India-Bangladesh relations got a major boost following the meeting between India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mohammad Ali this week.
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Analysis
India-Bangladesh relations got a major boost following the meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mohammad Ali this week. The two ministers met during the third meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission at New Delhi. Though the meeting did not result in any significant breakthrough, it has been successful in re-establishing the trust between the two Governments, especially, of the Bangladeshi authorities who were apprehensive about the intention of the new government in India.
The meeting was special as this led to a visit by the Bangladesh foreign minister to India -- the first high-level visit from that country after the change of government in New Delhi. Before meeting Ms Swaraj, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister met senior Indian leadership, including President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
This meeting helped in creating a positive ground for the discussion and also assuring the visiting Bangladesh delegation about the new government’s thinking regarding the relationship. Media in Bangladesh claimed that Mr Ali’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi had been especially instrumental in reinforcing the confidence of the Bangladeshi delegation. In particular, Modi’s reference to ’Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his daughter and present Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina displayed his respect and warmth for the leadership in Bangladesh.
The meeting was also important as it had highest number of representation of Secretaries of various ministries and departments. Apart from the Foreign Minister, the Bangladesh delegation comprised seven secretaries of different departments.
Framework Agreement
The Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) was established under the Framework Agreement for Cooperation and Development signed between the two countries during visit of India’s then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in September 2011 to view development of the bilateral relations. Since then the JCC met thrice - the first meeting took place in Delhi (May 2012) and the second was held in Dhaka (February 2013). The Foreign Ministers of both India and Bangladesh preside over these meetings.
The JCC has widened the scope of bilateral cooperation. Relations have become truly multi-faceted, encompassing a wide range of areas including trade and investment, security, connectivity, border management, water, power, shipping, renewable energy, development cooperation, art and culture, people to people exchanges, human resource development and etc.
Like the earlier meetings the two sides reviewed overall development of the relationship. However, the positive feeling which was generated following the meeting with Indian leadership also continued in the meeting. This indeed was affirmed by the comment of Indian spokesperson who afterwards informed the media that India and Bangladesh have extremely close ties and this was reflected in the discussion. The joint statement issued after the meeting gave details about the issues discussed. It hinted at the motivation of the two countries to further cooperation. The joint statement suggested that discussion focused on three major themes of commercial ties, connectivity and development cooperation.
SEZ for India
One of the major highlights of the meeting has been Bangladesh offering location for establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) where Indian businesses can invest. This is certainly a positive beginning as this will greatly motivate Indian private sectors to invest in Bangladesh, which India is propagating for a long time to address the balance of trade tilted toward India. India has also agreed to address the issue of non-tariff barrier, which Bangladesh perceives as an impediment to the growth of its exports to India and handed down a list of such barriers to India.
The two sides also discussed deals regarding development cooperation, India has given $800 million credit-line to Bangladesh mostly for the improvement of infrastructure and $200 million grant in aid to spend as per their choice. This meeting discussed means to take forward the development cooperation.
Besides, the meeting also discussed opportunities for cooperation in new areas, especially at the high-end technology like nuclear and space. Another development that needs special mention is the two countries agreeing on a new arrangement of holding meetings of District Commissioners/District Magistrates of clusters of bordering districts. These meetings would be held alternately in India and Bangladesh and starting from October 2014. This is a forward looking step and will enhance greater understanding in the bordering districts.
Although the meeting could not make much progress on the land boundary agreement and sharing of the water of Teesta River, there has been no major criticism of the visit. In a country like Bangladesh where every visit of it leaders to India is analysed from the prism of gains and losses, this is a new phenomenon and certainly makes one optimistic. To sustain this new trajectory, both the sides should work on delivering the promises made.
(Dr. Joyeeta Bhattacharjee is a Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, Delhi)
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Bhutan: Need for a stronger armed force
Mihir Bhonsale
Bhutan, among its many firsts, has sent its troops to contribute to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. This is the way forward for the tiny Himalayan kingdom situated between two giants- India and China, to make its international presence felt more strongly.
Since becoming a UN member in 1971, Bhutan has shown its commitment to the UN charter and has actively participated in many of its bodies. By participation in peace-keeping missions, the Himalayan country has shown its confidence of in its army. The Royal Bhutan Army has grown from strength-to-strength, but can never remain complacent with renewed security threats.
Building the force
It must be remembered that Bhutan was reluctant in building a modern military force and till 1958 the country did not have one. The Royal Bhutan Army was built on the encouragement of India following China’s annexation of Tibet in 1950. India has given assistance to Bhutan, both in terms of weapons and training for the latter’s troops.
The main aim of this force was border defence which during the inception year ran into a few thousand. The force was reorganized to recruit over 600 additional troops every year. In 1990 the Royal Bhutan army comprised 6,000 men.
As of 1978, the Royal Bhutan Army consisted of its headquarters in Thimphu, a training centre at Tenchholing, four operational wings, and an airport security unit at Paro. The army also operated hospitals in Lungtenphug, Wangdiphodrang, and Yonphula.
Most if not all of the Royal Bhutan Army weapons are manufactured in India. Rifles, bayonets, machine guns, and 81-mm mortars have been noted in the army’s weapons inventory, but some were believed to be obsolescent.
Increasing militia training
Today the army troops number somewhere around 10,000. Bhutan since 2008 has consciously moved towards reducing the army strength and by increasing militia training of the Bhutanese population. The move which cut the number of troops from over 9,000 in 2007 to 8,000 in 2008 was said to be a policy desired by both the 4th and 5th king of Bhutan aimed at focussing on internal threats like disaster management rather than external threats, for the latter the country relied on India.
Tackling militancy
Bhutan’s Army carried out a successful operation ’Flush out’ in 2003 against militants from North-East India. Bhutan acted on India’s complaint that since the beginning of 1990s militants from North Eastern India had established bases on Bhutan soil, threatening Indian security.
The Royal Bhutan Army demonstrated that its insignificant number did not matter when it came to delivery. A month-long campaign started on 15 December 2003 in which King Jigme Wangchuck, the Supreme Commander of the army, led the operations, to target militant groups. The army was said to have successfully dismantled militant bases in the country.
Continued militancy in North-East India has not helped Bhutan, with reports claiming that the forest-terrain that the country offers is a safe haven for militants. This again brings the focus back on the Bhutan army which has shrunk in numbers but has the responsibility of ensuring that their country’s soil is not used for anti-India activities.
Bhutan’s people’s militia which is set to replace the army is unlikely to tackle the renewed militancy from their soil. Here the policy makers in Bhutan have to reassess their priorities as there is no substitute to a strong professional army capable in combat situation.
International role
Bhutan has strengthened its case internationally as a responsible nation with its participation in UN peacekeeping mission. Bhutan will be more visible internationally as an independent developing nation, a necessity which the tiny kingdom realised early on.
In the country that holds Gross National Happiness (GNH) equally important as Gross Domestic Product, the expenditure on security is minimal and hence the small army, but it has been able to build a professional army. But, the country cannot be complacent on its defence front, threats to its territorial sovereignty with disputed borders and militancy in the sub-region stand as major challenges which a professional but small army would have to conquer.
However, the Royal Bhutan Army since 1978 has tried to attain self-sufficiency. Though dependent on India, the army has built through conscription an 8,000 odd strong professional army force. The participation in UN missions demonstrates this once again.
(The writer is a Research Assistant at Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata)
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Country Reports
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Afghanistan
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Ashraf Ghani sworn in President
Ashraf Ghani, who was declared as president by the Afghanistan Independent Election Commission (IEC) last week was sworn in officially as the new president of Afghanistan this week. His rival contestant in the elections, Abdullah Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Executive. Gen Abdul Rashid Dostum and Sarwar Danish were appointed as the first and second vice presidents respectively and former Minister of Interior Hanif Atmar was chosen the National Security Council Advisor. Ahmad Zia Massoud was also appointed as the special envoy to the president. President Ghani also issued a decree declaring that sitting ministers will continue to hold on to their position till new ministers are chosen.
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For more information see: "New Vice Presidents Introduced to Office", Tolo News, 30 September 2014; "Ghani issues decree on appointment of acting ministers" , Khaama Press, 1 October 2014; "Ahmad Zia Massoud takes oath as President Ghani’s special envoy", Khaama Press, 2 October 2014; "Ghani Sworn Into Office", Tolo News, 29 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">The new govt signs BSA, SOFA
One of the first steps taken by the new government was to sign the much delayed Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the US and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with NATO. Both these agreements BSA outlines the nature of the foreign military presence in Afghanistan post 2014. The documents were signed by Hanif Atmar, the new National Security Council Advisor, James Cunningham, the US Ambassador to Afghanistan and Maurits R. Jochems, NATO Ambassador to Afghanistan. The Taliban carried out two suicide attacks in Kabul soon after the signing of these agreements, which has been by many to be the group’s reaction the prolonged presence of the foreign forces in Afghanistan.
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For more information see : "New Government Signs BSA and SOFA", Tolo News, 30 September 2014; "After US security deal, 8 Afghan soldiers killed in suicide attack", The Los Angeles Times, 1 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Ghani calls upon the Taliban to enter talks
Ashraf Ghani, during his inaugural speech, called upon the Taliban and all other insurgent groups to join the peace process. However, the Afghan Ambassador to the UN in a subsequent speech claimed that this invitation did not extend to Mullah Omar. He also claimed that the Taliban so far have rejected their peace offer. Omar, in the meanwhile, issued a message on the occasion of Eid claiming that the group was victorious in Afghanistan and that the strategies of the US and foreign forces had failed.
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For information more see : "Dr. Ghani calls on Taliban and Hezb-e-Islami to join political process" Khaama Press, 29 September 2014; "Ghani has not invited Mullah Omar to join proposed peace talks", Khaama Press, 1 October 2014; Khaama Press, 29 September 2014; "Taliban chief Mullah Omar claims victory through his Eid message", Khaama Press, 2 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Kabul Bank case to be reopened
Ashraf Ghani, who had pledged to fight corruption during his election campaign, has ordered the reinvestigation of the Kabul Bank case ordering the Supreme Court to reopen the case. The Bank had faced bankruptcy three years ago when a number of shareholders withdrew their money and transferred it to Dubai.
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For more information see : "Ghani Orders Reinvestigation into Kabul Bank Case", Tolo News, 1 October 2014
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Bangladesh
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Country to be most developed in SA
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this week expressed her determination to turn Bangladesh into one of the most developed nations in South Asia by 2040. She made this comment during a reception accorded to her by the expatriate Bangladeshis in New York. Hasina said her government has taken up a series of socio-economic development programmes to achieve this goal.
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For more information see : "Country to be most developed in SA by ’40: PM", The Independent, 29 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Modi-Hasina meeting
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New York this week on the side lines of the United Nations’ General Assembly meeting. This was their first meeting after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister of India. The two leaders displayed warmth to each other and Indian Prime Minister assured Sheikh Hasina of resolving all pending issues.
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For more information see : "I’m very serious", The Daily Star, 28 September 2014; ’’Delhi may help Dhaka improve infrastructure’’, The Daily Star, 29 September 2014
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Bhutan
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Bhutan for Asia Pacific information highway
Bhutan would support the development of an Asia-Pacific information superhighway, it expressed in a regional consultation held in Paro on 2 October. The idea of the superhighway is being proposed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific and the aim is to bridge the digital divide in Asia Pacific region.
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For more information see : "Bhutan all for Asia-Pacific information superhighway", Kuensel Online, 3 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Funding an issue for Bhutan projects
Bhutan’s new hydropower projects are not taking off as planned as the Indian government’s recently indicated that there are no funds to build three planned projects in the country. This new problem coupled with delay in the construction of projects has led to the dream of achieving 10,000 MW by 2020 unrealistic.
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For more information see : "The 10,000 MW by 2020 dream- Dead in water", Kuensel Online, 2 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Bhutan royals in Indian school
Lawrence school, Sanawar received its chief guest King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife Jetsun Pema, school alumni from the 2008 batch, for the 167th Founder’s Day celebrations.
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For more information see : "Bhutan royals grace Lawrence School celebrations", Kuensel Online, 4 October 2014
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">India
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Jayalalithaa sentenced to four years jail
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader Jayalalithaa Jayaram was sentenced to a four-year jail term and fined Rs 100 crore for possessing assets worth Rs 66.65 crore, deemed disproportionate to her income. The Karnataka High Court sentenced the AIADMK general secretary along with three of her colleagues, N Sasikalaa, J Elavarasi and V N Sudhakaran, who have each been fined Rs 10 crore. O Panneerselvam, the state’s finance minister and known Jayalalitha loyalist, was sworn-in as the new Chief Minister while the earlier cabinet was retained. The iconic politician maintains her innocence; her plea for bail has been deferred by the High Court until 7 October.
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For more information see : "Jayalalithaa appeals in Karnataka HC against conviction", The Hindu, 29 September 2014; "Jayalalithaa along with three associates sentenced to four years imprisonment, sent to jail", The Times of India, 27 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Modi concludes whirlwind US trip
Narendra Modi’s maiden trip to the US as Prime Minister has been hailed as a major success both in terms of his domestic and international stature, and in renewing India-US relations thought by many as having reached a stalemate. He held a summit meeting with President Barack Obama where both leaders pledged increased cooperation in nuclear energy, climate change, and global terrorism. India signalled to an emboldened foreign policy by referencing the South China Sea dispute, despite Beijing’s sensitivity to a matter that it considers strictly regional. The two countries also laid out plans to increase bilateral trade five-hold to $500 billion. Modi met with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry, and Secretary of Defence, Chuck Hagel and also held separate meetings with leaders of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Israel.
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For more information see: "120 And 220 Volt Systems Can Work Together, Quips PM Modi", NDTV, 1 October 2014; "PM Modi meets US Defense Secretary Hagel", Business Standard, 30 September 2014; "Modi packs bilateral meets into schedule", The Hindu, 29 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Border tensions with China eases
India and China appear to have resolved the latest border flashpoint as both sides decided to pull back troops to their original positions along the Line of Actual Control, the contentious border located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York and announced, ’both nations have sat down and resolved the issue. Timelines have been decided’. Her remarks were preceded by statements by respective foreign ministries to the same effect.
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For more information see: "Ladakh standoff ends with withdrawal of Chinese, Indian troops", The Economic Times, 30 September 2014; "India-China stand-off ends: MEA", The Hindu, 1 October 2014; "India, China border stand off ends", Hindustan Times, 30 September 2014, "Ladakh stand-off: India, China agree to withdraw troops by September 30", The Times of India, 26 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India only BRICS member with higher growth
Expecting better investment climate in India in the years ahead, Fitch predicted that GDP growth will pick up to 5.6% in FY15. "India will be the only BRIC country where growth picks up in 2014, to 5.6%, with an expected further increase to 6.5% in 2015 and 2016 due to an expected improvement in business environment," Fitch said.
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For more information see: "India only country to see growth pick up in 2014: Fitch", The Economic Times, 1 October 2014; ; "Fitch pegs growth at 5.6% this fiscal" The New Indian Express, 2 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">RBI leaves interest rate unchanged
RBI kept the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 8% and the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged at 4% of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL); RBI said that since June, headline inflation has ebbed to levels which are consistent with the desired near-term glide path of disinflation -- 8 per cent by January 2015.
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For more information see : "At RBI policy review, Raghuram Rajan leaves interest rates unchanged at 8%", Business Standard, 30 September 2014; "Monetary policy review: RBI sticks to the script", Livemint, 1 October 2014
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Maldives
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">IS criticised at UNGA
Heading the Maldivian delegation, former President Dr Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik said that IS was not only un-Islamic but was also anti-Islamic.
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For information more see : "IS un-Islamic and anti-Islamic, tells Dr Waheed at UN General Assembly", Minivan News, 1 October 2014; "Maldives condemns terrorist ideologies and activities", SunOnline, 1 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">HRCM report based on ’rejected’ UN findings: SC
The Supreme Court has observed that the Maldivian Human Rights Commission (MHRC) had based its controversial report for the September UNHRC session in Geneva on the past findings of the UN Rapporteur, which in turn had been rejected by the Government.
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For information more see : "Supreme Court slams HRCM for basing rights assessment on "rejected" UN rapporteur findings", Minivan News, 30 September 2014; "HRCM denies discrediting judiciary", SunOnline, 30 September 2014; "EU expresses concern over growing fear in Maldives", SunOnline, 30 September 2014; "Maldives’ human rights developments "disturbing", says Canadian foreign minister", Minivan News, 30 September 2014; "HRCM should be protected from prosecution: APF", Haveeru Online, 1 October 2014; "Former justice minister slams "judicial dictatorship", Minivan News, 1 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Attack on media office condemned
The Maldivian Foreign Ministry, the US and various international organisations have condemned the recent attack on the offices of Minivan News, the pro-democracy web-journal in Male.
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For information more see : "Foreign ministry, US embassy, international organisations condemn attack on Minivan News", Minivan News, 27 September 2014; "Home Minister calls to investigate MDN matter", SunOnline, 1 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Indian funding for child rights outfit
India has donated MVR 125,000 ($ 3350, appx) to the Maldivian NGO, Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC), which aims at promoting the rights and wellbeing of children.
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For information more see : "Indian High Commission donates MVR 125,000 to ARC", Haveeru Online, 2 October 2014
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Myanmar
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Govt seeks acknowledgement of reforms
The Myanmar government has urged the United Nations General Assembly to acknowledge reforms undertaken under President, Thein Sein and said that the human rights resolutions must stop. Foreign minister, U Wunna Maung Lwin said this in New York on 30 September.
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For more information see: "Govt. wants reforms acknowledged, UN resolutions to stop", Myanmar Times, 30 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">President’s comment on ceasefire draws flak
Myanmar President Thein Sein has said that the signing of a nationwide ceasefire accord is necessary for the 2015 general elections and a smooth political transition in Myanmar. However, opposition lawmakers and independents held the two-elections and ceasefire accord, unrelated.
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For more information see : "President Criticized for Saying Ceasefire Necessary for Successful Elections", The Irrawaddy, 2 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Nationalist monks sign agreement
Buddhist monks of Myanmar and Sri Lanka signed an agreement vowing to protect Buddhism which they say is threatened worldwide. The groups said they would through networking and capacity building they would try and stabilize Buddhism.
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For information more see : "Burma’s Wirathu and Sri Lankan Nationalist Monks Sign Agreement", The Irrawaddy, 1 October 2014
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Nepal
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">China to extend Qinghai-Tibet railway to Nepal border
The government has said that China has agreed in principle to extend the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to the Nepal border. During the fifth Nepal-Tibet Trade Facilitation Committee (NTTFC) meeting held in Lhasa during September 25-26, the Chinese side made the confirmation, according to members of the Nepali delegation.
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For information more see : "China to extend rail to Nepal", eKantipur, 29 September 2014; "Veep Jha asks China to link Nepal with Qinghai-Tibet railway", Republica, 27 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Modi praises Nepal’s quest for new constitution
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his maiden speech at the United Nations, said his government placed the highest priority on advancing friendship and cooperation with its neighbours. Hailing the wave of democracy sweeping the globe, he also praised Nepal’s quest for new constitution, Afghan transition and Bhutan’s nascent democracy.
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For more information see : "Indian PM Modi lauds Nepal’s constitution quest", eKantipur, 28 September 2014; "Modi gets Nepal’s support for International Yoga Day" The Times of India, 28 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Nepal-China High-Level Meeting in 2015
Amid speculations of Nepal visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping in the near future, the country´s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that the two countries will hold a high-level political meeting next year. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations, the meeting is sure to take the relation of the two nations to further greater heights, said Wang.
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For more information see : "Nepal-China high level meeting in 2015: Chinese FM", Republica, 28 September 2014
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Pakistan
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Islamabad protests: Imran says can’t trust PM Sharif
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said on 3 October 2014 that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to renege on his promise to investigate rigging accusations in the May 2013 elections even if PTI decides to end its sit-in.
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For information more see : "Sit-ins in Islamabad: Imran says he can’t trust PM Nawaz", The Express Tribune, 4 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Punjab governor’s foreign portfolio wish declined
Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz’s (PML-N) top leadership has politely declined Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar’s wish to handle Pakistan’s foreign affairs. The party has urged Sarwar to continue as governor of Punjab and mediator between PML-N and the protesting parties in Islamabad.
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For information more see : "Eyeing the top slot: Punjab governor declined foreign portfolio wish", The Express Tribune, 4 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Peace committee member killed in Swat
A peace committee member, Ashraf Khan, was gunned down in the Bama Khela area of Matta tehsil in northwestern Pakistan’s Swat region. Two other, including a policeman, were injured in the attack according to police sources.
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For information more see : "Peace committee member gunned down in Swat", Dawn, 4 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Government appeals to international donors
The Pakistan government has appealed to international donors for aid to carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation in the areas affected by the rain-induced floods. The appeal was made by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar at a preliminary donor’s conference attended by representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, aid agencies, development partners and UN agencies.
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For more information see: "Govt covets foreign aid despite having home resources", The Express Tribune, 4 October 2014; "International help sought for displaced people", Dawn, 4 October 2014
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Sri Lanka
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">President urges UN Secretary General to visit country again
Faced with a UNHRC-ordered probe into ’accountability issues’, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at a meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, invited him to visit the country again and assess the ground situation for himself.
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For more information see : "MR invites Ban to visit Lanka", Daily Mirror Online, 28 September 2014; "Lanka wins backing of 22 countries against UN probe", "Lanka wins backing of 22 countries against UN probe", "OIC chief to visit Sri Lanka", Daily Mirror Online, 29 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">US softens position?
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is reported to have told a Cabinet meeting that the US seemed to have softened the position on accountability issues. However, the US has promptly denied such reports.
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For more information see : "US stance on SL softens", Daily Mirror Online, 1 October 2014; "No softening of stand on SL: US", Daily Mirror Online, 3 October 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Pakistanis lose plea
The Sri Lankan Supreme Court has rejected the plea made on behalf of Pakistani asylum-seekers, for allowing them to stay back in the country.
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For more information see : "Deportation: SC rejects Pakistani asylum seekers’ petition", The Island, 30 September 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India to upgrade rail line
India has proposed to upgrade the old sections of the Colombo-Jaffna rail track, to cut down travel time to five hours.
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For information more see : "India proposes to upgrade rest of the northern line to speed up journey to just five hours", The Island, 1 October 2014
< style="font-size: large;">Primary Documentation
< style="font-size: medium;">Afghanistan
Message by Mullah Omar on the eve of Eid-ul-Odha, Voice of Jihad, 2 October 2014
Statement by the President on the Signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement and NATO Status of Forces Agreement in Afghanistan, The White House, 30 September 2014
Statement of the Taliban regarding the signing of the BSA, Voice of Jihad, 30 September 2014
Transcript of President Karzai’s Remarks at a Farewell Meeting with Foreign Diplomatic Corps, The Office of the President, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, 27 September 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Bhutan
Minister’s Statement at the UN General Assembly debate in New York, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1 October 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">India
Text of PM Shri Narendra Modi’s first address to the Nation on Radio (in Hindi), Prime Minister’s official website, 3 October 2014
Remarks by Prime Minister at the Joint Press Briefing with US President Barack Obama, Ministry of External Affairs, 1 October 2014
Narendra Modi and Barack Obama,
"A renewed U.S.-India partnership for the 21st century", The Washington Post, 30 September 2014
Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister to USA, Ministry of External Affairs, 30 September 2014
Vision Statement for the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership-’Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go’, Ministry of External Affairs, 29 September 2014
Prime Minister’s remarks at the Global Citizens Festival, Central Park, New York City, Ministry of External Affairs, 28 September 2014
English rendering of Prime Minister’s Statement at the General Debate of the 69th Session of the UNGA, Ministry of External Affairs, 27 September 2014
English rendering of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address at the launch of ’Make in India’ global initiative, Ministry of External Affairs, 27 September 2014
Interview of Northern Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda,
"Lt Gen who led Kashmir rescue says, "Past cannot be swept away by floods"", First Post, 26 September 2014
External Affairs Minister’s Intervention at Ministerial-Level Meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine, Ministry of External Affairs, 26 September 2014
Joint Communique on IBSA Dialogue Forum, Ministry of External Affairs, 26 September 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Myanmar
Statement by Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin at 69th UN General Assembly, Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 30 September 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Nepal
Press Release from the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, New York, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, 28 September 2014
Press Release from the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, New York, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, 28 September 2014
Press Release from the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, New York, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, 27 September 2014
Press Release from Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, New York, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, 26 September 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Pakistan
US Ambassador Robin Raphel calls on Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, 3 October 2014
Record of the Press Briefing by Spokesperson on 2nd October 2014, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, 2 October 2014
< style="font-size: large;">Bibliography
< style="font-size: medium;">Afghanistan
Reports
Declan Walsh and Azam Ahmed,
"Mending Alliances, U.S. and Afghanistan Sign Long-Term Security Agreement", The New York Times, 30 September 2014
Opinion Pieces
"Afghanistan and America", The Economist, 4 October 2014
Anna Borshchevskaya,
"Don’t Forget About Afghanistan" , The Economist, 2 October 2014
Kate Clark,
"Bagram prison to close with BSA: 13 foreign detainees left - what to do with the rest?" , Afghanistan Analysts Network, 2 October 2014
Edward Schwarck,
"Can China and India Cooperate in Afghanistan?" ,The Diplomat, 1 October 2014
Christopher D Kolenda,
"A Strategic Scorecard for Afghanistan" , Foreign Policy, 1 October 2014
Saad Mohseni,
"New Afghan Government? Check. Now Get the Economy Going" , The Wall Street Journal, 30 September 2014
Florian Weigand,
"Security pact is an interim solution for Afghanistan" , DW, 30 September 2014
Najib Sharifi,
"ISIS Makes Inroads in Afghanistan, Pakistan" , Foreign Policy, 30 September 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Nadeem Qadir,
"The Hasina Moment", Dhaka Tribune, 3 October 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Bhutan
Opinion Pieces
Kuensel,
Kuensel, Kuensel Online, 3 October 2014
The Bhutanese,
"Transparency in Hydropower Projects", The Bhutanese, 3 October 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">India
Opinion Pieces
Sanjib Baruah, "
Dividing line ", The Indian Express, 3 October 2014
Sumit Ganguly, "
Only if they break free of the past ", The Indian Express, 3 October 2014
Owen Bennett-Jones, "
Talking Kashmir ", The News International (Pakistan), 30 September 2014
Sonal S. Pandya, "
Why foreign investment still polarizes India ", The Monkey Cage (Washington Post), 30 September 2014
Frederic Grare, "
Lens on Modi ", The Indian Express, 29 September 2014
Jairam Ramesh, "
Reading the Maoist challenge right ", Live Mint, 28 September 2014
Nicholas Burns, "
Obama’s opportunity with India and its new leader ", The Washington Post, 28 September 2014
"
Top India politician Jayalalitha jailed for corruption ", BBC, 27 September 2014
Shyju Marathumpilly, "
The Rot In The Assam Rifles ", Tehelka, Volume 11 Issue 40, 24 September 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
Curtis S Chin and Meera Kumar,
"Great Expectations: India under Modi and Myanmar Today", Myanmar Times, 3 October 2014
Kyaw Hsu Mon,
"Tourism’s New Trails", The Irrawaddy, 3 October 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Nepal
Opinion Pieces
Rajesh Khanal, "
"Trade with SAsia at crawling speed despite Safta", eKantipur, 1 October 2014
Mahabir Paudyal,
"End Of Government", Republica, 30 September 2014
Shambhu Ram Simkhada,
"Modi’s Message",Republica, 30 September 2014
Sushil Koirala,
"Call to action", Republica, 29 September 2014
Yogesh Vajpayee,
"India Must Walk the Talk in Bilateral Ties with Nepal", The New Indian Express, 28 September 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
Dr Farzana Bari,
"Failing state, failing governments", Daily Times, 3 October 2014
S P Seth,
"Pakistan in perpetual crisis", Daily Times, 1 October 2014
Muhammad Tahirul Qadri,
"Taking back Pakistan", The Indian Express, 30 September 2014
Ajai Shukla,
"Ajai Shukla: Pakistan’s new spymaster", Business Standard, 29 September 2014
< style="font-size: medium;">Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
Ameen Izzadeen,
"US policy promoting or perverting democracy?", Daily Mirror, 3 October 2014
Kelum Bandara,
"International spotlight on Lanka dimmed" Daily Mirror, 2 October 2014
N Sathiya Moorthy,
"Back to the People, the Uva message", The Sunday Leader, 28 September 2014
Dr Janaka Ratnasiri,
"Climate summit and Sri Lanka’s (no) strategy" The Island, 1 October 2014
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Contributors:
Afghanistan: Aryaman Bhatnagar;
Bangladesh: Joyeeta Bhattacharjee;
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale;
India: Kaustav Dhar Chakrabarti, ManmathGoel;
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N Sathiya Moorthy;
Nepal: Pratnashree Basu;
Pakistan: Taruni Kumar
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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