[NEWS OF THE DAY]

Foreign Minister Wang Yi becomes the most senior Chinese official to visit Myanmar since coup

China pledged to continue to foster friendly ties with Myanmar and bolster economic relations as Foreign Minister Wang Yi became the highest-ranking official from Beijing to visit the country since last year’s coup. “China appreciates Myanmar’s firm China-friendly policy, supports the people of Myanmar in exploring a development path in line with their national conditions, and supports Myanmar in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and national dignity in international forums,” Wang told his Myanmese counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry on Sun. Beijing has sought close relations with Myanmar and Wang is expected to chair the FMs meeting of the Beijing-led Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism on Mon. Speaking on Fri, Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun, the junta’s deputy information minister, said the visit was a recognition of Myanmar’s military rulers, which overthrew the elected govt of Aung San Suu Kyi last Feb. China is highly dependent on the Strait of Malacca for such deliveries, and being able to import oil and gas through the economic corridor would reduce its reliance and potentially remove a chokepoint in China’s energy security. (here) India keeps close watch as Wang Yi visits Myanmar- Wang’s trip will be closely watched in New Delhi, as it is expected to boost the Sino-Myanmar security and connectivity partnership and reaffirm Beijing’s support to its military junta amid sanctions by the West, ET reported. The trip also comes in the wake of attacks by anti-regime armed resistance groups on Chinese projects. There are reports that China wants to negotiate with the regime to send trained security guards to protect its interests and mining projects in central Myanmar. China has such plans for Pakistan, too. The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, akin to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor gives it easy access to the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean Region, much to India’s discomfort. (here)

Jaishankar to attend G20 meet amid Pakistan, China protests against India holding a summit in J&K

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will next week attend a meeting of the FMs of the G20 nations in Indonesia amid protests by China and Pakistan over India’s plan to host some of the events related to the 2023 summit of the bloc in Jammu and Kashmir. India is likely to reject the objections raised by Pakistan and China over its move to hold some of the G20 events in J&K. It will however also clarify to other G20 nations that the main events of the 2023 summit will take place in its national capital, DH reported citing a source on Sat. Jaishankar’s Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi will host the meeting of the G20 FMs on Jul 7-8. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to attend the summit. Indonesia currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20 and will pass it on to India on Dec 1 after Joko Widodo, the president of the Southeast Asian nation, hosts the 2022 summit. The main events of the 2023 G20 summit are proposed to be held in Delhi and construction works are now going on to give Pragati Maidan in the national capital a facelift and to turn it into the venue for the conclave. India, however, also has plans to hold some of the events in J&K so that the foreign leaders, who would come for the summit, could also visit the UT. (here)

India and Egypt work towards building a strategic relationship with a focus on defense & security

India and Egypt are charting out an increasingly strategic bilateral relationship with more focus on defense and security aspects. While New Delhi is looking at Cairo as its next big market for arms exports, Egypt is eager to play a key role in yielding its influence in Asia as a representative of both Africa and the Arab world. India and Egypt are now partnering with each other across all spectrums of their bilateral ties based on a sound historical and traditional relationship. From exporting wheat to Egypt despite a ban on its shipments to greater military-to-military relationship, India is leaving no stone unturned to bring Egypt under its strategic embrace. A delegation from the Egyptian Air Force will be visiting this month led by their Air Chief Mahmoud Foaad Abd El-Gawad “to scout for India’s defense equipment” as New Delhi eyes more and more markets to export its defense items post the success of the sale of Brahmos to the Philippines in Jan this year, ThePrint reported citing a source. India and Egypt are currently holding a major exercise between both the Air Forces touted to be a “unique exercise with Air assets in a Large Force Engagement environment, simulating various conflict scenarios. The exercise is aimed at enhancing defense cooperation between the two countries and exchange of best practices”, the Defence Ministry stated last week. (here)

China’s Great Wall Motor shelves $1 bln India plan -sources

Reuters – China’s Great Wall Motor has shelved plans to invest $1 billion in India and laid off all employees at its operations there after failing to obtain regulatory approvals, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said on Fri. The Chinese automaker has been planning to enter the Indian market since 2020 but has now become one of the biggest casualties of New Delhi’s increased scrutiny of investments from Beijing. Without directly commenting on the exit, a Great Wall statement said the company “would like to thank all the members of the Indian team for their contribution”, adding that it would continue to study the Indian market and look for opportunities in the future. (here)

[NATIONAL]

France and Australia hint at reviving trilateral with India

France and Australia, India’s key partners in the Indo-Pacific region, have hinted at reviving the trilateral involving New Delhi to stabilize the Indian Ocean Region amid worries over China’s aggressive posturing. This came up on Fri during the new Australian prime minister’s Anthony Albanese visit to Paris. The trilateral had been put on the backburner since earlier this year after France developed cold feet following Australia’s decision to scrap the submarine deal and launch AUKUS to acquire nuclear-powered submarines with US and UK assistance. Albanese welcomed what he called a “new start” in relations with France, as he met President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Fri. Acknowledging “difficult times”, Macron emphasized the two countries’ strategic partnership, their shared war history in Europe, and their joint interests in stability in the Pacific region. (here) “…We are determined to be active in regional fora and to enhance security cooperation with Pacific countries, in particular on maritime surveillance with regional agencies, and in the Indian Ocean, including in partnership with India.” Official statement of France Govt read.

India slams US Commission on International Religious Freedom for ‘misrepresenting’ facts

India on Sat slammed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for its “biased” and “inaccurate” comments on the country. The reaction from the Ministry of External Affairs came a day after the USCIRF alleged “repression” of critical voices, especially religious minorities and those reporting on and advocating for them in India. “We have seen the biased and inaccurate comments on India by the USCIRF,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. He said the comments reflect a “severe lack of understanding” of India and its constitutional framework, its plurality, and its democratic ethos. “Regrettably, USCIRF continues to misrepresent facts time and again in its statements and reports in pursuance of its motivated agenda,” Bagchi said. He was replying to media queries on USCIRF’s comments on India. The USCIRF, a bipartisan, independent govt agency funded by the State Department, had commented on its Twitter account about the recent arrests of human rights activist Teesta Setalvad and journalist Mohammad Zubair. “USCIRF is concerned about the Indian government’s continued repression of critical voices – especially religious minorities and those reporting on and advocating for them,” said the USCIRF, quoting Commissioner David Curry. US Body names India as ‘Country of Particular Concern’.

Drone spotted along International Border in Samba

On Monday morning, a massive search operation was launched in the entire border belt from Chilliyari to the Manguchak area to find out if the drone had dropped any object on the Indian side, they said. Drones were also used in the search operation of the area, they said, adding nothing has been found. (here)

Maharashtra Assembly: CM Eknath Shinde wins Trust Vote with a 164-99 margin

The new Eknath Shinde-led govt in Maharashtra won the floor test on Mon by a 164-99 margin, proving his govt’s majority and cementing his position as chief minister of the state and the leader of the Shiv Sena. 164 votes were polled in favor of Shinde, while 99 votes were polled against the newly formed BJP-Shinde camp coalition. The trust vote comes a day after BJP’s Rahul Narwekar was elected the Assembly Speaker. On Sun Narwekar reinstated Shinde as the Shiv Sena’s legislative party leader and also recognized the appointment of Gogawale as the chief whip of the Shiv Sena. Today’s floor test was held during the special two-day session of the Assembly that began on Sun. A total of 3 members abstained from voting. Ajit Pawar to be the next new Leader of Opposition (here)

Singaporean firm inks MoU with TN Govt to establish semiconductor park at $3.5bn

Singapore-based IGSS ventures signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu Govt led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, for setting up a semiconductor park in the Southern Indian state. As per the MoU, the Singaporean firm will invest Rs.25,600 crores, over the next 5 years to establish a high-tech semiconductor park, ‘Project Suria’. This project is estimated to provide direct employment to 1,500 persons and indirect employment to 25,000 persons involved in circuit design, vendors selling secondary products, testing semiconductors, etc. The firm has also applied for the Central Govt’s Rs 76,000-crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for semiconductor manufacturing in India. This project is expected to come up at a facility that spans 300 acres and the location for the same is being worked out, said State Industries Minister. The Minister added that over the last year, the State govt has signed MoUs to the tune of Rs 94,975 crore with 132 companies to generate 2.26 lakh jobs. (here)

False Allegations on Foreign Funds an ‘Attempt to Shut Us Down’: Alt News

Alt News and its parent organization, the Pravda Media Foundation, have issued a statement categorically denying allegations that they have received foreign funds. “Our payment platform through which we receive donations does not allow receipt of funds from foreign sources and we have received donations from Indian bank accounts only,” the statement reads. “All the donations collected through these means go to the organization’s bank account.” On Sat, the Delhi Police added charges of criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and under Section 35 of the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act to the FIR against Zubair. These charges allow the Enforcement Directorate to enter the probe. (here) Further, Delhi Police have invoked sections 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The addition of sections 120B, 201 of the IPC and 35 FCRA paves the way for the Enforcement Directorate to lodge a case against Zubair. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

China’s Increasing Russian Crude Purchases Forces Iran To Lower Prices

As China buys Russian crude in large volumes, Iran is being forced to cut down its oil prices which are already cheap, Bloomberg reported. Moscow is dependent on China as sanctions have crippled the outflow of Russian oil to the world energy market. This led to competition with Iran, an ally of Russia, which itself is under large US sanctions and fewer destinations to send their crude to. Russia exported record shipments of oil in Jun, breaching past Saudi Arabia which was the top supplier to the world’s biggest importer. Iran slashed oil prices to remain in competition in the market in China as demand in China is expected to rise following the easing of strict virus restrictions. Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights in Singapore, Bloomberg reported cited expert, that Gulf producers will feel uneasy seeing their prized markets being overrun with ‘heavily discounted crude’. China imported over 700,000 barrels a day in May-June, Kpler said and Facts Global Energy (FGE) said crude from the Russian Ural has displaced some Iranian oil flows. Iran priced its crude at nearly $10 a barrel below Brent futures to bring it on par with crude from the Urals which are scheduled to arrive in China in Aug. Before the invasion there were also discounts of about $4 to $5. (here)

Russia arrests scientist for alleged collaboration with Chinese secret services

Reuters- Russia has detained a scientist in Siberia on suspicion of state treason for allegedly collaborating with China’s security services, the state news agency TASS reported on Fri, citing regional authorities and the man’s family. Dmitry Kolker, a doctor of physics and mathematics at Novosibirsk State University, whose website says he is head of a quantum optical technologies laboratory, was detained on charges of high treason, TASS quoted the Novosibirsk judicial department as saying. Several Russian scientists have been arrested and charged with treason in recent years for allegedly passing sensitive material to foreigners. Critics of the Kremlin say the arrests often stem from unfounded paranoia. (here)

Sri Lankan FM discusses economic crisis with Chinese Ambassador

Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs GL Peiris met with the Ambassador of China Qi Zhenhong in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and discussed the ongoing economic crisis. Minister Peiris appreciated China’s continued assistance to Sri Lanka. He also apprised the Qi of the current situation in the country and the shortage of fuel, food, and pharmaceutical equipment which have adversely affected the economy of Sri Lanka. Peiris assured the Qi that Sri Lanka will continue to stand by the ‘One China’ policy and pledged Sri Lanka’s unwavering support to protect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Minister mentioned that he held discussions with the leaders of 12 countries on the current situation in terms of Sri Lanka on the flanks of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, and the assistance required by Sri Lanka at this critical juncture. (here)

China urges Canada not to interfere in Hong Kong affairs

Beijing has urged Ottawa not to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs after Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly asserted that the city’s freedom was being suppressed under Chinese authority. On the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule, the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa in a statement said external forces should not make “irresponsible remarks”. “Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs, and no external forces are in the position to make irresponsible remarks. The “deep ties” between Canada and Hong Kong are not an excuse to interfere in Hong Kong affairs,” the statement read. On Thu, Joly in a statement said that Canada had direct ties with HK, with an estimated 300,000 Canadians living in the city and more than 100 Canadian companies with a presence there. (here)

China still weighing up risks of engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban govt, experts say

The Taliban govt that took control in Aug was already struggling to provide basic healthcare and education and keep food plentiful and affordable, while the bombing of schools and places of worship by sectarian rivals continued. It did not help that more than US$9 bn in Afghan central bank assets held in Western countries were frozen after the Taliban took power. Around 75% of Afghan govt spending was previously financed by foreign aid grants, according to the World Bank. China has been proactive in reaching out to the Taliban to forge semi-official ties and has called for the release of frozen funds. But the future of ties between the countries remains uncertain, analysts say, because of Afghanistan’s volatility and Beijing’s reservations about whether relations can lead to a stable and profitable partnership. (here)

Pakistan looks forward to engaging with the US at all levels: PM Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Mon extended his heartiest felicitations to the people and government of the United States on the occasion of the country’s 246^th Independence Day and expressed Islamabad’s desire to engage with Washington at all levels. Americans mark their nation’s birthday on July 4, which was the day when the country was liberated from England by Abraham Lincoln in 1776. The premier’s message comes as the country makes effort to improve ties with the US after Imran Khan’s govt allegations against a high-ranking US official of hatching a conspiracy to topple his govt through a no-confidence vote. (here)

Stay away from politics, army chief directs military officials

Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has issued fresh directions to all his commanders and key officers, including those associated with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to stay away from politics and avoid interacting with politicians. These directions have been given in the wake of Imran Khan-led PTI propaganda against the military establishment alleging certain ISI officials of having been involved in political engineering to manipulate the upcoming by-elections in Punjab to the disadvantage of PTI. Defense sources lament over these allegations and disclosed that the ISI sector commander, Lahore, who is being maligned by the PTI leaders, is not even in Lahore for over a fortnight in connection with some of his professional work in Islamabad. Citing sources Geo TV reported that the PTI, instead of maligning the security establishment, should share evidence. They added that even if an iota of evidence is provided, strict action would be initiated against the responsible. (here)

4 ‘terrorists’ were killed in military action in KP

Dawn- Security forces killed 4 terrorists in 2 separate gun battles in North Waziristan district, where a polio worker was wounded in an attack, while three soldiers sustained injuries in another ambush in Khyber district close to the Afghan border, official sources said on Sat. Three of the terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with law enforcers during an intelligence-based operation in the Ghulam tehsil of North Waziristan, according to the military’s media department, Inter-Services Public Relations. Another militant was killed during an exchange of fire in North Waziristan when a group of terrorists from Afghanistan attempted to break the border fence near the Kanjeera and Wargar Sar military posts, Dawn reported citing the, adding that a security official, Saqib, suffered injuries in the encounter and was shifted to Miramshah hospital. (here)

Pakistan seeks Qatar gas on deferred payment

Amid a severe energy crunch and unprecedentedly expensive fuel imports, Pakistan is seeking more gas imports on deferred payments from Qatar, which is irritated by roadblocks to its infrastructure investment plans, particularly in import terminals. Authorities in Islamabad are engaging with Qatar at different levels to ramp up Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies to Pak to make up for a shortage of 4-5 cargoes (400-500 million ft³/day) every month. At almost every engagement, the other side wants to hear an update on the removal of hitches to its plans to set up a merchant LNG terminal in Karachi. The govt has failed in the last 3 attempts over the past couple of weeks to secure even a cargo for Jul from the spot market as whatever quantities are available in the spot or otherwise are herded by the US towards Europe suffering energy shortages amid the Russia war and ready to pick every molecule at any cost. (here)

Dahal proposes a new front of ‘socialists’ but offers little clarity

CPN (Maoist Centre) chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal has proposed forming a new front comprising forces whose political line is socialism. He proposed it at the party’s Central Committee meeting that started on Sun. “An immediate front of the parties, forces, and individuals who believe socialism is the ultimate goal is the need of the hour,” Dahal stated in his 10-page “Brief Political Document” presented at the Central Committee (CC) meeting. “An open debate and discussion should be held on socialism with Nepali characteristics, an action plan to achieve that and development of a revolutionary force through a socialist front.” Dahal also told the meeting that former Maoists are coming together and that it would give more strength to the party. This, however, comes at a time when Dahal has been in talks with his former dy and current federal council chair of the Janata Samajbadi Party Baburam Bhattarai who has been making a pitch for setting up a ‘socialist center.’ His proposal also comes amid talk about forming a left alliance by bringing communist forces together under one umbrella. (here)