News Report: China Objects to Japanese Investment in India's 'Disputed' Northeastern Frontier

In a marked departure from traditional policy, India has opened up the northeastern frontier region to foreign investments, but China says the border is “disputed” and until a resolution is agreed upon, the involvement of third parties would not be welcomed.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – A day after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wrapped up his two-day India visit, promising enhanced bilateral strategic and economic ties, including stepping up investments in the remote northeastern states of India, China’s Foreign Ministry took the chance to remind India about its claims over the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China is against any foreign investments, including from Japan, in India’s northeast region and is opposed to any third party’s involvement in resolving its border disputes with the country.

“You also mentioned the Act East policy. You must be clear that the boundary of the India and China border area has not been totally delimited. We have disputes on the eastern section of the boundary,” Chunying said during a regular media briefing in Beijing.

News Report: India Cannot Be Faulted for Taking Pragmatic Stance on Rohingyas - Expert

As the Rohingya crisis widens with potential ramifications for the whole of South Asia and Southeast Asia, a top United Nations official has criticized India's decision to deport Rohingya immigrants. However, some experts feel that India’s posture is pragmatic in its own right.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, on Monday accused Myanmar of carrying out "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing" against Rohingya Muslims. Not only that, Hussein slammed India for taking measures to "deport Rohingyas at a time of such violence against them in their country".

India has not only decided to deport some 40,000 Rohingya Muslims illegally residing in the country, but also dissociated itself on Thursday from a declaration adopted at the World Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable Development in Bali, Indonesia, referring to violence in the Rakhine state of Myanmar.

"This was in view of the fact that the declaration, which was to be adopted at the conclusion of the Forum, was not in line with the agreed global principles of sustainable development," said a press release issued by Lok Sabha- India's lower house of Parliament.

News Report: Has India Secretly Supplied Vietnam with 6,000-pound Supersonic Missiles?

Vietnamese state media claim Hanoi and New Delhi not only agreed on a deal to send BrahMos supersonic projectiles to Hanoi, but also say the weapons have been delivered. India’s Ministry of External Relations, though, denies such a deal exists.

When asked specifically about the acquisition of the BrahMos, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Thi Thu Hang said on August 18 “the procurement of defense equipment by Vietnam is consistent with the policy of peace and self-defense and is the normal practice in self-defense.”

India’s External Relations Ministry said reports of BrahMos cruise missiles reaching Hanoi were “incorrect” August 22. 

Whether the deal has been completed could have major strategic implications. First, the short-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile has a 600-kilometer range that puts some Chinese-owned features in the South China Sea in range. The level of tension between Hanoi and Beijing peaked recently when the People’s Liberation Army threatened to attack Vietnamese posts in the South China Sea if a joint venture between Hanoi and Madrid to explore oil fields there wasn’t called off.

India: Visit of Royal Australia Navy Ship to Kochi

HMAS Newcastle (Image: Wiki Commons)

Royal Australia Navy (RAN) ship, HMAS Newcastle commanded by Commander MD Sirois is visiting Kochi from 04 - 07 Jul 17. On 04 Jul 17, the Commanding Officer of the visiting RAN Ship accompanied by Ms. Harinder Sidhu, High Commissioner of Australia and Captain Sheldon Williams, Defence Attache called on Vice Admiral AR Karve AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding- in- Chief Southern Naval Command (SNC) for interactions on issues of common interest to both navies. A friendly volleyball match between teams from SNC and the visiting ship was also played.

During the ship’s stay in harbour, various activities such as guided tour for Indian Naval personnel onboard HMAS Newcastle, conducted tour of some of the training units under SNC at Kochi like the Navigation & Direction, Anti-Submarine Warfare School, Damage Control Training Facility ‘Avinash,’ for the visiting ship’s crew have been planned. The crew from the HMAS Newcastle would be also visiting places of interest at Fort Kochi, Marine Drive and various museums at Kochi. On their departure on 07 Jul 17, the RAN ship is planned to participate in a passage Exercise with IN Ships off Kochi.

Recently, IN Ships Jyoti, Shivalik and Kamorta from Eastern Fleet had also visited Freemantle, Australia from 13–17 June and participated in the second edition of AUSINDEX- 17, a bilateral maritime exercise between the two navies. The naval cooperation between the two countries is in pursuance of India’s Act East policy to promote bilateral relations and enhance interoperability between both navies.

Indian Press Information Bureau

India: Eastern Fleet Ships enter Freemantle to participate in AUSINDEX-17, a bilateral maritime exercise with Australian Navy

In pursuance of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, Eastern Fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, YSM, VSM, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet are on an overseas deployment to the South East Asia and Southern Indian Ocean. Indian Naval Ships Jyoti, Shivalik and Kamorta are on a port visit to Freemantle, Australia from 13 June to 17 June 2017. Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command is also visiting Freemantle during the period. 

The visit of the Indian Naval Ships seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly and harmonious countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and Australia. The two countries share a rich history and a strategic relationship. A number of bilateral agreements exist between the two countries in a various spheres. 

During the stay in harbour, various activities such as official calls, formal reception on board ships, ships open to visitors, guided tours for Indian naval personnel and professional interaction between naval personnel of both the nations have been planned. AUSINDEX-17, a bilateral maritime exercise between the two navies would also be held as part of the visit. This would be the second edition of the exercise with the maiden edition having been conducted at Visakhapatnam in 2015. The exercises aim to increase interoperability and are in consonance with the growing cooperation between the two countries. In April this year, Prime Minister, Mr Malcom TurnbuII visited India and called on the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for bilateral talks and enhance the partnership between the two countries. 

Indian Press Information Bureau

India: INS Sahyadri on Overseas Deployment to Papua New Guinea

INS Sahyadri (Image: Wiki Commons)

In pursuance of India’s Act East policy, Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri  is on an overseas deployment to the South East Asia and Southern Indian Ocean. The ship would be on a port visit to Moresby from 12 June  to 15 June 2017.

The visit of the Indian Naval Ships seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly and harmonious countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between Papua New Guinea and India.  During the state visit of the Hon’ble Indian President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in April 2016, a number of constructive discussions were held on the shared desire to enhance the ties of friendship and cooperation that defined the relationship between the two countries.

News Report: India, China Struggle to Complete OBOR-Like Project in Southeast Asia

After announcing the highly ambitious Southeast Asian connectivity project in 2002, India has once again promised to expedite the India-Myanmar-Thailand project which was once touted as a rival to China's One Belt, One Road.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik) — India's Minister of Road Transport & Highway Nitin Gadkari has said the government will begin work on the highway from the northeastern state of Meghalaya to Myanmar under the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral pact from next month. The project will connect Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand.

"We will probably start work on Meghalaya to Myanmar project from next month. The cost of the project is approximately $750 million," Gadkari said on Tuesday in Mumbai.

The 1360-kilometer-long project was kicked off in 2005 with the ambition of boosting trade, business, health and tourism among them. It has 69 dilapidated road bridges en route which is a crucial part of the Moreh-Mae Sot highway.

News Report: China Warns India Against Infrastructure Development Along the Border

China has asked India to be cautious and maintain restraint over infrastructure development along the India-China border. The Chinese Foreign Ministry statement came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a strategic bridge which links Assam with Arunachal Pradesh.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — The Chinese reaction came after the inauguration of India's longest Dhola-Sadiya bridge across the river Brahmaputra, also known as Lohit, at the easternmost tip of Assam by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bridge connects Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as its own territory.

"We hope India adopts a cautious and restrained attitude on the issue before the final settlement of the border issue with China to jointly control disputes, safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas," a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

News Report: Wary of China’s Rising Power, India Skips Silk Road Summit in Beijing

Fears over China’s growing geopolitical influence in the region were the real reason behind India’s hesitance to endorse China’s "One Belt One Road" (OBOR) initiative, championed by Chinese president Xi Jinping, despite its official explanation of sovereignty issues over the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, analysts told Sputnik.

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Tommy Yang — When 29 heads of state gathered in Beijing on Sunday for China’s first major international summit to celebrate the "One Belt One Road" initiative, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was nowhere to be seen. In fact, India did not even send an official delegation to the 2-day Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation despite repeated invitation by Chinese authorities.

A major snub to China 

Officially, Indian authorities said the nation’s main concern is its sovereignty over Kashmir, which India considers part of its territory and over which it has been in dispute with Pakistan for decades. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor happens to cover the disputed territory in Kashmir.

"Only by respecting the sovereignty of countries involved can regional connectivity corridors fulfill their promise and avoid differences and discord," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during a speech at the second Raisina Dialogue in January.

But experts said India’s decision to hold out on China’s OBOR initiative is more than just sovereignty concerns.

"India fears China’s geopolitical push right across into the Indian Ocean. India’s dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir has been going on for over 70 years. This issue will not be solved by China," Kanti Prasad Bajpai, a professor on Asian Studies at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, who is currently working on a book on India-China relations, said.

India: Eastern Fleet Ships on deployment to Malaysia

In pursuance of India’s ‘Act East Policy’, Indian Naval Ships Shivalik and Jyoti are on an overseas deployment to the South East Asia and Southern Indian Ocean. The ships would be on a port visit to Kuantan from May 14 to May 19, 2017. 

The visit of the Indian Naval Ships seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly and harmonious countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and Malaysia. The two countries share a rich history and a strategic relationship. A number of bilateral agreements exist between the two countries in a various spheres. 

During the stay in harbour, various activities such as official calls, formal reception on board ships, ships open to visitors, guided tours for Indian naval personnel and professional interaction between naval personnel of both the nations have been planned. In April this year, Prime Minister, Najib Razak visited India and called on the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for bilateral talks and enhance the partnership between the two countries. In July last year, Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulazaman, the Chief of Royal Malaysia Navy visited India to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two navies which have witnessed a steady rise in their cooperation. INS Kora, an indigenously built corvette had recently participated in LIMA-17. 

News Story: ASEAN, India look for closer cooperation

New Delhi (VNA) – The 19th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) took place in New Delhi, India on April 5-6, discussing ways to promote cooperation between the two sides. 

During the event, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung, head of Vietnam ASEAN SOM, and his Indian counterpart Preeti Saran, who is also head of India ASEAN SOM, the two sides reached a preliminary consensus on activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-India strategic partnership (1992-2017). 

Participants compared notes on global and regional issues of common concern, stressing that countries and regions need to strengthen links in multilateral cooperation mechanisms to respond to traditional and non-traditional security challenges. 

They pledged to continue fostering coordination between ASEAN and India at regional forums. 

As an important partner of ASEAN, along with implementing its “Act East” policy, India is aiming to restructure its relations with regional countries, especially ASEAN, considering it a priority in its foreign policy. 

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Vietnam applauds India’s “Act East” policy

New Delhi (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung lauded India’s “Act East” policy designed to at strengthen ties with ASEAN member states, given the region is witnessing rapid changes, including the establishment of the ASEAN Community, and India is emerging as a regional power.

In his speech delivered at the “Act East” dialogue in New Delhi on April 5, Dung suggested the two sides enhance physical, digital and cultural connectivity and people-to-people exchange in order to strengthen the India-ASEAN strategic partnership as well as accelerate the deployment of the “Act East” policy, in which ASEAN is identified as a nucleus and a centre of “Indian Dream” in an Asian century.  

According to the diplomat, the two sides need to facilitate projects and seek public-private partnership as the India-Mekong Economic Corridor, the India-Myanmar-Laos-Vietnam-Cambodia expressway, the expanded India-Myanmar -Thailand expressway will expand transport connectivity and contribute to lifting two-way trade and investment. 

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Vietnam a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy

Hanoi (VNA) - Strong trust, mutual understanding and convergence of views mark longstanding India-Vietnam ties, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni told Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (January 7, 1972 - January 7, 2017).

Q: Can you give us a review of bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and India?

A: The civilisational relationship between India and Vietnam spans over 2000 years, and the advent of Buddhism from India to Vietnam and the remnants of the Hindu Champa civilisation in Vietnam stand testimony to this fact. Our monks, traders and peoples interacted over centuries and intense cultural exchanges have left their imprint on our daily lives and activities. During our respective freedom struggles, the founding fathers of our nations were in close contact, laying the foundation of trust and friendship; a valued relationship that successive generations of leaders have nurtured and built upon during Vietnam’s phase of national reunification and national reconstruction.

In 2017, the two countries are celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in September 2016, he and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc took the historic step to elevate the relationship to that of ‘Strategic Comprehensive Partnership’, a clear indication of the importance the two countries place on their relationship of long-standing traditional friendship.

The recent years have witnessed a number of visits of leaders from both sides, including at the highest political levels. We enjoy good relations between political parties and legislative institutions and have established bilateral cooperation mechanisms. The relations between the two countries are marked by strong trust, mutual understanding and convergence of views on various international issues and the regional security situation in Asia.

Our leaders have emphasised that enhancing bilateral economic engagement is a strategic objective. Bilateral trade is growing at a healthy pace and is currently around 8 billion USD; our leaders have set a trade target of 15 billion USD by 2020, and both sides are committed to achieving it. India is keen on increasing its investments in Vietnam, which is currently over 1.2 billion USD, and would be tripling in a few years once some large infrastructure investments reach fruition. We would similarly like to invite Vietnamese business and industry to look at India as an attractive investment destination. We have identified priority areas for cooperation: hydrocarbons, power generation, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, textiles, footwear, medical services and pharmaceuticals, ICT, electronics, agriculture, agro-products, chemicals, machine tools and other supporting industries.

The relationship between our leadership, peoples, governments, legislatures and political parties is very strong and we remain committed to take it to greater heights

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Seminar discuss security, defence strategies in Asia - Pacific

Bangkok (VNA) – An international seminar on defence strategies and regional security in Asia - Pacific took place in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 28 and 29.

Organised by the German - Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPG) under the Thai Thammasat University, the seminar gathered scholars, political experts, diplomats and policy-makers in Thailand and other countries, such as the United States, Japan, China, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam.

In his speech opening the seminar, CPG Director Henning Glaser presented an overview on security challenges facing the Asia - Pacific, saying the East (South China) Sea issue is the biggest challenge with far-reaching implications on peace as well as the security and safety of navigation and overflight in the region. 

He noted that the region’s security environment contains various risks due to the rising trend of arms races, acute territorial disputes and disrespect for international law.

These risks need to be countered using peaceful measures, based on the common benefits of all countries and international law, Henning Glaser stressed.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Report: India Prepares to Counterbalance Any Adverse Implications of Trump's Asia Policy

Donald Trump's ascension to the White House has amplified uncertainty in India. The big question is: will Trump make good on his campaign rhetoric of throwing out immigrants and whether his India policy will impact New Delhi's friends and foes alike.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — India is chalking out a strategy in advance in order to prepare for any changes in the American policy towards Asia after Trump enters the White House on January 20. India recently sent a senior dialogue to hold preliminary talks with its two influential neighbours, Russia and China.

According to sources in India’s External Affairs Ministry, senior diplomat Jaideep Mazumdar went to Beijing and met senior Chinese and Russian diplomats to discuss possible changes in US policy towards the Asia-Pacific in the Trump era. Keeping this as the backdrop, they discussed the prospects of a three-nation engagement on Asia-Pacific to strengthen regional security and cooperation within regional and multilateral fora. The diplomats agreed to continue the engagement and hold the next round of trilateral talks on Asia-Pacific sometime next year.

This move signals Indian disbelief in the durability of the “Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean” inked between US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two years ago. The document was in sync with Obama’s ‘Pivot to Asia’ a major US policy initiative aimed at the strategic re-balance of America’s diplomatic and military resources to Asia.

However, given the criticism Obama faced for this policy, Trump has indicated his disinterest in continuing his predecessor’s legacy, raising hackles in India’s pro-West strategic community which feels this will have a major bearing on New Delhi’s ‘Act East Policy’.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

News Report: India, Indonesia to Add Ballast to Ties With Frequent Top Level Meetings

Two countries with the world’s highest Muslim populations are trying to intensify bilateral ties with frequent high level meetings including an annual summit, defense dialogue, more cooperation on terrorism and drug abuse, coordinating positions on South China Sea and cooperation to promote peaceful Islam.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – India and Indonesia on Monday considered concrete steps to improve bilateral ties through several vectors. A meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Indonesian President Joe Wikodo resolved to rely on high level meetings to add more depth to their ties.

These will include an annual summit besides initiating interaction at the level of Defense, Trade and Energy Ministers before the first half of next year. By then, they also hope to convene separate high level dialogues on energy and security cooperation. 

Significantly the two sides with a combined Muslim population of 380 million also discussed cooperation between them to promote Islam as a religion of peace. “A cooperation to promote Islam that is peaceful and rahmatan lil ‘alamin [blessing for the whole world and its content],’’ said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. The Indonesian President held the talks on Islam with the Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari who is also a Muslim. Indonesia is a country with the largest Muslim population while India ranks second with its Muslim population of 170 million. 

News Story: Top legislator’s visit expected to deepen Vietnam-India relations

Hanoi (VNA) – The visit to India by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan is expected to deepen the bilateral relations, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc told the media after the visit concluded on December 11.

He said the visit, which lasted from December 8-11, helped concretize the comprehensive strategic partnership established during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in September this year. It contributed to reinforcing and expanding the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries at a time when they are celebrating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1972-2017) and 10th anniversary of strategic partnership (2007-2017).

The signing of an agreement between the two countries’ parliaments on this occasion will also create a legal framework for the two law making bodies to boost their ties, the deputy minister said. 

While highlighting the time-honoured friendship between Vietnam and India, Deputy Minister Ngoc pointed to bright prospects of bilateral ties, with the elevation of the bilateral strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership creating a strong momentum for cooperation across the fields.

In addition, the high political trust between the two countries provides a favourable environment for not only political-diplomatic and security-defence ties but also economic, trade and investment collaboration to grow, he said, noting that India is one of the top 10 trade partners of Vietnam with two-way trade seeing an annual average growth of 16 percent and surpassing 5 billion USD in 2015.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Vietnam backs India’s Act East Policy - NA Chairwoman

New Delhi (VNA) – Vietnam always supports the Act East Policy and the increase of presence and connection of India in the Southeast Asia, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan told Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. 

During her meeting with President Mukherjee on December 10 as part of her on-going visit to India, the Vietnamese top legislator hailed India’s viewpoint on East Sea-related issues. 

She expressed her joy at India’s great and comprehensive socio-economic achievements, as well as the remarkable development in the ties between the two countries over the last 45 years. 

She said Vietnam appreciates President Mukherjee’s statement that India considers Vietnam an important pillar in his country’s Act East Policy and a strategic partner of India in ASEAN.

While praising the Indian President for his contributions to the two countries' friendship, Chairwoman Ngan hopes President Mukherjee will continues working to further promote the bilateral relations, including links between the Vietnamese and Indian legislatures, for the sake of the two peoples as well as for peace, development, and prosperity in the region and the world. 

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

USA: Carter, Indian Counterpart Champion Growing Trade, Technology, Security Ties

By Amaani Lyle 

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2016 — Defense Secretary Ash Carter met with Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi today as part of a worldwide trip to thank service members and discuss growing accord and priorities with allies.

Carter’s third official visit to India marks the two leaders’ seventh interaction, which the secretary said represents a strategic partnership with the vast nation, its rising military power, and a democracy that shares with the United States many common values and approaches.

“We're both multicultural societies, but nevertheless, hold together extremely well,” Carter said, adding that the defense relationship, in particular, has “grown by leaps and bounds” in the last few years. That growth, he said, is measured by the pace of joint activities between the two militaries, including participation in two trilateral exercises as well as bilateral exercises, which he said indicates “immense promise” for the future of India-U.S. security cooperation. 

News Story: (Vietnam) Defence Minister visits India, meets Modi

Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich, who is on a visit to India from December 4-7, has met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said that India wishes to maintain and boost friendship and cooperation with Vietnam.

PM Modi described General Lich’s visit as a positive contribution to strengthening India-Vietnam ties as well as bilateral defence affiliation.

He said that India is a close friend of Vietnam, adding that the country considers Vietnam as a top priority in its “Act East” policy.

India will continue forging closer ties with Vietnam in five major areas, including defence, thus tapping cooperation potential between the two countries and deepening the Vietnam-India comprehensive partnership, said the PM.

Read the full story at VietnamNet