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The Week in Review
The Week in Review
Country Review
44 people, including Indian Defence Attache and Counsellor killed in Kabul suicide attack; 46 coalition soldiers killed in June, highest casualty figure in a month since 2001; IASF air strike reportedly kills 15 civilians in eastern Afghanistan
A.Q. Khan: Pakistan delivered centrifuges to North Korea in 2000; 30 soldiers abducted in Kurram; Security forces clear Khyber agency of militants; Boucher visits Islamabad
Political deadlock continues; Indigenous groups resist Madhesi demands; 23 new CA members sworn in; Communist leaders blame India for the Terai problem; UNMIN term extended; India expresses support for flood management in Nepal
AL sticks to its six-point demand in talks with government; BNP not to take disciplinary action against candidates participating in August 4 local elections
VIP helicopter comes under attack; EPDP-TMVP on collision course; Karuna: LTTE 'very weak’; Wanni facing starvation after Omanthai closure
CPC magazine celebrates 50th anniversary; First chartered flight between mainland and Taiwan lands; China-Uzbekistan section of the Central Asian gas pipeline inaugurated
UN Secretary General calls for ‘genuine democracy’; Bush calls for release of Suu Kyi; Cyclone relief work continuing
Zebari: SOFA agreement not likely in the current year; Obama insists there is no change in his position regarding bringing back US troops; UAE writes off $4 bn of Iraqi debts
Clerics and reformist parties to back Mohammad Khatami in the next presidential elections; Saeed Jalili and M.K. Narayanan discuss aspects of India-Iran relations; Cirincione: US not cooperating with Solana
• NSA blames ISI for July 7 suicide attack; Foreign Secretary visits Kabul; OIC condemns “criminal acts”; Obama: Indian Embassy attack an indication of the deteriorating security situation; ICRC: Over 250 civilians killed since July 4
Serial bomb blasts in Karachi; Suicide bomb attack kills 15 policemen in Islamabad; Spate of violent incidents across country; UN agrees to probe the assassination of Benazir Bhutto
CA passes the Fifth Amendment Bill, Madhesi parties boycott the meeting; Delay in government formation affecting quality of governance; Food and fuel crisis intensifies; UNMIN closes Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi offices
J-e-I files writ petition against Aug 4 elections; Khaleda Zia calls on political parties to work together to overcome current crisis; Government eases emergency restrictions to permit some trade union activities
SLAF claims targeting LTTE gathering point; Colombo insists on participation of all political parties in future peace talks, LTTE says it is a tactic to avoid peace talks; Sri Lankan Navy
Six-Party talks in Beijing agree on North Korean verification mechanism; Beijing: Political dialogue “only correct path” for resolution of Zimbabwe issue; China and Mexico establish strategic dialogue mechanism
UN appeals for $482 m in cyclone aid; Yangon approves 1500 more visas for aid workers; State media: 1990 election results no longer valid
Maliki: Baghdad in favour of a short-term security pact with US; Gates: More US troops to be withdrawn from Iraq and deployed to Afghanistan; US Gen.: Combat operations by US troops to cease by middle of 2009; Erdogan visits Baghdad
Ahmadinejad discusses economic reform plan with senior experts; Tehran warns of hitting Tel Aviv; Iran test-fires long and medium-range surface-to-surface missiles
9 US soldiers die in Taliban attack in Kunar province; NATO denies reports of cross-border operations; Obama in Kabul warns of ‘precarious situation’; 13 civilians killed in NATO and US strikes
NATO deploys on Pak-Afghan border; Gilani: Operations against militants in tribal areas to continue; Obama calls for shift in US focus from Iraq to militants’ sanctuary in Pakistan
Ram Baran Yadav elected President, Paramanad Jha as Vice-President; CA passes the AEB; UNCTAD: Nepal still a long way to go before graduating from the LDC status; Sen cautions against UNMIN seeking a extended mandate
Colombo unveils new restrictions on foreign aid workers; Sri Lankan forces regain Vidathalthivu; HRW expresses concerns about arbitrary detentions; Karunanidhi calls on central government to take back Katchathivu
China unveils J-10; Russia to return Yinlong (Tarabary) Island and half of Heixiazi Island; Beijing hopes Darfur situation wont be complicated by the attempted prosecution of al-Bashir
Bush opposes “artificial timeline” for troop withdrawals; Maliki and Bush agree on ‘time horizon’ for reduction of US forces; Obama proposes plan for troop withdrawals by summer of 2010
Over 110 insurgents killed; NATO soldier killed in Taliban attack; Civilian deaths rise; Hazaras stage demonstration in Kabul
US to divert $230m of counter-terrorism funds to help upgrade Pakistan’s F-16 fighters; Outbreak of violence in Swat; Hike in fuel prices; Indo-Pak dialogue begins in New Delhi
Maoist’s decide to stay in opposition; NC, CPN-UML and the MJF call the decision “hasty”; Protests against the Vice-President
Advisory Council passes RPO 2008; AL rejects RPO, reiterates demand for lifting of emergency; Chief Adviser: Time not ripe for lifting of emergency
• China and Russia sign additional protocol on eastern border; Chinese Foreign Ministry: Six-Party talks were of “historic meaning,”; Beijing criticizes US House of Representatives resolution on human rights issue
Myanmar ratifies the ASEAN charter; US urges ASEAN to push Myanmar on reforms
Obama seeks political solutions in Iraq; US, Iraq unlikely to keep deadline for security pact; Eight killed in suicide attack; Iraqi President vetoes election law; Iraq unlikely to participate in Beijing Olympics; Iraqi oil exports rise
Iran-EU talks termed ‘constructive’; US Undersecretary of State joins negotiations; NAM Foreign Ministers meet in Tehran
Operation ‘Khanjar’ launched in Helmand province; Russia allows for US troops and equipment to fly over its territory; UN Security Council extends mandate of UNAMA for another year
Taliban faction withdraws from North Waziristan peace deal; At least 30 Pak soldiers killed in an ambush in North Waziristan; US drone attack kills eight in S. Waziristan; 41 security personnel killed as military helicopter crashes
Humanitarian medical rescue exercise conducted jointly with Gabon; China increases military cooperation with other countries, especially in the ASEAN region
Japanese Parliament asserts Russian-administered islands off Hokkaido are an ‘integral part’ of Japan; New automatic air warning and defense control system initiated; Tokyo protests North Korea’s missile launch
UN Chief visits Myanmar, denied audience with Suu Kyi; KNU activists arrested after bombs explode in Thai-Burma border; Australia, Malaysia to strengthen bilateral ties; China to develop ‘Dragon 600,’ the world’s largest amphibious aircraft
Guardian Council confirms Ahmadinejad as winner after recount; Opposition declares new government as “illegitimate”; EU: Decision to detain British Embassy staff “not acceptable
Celebrations in Iraq as US troops pull out of cities; PM al-Maliki: National united government has succeeded in putting down the sectarian war; 33 killed in car bombing in Kirkuk
Afghan Defense Ministry: 70 insurgents killed in ‘Operation Khanjar’; Adm. Mullen: US main focus is now Afghanistan and Pakistan; 24 people, including 16 children, killed in truck bomb explosion in Logar Province
Zardari acknowledges militant groups were “deliberately created and nurtured” by Pakistan for “tactical” objectives; Pak government: Operations in Swat and Buner over; Reports: Baluchistan insurgency on the rise
Bhutan PM visits India, 10 hydel projects, among other joint efforts announced; Bhutan registered an economic growth of 8.1 per cent in 2008-09; Nepal to take up the issue of Bhutanese refugees with Thimpu
Chidambaram: Sri Lanka not doing enough to cater to the needs of the displaced Tamilians; Rajapakse: No place for “racism” in Sri Lanka; Saudi Arabia provides 100 tonnes of relief material
Chinese Chief of General Staff meets with his Pakistani and Ecuadorean counterparts; Russia and China to conduct joint exercises; Indigenously-built ‘new-style catamaran missile speedboats’ successfully tested
LDP loses Tokyo metropolitan assembly elections; LDP proposes reducing parliamentary chambers and the number of legislators; Reports: Foreign Ministry officials tried to destroy copies of secret 1960 nuclear agreement with the US
South Korea experiences third wave of cyber-attacks; Obama: US trying to keep door open for DPRK’s return to Six-Party Talks; Nuclear negotiators of South Korea and Japan discuss implementation of UNSC resolutions
Thai-Cambodia border dispute intensifies; Thai PM visits Vietnam; Indonesian Army gets forty APCs as part of its military modernization programme; Malaysia to propose ASEAN Defence Industry Council at the upcoming ASEAN Defence Ministers’ meeting
Khamenei warns West on “negative impact” on relations; Brown: The outcome of the Iranian election was “a matter for the Iranian people”; Obama denies US has given Israel a green light to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities
More than fifty killed in suicide bombings across Iraq
Obama orders probe into alleged massacre of Taliban at Dasht-i-Leili; Obama: Bringing stability to Afghanistan is a global responsibility; UNSC calls for free, fair and credible polls; Karzai in favour of negotiations with the Taliban
PM Gilani: 1973 Constitution would be restored to its true spirit; 13 militants killed in fresh clashes in Swat; Clinton: Pakistan has emerged as home to a "syndicate of terrorism"; US sets conditions for talks with Taliban
Draft Economic Development Policy released; Micro-finance organizations being strengthened in order to help in alleviation of poverty; Senior BJP MP Jaswant Singh calls for establishment of separate state of Gorkhaland
Fonseka promoted as CDS; Rajapakse calls for the establishment of an Emergency Financing Facility; PM Singh and Rajapakse discuss issues of mutual interest at NAM Summit
President Nasheed: Judiciary will remain an independent institution; Vice-President Waheed expresses support for policies of Rajapakse government in rooting out terrorism
China and Russia conduct joint military exercises ‘Peace Mission 2009’; China sends its third flotilla to the Gulf of Eden; Pak Defence Minister visits Beijing; China and Japan vow to enhance mutual defence cooperation; PLAAF recruitment finishes
Jakarta rocked by two bomb blasts; Bomb blast in southern Thailand kills 2 soldiers; UN Secretary General urges ASEAN states to play a significant role in the democratization process of Myanmar
Iran airliner crashes, 168 dead; Atomic chief Aghazadeh resigns; Rafsanjani: Iran in Crisis; Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ahani: Regional approaches essential to solve regional problems
Six killed in car bombing attack in Ramadi; Three US soldiers killed in insurgent attack
Karzai vows to have more control over foreign troops if reelected; Holbrooke asserts that voting in August elections will also be held in the country’s most dangerous areas; Mullen: Pak’s ISI fomenting “chaotic activity” in Afghanistan and India
Sufi Muhammad arrested on charges of encouraging violence and terrorism; Holbrooke announces aid worth $165 million for Swat refugees; UNICEF: 1 million people will remain displaced till year-end
Rajapakse appeals to all Sri Lankans to join hands in national building; Sri Lankan FM briefs EAM Krishna on rehabilitation of displaced people; Troops discover LTTE submarine; Sri Lanka urges to constructively engage post-LTTE Sri Lanka
Serbia reiterates its support for ‘One-China’ policy; Sino-Vietnamese military delegations meet, reiterate scope for enhanced cooperation; ‘Peace Mission 2009’ joint exercises between China and Russia begin
Tokyo announces new sanctions targeting North Korean individuals and companies; FM Nakasone meets with Clinton at Phuket, urges closer cooperation in dealing with the North Korean nuclear issue; PM Aso dissolves Lower House on July 20
DPRK threatens to inflict " unimaginably deadly blows to the US imperialists and the South Korean puppets”; UN adds more North Korean entities and individuals to sanctions list; Clinton: Major powers will not reward any North Korean “half-measures”
Yudhoyono re-elected as president of Indonesia; Thailand hosts 42nd ASEAN Ministerial meeting and 16th ARF; Clinton urges US and ASEAN countries to work together to solve common problems
Murli Deora: India will not bow to any pressure on IPI pipeline; Iran’s Vice President removed from office on account of his supposed pro-Israeli views; Ahmadinejad removes 4 ministers ahead of cabinet formation
Emergency declared in Ramadi after two successive bomb attacks; al-Maliki expresses unhappiness over alleged meeting of US officials with Iraqi insurgent groups in Istanbul in March 2008; Ruling party leads in Kurdish election
Miliband calls on Afghan authorities to talk with ‘moderate’ Taliban; Karzai: Peace process with Taliban “will ensure peace and stability”; Truce agreement entered into with Taliban in Badghis ahead of August 20 poll
Dushanbe summit pledges to curb drug trafficking; First Chinese-built frigate commissioned into Pakistan Navy; Six Christians killed by members of radical and banned Islamic sect
First tranche of $332 million pledged by IMF given; US pledges an assistance of $8 million for rehabilitation of displaced people; Colombo accepts chairmanship of G-15; Nepal, Sri Lanka working to operationalise Joint Commission agenda
Capabilities of hydro-power industry being augmented; India and Bhutan to cooperate in developing climate-change resistant crops; Union Minister of Water Resources: India, Bhutan Joint Group of Experts on flood management functioning
PLA Chief meets Pak Navy Chief, reiterates intention to carry out “effective full-range cooperation with the Pakistani military”; PLA drafting an Ordinance for Anti-terrorism Combat Operations; Vice-Chairman of the CMC visits restive Urumqi
Funding for F-22 scuttled; LDP to urge a reduction in the size of Diet in its manifesto; DPJ Chief: If elected, naval mission in Afghanistan will not be extended; US Commander: No reason for Japan to go nuclear as it is protected by nuclear umbrella
Suu Kyi’s trial delayed till Aug 11; US renews sanctions on Myanmar for next three years; Myanmar-China border trade suffers a setback following ban on the import of Chinese goods from Jiang Peng region
Khamenei orders closure of jail holding detainees arrested during the post-elections unrest; Over 50 arrested during mourning for activist Neda Soltan; Trial begins for 100 moderates charged with spying and attempts to over-throw the regime
Iraqi forces storm MKO base; Ruling parties sweep Kurdish elections; 19 killed in Baghdad bomb blast
Gen. David Petraeus takes charge as top NATO commander in Afghanistan; 64 insurgents killed in an anti- narcotics operation in Helmand; EAM Krishna will attend Kabul conference; Secretary Clinton: People of Afghanistan do not see the return of Taliban;
President Asif Zardari pays a six day visit to China; Both nations vow to jointly fight the menace of terrorism; Zardari: Pakistan and China are the “cornerstones of stability in South Asia;
China and Pakistan sign six deals; China urges India to treat Chinese companies fairly: China raises serious concerns about a proposed naval drill between US and ROK;
Malaysia to seek ICJ opinion on Israeli attack on Gaza flotilla; China emphasizes on strengthening trade ties with Malaysia; Second ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting (ISM) on Non-proliferation and Disarmament took place in Singapore;
Holbrooke: India can play an important role in Afghanistan; US Armed Services Committee Chairman describes Haqqani network as the "greatest external threat" to Afghanistan; Gen Petraeus calls for banning the Haqqani network;
US urges Pakistan to take stringent measures against the Haqqani network; US Department of Defence and ISAF acknowledge Lashkar-e Taiba’s role in assisting the Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan;
President Nasheed: Implementation of constitution is the biggest challenge in Maldives; Nasheed reappoints his cabinet; US Ambassador to Maldives mediated between MDP and opposition parties for talks; United States:
China rules out a joint military exercise with DPRK; The 3rd China-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue held in Beijing; Argentina and Germany sign important agreements with China; The first high level strategic dialogue between China and Britain held;
Malaysia to send 40 armed forces personnel to Afghanistan for humanitarian aid; RIMPAC Naval exercise begins in Hawaii; Malaysia to provide technical assistance to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote bilateral relations;
Secretary Clinton: July 2011 “is the start of a new phase, not the end of our involvement” in Afghanistan; President Karzai presents a roadmap seeking Afghans in charge of security by 2014; EAM Krishna: Afghanistan could not be free of violence unless e
Hillary Clinton: Elements in Pakistan government are aware of the Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts; Clinton calls Pakistan China nuclear deal “a matter of concern”; US gives Pakistan a fresh aid package of US $ 500 million; Clinton hopes money from Kerry
President Hu Jintao urges armed forces of China to strengthen CPC; Chinese Foreign Minister offers five proposals at 17th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting in Hanoi; People's Bank of China signs a 150-billion-yuan currency swap agreement; The Chinese a
Iran launches nuclear fusion reactor programme
Head of Iraqia Alliance met Moqtada al- Sadr to discuss about formation of new government in Iraq
More than 90,000 secret Afghan war documents leaked by ‘Wikileaks’; Leaked documents indicate at Pakistan’s covert support to insurgency in Afghanistan; Documents reveal that ISI paid the Taliban and the Haqqani network to specifically target Indians;
China’s Defense Minister: China would continue to enhance its military capabilities; The Defence Ministry describes Chinese defence budget as reasonable and at appropriate level; The UN praises Chinese contribution to its peace-keeping missions;
Myanmar’s military ruler General Than Shwe visits India, signs wide-ranging agreements; India agrees to consider providing assistance to Myanmar in three critical areas;
European Union imposed new sanctions against Iran; Iran and the United States indicate at fresh nuclear talk
12 killed and many injured in targeted attacks in Iraq; 5 member crew of Iraqi military killed in helicopter crash
Three NATO troops killed by gunman in Helmand province
India Pakistan Foreign Ministers talks postponed; Kayani expresses concern over border incursions; China and Pakistan actively cooperating in space technology
Chinese military wants to strengthen ties with the United States; China congratulates newly elected Egyptian President Morsi; China-Argentina to improve relations; China Brazil to improves ties; China-Singapore to enhance military contacts; China-Bhutan t
Japanese Diet passes bill to set up a new nuclear agency; Japan to provide six billion dollars in ODA over next three years from 2013 to help developing countries
Japan inks a defence deal with the US on F-35 fighter jets
US and South Korea conducted largest ever live-fire drill to mark 62nd anniversary of the Korean War
South Korea postpones signing of the GSMIA with Japan; South Korean President hopeful about the prospects of the proposed South Korea-Colombia FTA
Iran, Afghanistan discuss pipeline construction; Karbala highway to link Iran, Iraq, Syria; Iran to reconsider ties with S. Korea if oil import suspended; Iran cutting off dependency on foreign oil firms; China stresses unacceptability of unilateral sanct
Russia warns against Syrian regime to avoid full-scale war; Turkey consults with NATO over downed plane; Syrian army defectors claim FSA controls 60 per cent of Syrian territory; Russia urges strengthening of UN observer mission in Syria; China reiterates
Jordan steps up border security to prevent “infiltration” from Syria
Israel asked to cooperate with neighbours to ensure peace; Palestinian National Authority urges international intervention; Israeli MPs criticise government over protest clashes; Ulpana outpost relocation ends peacefully
Rebels attack French Uranium plant in Central African republic; US expands military aid and intelligence to Africa; Cairo court sentences ex-minister over Israel gas deal; UN Security Council endorses regional strategy to combat LRA threat; Egypt seizes w
United States accords Afghanistan a ‘Major Non-NATO Ally’ status; International donors pledges $16 billion aid for Afghanistan over the next four years at major donors’ conference in Tokyo; Five NATO soldiers wounded by man wearing Afghan army uniform
Jatiya Sangsad passes the national budget for the fiscal year 2012-13; The World Bank cancels Padma Bridge project; Deputy Foreign Minister of Myanmar visits Dhaka
Dipu Moni attends conference on Afghanistan in Japan and meeting of the ARF in Cambodia; Myanmar President postpones his visit to Bangladesh; Growth in inward remittances and FDI; UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon: Bangladesh is rapidly advancing towards
Sri Lankan Government turns down India’s offer to develop the Palali airport; India’s NSA Shiv Shankar Menon visits Sri Lanka; US decides to continue GSP concession to Sri Lanka; Sri Lanka met all June target set by the IMF
Sri Lankan Air force Personnel will be trained in Bangalore; 21st IMBL meeting held in Kankasenthurai; Sri Lanka cabinet approves establishing diplomatic relations with 15 African countries; Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy; French naval ship
President returns back from Rio+20; Maldivian Ambassador to the UN speaks at the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in New York; President’s congratulatory message to the President-elect of the Arab Republic of Egypt
President’s Office responds to the article written by Former President Mohamed Nasheed; Vice President Mohamed Waheed Deen thanks the US
Japanese government decides to buy Senkaku islands offsets Tokyo metropolitan government’s plan to do the same; Japan to contribute 3 billion dollars in aid to Afghanistan; Japan reacts sharply to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to the Nor
South Korea and China agree to submit a joint maritime claim against Japan
Iran’s Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi: Iran ready for new set of sanctions; Iran elected deputy for UN Arms Trade Treaty Summit
Chinese Foreign Ministry: US criticism of China over Syria “unacceptable”; Turkey calls for transition period in Syria without al-Assad
Instability in Syria affecting Jordanian economy, say trade experts
Palestinian leaders hail UN decision to place Bethlehem on World Heritage List; Israel not to cooperate with UNHRC probe of settlement activity; Russia to provide US$ 1.5m worth aid to PNA
South Africa calls for national dialogue on social cohesion; African companies emerging as leading investors on the continent; Experts warn over rise in Islamic extremism in Africa; West African leaders discuss situation in North Mali; India and West Afri
Six US soldiers killed in a roadside bomb blast in Eastern Afghanistan; Gunmen attack police HQ in Kandahar
Pakistan calls for a comprehensive conventional arms trade treaty that strikes a correct balance between motivations for production and acquisition of such arms; According to top US Senators
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina: Government will build the Padma bridge with its own funds; Netherland to provide cooperation and assistance to Bangladesh on priority basis; Exports fell about 3 percent to $2.31 billion in June, 2012; US Secretary of the Nav
Pro-LTTE Tamil groups in Tamil Nadu staged protests against the presence of two senior Sri Lankan defence officers in the state; India launches the next phase of the Indian Housing Project for constructing 43,000 housing units; India's Minister of Rural D
High Commission of India expresses concern for the recent escalation of tensions in the Maldives; EXIM Bank of China offers the Maldives a US$57 million loan; Economic Development Minister Ahmed Mohamed: Value of the US Dollar against the Maldivian Rufiya
China, Indonesia conduct anti-terrorism drill; China Daily Report: US intervention in Asia-Pacific not conducive for the region; Beijing participates in 19th ARF meeting; Beijing wants to improve relations with ASEAN; Beijing-Tokyo ships get involved in s
Tajikistan to censor websites; Tajikistan may demand close to US$ 250 million from Russia for the sue of its military bases; Iran to invest $10B in Kyrgyzstan; EU looking for higher levels of security and cooperation with Central Asia;
Kofi Annan to visit Moscow to discuss the Syrian crisis; Russia will not support sanctions against Syria; Russia is ready for easing visa formalities with the European Union; Kyrgyzstan to raise lease fees for Russia’s military bases in 2014;
Chinese firms are investing in Iran’s oil fields; South Korea may resume oil imports from Iran; Iran slams US objection to Iran as deputy of Arms Trade Treaty Summit; India begins rupee payments for Iranian oil imports
Syrian ambassador to Iraq defects; Syrian opposition figure rules out dialogue with Al-Assad following another massacre; UN mission head says contributing to facilitating dialogue in Syria
Israel seeking new missiles, vessels; Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas says he will resume attempts for UN recognition if talks not relaunched
Yemen’s President Abdrabu Mansour Hadi orders formation of Dialogue Preparatory Committee
UAE starts up pipeline to bypass Strait of Hormuz
India and South Africa to work on enhancing small business base; South Africa suspends Yusuf Saloojee over MTN bribery case; Egypt and Saudi Arabia discuss regional stability; Second African Women Economic Summit insists on women empowerment; African lead
Outgoing US envoy to Afghanistan Crocker: American military will stay in Afghanistan for at least 10 years after the expected US withdrawal; Taliban attacks NATO tankers; Two NATO service men killed in attack
Pakistan-India Joint Working Group on Cross-LoC CBMs discusses modalities for strengthening and streamlining the existing trade and travel arrangements across the Line of Control; President Obama announces new US envoys to Afghanistan and Pakistan; Pakist
Bangladesh signs contracts for 12 projects worth $654.71 million with India; A 10-day Vital Infrastructure Security training course, held by the US government in Bangladesh; US Senate Report: Two Bangladesh Banks are involved in terrorist financing; PM Ha
Presence of Sri Lankan Defence personnel sparked protest in Tamil Nadu; Indian Naval ship visits Trincomalee; IMF approves a final disbursement of $415 million to Sri Lanka
High level Turkmen delegation met President Waheed; Maldives opens its first embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE; EU expresses concern about escalating political tension in Maldives
Anti-China protests in Vietnam; China approves deployment of military garrison in West Philippine Sea; India- Singapore to share information on tax evaders; Myanmar President visits Thailand; Indonesia offers to mediate in the South China Sea dispute
ASEAN’ six-point statement on the South China Sea issue are in line with China's ever-lasting will of turning the disputed waters into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation; Beijing announces that it will cooperate with ASEAN; Development plan for mi
Japan to cooperate with Vietnam on maritime security and chemical substance management; Japan to dispatch MSDF minesweeping unit to join drill in the Persian Gulf
South Korea proposes to hold talks with North Korea
North Korea to reconsider its nuclear issue
Border guards of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan exchange gunfire across border; Turkish firm to construct 60 power stations in Turkmenistan; Kyrgyzstan grapples with looming feed shortage; Taliban destroys 22 NATO fuel tankers moving from Uzbekistan; Iran, Tur
President Putin discusses the developments with US President Oabma; Russia to vote against resolution on Syria if it ignores Geneva agreements; Russia vetoes UNSC resolution on Syria; Venezuela interested in buying Russian Sukhoi SU-35 fighter jets from R
AU Commission elects its first female chairperson; AU Summit pushes for democracy and crisis resolution; Liberia argues drugs and arms fueling Africa’s unrest; China announces $ 20 billion in credit for Africa; Moderates beat Muslim Brotherhood in Libyan
Afghan Taliban rejects an appeal for a ‘Ramazan truce’; Two NATO service members killed in Western Afghanistan
Gunmen attack NATO trucks in Northwest Pakistan; New MoU on renewed engagement with US to be signed at earliest; ISI and CIA chiefs to meet in August
PM Hasina greets India's newly-elected President Pranab Mukherjee; Annual India-Bangladesh Foreign Office consultations held in New Delhi; India will set up 383 additional border outposts (BOPs) on its border with Bangladesh by 2014; A constitutional amen
President Rajapaksa congratulates Pranab Mukherjee on his election as President of India; Over 750 Sri Lankan refugees returned to Sri Lanka from India with the monetary support from the UNHCR; Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam: “Jo
Maldives celebrates its 47th Independence Day; EU delegates met President Waheed; Maldives and Sri Lanka to establish a collaborative mechanism to combat cyber crime; UNHRC issues concluding observations regarding the Maldives’ commitment to universal hum
Myanmar, Thailand to promote bilateral cooperation in key areas; Philippine President Benigno Aquino III: Philippines will not yield to China on the South China Sea dispute; China approves deployment of garrison of soldiers in South China Sea, Philippines
Japan may send SDF troops to Senkaku islands in an effort to cope with unlawful activities by any neighbouring country; Tokyo metropolitan government asking for US support to buy the Senkaku islands; Japan and Russia agree to hold regular frequent high-le
South Korea to conduct annual Ulchi exercise with the US
Malaysia and Turkmenistan to enhance bilateral ties; Tajikistan and Afghanistan leaders agreed to strengthen Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) border; Uzbekistan begins construction of a new US$ 4 billion gas to liquid plant in collaboration with
President Putin expresses confidence that the South Stream project will be implemented; Russia to become a WTO member on August 22, 2012; Russia is ready to send 30 military observers to U.N. Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS); Russia to retain its Tar
Security forces open fire on protesters in Eastern Province
Crackdown on the Islamists continue
Sustainable development discussed in Africa- China Forum meeting; Al-Qaeda role suspected in Mali occupation; Hesham Qandil appointed as PM of Egypt; RAF pilots flew armed US drones in Libya; China calls for international coordination on Somalia piracy; L
US ELECTION REVIEW
Obama campaign optimistic of making a dent in the Republican South; Obama for expansion in the delivery of social services through religious organisations; Lake: Iran crisis the biggest American foreign policy challenge; McCain revamps his campaign team
Obama to visit France, Britain, Germany, Israel and Jordan in July end; Obama draws flak for his support to the Senate Wire Tapping Bill; Obama and McCain support strengthened Iran sanctions; McCain camp facing internal squabbles
Obama visits Middle East and Europe; McCain: Obama would rather loose a war in order to win a political campaign; Poll indicates narrowing margin between the two candidates
Internal Security Review
Ghulam Nabi Azad resigns; Cabinet revokes SASB land transfer order; 12 militants and six soldiers killed in encounter
32 Greyhound commandos killed in Maoist attack; Indian Express: Maoists active in 22 states
Dr. Manmohan Singh unveils ‘North East Vision 2020’; Six killed in Assam blast
Governor’s rule imposed in J&K; Lt. Gen/ Sinha accuses PDP of being a pawn in hands of terrorists backed by Pakistan
Maoists kill JD(U) MLA in Jharkhand; Chhattisgarh Home Minister: Casualties due to Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh over 1,000 since 2004, Bastar region most affected
ULFA expels three pro-talks leaders; KYKL and UNLF vow to target villagers of Heirok in Thoubal district for decision to accept arms
IED blast kill 10 soldiers in J&K
Maoists kill 20 policemen in Orissa; Centre plans to set up six jungle warfare and counter-insurgency schools in Maoist-affected states
Manipuri militant groups recruiting children; Nine militant groups active in Assam
Serial bombings rock Ahmedabad and Bangalore
N. N. Vohra calls for greater synergy among security agencies; 5 killed in grenade attack in Srinagar bus stand
Orissa to recruit special police force personnel to counter Maoists
ULFA rules out talks with the central government
Centre backs state government’s decision to pull out CRPF; Home Minister Chidambaram: Situation in J&K fragile; Centre explores phase-wise withdrawal of AFSPA in J&K
Security forces reclaim Dharampur and Kantapahari
Centre-NDFB ceasefire extended
NIG and NCTC to be set up by the end of September
Omar Abdullah: CRPF can’t be withdrawn overnight from J&K unless capabilities of state police are augmented
30 policemen killed in Maoist strikes in Chhattisgarh
Union Home Minister talks tough on insurgency
BSF: Pak raising bunkers close to IB
Chidambaram: Two-pronged approach to tackle Naxalite problem
Army colonel killed in Assam; BSF Chief: List of terror training camps and suspects handed over to BDR; PULF (Azad) militants arrested
P. Chidambaram: Govt. will be alert against the menace of terrorism
Reports: Maoists have trained ULFA insurgents; Security forces seize explosives from ULFA hideout; Manipur CM: More than 30 militant groups operating in state
EAM Krishna: China in possession of 38,000 sq. kms of Indian territory in J and K after 1962 war, as well as 5180 ceded by Pakistan to it; Chidambaram: AFSPA amendments will be amended
Assam DGP: ULFA Chief Barua currently in southern China
Dastgeer Sahab shrine gutted in Srinagar; Kashmir shuts in mourning; Normalcy returns in the valley; Militant killed and a soldier injured in an encounter
Government may allow pro-talk ULFA to meet Anup Chetia; Assam flood situation remains grim; Many issues discussed during talks with Pro-talk group of ULFA ; Two militants held in Assam
Cops shot dead in South Kashmir; Four injured in Ganderbal clashes; AFSPA to be revoked in Jammu and Kashmir by December this year; Militants killed in North Kashmir; Militants attack army patrol near Pampore; LeT claims responsibility for the attack near
Prime Minister announces Rs. 500 crore flood relief grant to Assam; ULFA militant held in Jorhat, Assam; Ultras nabbed; Tripura militants surrender with weapons; Peace talks with National Democratic Front of Bodoland soon; NSCN (K) sets term for peace; De
Planning Commission approves Rs 7300 cr plan for JK; Air Force Chief visits Kashmir; Bodies of two army soldiers recovered; Hizbul commander killed in North Kashmir
Grenade fired at Civil Secretariat in Srinagar; Former Hizb-e-Islami (HeI) commander arrested
ULFA demand note to Parliamentary Secretary; Nagaland bandh affects supplies to Manipur; Centre extends truce with Dima Halam Daogah (DHD); Demand for Inner Line Permit in Manipur intensifies; Three Bodo militants killed in Goalpara; Twelve hour shutdown
At least nine persons dead in Kokrajhar district, curfew imposed; Editor in chief of News Live Channel resigns in lieu to the molestation case in Assam; Centre rules out Bodoland demand; Northeast separatist leader arrested in New Delhi; 72 ultras surrend
Protests in Bandipora district after alleged killing of a youth; Defence Minister A K Antony visits J&K; Defence Minister stresses upon reduction in the visibility of armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir; Informer in the Bandipora killing hatched conspiracy
Fresh violence in Assam, Rajdhani train service attacked; Tension continued in Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD); PM visits Assam to take stock of Kokrajhar situation, announces Rs. 300 crore package; MHA officials review Kokrajhar situation; GNLA
Energy Security Review
Petroleum Minister Deora: India, Pak, Iran to sign IPI deal in the current month; Iranian Oil Minister: Tehran open to discussion on the issue of delivery point of gas provided deal is implemented soon
Reports: US State Department influenced awarding of oil contracts; Congressional Committee criticizes deal made by Hunt oil with Kurdistan regional government
ONGC to consider investing $10 bn in Canadian tar sands
G-8 and G-5 nations call for shared responsibility to address the world’s energy development and utilisation
Iraqi officials open servicing contracts for six oil fields
Bush lifts offshore drilling ban
Chinese offshore oil Company to acquire competitor in Norway
United States Geological Survey unveils the largest-ever survey of petroleum resources north of the Arctic Circle
Gazprom offers to buy all of Libya’s gas
Reports: Russia using oil as an instrument in its foreign policy
Oil markets fluctuate due to threat of use of force on Iran
Russia's State Duma approves Russia-China oil cooperation agreement
Japanese diplomat Yukiya Amano is new IAEA chief
CNPC begins construction of Chad oil pipeline
Missiles, Space, Nuclear and Defence Review
Left parties withdraw support to UPA Government; UPA to seek trust vote on July 21-22; India-IAEA safeguards agreement released; IAEA Board to consider India safeguards on August 1, 2008; Obama not to seek any changes in nuclear agreement with India
Iranian nuclear crisis deepens; Reports: US probably plans covert operations against Tehran
Blueprint for verification of North Korean nuclear facilites agreed upon in Beijing talks; US moves to remove North Korea off terror list
UPA wins trust vote in Lok Sabha with a margin of 19 votes; Dr. Singh describes outcome as a convincing victory; Menon: India will manage a “clear and unconditional exemption” from the NSG; China not to be a stumbling block for safeguards agreement
Washington plans to open a US interests section in Tehran; Senior State Department official ‘present’ at EU-Iran talks; EU-Iran talks make little headway
North Korea removes 4000 nuclear fuel rods from Yongbyon; Six parties present verification mechanism to North Korea
Tessy Thomas to head Agni-V project
Another round of missile tests from North Korea
Russia to supply India three Krivak IV class frigates by 2012
US offers 12 surveillance helicopters to India
Australia releases five year procurement plans
Russia to cut two frigate programmes
Lockheed Martin gets $16.5 million contract for Paveway-II E-LGTR
Pakistan ‘spoofing’ Thutaya satellite phones in order to make it difficult to track them; VSSC Director: Two humans to be sent into space by 2015
DRDO-made NBC detection vehicle inducted into Indian Army
Arrow 3 to have better performance parameters than Raytheon SM-3
Amano: IAEA not just a nuclear watchdog
START could expire before replacement approved
French authorities: Pakistan's enthusiasm might delay nuclear pact
Critical sensor on board India’s moon craft fails
CAG questions Indian Army’s ammunition deal
US defence companies to double their market share in Europe
F-35 Lightning II programme by 2009-2010
North Korea to receive new denuclearization offer
US equipping Pakistani ports with radiation sensors
TSA signed during Clinton’s visit
PM launches INS Arihant in Visakhapatnam
IIT-Kanpur builds a nano-satellite to track climatic and ground conditions
DRDO developing robotic soldiers; Indigenous attack helicopter LCH undergoing sea-level trials off Chennai
European Union foreign policy Chief to visit Beijing to boost coordination on foreign affairs and security; Donor countries pledge $16B Afghan aid at Tokyo meet
Indigenously built nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni-I missile successfully test fired; SFC can independently fire the 700-km range nuclear capable Agni-1 missile
Pentagon’s 2013 budget proposal underestimates budget spending by 4.7 Percent; Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki calls for the U.S. to speed up the transfer of weapons to Iraq
Shivalik class stealth frigate INS Sahyadri commissioned
Worldwide defense sales fell 3.3 percent in 2011; U.S. military fighter jet crashed into the sea off northern Japan
Indian Army developing Tactical Communication System (TCS) to modernize military communication; Naval fighter jet MIG makes first landing on INS Vikramaditya
Australian Defense Minister defends big defence budget cuts; Qatar considering buying up to 200 German tanks
United Nations Review
UN Security Council welcomes resumption of talks between the two Sudans; Rio+20 draft document seen as mere beginning, UN manages to obtain pledges worth $513 billion; India’s concern of giving eradication of poverty the priority upheld, HCC became the on
Regional strategy to tackle threats from LRA endorsed by UN Security Council; India calls for ‘concerted action’ to root out terrorism; India demands for uniform implementation of the principle of ‘protection of civilians’; Mandate of UN force in Golan He
UN mission’s mandate in South Sudan extended; India calls for early UNSC reforms; UNSC demands immediate cessation of hostilities in Mali; UNSC condemns death of Indian soldier in Congo; Western Ghats listed as world heritage site; UNSC welcomes progress
UN Secretary-General: UN Mission in Syria could play a valuable role; Ban Ki-moon asks Security Council to respond immediately to the crisis; UNSC welcomes elections in Libya; India sends aid to Yemen on UN’s request;
UN Security Council fails to pass resolution on Syria; Mandate of UN mission in Syria and Cyprus extended; Attacks in DRC condemned; India wants treaty on arms trade to be based on consensus; UNSC asks Israel and Lebanon to move forward on all outstanding
Syrian Crisis: India calls on all parties to end violence and cooperate with the international envoy, UN worried about ‘imminent’ face-off in Aleppo; Negotiators fail to agree on Arms Trade Treaty; Mandate of UN missions in Iraq and Cote d’Ivoire extended
