India And Maldives Hold Third Core Group Meeting In Malé

On Sunday, India and the Maldives had the third edition of their Core Group meeting in Malé, focusing on Indian personnel deployment for aviation platforms in the island nation. As India had announced earlier, the meeting emphasised the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s deadline for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, set for March 10, propelled discussions. Both sides reviewed the delegation of Indian technical personnel enabling the operation of aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medical services to Maldivians.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affirmed discussions on broad bilateral cooperation. This included expediting ongoing development projects, enhancing trade and investment, and fostering people-to-people linkages through capacity building and travel.

The high-level Core Group agreed to hold its next meeting in New Delhi. Following the second meeting, the Maldivian foreign ministry disclosed India’s commitment to replacing all military personnel in two phases by May 10.

This development follows a period of complicated relationships. Since Muizzu’s presidency, relations have been strained due to his position on the Indian military presence and perceived alignment with China.

Despite political shifts, India values its relationship with the Maldives, emphasizing bilateral cooperation in defence and security.

India Urges For Health Sector Cooperation With Central Asia In SCO Summit

The Ministers of Health representing the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) gathered in Astana recently to discuss the improvement of healthcare collaboration, particularly among countries such as India. There were crucial deals and reciprocal assistance developed during the gathering, which included distinguished delegation chiefs.

Discussions with the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare centered on growing cooperation in a variety of fields, including the enhancement of medical education, technology exchange, and the production of medical devices. The participants’ dedication to improving cooperative initiatives was apparent, as delegates from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan emphasised the significance of strengthening alliances with their Kazakhstani counterparts.

The areas that were deemed crucial covered boosting academic connections, expanding the workforce in the healthcare sector, and promoting the reciprocal exchange of technologies and experiences. Kazakhstan will host the mid-2024 Summit as the current SCO chair.

India showcased how actively it promotes cooperation within the SCO by hosting the Conference and Expo on Traditional Medicine the year before. Consisting of fourteen dialogue partner countries, two observers, and nine member states, the SCO continues to be an indispensable forum for regional healthcare collaboration. The SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, granted India full member status on June 9, 2017.

India To Hold World’s Largest Elections From April-June

The largest general election in history is expected to take place in India from April to June, with the announcement of the results on June 4. The election, which will determine the 18th Lok Sabha and have around one billion eligible voters, is a significant democratic endeavour.

Almost a billion people will cast ballots in this six-week, seven-phase election extravaganza, which will see unprecedented participation. Concurrently, four state assemblies—Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim—will also conduct polls, with Odisha’s elections spread over four phases.

To facilitate this mammoth electoral process, over one million polling stations will be established across the country, accommodating more than 960 million voters. In the previous 2019 election, the PM Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won a majority. PM Modi’s leadership has significantly increased India’s economic growth and diplomatic influence, particularly in regions where emerging and developing nations represent India.

The opposition parties have escalated their criticism of PM Modi’s administration, citing worries over economic inequality and claims of religious division, even though polls suggest that the BJP is likely to retain its majority. As PM Modi runs for a third term in a row, all eyes are on the BJP’s performance, with a particular focus on any changes that might occur in the parliamentary dynamics.

EAM S Jaishankar To Pay Five Day Visit To Singapore, Philippines & Malaysia

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to embark on a significant five-day diplomatic mission to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia, commencing on March 23. The primary objective of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and address shared regional concerns. Jaishankar’s itinerary begins in Singapore, where he will engage with counterparts and dignitaries. The visit, extended at the invitation of host countries, highlighted India’s commitment to enhancing ties with key partners in Southeast Asia.

According to S Jaishankar, the tour will prioritise strengthening bilateral relations with the three countries and offer a forum for discussion on regional issues of shared interest. It is expected that talks will cover the strategic dynamics of the Red and South China Seas, emphasising the promotion of peace, stability, and compliance with international law, especially UNCLOS.

India’s defence and strategic cooperation with the Philippines have notably progressed in recent years, exemplified by a substantial USD 375 million missile deal finalised in January 2022. Furthermore, discussions during the visit may also address emerging security challenges, like the recent incidents involving Houthi militants targeting cargo vessels in the Red Sea and other critical waterways.

Government Panel Recommends Cutting Short State Assemblies’ with ‘One Nation, One Election’

A government panel has recommended India adopt simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the national parliament, aiming to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and governance efficiency.

Before the upcoming elections, the panel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration appointed submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu. However, implementing the proposed “one nation, one election” policy would require parliamentary approval and state ratification, and it might encounter opposition from states run by PM Modi’s rivals who raise federalism concerns.

The panel, led by former president Ram Nath Kovind, argued that asynchronous elections cause instability, impacting supply chains, investments, and economic growth. It implied that conducting polls concurrently could accelerate GDP growth. In the past, India held elections simultaneously; however, this tradition was interrupted, which resulted in the current staggered system.

The group suggested that local body elections be integrated within a hundred days after state and national polls, after first coordinating elections for the lower house of parliament and state assemblies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which supports the proposal, emphasises potential cost savings and the preference for governance over electioneering. Nevertheless, the concept encounters difficulties when traversing India’s intricate federal politics.

Nepal PM Prachanda Wins Vote Of Confidence In Parliament

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ secured a parliamentary vote of confidence amidst ongoing political instability driven by alliance shifts. Prachanda, a former guerilla leader from the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), received 157 out of 268 votes, surpassing the 138-vote threshold required for confidence in his third tenure since December 2022.

The vote followed Prachanda’s recent alliance shift from the Nepali Congress to the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), led by K P Sharma Oli. This action was taken in response to the Nepali Congress’s withdrawal of support, which made the confidence vote required by the constitution necessary.

The realignment of Prachanda’s alliance emphasises Nepal’s unstable political environment, which is characterised by frequent changes in the balance of power between the nation’s major parties. Parties now frequently prioritise gaining power above maintaining ideological consistency.

A post in The Kathmandu Post highlights historical precedent and the inevitability of new alliances being tested. Despite the CPN-UML’s pledge to stability and growth, the editorial emphasises the unpredictable nature of Nepali politics and the challenges ahead.

Prachanda’s political journey, which includes power struggles and coalition changes, is representative of Nepal’s continuous battle for stability in the face of enduring political rivalries and shifting alliances.

Denmark Plans $6 Billion Boost In Military Spending Amid Defence Shortcomings

Denmark is all set to increase its defence budget by $5.9 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the nation aims to rectify defence shortcomings and fulfil NATO targets amid global challenges to the established order.

The move comes after Denmark reduced its military capabilities following the Cold War’s end in the early 1990s. Frederiksen highlighted the initiative’s defensive focus while carefully bringing up Russia’s recent military actions, including army deployments close to Finland following its NATO admission.

Under pressure from Washington, Denmark aims to raise military spending to 2% of GDP from 1.4%, with additional funding totalling 155 billion crowns over ten years. The plan includes extending conscription to 11 months and ensuring gender equality in military service.

Despite significant aid to Ukraine, including the donation of F-16 fighter jets, Denmark has yet to make substantial investments in its armed forces. The new funding seeks to expedite the attainment of NATO targets, now projected for next year instead of the previously estimated 2030 timeline.

Investments will prioritise land-based air defence systems and a heavy infantry brigade of up to 6,000 soldiers by 2028.

PM Modi And PM Sunak Reaffirm Commitment To Trade Deal

PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Rishi Sunak recently discussed the growing bilateral partnership and the ongoing negotiations for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement. Both leaders emphasised their commitment to strengthening this strategic partnership during a telephone conversation.

They highlighted the significance of securing a comprehensive deal that would foster mutual benefits, with bilateral trade currently valued at around GBP 36 billion annually. Britain and India have engaged in on-and-off negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) over the past two years, amid anticipation of national elections in both countries in 2024.

PM Modi is likely to win the third term, with election dates likely to be disclosed shortly. British Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch characterised the discussions as “challenging,” clarifying that the Indian election isn’t a decisive deadline.

In his recent conversation with PM Modi, Chancellor Rishi Sunak echoed British officials’ emphasis on the value of securing a comprehensive deal over expediency. Meanwhile, India recently inked a free trade pact with several European nations, committing to a tariff reduction while expecting $100 billion in investments over the next 15 years. This dynamic backdrop underscores the complexities and strategic considerations at play in the ongoing FTA negotiations between Britain and India.

The Mauritius Minister Visits India To Promote Country As India’s Business Gateway To Africa

Soomilduth Bholah

Soomilduth Bholah, Mauritius’ Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, leads a high-level delegation from the Mauritius International Financial Centre (IFC) on an India Business Mission from March 14 to March 23, following the President’s recent visit to India. His visit spans key cities, including New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, aiming to boost the appeal of Mauritius to Indian investors. Additionally, it emphasises the government’s commitment to fostering a favourable environment for foreign investment.

Bholah highlights the deep cultural and diplomatic ties between Mauritius and India, noting the historical role of the Mauritius IFC in India’s growth. The visit underscores potential collaboration in investment, trade, sustainable financing, and technology. Discussions will focus on partnerships in financial services, IT, and private markets, with an emphasis on mutual benefits.

Recognising Mauritius’ unique location as a gateway to the continent, the mission also seeks to increase investment in Africa through the island nation. By utilising Mauritius’s networks and financial know-how, the delegation aims to boost investment in Africa, promoting its economic growth.

The visit aims to strengthen economic relations between Mauritius and India, encouraging cooperation and investment opportunities in a range of industries and boosting Mauritius’ position as an entry point for capital into Africa.

Japan Increases Reliance On Allies Australia And US For Long-Term LNG Supplies

Japan seeks to secure long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from allies like Australia and the United States amid expiring contracts, including those with Russia, by the early 2030s.

With LNG accounting for a third of Japan’s power generation, JERA, its largest power generator, recently acquired a 15.1% stake in Australia’s Scarborough project. It highlights efforts to ensure reliable long-term supply amid concerns over disruptions from Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Despite a decrease in imports last year due to increased renewable energy use and nuclear reactor restarts post-Fukushima, Japanese LNG buyers have struck deals in Australia and the U.S., securing 10- to 20-year contracts for over 5 million metric tonnes annually. Political issues like Australia’s carbon emissions rules and U.S. LNG export licence freezes haven’t deterred Japan’s interest in these long-term supplies.

Kyushu Electric Power is exploring investments in U.S. projects despite the licence freeze, emphasising the stability of supply from North America and Australia. Through its participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and its collaboration with G7 members, Japan’s reliance on allies for energy security has increased as a result of Russia’s actions. Recent sanctions on the Arctic LNG 2 project highlight the importance of securing alternatives to Russian LNG.