Country Reports
Afghanistan
After year-long battle, Taliban captures Sangin
The Taliban captured Sangin district in Helmand on March 23 after a year- long battle. The insurgents overran the district centre and other government facilities, as the Afghan forces made a tactical retreat from the city. More than a quarter of British troops and a large number of US Marines killed in Afghanistan did so defending Sangin, a rich opium production district and a centre of Taliban insurgency.
For more information, see: “Strategic district in southern Afghanistan, Sangin, Falls to the Taliban”, The New York Times
‘Taliban should join talks: Russia’
On a visit to Moscow, Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor Haneef Atmar met with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation and efforts to promote peace in the country. During the meeting, Patrushev said that Russian contacts with the Taliban were aimed only at encouraging the group to join in reconciliation talks with the Afghan government. The Afghan government welcomed “the Russian explanation and stance", reiterating that Moscow is “an important political ally” of Kabul. Both leaders also shared concerns stemming from a rise in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan and agreed to boost cooperation to curb narcotics production and smuggling.
For more information, see: “Moscow tells Kabul ties with Taliban only to promote Afghan peace”, VOA
Pak border opened
The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan reopened on March 21 after having been closed for over a month. A Pakistani border official confirmed that hundreds of trucks crossed into Afghanistan after having been stranded on either side of the border. Pakistan had closed the border in mid-February following a string of terror attacks in the country which they blamed on Afghan militants.
For more information, see: “Pakistan-Afghanistan border opens after a month of closure”, The Washington Post
Bangladesh
Terror attack
A suspected suicide-bomber blew himself at the premises of an elite law enforcement agency in capital Dhaka. This was the first terror attack inside a law enforcement agency's compound in Bangladesh. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility.
For more information, see: “Suicide blast at Rab barrack”, The Daily Star
More ‘power’ from the PM visit
The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India would facilitate the sharing of more power and energy between the two neighbouring countries, informed Nasrul Hamid, state minister for power and energy. Bangladesh already importing MW power from India and expectation is the country will get another 2,000 MW.
For more information, see: “PM's India trip to facilitate more energy trade”, The Daily Star
Joins South Asian satellite
Bangladesh became a part of the South Asian satellite after it signed an agreement with India, the launching country of the satellite. The satellite is ready and it could be launched anytime, said Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Indian high commissioner in Bangladesh.
For more information, see: “Bangladesh becomes part of S Asian Satellite”, The Daily Star
Bhutan
HDI goes up
Bhutan was ranked 132 out of 188 countries in the 2016 Human Development Report prepared by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to the report, Bhutan’s Human Development Index (HDI) has increased by six percent, anchored by a 17.4 percent increase in life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling by 0.8 years and expected years of schooling by 7.1 years. The Gross National Income per capita also increased by about 236.2 percent between 1990 and 2015.
For more information, see: “Bhutan ranks 132 on Human Development Index”, Kuenselonline.com
India
Call to Rahul to lead Congress
The clamour in the Congress for Rahul Gandhi to take over as the president of the party may increase as soon as he returns from abroad. Senior leaders would impress on Mr. Gandhi that time is running out for him and the party, and that he needs to take charge immediately.
For more information, see: “Clamour for Rahul takeover set to mount” The Hindu
Sidhu still on TV
Putting the week-long controversy over newly sworn-in minister Navjot Sidhu's TV career to rest, the Punjab advocate general has said the ex-cricketer can continue to work on his shows as there was no conflict of interest with his role in Capt Amarinder Singh’s cabinet.
For more information, see: “Sidhu can continue as TV host: Punjab AG report”, Times of India
Russia defence firms ready for JV
A number of Russian defence firms have broadly agreed to facilitate speedy repair and overhaul of Russian-origin military platforms in India and manufacture their spare parts through joint venture and technology transfer with Indian companies.
For more information, see: “Russian defence companies keen on technology transfer, JVs with Indian firms”Economic Times
Maldives
United against Yameen
Four Opposition parties/groups have signed a formal agreement to work against the leadership of President Abdulla Yameen, based on specific issues and common concerns. The impact of the agreement signed by the Maldiviian Democratic Party (MDP), the Gayoom faction of Yameen’s PPM, the Jumhooree Party and the religion-centric Adhaalath Party and announced by former President Mohammed Nasheed of the MDP in Colombo is expected to be felt in the parliamentary vote on the no-trust motion against Speaker Abdulla Maseeh on Monday, 27 March.
For more information, see: “Oppositions unite under agreement”, SunOnline, 24 March 2017; “Maldivian arch-rivals Mohammad Nasheed, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom join forces”, The Hindu, 26 March 2017; “Former presidents, party leaders unite to ‘restore democracy’”, Maldives Independent, 25 March 2017; “Gasim urges MPs who switched sides to leave ruling party”, Maldives Independent, 20 March 2017; “All problems in the country will be solved when state institutions start working independently: Qasim”, Miadhu, 24 March 2017; “Opposition parties joined aiming not to get separated again – But to heed lessons from the past and go forward ! : Qasim”, Miadhu, 25 March 2017; “Tax authority freezes accounts of Gasim’s Villa Shipping company”, Maldives Independent, 23 March 2017; “High court rules against Gasim’s Villa in resort lease dispute”, Maldives Independent, 22 March 2017; “Umar Naseer accused of corruption over Independence 50 celebrations”, Maldives Independent, 22 March 2017; “Journalist threatened with lawsuit following question”, SunOnline
Claims over trust-vote
Rival sides to the no-trust vote against People’s Majlis Speaker Abdulla Maseeh have expressed confidence over winning the same. Of the two, in the news conference addressed by the camp identified with President Abdulla Yameen, 42 MPs from the 85-member House were present. With Speaker Maseeh having to stay away from the 27 March vote, the combined Opposition would have to get 43 votes for a victory.
For more information, see: “Both sides certain of victory ahead of no-confidence vote”, Maldives Independent, 23 March 2017; “42 MPS of PPM pledge not to vote against speaker Maseeh!”, Miadhu
Myanmar
China ‘respects sovereignty’
The Chinese foreign ministry on March 22 vowed to respect Myanmar's national sovereignty and independence in response to reports that a Chinese bank had suspended the account of an ethnic armed group in Myanmar. "I am not aware of that," Hua Chunying, spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when responding to the question whether Chinese government demanded that China's State-owned lender Agricultural Bank of China suspend the account at the request of the Myanmar side.
For more information, see:” China vows to respect Myanmar’s sovereignty”, Mizzima
Yangon city plan reviewed
Outspoken law-makers have urged the Yangon regional government on March 23 not to continue city expansion without what they referred to as a “proper” business plan. In a debate session on the regional planning bill for 2017-18, legislators asked that the expansion project, which was submitted as part of the bill, be re-submitted to the parliament separately. The regional planning bill to Rangoon’s parliament was submitted on March 20.
For more information, see: “Rangoon Lawmakers Ask That City Expansion Project be Separated from Planning Bill”, The Irrawaddy
SEZs on card
The Ministry of Planning and Finance is carrying out plans for constructing new economic zones and special economic zones as the quality of existing industrial zones is mediocre and upgrading them is difficult, state media reported on March 20. Yangon is known for being the economic capital of Myanmar and there are 29 industrial zones and over 6,200 small and medium-sized industrial businesses in the Yangon Region.
For more information, see: “New economic zones planned”, Mizzima
Nepal
No pacts during PM’s visit to China
Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat said on March 22 that no pacts or understandings will be signed with Beijing during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to China starting March 23. “Some crucial bilateral issues, however, will be discussed,” Mahat said while announcing PM Dahal’s weeklong visit to the northern neighbour, the first since Dahal came to power for a second time in August last year.
For more information see: “It’s official: No deals will be signed with Beijing during PM’s visit to China”, The Kathmandu Post, 23 March 2017; “Nepal ready to sign OBOR, other major deals: Mahat”, Republica
Aid for Army
Chinese Defence Minister Gen Chang Wanquan has pledged a grant assistance of Rs 3.04 billion (Yuan 200 million) to strengthen the Nepal Army in disaster management and equip it for the United Nations peacekeeping mission. The commitment from Chang is part of the pledge made by Chinese President Xi Jinping to PM Dahal during their meeting in September last year during the BRICS Outreach Summit in Goa.
For more information, see: “China pledges Rs 3b support to Nepal Army”, The Kathmandu Post
Offer on Statute change
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has ruled out the possibility of an immediate revision in the federal boundaries even as he expressed readiness to address other demands of the Madhes-based parties given that the latter agree to take part in the local-level elections. During the meeting, Dahal proposed a drop clause pertaining to federal boundaries from the Constitution amendment bill tabled in parliament and endorse the remaining parts.
For more information, see: “PM for amendment but not to boundaries for now”, Republica
Pakistan
Military courts extended
Pakistan’s National Assembly or lower house of parliament voted to renew the mandate for military courts in the country on March 21. Military courts were established in the country in the aftermath of the December 2014 attack in Peshawar to fast track terror cases and expedite the war against terrorists. The National Assembly passed the constitutional amendment bill amid certain opposition, for two more years, raising concerns among rights activists.
For more information, see: “Pakistan to renew military courts for ‘terror’ suspects”, Al Jazeera
Hindu Bill passed
Pakistan has passed and promulgated the Hindu Marriage Bill on March 19 with President Mamnoon Hussain signing the bill. The legislation will protect the customs and rites of the Hindu community in the country as well as prohibit the marriage of minors below the age of 18-years. The bill is important for the Hindu community in Pakistan, as it will allow Hindu women to now get documentary proof of the marriage.
For more information, see: “President Mamnoon promulgates Hindu Marriage Bill into law”, Dawn
US aid-loss feared
Pakistan is fearful that it will lose billions in American military aid as the growing anti-Pakistan sentiment builds in Washington. According to reports, President Trump is under great pressure from generals and research groups to reduce aid to Pakistan because of its duplicity in fighting against terror. Since the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, Pakistan has been the recipient of large amounts of military aid and support from the US in order to crack down on militants in the country. Ties between the two countries have long been uneasy and complex with Pakistan being accused of harbouring militants carrying out attacks in Afghanistan and India, and the U.S. has demanded it take action.
For more information, see: “Pakistan fears billions in military funds under scrutiny amid Trump aid cuts”, Bloomberg
Sri Lanka
Two more years
Through a co-sponsored resolution without vote, the UNHRC session in Geneva gave Sri Lanka two more years for war-crimes probe, accountability and ethnic reconciliation. Back home, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe claimed, almost for the first time, that the Government would not agree to foreign judges but only to foreign observers, even as the TNA welcomed the resolution after expressing anguish earlier.
For more information, see: “UNHRC resolution on SL adopted without a vote, gives 2 more years”, Daily Mirror Online, 23 March 2017; “No foreign judges, only foreign observers: PM”, Daily Mirror Online, 21 March 2017; “Wijeyadasa blasts int’l community”, Daily Mirror Online, 24 March 2017; “TNA welcomes UNHRC resolution”, Daily Mirror Online, 24 March 2017; “‘Tamils have reached their limits of tolerance’”, The Island, 26 March 2017; “Sumanthiran calls for amending Constitution to bring in foreign judges”, The Island, 20 March 2017; “Now, Sampanthan alleges over 150,000 Tamils killed, 50% population fled the country”, The Island, 20 March 2017; “UNHRC Convention: Tamil Diaspora protest JO representation”, Daily Mirror Online, 21 March 2017; “SL ‘war crimes’ have caused pain and anguish for India: Sushma”, Daily Mirror Online, 24 March 2017; “UK wants resolution calling for foreign judges fully implemented”, The Island, 25 March 2017; “Sri Lanka condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations: Terrorist attack in UK”, The Island, 25 March 2017; “Chagie denied Australian visa over ‘war crimes’ allegations: Unsubstantiated UN claims cited as reason”, The Island, 23 March 2017; “Returns from exile to become Army’s No 2”, The Island
President leaves for Russia
President Maithiripala Sirisena left for an official visit to Moscow, the first by a Sri Lankan leader since then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike went to the then Soviet Union as far back as 1974. In an unconnected meeting with visiting Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan Sirisena said that the two nations too would sign several agreements for mutual cooperation.
For more information, see: “President leaves for Russia”, Daily Mirror Online, 22 March 2017; “Putin presents a historic gift to MS”, Daily Mirror Online, 24 March 2017; R”Russia offers to set up helicopter maintenance center in SL”, Daily Mirror Online, 23 March 2017; “SL will sign several agreements with China: President”, Daily Mirror Online, 20 March 2017; “China vows unconditional support to Lanka”, Daily Mirror Online, 20 March 2017; “Chinese Defence Minister to visit Sri Lanka this week”, Daily Mirror Online/Reuters, 19 March 2017; “Hambantota Port Project: Govt. given go ahead for joint development”, Daily Mirror Online, 22 March 2017; “Army to conduct Field Training Exercise in Mali”, Daily Mirror Online
Primary Documentation
Bhutan
“Indian Ambassador’s Speech on India-Bhutan Relations delivered at the Royal Thimphu College”, India Embassy in Bhutan, 22 March 2017
Nepal
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi: Ambassador Upadhyay meets Minister of Power< style="font-size: 16px">”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal< style="font-size: 16px">, 24 March 2017
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi: Ambassador Upadhyay meets Minister Pradhan”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 23 March 2017
“Press Release on the Visit of the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister to the People’s Republic of China”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 23 March 2017
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Brussels regarding Visit Nepal Year 2017- Europe”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 23 March 2017
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Malaysia regarding fifth meeting of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Asia-Pacific region held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 20 March 2017
Bibliography
Afghanistan
Opinion Pieces
Seth Jones, “How Trump should manage Afghanistan”, Foreign Affairs, 21 March 2017
Sune Engel Rasmussen, “Is it safe for Britain to send refugees back to Afghanistan?”, The Guardian, 23 March 2017
Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Towheed Feroze, “Times of terror”, Dhaka Tribune, 19 March 2017
Shantanu Mukharji, “Terror continues to haunt Bangladesh, India must help”, Dailyo.in, 21 March 2017
Md. Khalequzzaman, “What Bangladesh should demand from India”, The Daily Star, 23 March 2017
Bhutan
Editorials
Kuensel, “Preparing for sustainable graduation”, Kuenselonline.com, 20 March 2017
India
Opinion Pieces
Shishir Gupta, “India needs a full-time defence minister as ministry cannot be run on ad hoc basis”, Hindustan Times, 21 March 2017
Christophe Jaffrelot, “Populism, remixed”, Indian Express, 24 March, 2017
K J Singh, “The Manipur Opportunity”, Indian Express, 24 March, 2017
Maldives
Opinion Pieces
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Cancellation of Saudi King’s Maldives visit: A message for Yameen?”, South Asia Monitor, 23 March 2017
Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
The Myanmar Times, “Unclear US policy on Myanmar, ASEAN”, The Myanmar Times, 20 March 2017
Nepal
Opinion Pieces
Deepak Thapa, “Farcical law”, The Kathmandu Post, 23 March 2017
Pamir Gautam, “Spooked by China”, Republica, 23 March 2017
Editorials
The Kathmandu Post, “Tourism travails”, The Kathmandu Post, 24 March 2017
Republica, “Fishy, fishy”, Republica, 23 March 2017
Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
Manan Ahmed Asif, “Half a cheer for democracy in Pakistan”, The New York Times, 20 March 2017
Ali Malik, “Escalating tensions and water scarcity”, South Asia Program, 21 March 2017
Bobby Ghosh, “How Pakistan’s Abdul Basit could be Modi’s ambassador to Islamabad”, The Hindustan Times, 21 March 2017
Fahad Shah, “When a Kashmiri visits Pakistan”, The Wire, 24 March 2017
Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
Rajan Philips, “The new ides of March: Foreign judges have not come... but have gone!”, , 26 March 2017
Nihal Seneviratne, “Some insiights into the attempt to impeach President Premadasa”, The Island, 26 March 2017
Prof G L Peiris, ex-Minister, “The crisis in Parliament: Twilight of a functioning democracy”, The Island, 24 March 2017
Kelum Bandara, “UNHRC resolution: Confusion over who committed to foreign judges”, Daily Mirror Online, 23 March 2017
Malinda Seneviratne, “Yahapalana machinations subvert ‘transitional justice’”, Daily Mirror Online, 23 March 2017
Ranga Jayasuriya, “The new UNHRC resolution and hybrid court”, Daily Mirror Online, 21 March 2017
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Killing Indian fishermen raises questions of sovereignty”, www.orfonline.org, 21 March 2017
Jehan Perera, “The opportunity in Geneva for a fresh start”, The Island, 21 March 2017
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Thirteen-A is still a good start”, The Sunday Leader, 19 March 2017
Contributors:
Afghanistan & Pakistan: Kriti M. Shah
Bangladesh: Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale
India: Shubh Soni & Pushan Das
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N. Sathiya Moorthy
Nepal: Sreeparna Banerjee
The views expressed above belong to the author(s). ORF research and analyses now available on Telegram! Click here to access our curated content — blogs, longforms and interviews.
PREV
