over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may be over soon. However, Das mentioned that RBI had started the tightening in Apr itself and had indicated further rate actions. (here)

ED summons Farooq Abdullah in ‘money laundering’ case linked to J&K Cricket Association

National Conference (NC) president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has been summoned by the ED for questioning in a money laundering case in Delhi on May 31, official sources said on Fri. The questioning is reported to be in connection with a case of alleged financial irregularities in the J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) that is being probed by the federal agency. The summon has been issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for an appearance at its headquarters here on May 31. The Enforcement Directorate had 2020 attached assets worth Rs 11.86 crore to Abdullah in this case. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

China has no plans for Solomons base, Wang says during the Pacific tour

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Pacific island nations were not anyone’s “backyard” and that Beijing had no plan to set up a military base in the Solomon Islands. Wang made the remarks in the Solomon Islands late on Thu as he kick-started his trip to 7 Pacific island nations and East Timor for a 10-day tour which is being watched closely by Australia and the US. Following a meeting with his Solomon Islands counterpart Jeremiah Manele, Wang said all Pacific island nations had the right to decide what deals to sign. At the same time, Australia’s new foreign minister was in Fiji, saying, ‘Australia will be a partner that doesn’t come with strings attached’ (here)China-Australia relations: ex-Australian PM Kevin Rudd tells West to offer alternatives to Pacific islands, not ‘lectures’ about their ties with Beijing-Western powers should avoid delivering “stern moral lectures” to Pacific island states about their deepening ties with China and instead offer alternative development proposals, the Rudd has said.

China plans fresh military exercises in the South China Sea

China will hold naval exercises in the South China Sea on Sat (May 28), its maritime authority said, after a week of recrimination from the West over its military ambitions across the Pacific region. The exercises, set to take place in the sea less than 25 km off the coast of south China’s Hainan province, come as the US leads warnings over China’s growing military and economic presence in an area spanning from the South China Sea to the Pacific Islands. “Military exercises will be held and entry is prohibited,” the administration said on Thu, warning that an area of roughly 100 km² would be closed off to maritime traffic for 5 hrs. China routinely conducts similar drills in waters near its shores, but the latest exercises come as Beijing faces a growing chorus of warnings from the US and West over its naval ambitions, which critics say are a beachhead for a wider attempt to change the regional balance of power. (here) Blinken accuses China of undermining global order in a major policy speech-China’s govt is undermining the global order that has allowed the country to flourish economically, which requires Washington to work more closely with allies and other countries to counter Beijing’s influence, US Secy of State Antony Blinken said on Thu. (here) The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Fri that Blinken’s speech on policy toward China spread false information, exaggerated the “China threat,” interfered in China’s internal affairs and smeared China’s domestic and foreign policies.

China’s arms sales diplomacy failing due to the trust deficit in Beijing’s defense contracts

With China expecting a surge in demand for Chinese arms and ammunition from several countries including Middle-Eastern and African countries as the Russia-Ukraine war has entered into 4^th month, a study indicates a fall in Chinese defense contracts due to a lack of transparency and less sophisticated parts vis-a-vis Western technologies in manufacturing weapons. A RAND Corporation (US-based thinktank) study in 2021 pointed to a lacuna in Chinese defense contracts, stating there is a lack of transparency and accountability. According to the experts, a lot of countries have little or no faith in Chinese companies because of poor after-sales support and equipment that rapidly declines into non-functional machinery. According to the SIPRI’s recent report, nearly half of Chinese weapon exports – 47% went to its closest ally Pakistan, while Beijing’s next largest clients were Bangladesh (16%) and Thailand (5%), as per the media portal. (here)

Chinese premier Li Keqiang gives dire growth warning in unpublished remarks

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang warned of dire consequences if officials don’t move decisively to prevent the economy from sliding further, saying a contraction in the second quarter must be avoided. His comments to thousands of local officials at an emergency meeting Wed were franker than the official readout published by state media. Li told attendees that economic growth risks slipping out of a reasonable range, according to people familiar with the discussions. He said China will pay a huge price with a long road to recovery if the economy can’t keep expanding at a certain rate. That means growth must be positive in the second quarter, he said, according to anonymous sources. The remarks reinforce economists’ expectations that the govt’s growth target this year of about 5.5% is increasingly out of reach. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg now expect the economy to grow just 4.5% this year, with some, like Morgan Stanley, downgrading growth to as low as 3.2%. (here)

Pakistan urged to set up RMB Capital Circulation System

China has proposed to Pakistan to set up RMB Capital Circulation System to promote trade and transactions in the Chinese currency. Govt asks finance ministry, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to review proposal shared by Bank of China. In this regard, it was suggested that the SBP hold talks with the Bank of China. The govt asked the finance ministry and the central bank to review the proposal of the Chinese authorities and take practical steps. It is expected that significant progress will be made soon and formal talks will be started between the two countries on this issue. The exchange rate between the currencies of both countries should be set in the China Foreign Exchange Trading System and authorized banks declared as cross-border currency markets in China and Pakistan, according to the documents. (here)

Pakistan considers gas import deal with countries including Russia

Pakistan said it is considering signing a liquefied natural gas purchase agreement with various countries including Russia as it seeks to secure supply and ease a crippling shortage. The govt “will go for the most favorable deal”, the Ministry of Energy said in a statement to Bloomberg News. Pakistan is mulling a government-to-government contract to import the power plant and industrial fuel, according to the statement. Only a handful of countries are willing to sign new LNG contracts with Russia, as most importers shun Moscow due to President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. India and China are buying additional spot shipments of Russian gas, with some at a hefty discount to prevailing rates. Pakistan’s LNG import cost has increased 83% to US$3.7 billion (S$5 billion) in the 10 months ended Apr, as per official data. (here) The prices of petroleum products in Pakistan shot up on Fri by ₹30 after the govt, left with fewer options to prevent the country from spiraling into a deeper economic crisis, and reduced the fuel subsidies by a record margin. Reports from Islamabad suggest that the move has been taken to placate the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an economic bailout. (here)