Country Reports
Afghanistan
US NSA in Kabul
The United States national security advisor Lt. Gen H.R. McMaster visited Afghanistan on April 16, days after the US dropped a large bomb in the country targeting the Islamic State. McMaster’s visit to the country is the first such visit from the Trump administration as the US mulls a full strategy review in the country. Praising the Ashraf Ghani government, McMaster described the US and Afghanistan fight against the Taliban and ISIS as one "between barbarism and civilization," casting it as a "threat to all civilized peoples." He said members of the administration from all over would present Trump with a "range of options" per his request.
For more information, see: “McMaster visits Afghanistan, touts ‘reliable’ partner”, CNN
IS is a ‘tool’ of the US, says Karzai
Former President Hamid Karzai called Daesh or the Islamic State a ‘tool’ of the United States. Speaking to
Voice of America, Karzai criticised the US for dropping the MOAB bomb in Afghanistan, stating that he does not differentiate between Daesh and America. He called the bombing an insult to Afghanistan and criticized the Ashraf Ghani government for allowing the US to drop such a bomb, calling the act treason. The former president also dismissed criticism of Russia’s ties with the Taliban.
For more information, see: “Karzai calls Daesh a ‘tool’ of the United States”, Tolo News
11 killed in Helmand
Eleven civilians were killed in Helmand on April 15 after a roadside bomb exploded through their vehicle. The Helmand police chief has blamed the Taliban for the attack, saying that the road the vehicle was travelling had been mined to target Afghan security forces. The blast was on a road that connected the Nawa district in Kandahar to the provincial capital Lashkar Gah. The Taliban has not taken responsibility or responded to the attack yet.
For more information, see: “Roadside bomb kills 11 in southern Afghanistan”, Al Jazeera
Bangladesh
Hasina visits Bhutan
Relationship with Bhutan got a major boost following visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Prime Minister was on a three-day state visit to Bhutan. During the visit she met top leadership of that country. Two countries discussed varied areas for cooperation including hydro-power, water resources, trade and commerce, connectivity, tourism, culture, education, health, ICT and agriculture. Bangladesh and Bhutan signed eight deals.
For more information, see: “Dhaka, Thimphu for boosting regional connectivity”, The Daily Star, 19 April 2017; “Dhaka signs 5 deals with Thimphu”, The Daily Star, 19 April 2017; “Bangladesh, Bhutan emphasis more on trade, connectivity”, News Next Bangladesh
WB gives $ 6 billion credit
International lending agency World Bank promised to give $6 billion in credit to Bangladesh over the next three years. The Bank is likely to increase its assistance for Bangladesh by 50 percent. Finance Minister A M A Muhith said that the Bank would provide the money in three instalments of $2 billion each in every fiscal year from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
For more information see: “World Bank to give Bangladesh $6 billion credit in three years”, BDnews24.com
9 lakh fakes on FB
Following a request from the government, social network site Facebook has suspended around nine lakh fake accounts from Bangladesh. The Government claimed that at least three crore Facebook users are active in the country, and nearly three percent of these accounts are fake. The Government suspect militant links behind these fake accounts.
For more information, see: “Dhaka: 9 lakh fake Facebook accounts suspended in Bangladesh after government requests crackdown”, India Today, 17 April 2017; “Some Face bookers get accounts unblocked”, The Daily Star
Bhutan
Bangladesh ties up
Bhutan and Bangladesh signed six memoranda of understanding including two agreements in the presence of the two prime ministers on the first day of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit on April 18.
For more information, see: “Bhutan Bangladesh strengthen cooperation”, Kuensel
Trilateral power ties
Foreign minister Damcho Dorji said Bhutan is hopeful the trilateral cooperation in hydropower among Bhutan, Bangladesh and India will come through. The trilateral cooperation seeks to enable Bangladesh to invest in Bhutan’s power sector.
For more information, see: “Bhutan hopeful about trilateral hydropower cooperation”, Bhutan Broadcasting Service,
ACC frames charges
The Trongsa dzongkhag court conducted the preliminary hearing on the alleged illegal land transaction case in Trongsa. The court read out the charges by the prosecutor, Anti Corruption Commission (ACC,) to the 10 defendants.
For more information, see: “ACC makes 30 charges against 10 defendants in Trongsa land case”, Kuensel, 21 April 2017; “State Visit of PM Sheikh Hasina Very Important Says Lyonchhen”, The Bhutanese
India
India becoming international arbitration hub, Chief Justice
Chief Justice of India J S Khehar said India is becoming a hub of international arbitration and the government’s initiative to work towards zero interference in the process will promote confidence among foreign traders. Justice Khehar said that potential for international arbitration is increasing due to foreign investment.
For more information, see: “India becoming hub of international arbitration: CJI”, The Hindu
Remittances drop
Notwithstanding a significant 8.9 per cent drop in remittances to India in 2016, the country retained the top spot among remittances receiving nations. The World Bank said that the remittances to developing countries fell for a second consecutive year in 2016, a trend not seen in three decades.
For more information, see: “Remittances to India dropped by nearly 9% in 2016: World Bank”, Business Standard
Made-in-India howitzers
The Army will get its first ‘Made in India’ self-propelled howitzers next year. Larsen & Toubro has signed a deal with Hanwha Techwin of South Korea to jointly manufacture guns urgently required to maintain a conventional edge over Pakistan.
For more information, see: “L&T to make artillery guns in India with Korean defence firm Hanwha Techwin”, Economic Times
Maldives
Gasim held again
The police arrested Jumhooree Party founder Gasim Ibrahim, based on the orders of the criminal court, which later remanded for 15 days, pending investigations into charges of seeking to influence/bribe MPs ahead of the failed no-trust vote against Speaker, Abdulla Maseeh. Gasim was arrested earlier on the same charge but the High Court freed him, citing procedural infirmities.
For more information, see: “Qasim arrested again”, SunOnline, 21 April 2017; “Qasim remanded by 15 days”, SunOnline, 22 April 2017; “Gasim arrested at midnight on fresh charges, remanded for 15 days”, Maldives Independent, 22 April 2017; “Even the “free Qasim” posters to be “jailed” : Ali Solih”, Miadhu, 22 April 2017; “Judges did not care about the appeals of Qasim and his lawyers about Wasim’s health conditions : Legal team”, Miadhu, 21 April 2017; “No government that arrested Qasim Ibrahim has been able to get re-elected”, Miadhu, 21 April 2017; “Nasheed: Qasim was arrested unlawfully, international community must step in”, SunOnline, 21 April 2017; “Riyaz: Don’t have to be arrested for political talk”, SunOnline, 21 April 2017; “Police seek prosecution of Faris Maumoon”, Maldives Independent, 22 April 2017; “Local council elections: MDP questions accuracy of voter registry”, Maldives Independent
‘Modi must understand’
In a Skype interview to India-based
The Telegraph newspaper, former Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed has said that they would like India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to understand the fears of Maldivian people. "I don't think pandering to Yameen would make him averse to signing more contracts with China," he said.
For more information, see: “'We would like Narendra Modi to understand the fears of the people of the Maldives'”, The Telegraph, 16 April 2017; “Opposition coalition has 49 parliament members now: Abdul Aleem”, Miadhu
Myanmar
Suu Kyi to visit Europe, China
Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi will pay official visits to four European countries at the end of April, followed by a trip to China in May, according to Zaw Htay, the deputy director general of the Office of the State Counsellor. Speaking to DVB this morning, Zaw Htay said, “She will pay a friendship visit to Belgium, Italy, France and Britain at the end of this month. The details of the trip will be announced soon.
For more information see: “Suu Kyi plans to visit Europe, China”, DVB
UWSA to negotiate peace with government
The new ethnic committee led by United Wa State Army (UWSA) pledged to negotiate with the government to overcome the deadlock in the peace process, members of the committee decided after meeting in Pangkham of Wa’s stronghold capital this week.
For more information see:
“New Wa-led committee pledges to overcome deadlock in peace process”, Myanmar Times, 21 April 2017; “Paper outlining stance of ethnic groups to be sent to govt”, Eleven, 21 April 2017; “NCA is not working, say northern ethnic armies”, DVB
Singapore, Vietnam top list of foreign investors
Investors from Singapore and Vietnam topped the list of foreign backers in the National League for Democracy’s year in government, according to statistics of foreign investment from the Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration (DICA). Foreign investment totalled US$6.65 billion in the 2016-17 fiscal year.
For more information see: “Singapore and Vietnam top list of foreign investors during NLD era”, Eleven
Nepal
May elections
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that no force can stop the May 14 local level elections from taking place. The elections taking place after a gap of twenty years would empower the people and distribute power from Singha Durbar to the villages, he said while appealing to all to participate in the elections. The Prime Minister also expressed dismay over the rejection of the second constitution amendment proposal registered at the parliament.
For more information, see:”Nobody can stop elections: PM Dahal”, The Kathmandu Post, 20 April 2017; “PM Dahal and UDMF conclude meeting with agreement to meet again today”, Republica
Convergence of Arun and Baruna rivers
According to DSP at Sankhuwasabha District Police Office, Gautam Kumar KC, massive flood debris from Barun River washed up on Arun causing the river to be dammed. The dammed river has posed a risk to around 80 families living in the area. A meeting of the Natural Disaster Rescue Committee is under way. Chief District Officer Shivaraj Joshi informed that a team of Nepal Army has been deployed in the area.
For more information, see: “Flood debris block Arun River forming 3-km dam”, The Kathmandu Post, 21 April 2017; “Flood mixed with sediment blocks confluence of Arun and Barun rivers in Sankhuwasabha”, Republica
Third US-Nepal TIFA
The 3rd US-Nepal Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting concluded in Kathmandu on April 20, deciding to diversify the list of preferential products to enhance Nepal's exports, and promote investment, among others. Enforcing the TPA in 2015, the US government has come up with the duty free access to 66 products that have high potential in the world’s largest economy. The goods considered under preference include certain carpets and pashmina, headgear, shawls, scarves and travel goods. Nepal has been offered the facility until 2025.
For more information, see: “Nepal, US agree to diversify list of preferential products”, Republica, 21 April 2017; “US assures Nepal full use of TPA facility”, The Kathmandu Post
Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif survives Supreme Court ruling on Panama Gate
Nawaz Sharif position as Prime Minister is safe, for the time being, as the Supreme Court declared that there was “insufficient evidence” to remove him from office following corruption allegations with the Panama Gate leaks. The Supreme Court ordered the setting up of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe further into the business dealings of the Sharif family within two months. Sharif’s PML-N party celebrated the verdict, while opposition members criticized the ruling.
For more information, see: “Panama Papers: Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif survives corruption ruling”, BBC
Pakistan Taliban leader surrenders
Ehsanullah Ehsan, a leader of the Jammat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) surrendered to security forces in Islamabad on April 17. JuA an offshoot faction of the Pakistani Taliban is responsible for a number of attacks in the country. Most recently, a series of bomb blasts in February killed over 130 people. JuA did not immediately offer a comment on the security forces' claim. If true, it would mark the highest-profile surrender by a Pakistani Taliban commander in years.
For more information, see: “Pakistani Taliban leader Ehsanullah Ehsan surrenders”, Al Jazeera
Rangers kill 9 Taliban militants near Islamabad
In a joint police and military raid, security forces killed 9 suspected Pakistani Taliban fighters outside of Islamabad on April 15. The raid which was carried out the Pakistani Rangers is a part of the military’s Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. The military’s statement also said that three soldiers were killed in the operation.
For more information, see: “12 killed during military raid in central Pakistan”, Al Jazeera
Sri Lanka
Visible changes in Govt activities soon: President
Denying any economic crisis and not committing himself one way or the other on an imminent Cabinet reshuffle, President Maithiripala Sirisena told media editors that there would be visible changes in government activities in the next two weeks. Sirisena said that the changes would come about before the annual Buddhist Vesak festivities (12-13 May) even as the May Day rally is expected to stir fresh dissent within his SLFP, with predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa expectedly preparing for a show-down.
For more information, see: “Changes before Vesak: President”, Daily Mirror Online, 20 April 2017; “IGP makes religious observances compulsory for cops!”, The Island, 19 April 2017; “SLFP split to become irredeemable on May Day?”, The Island, 21 April 2017; “Mahinda invited to SLFP May Day rally”, The Island, 22 April 2017; “CBK, MR invited for SLFP May Day rally in Kandy”, Daily Mirror Online, 22 April 2017; “Prelate tells SLFP leaders to bury the hatchet”, The Island, 19 April 2017; “Key suspect in Lasantha killing given diplomatic post by Gotabhaya”, The Island, 23 April 2017; “Retired top officers contradict each other in CID cross-examination: Use of ‘sharp object’ to kill The Sunday Leader Editor was known soon after assassination”, The Island
Modi to inaugurate Vesak festivities
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the invitation for inaugurating the 14
th UN Vesak Day celebrations in Sri Lanka. Ahead of Modi’s visit, Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wikremesinghe will be in New Delhi on a private visit, when he is scheduled to have a luncheon meeting with the Indian Prime Minister.
For more information, see: “PM Modi to inaugurate 14th UN Day of Vesak in Sri Lanka on May 12”, The Island, 20 April 2017; “Modi confirms participation for UN Vesak festival”, Daily Mirror Online, 19 April 2017; “Ranil to visit India”, Daily Mirror Online, 21 April 2017; “Ranil to arrive in India on Tuesday, Modi to host lunch for him”, The Island, 22 April 2017; “Japan may help SL buy P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft”, Daily Mirror Online
Self-inflicted torture
A Sri Lankan Tamil political asylum-seeker in Britain had self-inflicted wounds to claim that he was being tortured in his native country, the Court of Appeal, held. This comes even as Australia, a more recent destination for SLT ‘economic refugees’, announced the tightening of asylum laws.
For more information, see: “SL asylum seeker let himself be tortured to support his bid to stay in UK-Judge”, Daily Mirror Online, 22 April 2017; “Australia toughens process to gain citizenship”, Daily Mirror Online, 21 April 2017; “EU Parliamentary group opposed to SL tariff concession”, Daily Mirror Online, 22 April 2017; “Fighting corruption is good for Sri Lanka: British HC”, Daily Mirror Online, 22 April 2017; “British company introduced by CM not competent enough: Megapolis Ministry”, Daily Mirror Online, 19 April 2017; “Power Minister promises to restore Norochcholai within five days”, The Island, 19 April 2017; “Alienate national assets only as last resort: GL tells expert committee formulating national policy on foreign investment”, The Island, 20 April 2017; “Prez won’t accept anything inimical to Sri Lanka: Agreements with India, China et al”, The Island
Primary Documentation
Bhutan
“Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay receives Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina”, Cabinet Secretariat, 18 April 2017
Myanmar
“Vice President U Henry Van Thio starts working visit to the Netherlands”, President’s Office, 20 April 2017
Nepal
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi regarding the ongoing State Visit of the Rt. Honorable President< style="font-size: 16px">”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal< style="font-size: 16px">, 21 April 2017
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi regarding the ongoing State Visit of the Rt. Honorable President”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 20 April 2017
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Kuala Lumpur”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 20 April 2017
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi regarding Rt Hon President’s Meetings with Indian Leadership”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 18 April 2017
Bibliography
Afghanistan
Opinion Pieces
Masood Saifullah, “How active are Indian jihadists in Afghanistan”, DW, 19 April 2017
- Raja Mohan, “The Kabul convergence”, Indian Express, 18 April 2017
Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Avia Nahreen, “The growing strategic importance of Bangladesh to China”, The Daily Star, 21 April 2017
Sarath Kumara, “India strengthens defence ties with Bangladesh”, WSWS.ORG, 18 April 2017
Bhutan
Opinion Pieces
Dasho Kinley Dorji, “A friendship beyond protocol”, Kuensel, 20 April 2017
Editorials
Kuensel, “A special connection”, Kuensel, 21 April 2017
India
Opinion Pieces
Harsh Mander, “Depriving JNU”, Indian Express, 22April 2017
Rakesh Sinha, “Not an imagined community”, Indian Express, 22 April, 2017
Faizan Mustafa, “Beyond the backwardness cap”, Indian Express, 22April, 2017
Maldives
Opinion Pieces
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Indian FS visits Maldives as political situation remains fluid”, www.orfonline.org, 19 April 2017
Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
Saw Yan Naing, “How the KNU’s ‘Hardliners’ Tried and Failed to Win the Election”, The Irrawaddy, 20 April 2017
Nepal
Opinion Pieces
Sachchi Ghimire Karki, “Right person, right job”, The Kathmandu Post, 21 April 2017
Bhadra Sharma, “Do it anyway”, Republica, 20 April 2017
Editorials
The Kathmandu Post, “Comprehensive recovery”, The Kathmandu Post, 21 April 2017
Republica, “Help, not hinder”, Republica, 20 April 2017
Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
Vivek Katju, “What US NSA’s visit to Afghansitan, Pak and India tells us about Trump’s policy”, Catch News, 19 April 2017
Asha’ar Rehman, “A ruling and a country split”, Dawn, 21 April 2017
Shamil Shams, “Pakistan’s Panama Papers ruling is a win for everyone”, DW, 20 April 2017
Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
D B S Jeyaraj, “C V Wigneswaran hurts Christian sentiments”, Daily Mirror Online, 22 April 2017
Kusal Perera, “Blame the urban educated”, Daily Mirror Online, 21 April 2017
Gomin Dayasiri, “Ranil, Mahinda, Sirisena: Are they all the same?”, Daily Mirror Online, 19 April 2017
Jehan Perera, “Resolving internal conflicts requires a different approach”, The Island, 18 April 2017
Dr Ranil Senanayake, “The tightening noose”, The Island, 17 April 2017
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Will the minorities come together, then stand up for their collective rights?”, The Sunday Leader, 16 April 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.
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