Ties of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with Nepal, Bangladesh and India stand to be boosted. Trade ties with Bangladesh are expected to be intensified with India allowing transit to Bangladesh for trade with Bhutan.
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Analysis
Ties of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with Nepal, Bangladesh and India stand to be boosted. Trade ties with Bangladesh are expected to be intensified with India allowing transit to Bangladesh for trade with Bhutan. Another window of opportunity to boost ties with these three sub-regional countries is on cards as these countries prepare to sign the Framework Agreement on Motor Vehicles in Thimphu.
Bhutan which aims at a self-sufficient economy by 2020, hopes to reach newer markets and attract investments. The country has bilateral trade agreements with Nepal and Bangladesh besides having India on its side as a development assistance and aid giver. Bangladesh happens to be Bhutan’s second largest trading partner.
Trade with Bangladesh
The land-locked country would sense the window of opportunity here for increased trade with Bangladesh. Bhutan renewed the trade agreement with Bangladesh in November last year duty free trade between the countries would be extended on 18 more products, from the existing 72.
Bhutan has a trade surplus with Bangladesh in 2012 Bhutan exported goods worth Nu 1.17 billion and imported Nu 281 million. The dynamics of the bilateral trade is expected to change once the new trade deal is implemented. In 2013, the share of exports to Bangladesh increased to 7 percent from 4 percent in 2012.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recently concluded visit to Bangladesh saw the two countries sign the revised trade agreement that allowed Bangladesh to use Indian roads, railways and waterways to transship goods to Bhutan.
By allowing Bangladesh transit through India to transship goods, trade with Bangladesh would further intensify. Presently, only Bhutanese trucks carrying goods can transship goods to Bangladesh, but Bangladesh cannot use Indian Territory to transship goods to Bangladesh.
Access to Bangladesh’s ports would also reduce transportation costs and minimize wear-and-tear of Bangladesh bound goods. Bhutan presently uses the Kolkata port for trade but access to the river port of Dhubri in the North-East Indian state of Assam could be used as a transit to Chittagong port.
BBIN road corridor
Bhutan also stands to be benefited by the Framework Agreement on Motor Vehicles that clears the ground for a seamless movement of passenger and transport vehicles among the BBIN countries. Trading centers Thimphu, Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar could be connected to Kathmandu, Kolkata, Guwahati, Dhaka and Chittagong.
The framework agreement once inked would allow Bhutan to sign bilateral or trilateral agreements involving these sub-regional partners. Movement of vehicles across borders has been thought out to facilitate trade and movement of freight with passenger carrying vehicles, a value addition.
The framework uses the principle of reciprocity, i.e. for every truck Bhutan allows into Nepal, Bhutan has also to allow 1 Nepali truck within its territory. This, will also be applied to movement of passenger vehicles, subject to due clearance of immigration requirements by the passengers.
Bhutan will find herself amidst an economically growing region and benefit from increase in trade within the region. Investments would also flow in the country, with road and rail connectivity among the countries in the sub-region. The softening of borders would also allow increased people-to-people ties.
The framework is no less than a breakthrough for countries in the SAARC region that are said to be the least integrated groupings. The framework will allow other SAARC members not part of the BBIN deal to come join in. The framework agreement could not be signed during the 18th SAARC Summit because of opposition from Pakistan.
Benefitting from connectivity
Connectivity has become the buzzword for quite some time in SAARC. Since, the 2004 Karachi Summit inter-regional rail, road and connectivity through water have been discussed. Studies commissioned by ADB and SAARC have also suggested probable links that are expected to transform trade and people-to-people ties in the region.
However, political tensions within the two biggest countries in SAARC have not become a reality. BBIN Sub-regional cooperation has shown the way forward for economic cooperation accruing benefits from connectivity. Bhutan that prides in its culture and measuring of gross national happiness would not lose the opportunity to treasure in a bridging of cultures and traditions.
(The writer is a Research Assistant at the Kolkata Chapter of Observer Research Foundation)
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Bangladesh: Modi’s visit helps boost bilateral ties
Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
India-Bangladesh relations got a major boost with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to Bangladesh on 6-7 June. The Indian Prime Minister visited that country at the invitation of his counterpart Sheikh Hasina.
During the visit, Mr Modi was given a red carpet welcome and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Abdul Hamid displayed extreme warmth. The two sides also signed 22 agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) extending bilateral cooperation in areas of connectivity, trade and investment, line of credit, security. The visit was successful in preparing ground for deeper cooperation that would lead the two countries on the path of shared growth and prosperity.
Land boundary agreement
The visit was historic as both India and Bangladesh ratified of land boundary agreement signed in 1974. With this all the boundary dispute between the two countries has been resolved. Bangladesh today is the first country in the neighbourhood with who India has resolved all boundary problems.
The agreement was a major diplomatic victory of Bangladesh as it helped to gain more than ten thousand acres of territory. For India it was an occasion to express its sincerity to enhance ties with that country.
From the day Mr Modi formed government in May 2014, he actively pursuing a neighbourhood first policy. As a beginning, he invited leaders of all the SAARC countries in this oath taking ceremony. This gesture was welcomed by all the neighbouring countries including Bangladesh. In fact, this raised expectation and the feeling was Mr Modi will do something significant to strengthen the relationship. People of Bangladesh are thankful to him for taking the initiative that resolved the land boundary agreement.
Some of the other important developments of the visit those need special mention are -
A) Inauguration of bus service between Guwahati-Dhaka, Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata. This move will not only strengthen connectivity but also will increase tourism between the two countries.
B) India agreeing to provide a $ 2-billion line of credit to Bangladesh to develop its infrastructure, mainly railways. This is a welcoming as it looks onto help Bangladesh to realise the dream of becoming a transport hub. The loan will be used to upgrade the infrastructure to the international standard important to attract international traffic.
c) The coastal shipping agreement between two country and Bangladesh agreeing to grant Indian ships to access Mongla and Chittagong ports are very positive moves. These arrangements will shorten the sea route between the two countries resulting saving of time and resources and will also boost trade.
D) MOU for establishment of special economic zone (SEZ) in Bangladesh for India industries is also important. Special SEZ for India industries will bring investment and also will create jobs, contributing to Bangladesh’s economy.
E) Agreements for cooperation in areas of cross border crime like illegal human trafficking and fake currency is appreciable. These agreements will help in strengthen the security cooperation between the two countries.
Significant improvement
India and Bangladesh relationship have improved significantly in past few years. There has been substantial cooperation between the two countries in various fields including security, economy and connectivity. These new agreements speak of the success attained earlier.
Most important feature of the visit was Mr Modi’s efforts to connect with the people Bangladesh. During the visit he delivered a public lecture organised by Dhaka University and initiated the talk in Bengali, which touched the hearts of the people there. Besides, he also met leaders of the political parties. However his meeting with Begum Khaleda Zia, chief of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist, was special. This has broken the long of stereotype that India of being favourable to one particular party.
However, non-signing of the water sharing agreement of the Teesta river has emerged as a major disappointment. Besides, there is feeling in Bangladesh the visit did not appropriately address issues like death of Bangladeshis in the border, trade deficit, visa relaxation etc. While, some in India are complaining that the visit failed to address issues of illegal migration and extradition of Anup Chetia, leader of United Liberation front of Assam.
Despite these disappointments, the visit has been satisfying and win-win for the two countries. The visit has given a new momentum.
(The writer is a Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, Delhi)
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Country Reports
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Afghanistan
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Taliban talks in Dubai, Oslo
A two-day conference between Afghan government officials and Taliban representatives was held in Dubai this week, which was organised by Pugwash, an organisation of peace initiators. Reports suggest that these preliminary talks were constructive and some progress was made. Further talks are likely to be held in July in Qatar. In addition to the Dubai talks, a delegation of Afghan women, including Shukria Barakzai, a Member of Parliament met the Taliban’s in Oslo to discuss the protection of their rights. However, the secretive nature of these talks has met with strong criticism back home.
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For more information see: "Taliban Talks in Dubai Constructive: Source", Tolo News, 7 June 2015;
"MPs Concerned Over Secret Talks between Afghanistan, Taliban", Tolo News, 8 June 2015;
"Afghan women hold historic talks with the Taliban", BBC News, 6 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">’Pakistan in undeclared war’
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, during a recent trip to Kandahar to review the security situation there, declared that Pakistan has been in a war against Afghanistan for the past 36 years. He further claimed that without peace with Pakistan first there cannot be any progress in relations with the Taliban. This peace, however, in his words had to be on Afghanistan’s conditions. He also declared during this visit that no agreement has been signed between the external intelligence agencies of the two countries.
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For more information see : "Peace First with Pakistan Before The Taliban: Ghani", Tolo News, 9 June 2015;
"No agreement has been signed with Pakistani intelligence: Ghani", Khaama Press, 9 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Another district falls
Following clashes between security officials and dozens of Taliban militants, the Yamgan district of Badakhshan province fell to the insurgents. Although, the Afghan security forces reportedly retreated from the district for tactical reasons so as to avoid civilian casualties, they were able to recapture parts of the Yamgan district after two days.
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For more information see : "Taliban Take Control of Yamgan District of Badakhshan", Tolo News, 6 June 2015;
"Afghan Forces Advance Against Insurgents Yamgan District", Tolo News, 8 June 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Bangladesh
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Draft on vehicular movement
With an aim to strengthen sub regional cooperation, the government this week approved the draft of an framework agreement for motor vehicle movement in four counties of the region -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal -- to improve connectivity among the countries. The approval of the draft, finalized earlier at transport secretary level meeting of the four countries in Kolkata and Chennai.
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For more information see : "Cabinet okays draft agreement on regional vehicular movement", The Independent, 9 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Enclave-exchange
India and Bangladesh will transfer of 162 enclaves (111 in Bangladesh and 51 in India on July 31 this year. This was revealed in the text of the Letters on Modalities for Implementation of India- Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement 1974 and Protocol of 2011 to the Land Boundary Agreement. The movement of the residents of the enclaves from one country to another, if they wish to do so, will be complete by November 30.
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For more information see : "Enclave exchange on July 31 midnight", The Independent, 9 June 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Bhutan
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Motor deal to go through
The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) would sign the Framework Agreement on Motor Vehicles on 15 June in the capital city. The framework agreement would facilitate trade and people-to-people ties. Bhutanese trucks would be able to transport cargo into Bangladesh or Nepal via India.
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For more information see : "Motor transport deal to be signed", Kuensel Online, 10 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Opposition charges violation
Opposition leader, Pema Gyamtsho said that constitutional bodies have been in breach of the constitution and existing laws and rules on several issues. Gyamtsho cited that the government granting authorized leave of absence to three cabinet secretaries against the RCSC Act as one of the instances of the breach.
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For more information see : "Opposition Charges Govt With Violating Constitution And Laws", The Bhutanese, 8 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">NA endorses Companies Bill
The National Assembly (NA) endorsed Companies Bill, 2015 on 8 June. Economic Affairs Minister, Norbu Wangchuck said that the new bill has become necessary to make the economic self-reliance dream come true. Wangchuck believed that it would create a conducive environment for business.
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For more information see : "NA endorses Companies Bill, 2015", Kuensel Online, 9 June 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">India
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Retaliation to ’Manipur ambush’
The Indian Army carried out two surgical operations deep inside Myanmar in the aftermath of losing 18 soldiers in an ambush on 4 June. The operation killed several militants in two camps of northeastern insurgent groups. The action declared India’s new-found readiness to pre-empt terror threats not constrained by borders. The public announcement of the operation by the government has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition and sections of the media.
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For more information see : "India’s response to Manipur ambush: How Army’s highly secretive operation neutralised militants in Myanmar", The Economic Times, 10 June 2015;
"Cross-border strike: Army enters Myanmar to hit Naga Militants", The Indian Express, 10 June 2015;
"How MEA helped set stage for strike", The Indian Express, 11 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Tri-nation FS’ meet
The first ever trilateral talks between India, Japan and Australia took place on 8 June. While there is no official word on the agenda of the meet, concerns about China were discussed. Also discussed were Australia’s and Japan’s keen interest in being invited to the Malabar naval exercises again, which is currently a bilateral exercise between the US and India.
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For more information see : "India-Japan-Australia forum not anti-China: Peter Varghese", The Hindu, 9 June 2005;
"India, Japan, Australia foreign secretaries meet", The Asian Age, 9 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Sweden makes defence pitch
Swedish defence minister Peter Hultqvist visited India from June 9 to June 12 pitching the Saab Gripen NG single-engine light combat planes for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Swedish are also keen on co-manufacture submarines as part of ’Make in India’. Hultqvist also visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited facilities in Bangalore.
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For more information see : "Sweden offers India collaboration on fighters and submarines", The Times of India, 11 June 2015;
"Sweden’s Gripen back on IAF’s radar for light combat planes", The Financial Express, 8 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">No BJP decision on Bihar CM
While the JD(U)-led alliance has confirmed Nitish Kumar as their Chief Ministerial for the Bihar Polls, the BJP has decided to delay any such proclamation. Sushil Kumar Modi told reporters that the BJP national leaders and its parliamentary board will decide whether to go for individual leadership or collective one.
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For more information see : "BJP to decide on NDA leadership in Bihar at opportune time: Sushil Modi", The Indian Express, 9 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Court battle over NJAC continues
The tussle between the Government and the Supreme Court over the National Judicial Appointments Commission took a turn for the worse during the third day of the Supreme Court hearing on the constitutionality of the issue. The Centre has blamed the Collegium system for appointment of ill-disciplined judges.
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For more information see : "Centre tears into Collegium system", The Hindu, 11 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Sugar mills to get soft-loans
The government will provide soft-loans of Rs 6,000 crore, through the Jan Dhan Yojana programme, to sugar mills to help them with their Rs 21,000-crore dues to farmers. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) decided that the government would not charge any interest on the loan for a year.
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For more information see : "Govt clears Rs 6,000-crore soft loans for sugar mills", The Business Standard, 11 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Indirect Tax collection increases
Indirect tax collection jumped 37.3 per cent in May, leading to a 39.2 per cent rise in the first two months of the current financial year over a year before. A rise has been seen in all three categories of custom, excise, and service tax.
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For more information see : "Indirect tax collection up 37% in May", The Business Standard, 11 June 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Maldives
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Opposition rally peaceful
The MDP-organised scheduled Opposition rally passed off mostly peacefully on Friday, 12 June, though the police arrested nine of them, including MP Ahmed Mahloof, formerly of ruling PPM, for violating the midnight deadline fixed by them. Favourable meports put the number of participants at a modest 2000.
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For more information see: "MP Mahloof among nine arrested in peaceful protest",
Minivan News, 12 June 2015; "’Unrelenting’ opposition rally underway in capital",
Haveeru Online, 12 June 2015; ""Three-day" protest broken up by police",
SunOnline, 11 June 2015; "Police has no authority to dictate deadline’ says MDP",
Haveeru Online, 12 June 2015;
"Opposition ’prepared for prolonged sit-in’, Minivan News, 11 June 2015; "’Rally should wrap-up by midnight’ asks Police",
Haveeru Online, 12 June 2015;
"Jailed ex-president’s visitation rights restricted", Minivan News, 11 June 2015; "Nasheed’s lawyers advice to have sentence lightened",
Haveeru Online, 7 June 2015;
"Government to begin talks with the Jumhooree Party", Minivan News, 8 June 2015; "Maldives still remains as the freest nation for political activities: President",
Miadhu, 9 June 2015;
"PPM wins Dhiggaru by-election", Minivan News, 6 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Yameen in China
Even as the combined Opposiiton was preparing for their third protest rally in five months, President Abdulla Yameen left for China, where he signed a funding agreement for participating in the Third China-South Asia Exposition.
In China, the President signed a funding agreement for the Male-Hulhule land-bridge, and also held talks with the nation’s leadership.
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For more information see : "President Yameen departs to China",
Minivan News, 10 June 2015; "China to fund Malé-Hulhulé bridge, says minister",
Minivan News, 11 June 2015; "Chinese investment in Maldives tourism ’expected to rise’",
Minivan News, 11 June 2015; "First Chinese resort development project inaugurated",
SunOnline, 8 June 2015; "China vows to bring in 1 million tourists: Adheeb",
Haveeru Online, 8 June 2015; "TATA guarantees unwavering commitment",
Haveeru Online, 11 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Row over Judges’ elevation
The Opposition MDP has critised the elevation of two of the three Judges who handed down 13 -year jail term to former President Mohammed Nasheed, to the High Court Bench. The two were among the three that President Abdulla Yameen named for the High Court.
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For more information see : "New high court judges raise concern as jailed ex-president alleges executive influence’, Minivan News, 11 June 2015;
"Two judges in ex-president’s terrorism trial appointed to high court", Minivan News, 8 June 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Myanmar
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Indian soldiers killed near border
Separatist rebels ambushed a convoy of Indian troops in Chandel district of the Northeastern state of Manipur, close to the Myanmar border. A platoon of the 6th Dogra Regiment was out on the road opening patrol when they came under heavy fire at 8.30 am.
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For information more see : "Twenty Indian soldiers killed in ambush near Myanmar border", Mizzima, 4 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">U Shwe Mann to lead USDP
Speaker of Parliament’s lower house, Thura U Shwe Mann will continue as the Chair of the Union Solidarity Development Party and lead its election campaign. The 3-day meeting of the party that began on 29 May discussed the strategy, party policy and discipline besides leadership.
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For information more see : "Thura U Shwe Mann gets party nod to lead USDP into elections", Myanmar Times, 1 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Militants disagree on ceasefire
National Ceasefire Agreement hopes were again dashed as 5 armed ethnic groups failed to reach an agreement on ceasefire. The armed ethnic groups included Ta’ng National Liberation Army, Arakan Army and Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance could not reach a ceasefire agreement.
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For information more see : "Armed groups disagree on ceasefire", Eleven Myanmar, 1 June 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Nepal
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Constitution-making moves forward
The task of constitution making that remained blocked at the CA’s Constitutional Political Dialogue and Consensus Committee (CPDCC) for several months has progressed as the committee settled disputes through majority vote and submitted the report to the CA full House. The major political forces inked a 16-point deal on Monday night.
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For information more see : "Constitution writing moves a step ahead", Republica, 11 June 2015;
"Way paved for constitution as four parties reach 16-pt deal", eKantipur, 9 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Objection to India-China trade pact
The Parliament raised serious objection over an agreement between India and China to boost border trade at Qiangla/Lipu-Lekh Pass, close to an area which the country claims to be part of its territory and asked India and China to correct their pact immediately since it is against international norms and values.
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For information more see : "Nepal objects to India-China trade pact via Lipu-Lekh Pass", The Economic Times, 9 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Taplejung landslide
At least 21 people died and 37 others went missing in landslides triggered by heavy rainfall at several places in Taplejung district on Wednesday night. Locals in Thinglabu said that a massive landslide swept away seven houses while 13 other houses are at high risk.
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For information more see : "At least 21 dead, 37 missing in landslips", eKantipur, 12 June 2015;
"Taplejung landslide: 14 yet to be rescued", eKantipur, 12 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Rashtra Bank chief for Dhaka
Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Chiranjibi Nepal left for Dhaka on Thursday to attend South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Finance Group meeting. Finance Secretaries and Governors of SAARC member nations are attending the SFG meeting which is expected to foster mutual cooperation in financial sector among member countries.
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For information more see : "Governor Nepal off to Dhaka", Republica, 11 June 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Pakistan
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Sindh’s illegal activities
Rs 230 billion ($2.2 billion) is generated through illegal activities in Sindh, according to Director General of the Rangers who briefed the Alex Committee. These include beggar mafias, land grabbing, extortion, weapon trade, among others. The money collected is distributed amongst various factions of the Lyari gangs, politicians, and bureaucrats. The DG proposed the elimination of terrorist networks while the committee suggested establishing yet another committee to examine the proposal.
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For information more see : "Powerful patrons: Crime economy nurtures Sindh top dignitaries", The Express Tribune, 12 June 2015.
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Tackling polio
With Polio slowly getting eradicated from the world, the National Polio Eradication Program (NPEP) expects to completely eradicate Polio by 2018. A visit by a WHO delegate lead by Dr Ala Alwan, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, has bolstered the country’s prospects of tackling the disease. A National Action Plan is currently being formulated and it is estimated that Pakistan would need $300 million in order to eradicate the disease by 2018.
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For information more see : "For next three years: Polio programme requires $300 million", The Express Tribune, 12 June 2015.
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Govt violates APC decision
The proposed economic corridor’s route is hotly debated, despite the general consensus favoring the deal. The government, as stated by Ilyas Bilour of the Awami National Party, has violated the terms agreed upon during the All Parties’ Meeting and allocated a lower budget to the western route of the economic corridor.
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For information more see : "Govt violating APC decision on China corridor", Dawn, 12 June 2015.
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">JF-17 for Paris Air Show
The 51st Paris Air Show, to be held from 15-21 June 2015, will showcase the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet. Pakistan, which is hoping to receive its first ever order for the newly produced aircraft, would be eyeing Bulgaria since the Bulgarian Air Force is looking to replace its outdated Soviet MiG-21 aircrafts.
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For information more see : "Pakistan eager to secure first ever-order for the JF-17 at Paris Air Show", The Express Tribune, 12 June 2015;
"Pakistan To Offer JF-17 Fighters to Bulgaria", Defense News, 10 March 2015.
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Sri Lanka
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Opposition rally peaceful
The MDP-organised scheduled Opposition rally passed off mostly peacefully on Friday, 12 June, though the police arrested nine of them, including MP Ahmed Mahloof, formerly of ruling PPM, for violating the midnight deadline fixed by them. Favourable meports put the number of participants at a modest 2000.
< class="text11verdana">
For information more see :
"MP Mahloof among nine arrested in peaceful protest",
Minivan News, 12 June 2015; "’Unrelenting’ opposition rally underway in capital",
Haveeru Online, 12 June 2015; ""Three-day" protest broken up by police",
SunOnline, 11 June 2015; "Police has no authority to dictate deadline’ says MDP",
Haveeru Online, 12 June 2015; "Opposition ’prepared for prolonged sit-in’,
Minivan News, 11 June 2015; "’Rally should wrap-up by midnight’ asks Police",
Haveeru Online, 12 June 2015; "Jailed ex-president’s visitation rights restricted",
Minivan News, 11 June 2015; "Nasheed’s lawyers advice to have sentence lightened",
Haveeru Online, 7 June 2015; "Government to begin talks with the Jumhooree Party",
Minivan News, 8 June 2015; "Maldives still remains as the freest nation for political activities: President",
Miadhu, 9 June 2015; "PPM wins Dhiggaru by-election",
Minivan News, 6 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Yameen in China
Even as the combined Opposiiton was preparing for their third protest rally in five months, President Abdulla Yameen left for China, where he signed a funding agreement for participating in the Third China-South Asia Exposition.
In China, the President signed a funding agreement for the Male-Hulhule land-bridge, and also held talks with the nation’s leadership
< class="text11verdana">
For more information see: "President Yameen departs to China",
Minivan News, 10 June 2015; "China to fund Malé-Hulhulé bridge, says minister",
Minivan News, 11 June 2015; "Chinese investment in Maldives tourism ’expected to rise’",
Minivan News, 11 June 2015; "First Chinese resort development project inaugurated",
SunOnline, 8 June 2015; "China vows to bring in 1 million tourists: Adheeb",
Haveeru Online, 8 June 2015; "TATA guarantees unwavering commitment",
Haveeru Online, 11 June 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Row over Judges’ elevation
The Opposition MDP has critised the elevation of two of the three Judges who handed down 13 -year jail term to former President Mohammed Nasheed, to the High Court Bench. The two were among the three that President Abdulla Yameen named for the High Court.
< class="text11verdana">
For more information see: "New high court judges raise concern as jailed ex-president alleges executive influence’,
Minivan News, 11 June 2015; "Two judges in ex-president’s terrorism trial appointed to high court",
Minivan News, 8 June 2015
< style="font-size: large;">Primary Documentation
< style="font-size: medium;">Bangladesh
Text of exchange of letters of Modalities for implementation of India and Bangladesh land Boundary Agreement 1974 and Protocol of 2011 to the Land Boundary Agreement, Ministry of External Affairs, 6 June 2015
List of Agreements, MoUs and other Documents concluded during the visit of Indian Prime Minister to Dhaka, Ministry of External Affairs, 6 June 2015
Joint Declaration between Bangladesh and India during Visit of Prime Minister of India to Bangladesh- " Notun Projonmo - Nayi Disha", Ministry of External Affairs, 7 June 2015
Text of Indian Prime Minister’s at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre, Ministry of External Affairs, 7 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Bhutan
Declaration concludes on Companies Bill, National Assembly of Bhutan, 6 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">India
Interviews
Peter Varghese, Foreign Secretary, Australia, China’s actions cause for concern: Australia, The Asian Age, 9 June 2015
Press Release
Remarks by Prime Minister in Joint Press Briefing with Prime Minister of Netherlands in New Delhi , Ministry of External Affairs, 5 June 2015
Prime Minister’s Press Statement during Joint Press Briefing with Prime Minister of Bangladesh , Ministry of External Affairs, 6 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Myanmar
Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin gave a briefing to the Yangon-based diplomatic corps and the UN agencies on the current developments in Myanmar at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yangon, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Nepal
Press Release on Financial Contributions to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund from Nepalese Missions Abroad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2015
Press Release on the Courtesy call on the Hon’ble Foreign Minister by Her Excellency Ms. Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2015
< style="font-size: large;">Bibliography
< style="font-size: medium;">Afghanistan
Reports
Edward Delman,
"Afghanistan’s Buddhas Rise Again", The Atlantic, 10 June 2015
"In ISIS, the Taliban Face an Insurgent Threat of their Own",, DW, 9 June 2015
Opinion Pieces
Seema Sirohi,
"China-Pakistan getting together while Afghanistan becomes hub for ISI: Where does India stand?", The Economic Times, 10 June 2015
Aimal Faizi,
"Karzai’s Stand For Afghan National Interests",Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 8 June 2015
Michael O’Hanlon,
"Keep limited U.S. forces in Afghanistan indefinitely", The Brookings Institution , 8 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Noor Mohammed,
"What was once strained is now strong", The Dhaka Tribune, 8 June 2015
Hasanul Haq Inu,
"Political resolution, sine qua non, for regional cooperation", bdnews24.com, 6 June 2015
Barrister Harun ur Rashid,
"Modi’s Bangladesh visit: Unresolved Issues",The Daily Star, 10 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Bhutan
Opinion Pieces
Kuensel,
"No more monopoly", Kuensel Online, 10 June 2015
The Bhutanese,
"A Green Week", The Bhutanese, 8 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">India
Opinion Pieces
C Raja Mohan,
"South Asia’s Berlin walls", The Indian Express, 5 June 2015
Bimal Patel,
"On land, a new way", The Indian Express, 6 June 2015
D. Ravi Kanth,
"India’s upcoming WTO challenges", Live Mint, 9 June 2015
Manoj Joshi,
"Love Thy Neighbour", Mid-Day, 9 June 2015
Suhas Palshikar,
"Lalu, Nitish, aur Woh", The Indian Express, 10 June 2015
Barun Roy,
"Rain- The agony and the ecstasy", The Business Standard, 10 June 2015
Vikram Sood,
"Border Op Big Stick Needs Soft Talk", The Wire, 10 June 2015
Pushan Das,
"Let Us Get Our Wings At Home", The Pioneer, 12 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
Economic and Political Weekly,
"Myanmar’s Election Test", Economic and Political Weekly, 30 May 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Nepal
Opinion Pieces
Kamal Dev Bhattarai,
"A New Deal", eKantipur, 12 June 2015
Simon Dhungana,
"Seize the Day", eKantipur, 12 June 2015
Lok Raj Baral,
"Is Democracy in Retreat?", eKantipur, 11 June 2015
Ravi Kumar,
"Why Women should Lead Nepal’s Recovery", TIME, 8 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
Richard G Olson,
M A Niazi, "A Budget making promises", The Nation, 12 June 2015
Sakib Sherani,
"Battle of the budgets", Dawn, 12 June 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
Kelum Bandara, "Electoral reforms... President resolves deadlock",
Daily Mirror Online, 11 June 2015
N Sathiya Moorthy, "Tamil separatists putting India on the notice again?",
www.orfonline.org, 11 June 2015
N Sathiya Moorthy, "’Vithiya episode’ and Tamil protests",
South Asia Monitor, 10 June 2015
Jehan Perera, "The biggest change comes through elections",
The Island, 9 June 2015
Ranga Jayasuriya, "President Sirisena saved UNP from being hijacked",
Daily Mirror Online, 9 June 2015
N Sathiya Moorthy, "UNHRC can still be an albatross",
www.orfonline.org, 8 June 2015
Dr Dayan Jayatilleka, "The Northern ’Government’ and the rape of democracy",
The Island, 7 June 2015
N Sathiya Moorthy, "Mahinda cannot become PM, or can he?",
The Sunday Leader, 7 June 2015
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Contributors:
Afghanistan : Aryaman Bhatnagar;
Bangladesh : Joyeeta Bhattacharjee;
Bhutan & Myanmar : Mihir Bhonsale;
India: : Shubh Soni and Pushan Das;
Maldives & Sri Lanka : N Sathiya Moorthy;
Nepal : Pratnashree Basu ;
Pakistan : Zuber Singh
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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