1. India pledges support for Afghan refugees after Taliban’s request
2. India hands over defense equipment worth Rs 35 crore to Maldives
3. India extends ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina’s visa as Dhaka presses for extradition
4. ‘One Nation, One Election’: BJP Members echo party stand at parliamentary panel meeting
5. India, Malaysia Hold First-Ever Security Dialogue To Strengthen Bilateral Ties

What Else

1. Pannun assassination plot — in US jail, Nikhil Gupta says no visit from embassy in 7 months
2. India, EU discuss protecting human rights in 11th dialogue meet in Delhi
3. GOP lawmaker slams Biden administration, DOJ over Gautam Adani probe
4. “India’s grant assistance to Sri Lanka stands at USD 780 million”
5. Taiwan investigating Chinese vessel over damage to undersea cable
6. US-China dialogue touches on ‘candid’ concerns before Trump takes office
7. Pakistan to honour IMF commitments, but excessive taxes unsustainable: PM

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India pledges support for Afghan refugees after Taliban’s request

• India and the Taliban have taken a step forward in their engagement, marking the highest-level meeting between the two since the Taliban took over in 2021.
• Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, discussing various aspects of their relationship.
• India has been cautious in its engagement with the Taliban, maintaining a “technical team” in Kabul rather than a full embassy setup.
• Despite this, India has continued to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including 50,000 MTs of wheat; 300 tonnes of medicines; 27 tonnes of earthquake relief aid, and 100 million polio and million doses of COVID vaccine
• During the Dubai meeting, India agreed to provide further support to Afghanistan’s health sector and rehabilitation of refugees.
• The two sides also discussed the Chabahar port project and cricket diplomacy, which have been significant areas of cooperation between India and Afghanistan.
• It’s worth noting that India’s primary concern is that Afghanistan should not become a haven for anti-India terror groups.
• The Afghan side has underlined its “sensitivities” to India’s security concerns, a positive step forward in their engagement. (more)
• Taliban asks India for issuance of visas including for students; Emphasis on Chabahar port for trade: Afghan readout on India, Taliban talks in Dubai.

India hands over defense equipment worth Rs 35 crore to Maldives

• India and the Maldives are strengthening their defense ties after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Maldives counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon held key talks in Delhi.
• The discussions focused on enhancing maritime security, information exchange, and boosting the capability of the Maldives National Defence Forces through training.
• To support this endeavor, India handed over defense equipment worth over $4 million to the Maldives, including utility vehicles and berthing items.
• The two nations also agreed to accelerate the Ekatha Harbour Project, a significant grant-in-aid project aimed at constructing a naval dockyard to enhance the Maldives’ Coast Guard capabilities.
• Additionally, they discussed maintaining and extending Indian aviation platforms in the Maldives, such as Dornier aircraft and maritime vessels used for surveillance and medical evacuation.
• The Maldives govt has distanced itself from the “India Out” campaign, attributing it to former President Yameen, marking a positive upswing in relations between the two countries. (more)

India extends ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina’s visa as Dhaka presses for extradition

• India has extended the visa of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been staying in the country since Aug last year.
• This move comes amid growing calls for her extradition, with the Bangladesh govt accusing her of involvement in incidents of violence and disappearances during the 2024 protests.
• Hasina’s visa extension is seen as a technical move to facilitate her stay, rather than a step towards offering her political asylum or refuge.
• India lacks legislation to grant asylum, and the government has emphasized that the visa extension should not be misinterpreted.
• The Bangladesh interim govt, led by Yunus, has been pressing for Hasina’s extradition since Dec 23.
• They accuse her of crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances and killings of students.
• In response to Hasina’s alleged role in these incidents, Dhaka’s immigration department canceled her passport, along with 96 others.
• The move has complicated the situation, testing the finesse of Indian diplomacy.
• India’s options regarding Hasina’s extradition are limited.
• The Yunus govt is also facing allegations of going after his political opponents recklessly and pursuing politically motivated charges in an attempt to consolidate power. (more)
• Nothing to say if India extends Hasina’s visa: Touhid Hossain: Bangladesh has nothing to say if India extends the visa of the former PM who has been staying in India since her ouster on Aug 5 last year, said Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain yesterday.
• “Like you, I also got to know it from newspapers. What can we do?” he said when journalists asked him about the reported visa extension (more)

‘One Nation, One Election’: BJP Members echo party stand at parliamentary panel meeting

• The first meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on simultaneous polls took place, sparking intense debate.
• Opposition MPs slammed the proposal, labeling it “unconstitutional” and questioning the alleged cost savings.
• The JPC is examining the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
• Proponents argue it will reduce election fatigue, minimize the model code of conduct’s impact on governance, and save resources.
• However, opposition MPs raised concerns that simultaneous polls would undermine the federal structure of India’s Constitution.
• They also questioned the estimated cost savings, citing the need for additional electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs).
• The JPC has been tasked with examining the proposal’s constitutional and legal implications, as well as its potential impact on the country’s electoral process.
• Constitutional Concerns: Opposition MPs argue that simultaneous polls would undermine India’s federal structure.
• Cost Savings: Estimated cost savings are disputed, with concerns about additional EVMs and VVPATs.
• Electoral Process: The JPC will examine the proposal’s impact on India’s electoral process. (more, more)

India, Malaysia Hold First-Ever Security Dialogue To Strengthen Bilateral Ties

• India and Malaysia have taken a significant step in strengthening their bilateral relations by holding their first-ever security dialogue in New Delhi.
• The meeting, chaired by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Malaysia’s National Security Council Director-General Raja Dato Nusrihwan bin Abidin, focused on regional and global security concerns.
• Key takeaways from the dialogue include:
• Joint Counter-Terrorism Efforts: India and Malaysia agreed to combat terrorism and radicalism together.
• Cybersecurity and Defense Cooperation: The two nations will collaborate on cybersecurity, defense industries, and maritime security.
• Annual Security Dialogue: India and Malaysia decided to hold the Security Dialogue annually to foster closer ties.
• This development follows the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit to India in Aug 2024, where both leaders agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic and security cooperation.
• Officials are optimistic that this dialogue will further strengthen relations and increase cooperation. (more)

Pannun assassination plot — in US jail, Nikhil Gupta says no visit from embassy in 7 months

• Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national indicted for allegedly plotting to murder Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Pannun, claims he hasn’t received any consular access from the Indian government since his extradition to the US seven months ago.
• Despite his family’s requests, nobody from the Indian embassy has visited him at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
• Gupta, who denies all links to the plot and calls the evidence “fabricated,” was arrested in the Czech Republic in June 2023 and extradited to the US.
• He faces charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, carrying maximum sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years in prison.
• Interestingly, Gupta received Indian consular access thrice during his detention in Prague.
• His family had also approached the Supreme Court in India, but the plea was rejected, stating it’s a “sensitive” matter for the government to handle. (more)

India, EU discuss protecting human rights in 11^th dialogue meet in Delhi

• India and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law at the 11^th India-EU Human Rights Dialogue in Delhi.
• Key discussion points included:
• Civil and political rights
• Social, economic, and cultural rights
• Strengthening human rights mechanisms
• Multilateral cooperation
• The EU reiterated its opposition to capital punishment, while India reaffirmed its stance on the right to development as a fundamental human right. (more)

GOP lawmaker slams Biden administration, DOJ over Gautam Adani probe

• Republican lawmaker Lance Gooden has criticized the outgoing Biden admin’s investigation against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, warning that such actions could damage vital international partnerships.
• If India refuses the extradition of Gautam Adani to the US, it wouldn’t be unprecedented. India has laws and procedures regarding extradition, governed by the Extradition Act of 1962.
• The country has extradition treaties with several nations, including the US, signed on June 25, 1997.
• However, extradition is only granted for offenses punishable by imprisonment for over a year in both countries.
• India’s Central Authority, the Consular, Passport and Visa Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, handles extradition requests.
• If India refuses extradition, it would likely be based on its laws and treaty obligations.
• It’s worth noting that India has extradition arrangements with 48 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.
• However, each extradition request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. (more)

“India’s grant assistance to Sri Lanka stands at USD 780 million”

• India has solidified its position as a key development partner for Sri Lanka, providing a substantial $780 million in grant assistance.
• This significant contribution was highlighted by the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha while updating reporters on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to India.
• Breakdown of India’s Contributions:
• Completed Projects: $390 million
• Ongoing Projects: $211 million
• Upcoming Initiatives: $180 million
• New Assistance: $391 million
• High Commissioner Jha emphasized that Indian grants have established the country as Sri Lanka’s principal development partner.
• Notably, Sri Lanka is one of the largest recipients of India’s development aid.
• In a move offering critical fiscal relief, India converted over $100 million in loans into grants. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Taiwan investigating Chinese vessel over damage to undersea cable

• A China-linked shipowner has denied Taiwan’s accusation of intentionally damaging an undersea communications cable connecting Taiwan to the Matsu Islands.
• Damage: The undersea cable was damaged on January 5, disrupting internet and phone services to the Matsu Islands.
• Suspected Vessel: Taiwan’s Coast Guard identified the Chinese-owned cargo ship “Da Shun” as the vessel suspected of causing the damage.
• Intentional Damage Alleged: Taiwanese authorities believe the damage was intentional, sparking concerns about sabotage.
• Investigation and Response:
• Investigation Underway: Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications is investigating the incident.
• Shipowner’s Denial: The China-linked shipowner claimed the vessel was simply passing through the area and didn’t intentionally damage the cable.
• Broader Implications:
• Tensions between Taiwan and China: The incident has raised concerns about the ongoing tensions that have claimed Taiwan as its territory. (more) (more)

US-China dialogue touches on ‘candid’ concerns before Trump takes office

• US and Chinese officials recently held a dialogue to address pressing concerns before Donald Trump’s inauguration.
• The talks, led by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, covered contentious issues like tariffs, industrial policies, and cybersecurity.
• He Lifeng criticized recent US restrictions on Chinese firms, while Yellen reiterated warnings of consequences for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
• Despite these challenges, both sides described the talks as constructive.
• However, significant hurdles remain, including Trump’s vow to impose steep tariffs targeting high-tech sectors.
• Meanwhile, China’s President Xi Jinping has been sending mixed signals to the US.
• On one hand, he expressed a desire for cooperation to avoid a “new Cold War.”
• On the other hand, he reiterated China’s “four red lines,” warning the US against undermining the Communist Party’s authority, promoting democracy, containing China’s economic rise, or supporting Taiwan’s independence. (more)

Pakistan to honour IMF commitments, but excessive taxes unsustainable: PM

• PM Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to honoring its IMF obligations, emphasizing the need to avoid excessive taxation, which he believes is unsustainable for the country’s economy.
• During his visit to the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, PM Shehbaz reiterated plans for self-reliance.
• He noted that while IMF agreements are currently necessary, Pakistan will eventually part ways with the institution “when the time is right”.
• The PM also highlighted Karachi’s resurgence as a financial and export hub, crediting collective government efforts for the city’s improved outlook.
• He emphasized the importance of harnessing stock market momentum for economic growth and expressed optimism about future initiatives, including the “Uraan Pakistan” program.
• Some key points from his visit include:
• Inauguration of Faceless Customs Assessment System: PM Shehbaz launched the new automated customs clearance system, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in customs clearance processes.
• Visit to Pakistan Stock Exchange: He marked the milestone of the PSX surpassing the 100,000-point mark and underscored the importance of harnessing stock market momentum for economic growth.

Meetings with Business Leaders: PM Shehbaz held meetings with business leaders and discussed ways to promote economic growth and development. (more)