1. India, Sri Lanka ink key defense pact after PM Modi’s meeting with President Dissanayaka
2. Sri Lanka’s Tamil parties seek India’s continued role in ensuring political solution \
3. PM Modi’s historic bridge inauguration in Rameshwaram post Sri Lanka visit
4. Govt unlikely to ease checks on investments from China
5. BIMSTEC Ministers sign agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation

What Else

1. ‘Mischievous, politically motivated’: New Delhi slams Bangladesh’s account of Modi-Yunus meet
2. U.S. Vice-President Vance and NSA Waltz set to visit India this month
3. India to Seal $200 Million Akash Missile Deal with Philippines
4. 8 terrorists killed as infiltration attempt on Pak-Afghan border thwarted in N Waziristan: ISPR
5. Bangladesh: Over 60 lakh new voters added, 20 lakh dead removed from list
6. BNP expresses hope that India’s Waqf Act amendment will be ‘reconsidered’
7. Mass uprising case: 64 pro-Awami League lawyers sent to jail
8. PM Oli meets Sri Lankan counterpart Amarasuriya in Bangkok

India, Sri Lanka ink key defense pact after PM Modi’s meeting with President Dissanayaka

• The Big Picture: India and Sri Lanka have signed a historic defense cooperation pact, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
• The agreement, inked on April 5, 2025, aims to enhance strategic cooperation and facilitate joint training exercises, information sharing, and technological collaboration
•  Modi was also conferred with Mithra Vibhushan, Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honor, by Dissanayake.
• Why It Rocks: This defense pact is one of 7 key agreements signed between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, demonstrating India’s commitment to regional security and cooperation.
• The agreement also underscores Sri Lanka’s efforts to balance its relations with India and China.
• India’s Take: The pact is expected to bolster India’s strategic influence in the region, while also addressing concerns about China’s growing presence in Sri Lanka.
• India has been wary of China’s increasing sway in the island nation, particularly after Sri Lanka defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2022.
• What’s Next: The defense cooperation pact is likely to pave the way for further collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in areas such as energy, trade, and infrastructure development.
• The two nations have also agreed to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub, with India’s support, and have launched a 120-MW Sampur solar power plant in the region.
• Key agreements include:
  • Defence Cooperation: Enabling joint military exercises and capacity-building programs
  • Energy Cooperation: Developing Trincomalee as an energy hub and launching the Sampur Solar Power Plant
  • Electricity Grid Interconnection: Interconnecting national electricity grids for future cross-border power trade
  • Digital Partnership: Sharing India’s digital platforms and technologies with Sri Lanka
  • Healthcare Cooperation: Strengthening collaboration in health and medicine through joint programs and knowledge exchange.
• PM Modi launches two India-assisted railway projects in Sri Lanka, strengthening north-south rail connectivity.
• He also visits the sacred Buddhist shrine Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, promoting cultural exchange and diplomatic ties.

Sri Lanka’s Tamil parties seek India’s continued role in ensuring political solution \

• PM Modi met with Sri Lankan Tamil parties, discussing the pending political solution and concerns of Tamils, including land grab by state agencies.
• The parties urged India to encourage Sri Lanka to take steps towards meaningful devolution and implement the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord.
• Modi also met with Sri Lankan Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa and leaders representing the Malaiyaha Tamil community, focusing on socio-economic issues and education.

PM Modi’s historic bridge inauguration in Rameshwaram post Sri Lanka visit

• The Big Picture: PM Modi inaugurated India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, the Pamban rail bridge, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on Apr 6.
• The 2.07-km bridge connects Rameswaram Island to the mainland, enhancing rail connectivity and boosting trade and tourism in the region ¹.
• Why It Rocks: This engineering marvel is a testament to India’s infrastructure development, featuring a 72.5-m vertical lift span that can be raised to 17 meters, allowing smooth ship movement underneath.
• Constructed at a cost of ₹531 crore, the bridge is expected to impact the lives of lakhs of people.
• India’s Take: The Pamban rail bridge is a significant step towards improving regional connectivity in Tamil Nadu.
• With the country’s economy doubling in the past decade, PM Modi emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure in driving growth.
• The bridge is part of a larger effort to develop India’s rail network, with other notable projects including the Chenab rail bridge in J&K and the Atal Setu in Mumbai.
• What’s Next: The inauguration marks a new era in India’s infrastructure development.
• With ongoing projects like the bullet train and dedicated freight corridors, the country is poised for further growth and development.
• The bridge is expected to benefit the local economy, trade, and tourism, solidifying India’s position as a major player in regional development. (more)

Govt unlikely to ease checks on investments from China

• The Big Picture: India’s govt is considering stricter investment checks on Chinese companies due to concerns over their opaque ownership and ties to the CCP regime and military.
• Why It Rocks: Now: The move comes amid growing calls to review foreign direct investment norms, particularly with the US imposing tariffs on Chinese goods and concerns over Chinese companies’ exports being diverted to India and other Asian markets.
• India’s Take: The govt’s cautious approach may impact Chinese investments in India, potentially affecting partnerships and collaborations, especially in the technology sector.
• This could lead to a shift in India’s economic strategy, with a greater emphasis on domestic manufacturing and partnerships with other countries.
• The Future Unfolds: The future of Chinese investments in India remains uncertain, with the govt’s strict FDI norms and concerns over national security likely to influence decision-making.
• India may explore alternative partnerships and investments to reduce its dependence on Chinese companies and promote domestic growth.

BIMSTEC Ministers sign agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation

• The Big Picture: India’s participation in the 20th Session of the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, highlights the country’s commitment to regional cooperation.
• Why It Rocks: The signing of the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation marks a significant step toward strengthening regional maritime partnerships among member states.
• India’s Take: The meeting saw External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attending the event, which demonstrates India’s active role in shaping the organization’s agenda.
• The Future Unfolds: The outcomes of the 20^th MM, including the draft Declaration of the 6^th BIMSTEC Summit, are expected to pave the way for enhanced regional cooperation across various sectors.
• Key Outcomes:
• Draft Declaration of 6^th  BIMSTEC Summit: Finalized, outlining vision, decisions, and directives of leaders
• Joint Statement on Earthquake Impact: Drafted, focusing on establishing a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Disaster Management in India
• Sectoral Plans of Action: Approved for Science, Technology & Innovation, Public Health, Human Resource Development, and Environment & Climate Change
• Agreements and MoUs Signed
• Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation: Signed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships
• MoUs with IORA and UNODC: Signed to formalize partnerships in areas of mutual interest
• World Bank Partnership: Approved for strengthening pandemic prevention, readiness, and response (more)

‘Mischievous, politically motivated’: New Delhi slams Bangladesh’s account of Modi-Yunus meet

• Bangladesh-India Tensions Rise Over Minority Safety and Extradition Request: The meeting between Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhd Yunus and PM Modi has sparked controversy, with both sides presenting differing accounts of their discussion.
• The talks, held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, centered on issues including minority safety, extradition requests, and bilateral relations.
• Points of Contention
• Minority Safety: Modi ‘expressed’ India’s deep concerns about the safety of Bangladesh’s Hindus and other minorities, urging Yunus to ensure their security and investigate atrocities.
• Extradition Request: Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina, currently living in self-exile in New Delhi, was met with skepticism by India, which claims that necessary legal formalities have not been completed.
• Bilateral Relations: Modi highlighted the progress in India-Bangladesh ties since 2014, describing them as a “deep friendship between our societies and peoples.”
• Differing Accounts: The Dhaka side’s characterization of Modi’s remarks on the relationship with Yunus and the previous govt was deemed “inaccurate” by people familiar with the matter.
• Yunus’ press secretary claimed that Modi’s response to the extradition request was “not negative,” which India disputes. (more)

U.S. Vice-President Vance and NSA Waltz set to visit India this month

• US Vice-President JD Vance and his family are set to visit India later this month, with tentative dates set for Apr 21-24.
• The trip, which will include a “heritage tour” for his family, is expected to be largely private, with Vance meeting PM Modi and attending a dinner hosted by him in Delhi
• Key Highlights of the Visit
• Golden Triangle Tour: The Vance family will travel to Jaipur and Agra, exploring India’s rich cultural heritage.
• Talks with PM Modi: Vance will discuss bilateral relations, trade, and security issues with the PM.
• US National Security Adviser Visit: Mike Waltz will hold talks with NSA Ajit Doval on the successor mechanism to the India-US Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).
• Trade and Tariffs: The visit comes amid tensions between India and the US over trade tariffs.
• The US has imposed a 26% tax on Indian goods, prompting concerns about the impact on global market indices.
• India is expected to respond to the unilateral action during the visit (more)

India to Seal $200 Million Akash Missile Deal with Philippines

• India is on the verge of finalizing a significant defense contract with the Philippines, valued at over $200 million, for the sale of its short-range Akash missile system.
• This deal, expected to be concluded in the current fiscal year, marks a major milestone in India’s defense exports and strengthens ties with the Philippines, a nation actively enhancing its military capabilities.
• Akash Missile System
  • Range: The missile system can hit targets up to 25 km (about 16 miles) away.
  • Technology: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Akash missile system has attracted international attention due to its advanced technology, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
  • Comparison: The Akash system is competing with Chinese-made Sky Dragon-50 air defense systems for orders from countries like Brazil.
• Strategic Significance: This deal is expected to be larger than India’s $230 mn Akash missile export to Armenia in 2023, solidifying its position in the global defense market.
• The Philippines has expressed interest in placing an order when its new budget starts in Apr.
• Strengthening India-Philippines Defence Ties: This agreement marks the second major defense venture between India and the Philippines, following a $375 million deal for missile systems in 2022.
• The partnership highlights the growing cooperation between the two nations in the defense sector. (more)

[Neighborhood]

8 terrorists killed as infiltration attempt on Pak-Afghan border thwarted in N Waziristan: ISPR

• Pakistan’s security forces killed 8 terrorists and injured 4 in a foiled infiltration attempt on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan’s Hassan Khel area.
• This incident marks another blow to terrorist activities in the region, which have been on the rise since the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the govt in Nov and Balochistan.
• The TTP has emerged as a significant threat, with a 90% increase in attributed deaths, making it the fastest-growing terrorist group.
• Pakistan ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with a 45% rise in deaths from terrorist attacks, totaling 1,081 fatalities.
• Security forces have intensified operations to eliminate terrorists, and Pakistan has urged the Interim Afghan Govt to ensure effective border management to prevent terrorist infiltration. (more)

Bangladesh: Over 60 lakh new voters added, 20 lakh dead removed from list

• More than 60 lakh new citizens have been added to the voter list during the ongoing update process of the voter list and over 20 lakh deceased voters have been removed.
• The number of new votes was published in a report recently prepared by the Election Commission after they consolidated the information sent from field-level EC officials.
• Of them, 2,859,228 are male voters, 3,227,775 are female voters, and 1,055 are transgender voters.
• The voter registration process will continue until Apr 11.
• During this period, individuals who have been left out can fill in their information online and visit a registration center to register to vote. (more)
• The addition of over 60 lakh (6 million) new voters (1st-time voters) typically includes young individuals who have recently reached voting age, which is 18 years.
• [This would be a big vote bank for Yunus’s created party]

BNP expresses hope that India’s Waqf Act amendment will be ‘reconsidered’

• The BNP is urging India to reconsider the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, passed in the Lok Sabha, citing concerns over communal harmony. [It is no longer a bill but an act]
• They believe the law interferes with Muslim citizens’ religious rights and discriminates against India’s 20 crore Muslims.
• The law allows non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, which manage mosques, madrasas, graveyards, and orphanages, sparking controversy.
• BNP fears this may lead to misuse of Waqf properties and destroy communal harmony. (more)

Mass uprising case: 64 pro-Awami League lawyers sent to jail

• A Dhaka court has sentenced 64 pro-Awami League lawyers to jail for their alleged involvement in assault, vandalism, and attempted murder during the anti-discrimination student movement on Aug 4, 2023.
• The court rejected their bail petitions, and 3 accused lawyers escaped from the court.
• Notable figures among the accused include former Dhaka Bar Association presidents Saidur Rahman Manik, Gazi Shah Alam, and Mahbubur Rahman.
• However, 19 lawyers were granted bail, including former president Abu Sayeed Sagar and 18 female lawyers.
• The case was filed by lawyer Mohammad Ali Babu, who alleged that pro-Awami League lawyers attacked him and vandalized property outside the Dhaka Bar Association building. (more)

PM Oli meets Sri Lankan counterpart Amarasuriya in Bangkok

• Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli met with Sri Lankan counterpart Harini Amarasuriya in Bangkok during the 6^th BIMSTEC summit, discussing ways to enhance mutual understanding between the two nations.
• This meeting was part of Oli’s active engagement in sideline meetings, which also included talks with Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and representatives from the business community
• Key Highlights of the Meeting:
• Bilateral Relations: Oli and Amarasuriya explored opportunities to strengthen ties between Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Upcoming Meeting with India: Oli is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, potentially paving the way for his visit to New Delhi. (more)