Kra, New Delhi’s new KRA: Why a little-known isthmus in Thailand tells us much about China’s Indo-Pacific strategy. And why it impacts Andamans, strategically key for India

1 month ago

Time to reset the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative

Launched in 2019 at the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit in Bangkok, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative appeared to hold promise as India’s guiding framework to strengthen its role and enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The IPOI, envisaged as a critical vista for enhancing cooperation and collaboration among like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific, was framed on seven key pillars: maritime ecology; …

India Delhi Maritime Cooperation New Delhi Partners Framework

1 month, 1 week ago

Xi calls for accelerating China-Thailand Railway construction, expanding cooperation in emerging fields with Thailand

China Daily

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru on Friday. LIMA -- China and Thailand should accelerate the construction of the China-Thailand Railway and expand cooperation in emerging fields such as new energy, digital economy and artificial intelligence, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on …

China Cooperation Thailand Paetongtarn

1 month, 1 week ago

What will India's Samudrayaan look for in the ocean? Mission chief reveals

India Today

India is preparing to join an elite group of nations capable of deep-sea exploration with its ambitious Samudrayaan mission. "One of the key targets for exploration will be polymetallic nodules, mineral concretions rich in manganese, iron, and other valuable metals found on the ocean floor," Dr. S Ramesh, Scientist-in-Charge of India's deep-sea mission told IndiaToday.in in an exclusive conversation. Dr. …

India Exploration Mission Ocean Samudrayaan

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Southeast Asian leaders meet in Laos in a summit set to tackle crisis in Myanmar and disputed sea

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Vietnam Singapore Indonesia Myanmar Philippines South Thailand

3 months ago

Is the Indus Waters Treaty the latest India-Pakistan flashpoint?

Al Jazeera

India wants to renegotiate the 64-year-old pact that has withstood four wars, and under which the neighbours split water from six Himalayan rivers. While India hasn’t clarified what specific changes it wants to be made to the treaty, many analysts believe New Delhi will seek terms that make it easier than now to develop hydropower and other infrastructure on the …

India Pakistan Water Indian Kashmir Rivers Western

3 months, 2 weeks ago

West Asia conflict hits trade flow, shipping cost up: EAM

New Indian Express

NEW DELHI: The ongoing conflict in West Asia has understandably raised concerns about several contemporary initiatives, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday. “Disruptions in crucial shipping routes, which have increased shipping costs and necessitated the rerouting of trade flows, are adding to our collective worries,” Jaishankar remarked while addressing the India-Mediterranean Business Conclave in Delhi. The Mediterranean, with …

India Mediterranean Jaishankar

3 months, 3 weeks ago

India’s China challenge: The stakes are higher than ever before

Firstpost

There is hardly any clarity on what China wants — whether Beijing aims to amicably settle the boundary issues and make further progress in trade and cultural ties or if it seeks to encroach on India’s territory On April 10, 2024, amidst the high-pitched and polarising campaign for the upcoming national elections in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a …

India China Military Delhi Pakistan Border Indian

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Forum calls for joint efforts to tap potential

China Daily

A view of the Mekong River bordering Thailand and Laos is seen from the Thai side in Nong Khai, Thailand, on Oct 29, 2019. Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia Roundtable in Bangkok on Monday, Dennis Francis, president of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, called for Asia-Pacific countries to embrace open regionalism, handle regional affairs …

Global Future Asia Region Countries Thailand Forum

4 months, 3 weeks ago

South Korea’s evolving Indian Ocean Region policy

Hindustan Times

South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy, released in December 2022, highlights the country’s willingness to engage with the Indo-Pacific concept, shedding the ambiguity of the earlier stance under president Yoon Suk Yeol’s predecessor. This policy step-up recognises emerging geopolitical trends that require South Korea to engage with new territories previously overlooked in its strategic radar, such as the Indian Ocean Region. President …

India Policy South Korea Region South Yoon Korea

4 months, 3 weeks ago

South Korea’s evolving Indian Ocean Region policy

Hindustan Times

South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy, released in December 2022, highlights the country’s willingness to engage with the Indo-Pacific concept, shedding the ambiguity of the earlier stance under president Yoon Suk Yeol’s predecessor. This policy step-up recognises emerging geopolitical trends that require South Korea to engage with new territories previously overlooked in its strategic radar, such as the Indian Ocean Region. The …

India Policy South Korea Region South Yoon Korea

4 months, 3 weeks ago

How China's new Pangong Tso bridge spikes tensions amid diplomatic efforts to end the military standoff

India Today

While the Indian and Chinese foreign ministers met twice in July and discussed the military standoff between the two countries in Ladakh, satellite images of Beijing’s recently completed bridge across the Pangong Tso have further raised concerns over expanding Chinese designs along the disputed border. The satellite images reveal that the new Pangong Tso bridge is bigger and wider than …

China Indian Bridge Chinese Lake Tso Pla

4 months, 3 weeks ago

China’s bridge across Pangong Lake now operational: How worried should India be?

Firstpost

Satellite imagery reveals that a Chinese-built 400-metre bridge connecting the north and south banks of Pangong Lake is now operational. The new construction will reduce the time needed by China’s PLA to mobilise its troops and equipment along the LAC The Pangong lake high up in Ladakh region of India. Visuals show that China has completed the construction of a …

India China Construction South North Bridge Chinese

4 months, 4 weeks ago

Malaysia: A fulcrum for a new improved ASEAN-India-China strategic relationship?

Hindustan Times

Major trade supply chains stand disrupted with conflicts that continue to persist around the world. Geographically, its constituent states straddle two of the most significant global trade routes, that of the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. While it is a vital shipping route carrying trillions of dollars in cargo that acts as a gateway to the Indian Ocean, …

India China Indian Economic Trading South China Sea Brics

6 months ago

China fears spark Indian race for cobalt in contested ocean waters

Al Jazeera

India has sought rights to explore an underwater cobalt-rich mountain. The urgency behind India’s application comes from fears over China’s presence in the Indian Ocean, at a time when the world’s second-largest economy already dominates the global cobalt supply chain, Indian officials and analysts told Al Jazeera. But while evaluating India’s application, the ISA found that Afanasy Nikitin Seamount lies …

China Sri Lanka Ocean Claims Lanka Sri Isa

7 months, 1 week ago

As Cambodia launches $36.6bn building drive, China, Japan fight for spoils

Al Jazeera

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Cambodia is pushing for an infrastructural renaissance, but it will need some help from its friends abroad to chip away at an estimated price tag of $36.6bn. Since the unopposed ascension last year of Prime Minister Hun Manet – the son of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, the country’s leader of nearly 40 years – his …

Vietnam Infrastructure Projects Project Plan Chinese Zhang

7 months, 2 weeks ago

China eyes Teesta development project in Bangladesh, India in race too

Hindustan Times

New Delhi: Bangladesh’s plans to dredge and develop its section of the cross-border Teesta River have become a source of contestation between India and China at a time of increased rivalry between the two Asian powers across the neighbourhood. Moves by India and China have picked up pace following the re-election of Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh’s premier …

India China Bangladesh Indian Proposal Project New Delhi

8 months ago

Politics, Energy, and Nationalism: Thailand and Cambodia’s Overlapping Maritime Claims

The Diplomat

The recent diplomatic activity between the Thai and Cambodian governments has reopened stalled talks on the overlapping sea claims of the two Southeast Asian nations. With Thaksin’s Pheu Thai Party back in power, and Hun Sen’s son Hun Manet now in power in Cambodia, a path has opened to the resolution of the OCA issue. The two leaders also signed …

Energy Natural Gas Claims Thai Thailand Mou Hun

8 months, 2 weeks ago

Myanmar instability hits two crucial India-funded infrastructure projects

Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI: The growing instability and violence in Myanmar have affected key infrastructure projects such as the 1,360-km India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and are set to delay a motor vehicles agreement, people familiar with the matter have said. The progress in implementing key infrastructure projects has suffered because of the prevailing security situation in Myanmar The intense fighting between Myanmar’s junta …

India Indian Projects Myanmar Project Thailand Kaladan

8 months, 2 weeks ago

Govt looks to make North East export hub for Bangladesh, Asean

Hindustan Times

The government is rapidly implementing a comprehensive strategy to make the landlocked northeastern region an export hub for markets in Bangladesh and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations even as it negotiates a better free trade deal with the 10-nation Asean block, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. India is renegotiating several “adverse” provisions of the 2009 trade …

India Trade Japan Northeast Bangladesh Region Myanmar

8 months, 3 weeks ago

$1.7 Billion Cambodian Canal Project Draws Increasing Scrutiny

The Diplomat

The China-backed Techo Funan Canal, which will connect the Mekong River to the country’s coast, has given rise to environmental and security concerns. In comments given yesterday in response to questions from reporters about the security implications of the canal, Doan Khac Viet, a deputy spokesperson for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that while Vietnam “supports the economic and …

Security Vietnam China Project Chinese River Vietnamese

8 months, 3 weeks ago

$1.7 Billion Cambodian Canal Project Draws Increasing Scrutiny

The Diplomat

The China-backed Techo Funan Canal, which will connect the Mekong River to the country’s coast, has given rise to environmental and security concerns. In comments given yesterday in response to questions from reporters about the security implications of the canal, Doan Khac Viet, a deputy spokesperson for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that while Vietnam “supports the economic and …

Vietnam China Project Chinese River Vietnamese Canal

9 months ago

A Delhi-Tokyo-Seoul trilateral in the making

Hindustan Times

During his back-to-back visits to Seoul and Tokyo recently, external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, set the tone and agenda for future cooperation with two of India’s major partners in the Indo-Pacific. Japan and South Korea play pivotal roles in India’s Indo-Pacific outreach, contributing significantly to the region’s strategic landscape across various dimensions. The Quad partnership, which includes Japan, aligns with …

India Delhi Japan South Korea Economic South New Delhi

9 months, 2 weeks ago

India-Japan-South Korea trilateral: Time to chart new paths in the Indo-Pacific

Firstpost

The three nations must take the opportunity to fortify their partnership to safeguard their interests and uphold the international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific In 2011 an idea was germinated in New Delhi over a dinner reception, and that idea led to the formation of a trilateral between India, South Korea, and Japan. Japan and South Korea can utilise this …

India Security China Japan South Korea Maritime Cooperation

9 months, 4 weeks ago

Thailand, India have to work together to address Myanmar crisis: Vice minister

Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI: Thailand and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have to work with India to address the crisis in Myanmar though a solution can only be found by parties within the country, Thai vice minister for foreign affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Monday. Thai vice minister for foreign affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Thailand would like to …

India Myanmar Minister Thai Thailand Partnership Phuangketkeow

10 months ago

Chinese 'research vessel' to arrive in Male amid India-Maldives tensions

India TV News

Against a backdrop of strained relations between India and the Maldives, a Chinese research vessel has made its way into the waters surrounding the island nation, with plans to dock in its capital, Male. Objectives of the Chinese vessel The Xiang Yang Hong 03, belonging to China's Third Institute of Oceanography, is on a mission involving seabed mapping and mineral …

India China Male Maldives Chinese Vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03

10 months ago

Red Sea events exposed ‘fragility of existing connectivity’: Jaishankar

Hindustan Times

New Delhi: Events in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden following the Israel-Hamas conflict have exposed the “fragility of existing connectivity” arrangements and the world needs multiple trade corridors with in-built resilience, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Jaishankar, who was speaking at the inaugural session of an India-Europe business conclave, took a veiled swipe at China’s …

World Connectivity Indian Need European Jaishankar Red Sea

10 months, 4 weeks ago

India has a greater role in regional dynamics, says Asia Society’s new president

Live Mint

India has evolved to become a growth engine for the Asian region, also enjoying a strong diplomatic position that has key powers courting the country, said Kang Kyung-wha, former South Korean foreign minister, in an interview with Mint. The newly appointed president of US-based think tank Asia Society also spoke on the state of India-Korea ties, tensions between the US …

India Society China Asia South Korea Region President

10 months, 4 weeks ago

Choppy waters: On India-Maldives ties

The Hindu

Within weeks of the India-Maldives showdown over derogatory remarks by Maldivian Ministers and the call for Indian tourists to boycott the archipelago, as well as the tussle over Indian troops stationed in Maldives, Delhi and Male are dealing with another controversy. After objecting to visits by Chinese “research” vessels to Sri Lanka, New Delhi managed to ensure that Colombo banned, …

Indian Male New Delhi Muizzu Chinese India Maldives

11 months ago

Mint Explainer: Why India’s antsy about a Chinese ship heading to the Maldives

Live Mint

The impending visit of a Chinese research vessel to the Maldives has caused alarm in India’s strategic community. While the ship’s classified as a research vessel meant to map the floor of the Indian Ocean, Indian officials consider it to be a spy ship. Mint breaks down why India is unhappy with the Chinese vessel making its way through the …

India China Sri Lanka Indian Maldives Muizzu Visit

11 months, 1 week ago

Amid Maldives row, Andaman chief secretary says India has edge in tourism over other islands

Hindustan Times

The recent controversy between India and Maldives due to insulting remarks from a few Maldivian leaders after PM Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep trip has put a spotlight on Indian tourist destinations including coastal areas and islands like Andaman & Nicobar. Amid the trending debate, Andaman and Nicobar Islands chief secretary Keshav Chandra has boasted of the Indian Union territory for having …

India Chandra Port Blair

11 months, 2 weeks ago

Maldives President praises China's BRI project amid diplomatic row with India

Firstpost

Speaking at an event in Fuzhou, Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu praised China’s Belt and Road Initiative and pushed for Chinese investment in his nation, even as a diplomatic crisis with India simmered beneath the surface. Speaking at the Fuzhou event, Muizzu lauded the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure project aimed at connecting East Asia and Europe and expanding …

India China Maldives Project Muizzu President Bri

11 months, 4 weeks ago

Thailand's Visa-Free Travel: Diving Into Unique And Underrated Destinations

ABP News

Thailand remains a favoured destination for Indian travellers, known for its diverse attractions ranging from pristine beaches and historic temples to renowned massages. Home to Khao Yai National Park, one of Thailand's largest wildlife reserves, this area offers an opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems and observe native wildlife in their natural habitat. Noteworthy attractions include Hua Hin Beach, Elephant Village, …

Image Source Hua Hin Khao Yai Destinations Thailand

1 year, 1 month ago

India and Japan Converge in Southeast Asia

The Hindu

Upon dropping a series of Chinese-led infrastructure projects due to sustainability and geopolitical concerns, the Philippines is now redirecting its attention to Japan and India as alternative sources of development and security. Thus, Japan and India’s bolstered engagements in Southeast Asia complement the interest of resident countries like the Philippines to lessen their susceptibility to China’s expanding economic clout and …

India Security China Delhi Japan Asia Indian

1 year, 1 month ago

The future of the IMEC hinges on stable West Asia

Hindustan Times

On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi in September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a planned new trade route running from India to Europe. Involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, the European Union, and the United States in addition to India, IMEC aims to build trade and …

India China Trade Bangladesh Economic Region Saudi Arabia

1 year, 1 month ago

India, China war of positions in Maldives

Hindustan Times

The Maldivian presidential election last month culminated in a victory for Mohamed Muizzu and a loss for incumbent president Ibrahim Solih. How India and China see each other’s role and motivations in the IOR influences the nature and extent of their competition in the Maldives. The People’s Liberation Army Navy’s greater presence and deployment in the IOR and the presence …

Security Sri Lanka Competition Chinese Ior India China Maldives Engagement

1 year, 1 month ago

Vantage | How India, Indonesia are joining hands to counter China's aggression

Firstpost

Indonesia’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with India must be seen within the context of its complex relationship with China Indonesia, a key regional player in Southeast Asia, has become increasingly concerned about the growing influence of China and its assertive behaviour in the South China Sea. Sabang Port’s strategic significance lies in its proximity to the Malacca Strait, a …

India China Port Indonesia East Asia South Sea

1 year, 2 months ago

Belt and Road Initiative | Silk Roads at a crossroads

The Hindu

On October 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping will host more than a dozen world leaders in Beijing, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, for the third Belt and Road Forum, which will mark the 10 year anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. zero tolerance for corruption, and promotes steady and high-quality growth.” The BRI was launched by Mr. Xi in …

India Sri Lanka Asia Economic Debt Projects East Asia

1 year, 2 months ago

At Indian Ocean conference in Colombo, Jaishankar raises dangers of unviable debt, projects

The Hindu

India wants to be a “friend to the world”, the voice of the global south, and will work to ensure a free, open and inclusive Indian Ocean region, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the annual meeting of the 23-member Indian Ocean Rim Association being held in Colombo, where he also raised the “dangers” of unsustainable debt. After …

India China Sri Lanka Ocean Indian Debt Colombo

1 year, 2 months ago

View From India | Dispute in the South China Sea

The Hindu

Tensions in the South China Sea flared once again when China installed a 300-metre floating barrier near the disputed Scarborough Shoal and the Philippines removed it last week. Ananth Krishnan dives into this question in this profile of the South China Sea, “Asia’s disputed waters.” He writes simmering tensions in the waters have ramifications to all countries in the Indo-Pacific …

India Ukraine Dispute South China Sea Tibetan Philippines Hindu

1 year, 3 months ago

Is India-Middle East-Europe Corridor Truly A Threat To Chinese BRI?

ABP News

The Middle East is witnessing a paradigm change in their world as old foes are turning into friends, and hitherto unthinkable political alliances are rapidly changing the region's economic equations. Announced on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit held in New Delhi on September 9-10, the IMEC presents a possible threat to China's 'Belt and Road Initiative', or the …

India Europe China Infrastructure Middle East Germany Indian

1 year, 3 months ago

DC Edit | All roads to the world lead from Modi's India

Deccan Chronicle

Given the year-long hype and perception build up ahead of the recently concluded Group of 20 meeting and a host of leaders who arrived in New Delhi, it was no surprise the photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, United States President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud shaking hands caught the world’s attention. During …

India Europe Italy China World Middle East Saudi Arabia

1 year, 3 months ago

Cross the boulders in the Indus Waters Treaty

The Hindu

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, which has again become a source of contention between India and Pakistan, considerably encapsulates the principle of equitable allocation rather than the principle of appreciable harm. Consequently, Pakistan went to the World Bank accusing India of violating the IWT and the court’s verdict. India’s stand On July 6, 2023, the Permanent …

India Pakistan World Bank Treaty Iwt Chenab

1 year, 3 months ago

China's Compulsions for LAC De-Escalation: India’s Infra to International Pressure

News 18

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held talks with China’s President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in South Africa, amid a stand-off between the two countries in Ladakh, government sources listed exclusively for News18 the reasons forcing Beijing to de-escalate the situation at the Line of Actual Control. According to Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, …

India China Sri Lanka Ladakh Lac Infra Modi Xi

1 year, 4 months ago

India seeks bigger role in Indo-Pacific as China continues on aggressive path

Live Mint

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a "guarantee" that during his third term, India will become the third largest economy, one place below China, a country with which India is having bilateral issues for quite a while now. The recent developments in the region are hinting that India is seeking a big-brother role in the Indo-Pacific region, especially for countries …

India China

1 year, 4 months ago

China’s new military base in Cambodia threatens India’s security- Here’s why

Live Mint

As rising global power China is being assertive in every domain now and India is treading a sensitive path in dealing diplomatically with its neighbors who seems to be adamant about its expansionist policies. China's claim over the territories of the South China Sea is part of the same modus operandi and to solidify those claims, the country has built …

India China South China Sea Naval South Base Sea

1 year, 4 months ago

India-ASEAN trade deal ill conceived: Goyal

Live Mint

India-ASEAN trade deal signed under the UPA era is one of the most ill-conceived deals, commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday at an industry event. India mostly imports capital goods, raw materials and intermediates from Asean, the tariff concessions under the free trade agreements have also been advantageous to many sectors and adversely impacted domestic companies, especially chemicals and …

India Trade Japan Billion Asean Korea Usd

1 year, 5 months ago

View from the Himalayas | What will come of China's best laid plans?

Hindustan Times

The year 2023 marks 10 years since China launched One Belt One Road, now known as the Belt and Road Initiative. But even among the South Asian BRI members, there are notable differences, with Pakistan, China’s ‘all-weather friend,’ being by far the biggest BRI investment destination under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Though China’s infrastructure engagement in Nepal has followed a …

India International China Infrastructure Pakistan Asia Nepal

1 year, 5 months ago

Peace and prosperity in Mekong region play pivotal role in India’s Act East policy: Jaishankar

The Hindu

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that peace and prosperity in the Mekong region play a pivotal role in realising India’s vision for security and growth for all countries in the region under its Act East policy. In his opening remarks at the 12th Mekong Ganga Cooperation Mechanism meeting, the EAM said the lower Mekong region holds immense …

India Peace Region Cooperation Myanmar Highway Minister

1 year, 5 months ago

'Trying to find ways to resume India Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway project', says EAM S Jaishankar

Firstpost

Jaishankar said with good road connectivity, the movement of goods, movement of people will undergo an enormous change.”But it has been a very difficult project. Thailand Trilateral Highway has been a ”very difficult project” because of the situation in Myanmar and it is the government’s priority to find ways to resume it, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. …

Climate Change Highway Project Today Modi Difficult India Myanmar

Kra, New Delhi’s new KRA: Why a little-known isthmus in Thailand tells us much about China’s Indo-Pacific strategy. And why it impacts Andamans, strategically key for India

History of this topic

China’s ’Malacca dilemma’ remains

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