July 24, 2020 Volume IV, Issue 39

Volume IV, Issue 30 | July 24, 2020

Volume IV, Issue 39 | September 25, 2020

ABOUT US

Founded in 1994, the Delhi Policy Group (DPG) is among India’s oldest think tanks with its primary focus on strategic and international issues of critical national interest. DPG is a non-partisan institution and is independently funded by a non-profit Trust. Over past decades, DPG has established itself in both domestic and international circles and is widely recognised today among the top security think tanks of India and of Asia’s major powers. Since 2016, in keeping with India’s increasing global profile, DPG has expanded its focus areas to include India’s regional and global role and its policies in the Indo-Pacific. In a realist environment, DPG remains mindful of the need to align India’s ambitions with matching strategies and capabilities, from diplomatic initiatives to security policy and military modernisation. At a time of disruptive change in the global order, DPG aims to deliver research based, relevant, reliable and realist policy perspectives to an actively engaged public, both at home and abroad. DPG is deeply committed to the growth of India’s national power and purpose, the security and prosperity of the people of India and India’s contributions to the global public good. We remain firmly anchored within these foundational principles which have defined DPG since its inception.

DPG WEEKLY WORLD WATCH

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Contents

South Asia ...... 1

East & South East Asia ...... 9

Central & West Asia ...... 9

United States ...... 19

Europe & Russia ...... 21

Africa & Latin America ...... 24

South Asia

India Indian Army has occupied six new major heights on LAC with China September 21, 2020, The Economic Times In the last three weeks, the Indian Army has occupied six new major hill features on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the ongoing conflict with the Chinese Army in the Eastern Ladakh sector. India, China agree no more escalation, to see if it holds September 23, 2020, The Indian Express Sources said while there has been no agreement on “disengagement” at the friction points, the two sides have come to an understanding on not escalating the situation given that troops of the two armies are within firing range of each other. India and China going through unprecedented situation, says Jaishankar September 24, 2020, The Hindu India and China are going through an “unprecedented” situation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, referring to the prolonged border standoff between the two countries in eastern Ladakh. Indian soldiers at LAC have go-ahead to open fire in self-defence, India tells China September 24, 2020, The Print With no signs of disengagement on the ground in Ladakh, where India and China have been locked in a stand-off since April, both sides will stay dug in during the region’s bitter winter too. Cross-border terror among key challenges for SAARC: Jaishankar September 24, 2020, Hindustan Times Cross-border terror, blocking connectivity and obstructing trade are the key challenges that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) must overcome to ensure lasting peace and security in the region, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said

Committed to defence technology transfer under Make in India: French envoy September 25, 2020, The Economic Times As many as 10 Rafale fighters have been handed over to India so far, on schedule despite the pandemic, which is a remarkable performance. Five have been ferried to India, the next five could arrive soon depending on IAF’s schedule. France is committed to defence technology transfer to India under the ‘Make in India’ programme, French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain has said. Current political fragmentation is an opportunity to restructure India’s traditional approach to the UN September 22, 2020, The Indian Express This week ought to have been a moment of celebration for the United Nations — the 75th anniversary of its founding. But the pandemic has robbed the UN of all cheer. In a normal September, world leaders would be zipping through New York city creating innumerable traffic jams and running into each other in the UN lobby Without comprehensive reforms, UN faces crisis of confidence: PM Modi September 23, 2020, The Indian Express Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the United Nations faces a “crisis of confidence without comprehensive reforms”, adding that the world requires a reformed multilateralism that bespeaks the realities of today, gives voice to all stakeholders and engages with contemporary challenges. "Completely Unacceptable": India Slams Turkey's Kashmir Remarks At UN September 23, 2020, NDTV India slammed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his remarks on Kashmir during United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, saying the latter's speech constitutes "gross interference" in India's internal affairs and is "completely unacceptable". Bengal CM Mamata inaugurates green projects to be built in collaboration with EU countries September 23, 2020, The Hindustan Times West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee virtually inaugurated two major green projects worth around Rs 1226 crore to be built by European Union countries in Kolkata and East Midnapore district.

Pakistan Pakistan's circular debt in gas sector jumps to Rs250b September 25, 2020, The Express Tribune Pakistan Petroleum Minister Omar Ayub has blamed the government of Sindh for possible worsening of gas crisis in Karachi and lamented that the circular debt had swelled to Rs250 billion in the gas sector alone. Ayub accused the Sindh government of a lack of cooperation in giving the Right of Way for building a pipeline at Port Qasim, though the issue had been raised for the past one and a half year. Govt terms Nawaz’s speech ‘anti-Pakistan’ September 22, 2020, Dawn The Pakistan government termed the speech of former premier Nawaz Sharif at the opposition’s multiparty conference (PMC) “anti-Pakistan” and said Prime Minister Imran Khan was leading the country and the army was assisting him in important national affairs. Opposition parties form alliance to oust govt September 21, 2020, Dawn Giving a formal shape to their alliance with the name of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and demanding resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the country’s major opposition parties announced launching of a three- phased anti-government movement under an “action plan” starting from next month with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies in December and a “decisive long march” towards Islamabad in January 2021. Pakistan participating in multinational military exercise in Russia September 20, 2020, The News Pakistan Armed Forces contingent participated in opening ceremony of multinational military exercise, named Kavkaz-2020, held at Astrakhan region, Russia. The exercise Kavkaz is held from September 21 to 26 and aimed at assessing ability of troops to react to various challenges and learn from each other’s experiences. TAPI pipeline progress reviewed September 19, 2020, Dawn Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Petroleum Nadeem Babar met with Turkmen delegation to discuss progress on the Turkmenistan- Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (Tapi) pipeline. The meeting reviewed progress on the project and expressed satisfaction over its pace despite the challenging

3 coronavirus situation. The visiting delegation informed that it intended to start construction activities in Afghanistan by building the gas pipeline from Turkmen-Afghan border to Herat offtake point. Rising sectarian tension prompts calls for govt to act swiftly September 19, 2020, Dawn Escalating sectarian violence in the country set off alarm bells in the Senate with the Pakistan People’s Party urging the government to swiftly act to arrest the dangerous trend. PPP’s parliamentary leader in the Senate Senator Sherry Rehman said: “Twenty per cent of Pakistan’s Muslim population is Shia. We are reeling under a new surge of sectarian violence which is targeting Shias across the country and threatening new rounds of instability.” Reko Diq stay comes with bank guarantee condition September 19, 2020, Dawn The stay granted by the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) on enfor•cem•ent of the award against Pak•istan in the Reko Diq dispute carries certain conditions. One of the conditions set by the World Bank-funded tribunal for international disputes was that Pakistan furnish an irrevocable bank guarantee amounting to 25 per cent of the penalty, which the tribunal had awarded, from a reputable international bank based outside the country.

Afghanistan Taliban kill 28 cops in southern Afghanistan September 24, 2020, The News The Taliban have killed 28 paramilitary policemen in fighting in southern Afghanistan, the latest losses in an ongoing siege of a government-controlled district that could tip into insurgent hands. One local official said the Taliban executed the police after they had surrendered, but the insurgents denied this. If proven, a mass shooting of dozens of captives would mark a grim new low point in Afghanistan’s recent violence, which has been worsening in recent weeks. Afghan Air Force Helicopter Crashes, 2 Pilots Killed September 24, 2020, Tolo News An MD 530 Afghan Air Force helicopter crashed in Pul-e-Khumri city, the center of northern Baghlan province, killing at least two pilots on board. The Ministry of Defense says that the helicopter crashed because of technical issues.

Deep divisions as Afghan negotiators get down to details September 22, 2020, Dawn The Afghan government and Taliban militants remain far apart on even the most basic issues a week into talks meant to end two decades of war that has killed tens of thousands of people. The chasm, not just on the predictably thorny problem of a ceasefire but on foundational issues, suggests major hurdles to any hopes of binding the wounds of a ravaged country. Afghanistan: Hekmatyar ready to join hands with Taliban September 19, 2020, Anadolu Agency Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, veteran Afghan mujahideen leader and head of the Hezb-e-Islami party, has expressed his willingness to form an alliance with the Taliban in Afghanistan. “Hezb-e-Islami is ready for direct talks with the Taliban, as well as for partnership and cooperation. We believe that if these two groups join hands, the crisis in Afghanistan will end soon and no force will be able to stand against it,” he told supporters at the party’s headquarters in Kabul.

Bangladesh Is Bangladesh Growing Closer to China at the Expense of Its Relations With India? September 23, 2020, The Diplomat Bangladeshi experts believe media speculation on deteriorating Bangladesh- India relations is overhyped. Bangladesh set to receive onions from India September 19, 2020, The Hindu Bangladesh will receive a large consignment of onions from this weekend after India decided to make an exception for Dhaka in the 14 September order that banned export of onions.

Nepal Nepal halts new textbooks distribution with revised map including Indian territories September 24, 2020, The Policy Times India has already declared the territorial claim by Nepal as "artificial enlargement" after the Parliament of Nepal unanimously approved a new political map featuring three territories of India as a part of Nepal in it.

Nepal plans to conduct census in Kalapani areas, Indian officials say it 'will never materialise': Report September 24, 2020, Money Control.in Some in the Nepalese government want the census to be carried out in the villages comprising the three areas, which the country had earlier included in the maps for its school textbooks and on coins China encroaches into Nepal territory, constructs 9 buildings September 21, 2020, The Economic Times China has encroached into Nepalese territory, threatening to cast a shadow on ties between the ruling Communist party in Nepal and Beijing. The local authorities Lapcha-Limi region in Humla have reported that China has constructed nine buildings one kilometre into the territory of Nepal. Key trading route between Nepal, China reopens after eight months September 24, 2020, Business Standard A key trading route between Nepal and Tibet in China has been reopened for movement of goods, over eight months after it was closed following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bhutan Was India’s Special Frontier Force Engaged in Bhutan’s Operation All Clear to Flush Out Militants? September 22, 2020, The Diplomat As the activities of India’s secret Special Frontier Force continue to hog the limelight, an episode that has remained under wraps is the role it might have played in the operation undertaken by Bhutan years ago to flush out rebels from its territory.

Sri Lanka China’s Sri Lanka foothold a dilemma for India September 23, 2020, Asia Times Sri Lankan nationalists oppose the transfer of a Colombo Port terminal to India and any erosion in the country’s strategic autonomy.

Modi-Rajapaksa Summit could open new opportunities for Indian investments in Sri Lanka September 24, 2020, The Economic Times The Virtual Bilateral Summit between PM Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will enable to push economic partnership including Indian investments in the island nation particularly manufacturing sector. Sri Lanka Opposition challenges new Bill in SC September 23, 2020, The Hindu A day after the Sri Lankan government tabled the contentious 20th Amendment Bill, Opposition parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB, or United People’s Front) and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), moved the Supreme Court challenging it. Oil tanker that caught fire off Sri Lankan coast to pay USD 1.8 mn September 24, 2020, Tribune Sri Lanka had staked a claim of USD 1.8 million for the costs incurred on dousing the fire on board MT New Diamon. India, Sri Lanka to hold virtual bilateral summit on September 26 September 23, 2020, The Hindustan Times President Rajapaksa also made it clear recently that Sri Lanka’s strategic security policy will have an “India first” approach though Colombo remains open to dealing with other key players for economic development.

Maldives Maldives defends ties with India September 26, 2020, The Hindu Apparently responding to the growing anti-India refrain from the political opposition in the Maldives, Foreign Minister Abdulla has said that those “unable to stomach” the strengthening bilateral ties were resorting to such criticism. India extends grant of $250-million to Covid-hit Maldives September 21, 2020, The Indian Express India has provided a $250-million grant to the Maldives to help it mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic’s devastating effect on its tourism-based economy. The sum, around Rs 1,825 crore as per the current exchange rate, was provided via Treasury Bond sale to State Bank of India (SBI), Male with a tenure of 10 years for repayment, the Indian embassy in Male said

India and Maldives launch direct cargo ferry service to boost trade September 21, 2020, The Print Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Maldives, Aishath Nahul jointly e- launched a direct cargo ferry service between India and the Maldives, said the Ministry of External Affairs. Expanding connectivity: India launches airport expansion project in Maldives September 23, 2020, The Economic Times Launching one of the largest infrastructure and connectivity projects in northern Maldives, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) commenced work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion project. This will be yet another India backed infrastructure project in Maldives.

East & South East Asia

China Indian strategists should not be kidnapped by nationalism September 24, 2020, Global Times The China-India border clash that started in May is still ongoing. Many Indian strategy scholars have taken the opportunity to put themselves under the spotlight. They came up with opinions that seem to be rational but exaggerate India's strength. They have been catering to the burning nationalism within India. They are following the trend of hard-line domestic public opinion. Huawei Thailand project signals start of US-free industry chain September 24, 2020, Global times As the world enters the 5G era, related cooperation and competition has been under spotlight across the world. With the US-led anti-China clique relentlessly trying to strangle the development of Chinese 5G frontrunner Huawei, the company recently launched a new innovation center in Thailand alongside its investment scale-down from Australia, portending the rise of the global industrial chains that are free from the US influence, and both the tech firms and the emerging markets will benefit from the new trend. China, India hold sixth round of commander-level talks September 23, 2020, Xinhua A Chinese military spokesperson said the Chinese and Indian military officials held the sixth round of commander-level talks. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said the talks were held at the border personnel meeting point in Moldo. TikTok victim of larcenous cronyism: China Daily editorial September 24, 2020, China Daily The deal that the Chinese company ByteDance reached with the US companies Oracle and Walmart, which would see the setting up of a new US-based company, TikTok Global, to run the company's short video sharing app in the United States, was meant to avert the app being banned in the US. Full text of Xi's statement at the General Debate of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly September 22, 2020, Xinhua Chinese President Xi Jinping made a statement at the general debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly via video.

Ma Ying-jeou urges respect from Beijing September 25, 2020, Taipei Times Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) urged Beijing to respect the median line of the Taiwan Strait by immediately stopping its military intimidation of Taiwan, as such actions would only hurt the feelings of Taiwanese. Beijing should immediately stop making military provocations against Taiwan, Ma wrote on Facebook after Chinese warplanes in the past week have made numerous forays across the median line that divides the Taiwan Strait. China expanding Xinjiang re-education camps despite assurances, says think- tank September 24, 2020, The Financial Times China is expanding its vast network of re-education camps for Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang despite Beijing’s assurances that their inmates had all “graduated”, according to a report by an Australian think-tank. The study by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute compiled satellite video evidence of construction in at least 61 re-education and detention facilities between July 2019 and July 2020. The Xinjiang Model Comes to Tibet September 22, 2020,The Wall Street Journal The Communist Party’s oppression of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang has tarnished China’s image and complicated its relationship with countless countries. Yet a report from the Jamestown Foundation published says Beijing is extending this repression by bringing some of the same coercive tactics to Tibet. Chinese Leaders Split Over Releasing Blacklist of U.S. Companies September 21, 2020, The Wall Street Journal Beijing has sped up development of a blacklist that could be used to punish American technology firms, but officials say leaders are hesitating to pull the trigger, with some arguing a decision on the list should wait until after the U.S. election. The debate highlights Beijing’s continued grappling with how to respond to the Trump administration without driving the relationship closer to collapse.

Japan Suga tells S. Korea it's time to fix strained ties September 25, 2020, The Asahi Shimbun Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga held his first telephone call with his South Korean counterpart since taking office, telling President Moon Jae- in that the neighbors should work to resolve their strained relations. Japan to seek record defense budget under Suga September 22, 2020, Japan Today The Defense Ministry will seek another record budget of over 5.4 trillion yen for fiscal 2021, government sources said, as Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowed to continue with his predecessor's policy of bolstering Japan's capabilities in new domains. Suga, China's Xi to hold phone talks September 23, 2020, Japan Today Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Chinese President Xi Jinping are planning to hold talks by telephone on September 25, Kyodo News reported, their first discussion since Suga took over as Japan's leader. Japan ready to become permanent U.N. Security Council member: Motegi September 23, 2020, Japan Today Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi underlined Japan's willingness to contribute to global governance as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council as he made a case for reform of the world body's 15-nation decision- making organ. Don't pursue strike capability or NATO-like Asia, scholars tell Suga September 23,2 020, Japan Today Some academics in Southeast Asia and the Pacific are hoping that Japan's new prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, will play a leadership role in Indo-Pacific affairs -- just as his predecessor Shinzo Abe did -- especially at a time when the United States and China are engaged in a "new cold war." Japan reveals 3 sea-based alternatives for scrapped Aegis Ashore plan September 25, 2020, Japan Today Japan's Defense Ministry disclosed three sea-based alternatives for a plan scrapped in June to deploy the costly land-based, U.S.-developed Aegis Ashore missile interception system, which was aimed at protecting the country from the North Korean missile threat.

Suga and Trump vow to boost Japan-U.S. security alliance in first phone call September 21, 2020, The Japan Times Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed night to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. security alliance, in their first phone call since the new Japanese leader took office. Suga, elected by the Diet as Japan's first new leader in nearly eight years, told reporters after talks with Trump that he told the U.S. leader the alliance is the "cornerstone of peace and stability in the region."

Korea US joins Seoul in condemning North Korea for killing South Korean official September 25, 2020, The Korea Times The U.S. expressed its support for South Korea in condemning North Korea for the killing of a South Korean government official and demanding an explanation from the communist state.On September 25, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a rare apology for the killing of the South Korean official. He told his counter part in South Korea that the incident should not have happened. For North Korea, UN membership is a key link to larger world September 25, 2020, The Korea Times To pay close attention to North Korean diplomacy is to notice the many ways it upends the stereotype of the isolated, nuclear-armed wildcard of Northeast Asia. Shooting of official puts inter-Korean relations in tangle September 24, 2020, The Korea Times The government has strongly protested North Korea's execution-like shooting of a missing South Korean official and the burning of his body. Moon’s call for end-of-war declaration ‘out of sync’ with US: experts September 24, 2020, The Korea Herald Shortly after South Korean President Moon Jae-in proposed in his UN address that the international community help to bring an official end to the 1950-53 Korean War with the end-of-war declaration, the US State Department highlighted a “unified response” to North Korea, while one former US official called the overture “out of sync” with the US position.

N.Korea 'Laundering Money Through U.S.' September 23, 2020, The Chosun Ilbo North Korea laundered money through major U.S. banks with the help of Chinese companies even when the U.S. tightened sanctions, a report reveals. Pompeo to Visit Seoul Next Month September 24, 2020, The Chosun Ilbo U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit South Korea in early October, a diplomatic source said

Southeast Asia ASEAN’s relations with India, US and Japan under the shadow of the Chinese belligerence: prospects and challenges September 23, 2020, The Times of India Japan established informal dialogue relations with ASEAN in 1973, which were formalised in 1977. Japan has provided sustained support to ASEAN as an institution. Like India and US, Japan too has worked with ASEAN both bilaterally and multilaterally. Japan’s Fukuda Doctrine adopted in 1977 became the basis to define its relations with ASEAN. It excluded military but emphasised equal with ASEAN and ‘heart-to-heart’ dialogue with the South East Asian countries. Japan’s economic-focused strategy was crucial not only for its economic growth but also for South East Asian economies. Vietnam's Struggles in the S. China Sea: Challenges and Opportunities September 25, 2020, The Maritime Executive The new U.S. South China Sea policy, recently announced by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, once again put the disputes between China and other claimants in this westernmost area of the Pacific back into the limelight. The core component of the disputes is China’s nine-dash line claim which overlaps with the existing maritime zones of several countries in the region. In recent years, China has deployed grey zone tactics, such as utilizing micro-aggressive measures such as maritime militia and the deployment of survey vessels to enforce its claims.

Philippines gets tough on China after years of cosying up, leans back on old ally America September 23, 2020, The Print Philippines has recently started to shift back toward the US as China becomes more assertive in South China Sea and the Philippine economy suffers due to Covid-19. In UN Speech, Duterte Stiffens Philippines’ Stance on the South China Sea September 23, 2020, The Diplomat After four years of flip-flopping, the Philippine President voiced strong support for a Hague ruling rejecting most of China’s claims to disputed waters. Examining Malaysia’s Evolving Policy toward the South China Sea September 23, 2020, Geopolitical Monitor Malaysia submitted a note verbale to the United Nations, strengthening its claims in the South China Sea (SCS), a top security priority of its first defense white paper. The country advanced an appeasement policy toward China under former Prime Minister Najib Razak before shifting to non-alignment policy under former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. We argue that under Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration, the uncertainty of Malaysia’s domestic politics and the COVID-19 pandemic will likely result in a setback for Kuala Lumpur’s note verbale, leaving its position in the South China Sea bland. Can Cambodia fill the gap left by EU sanctions with China FTA? September 20, 2020, Nikkei Asian Review As China's hard-handed diplomacy deepens its rifts with not only the U.S. and Australia, but also a previously friendly Europe, Cambodia has drawn attention as an example of how smaller countries can navigate the growing global divide. ASEAN-India virtual meeting reviews maritime cooperation, adopts 5-year plan to boost ties September 12, 2020, The Print The meeting took place at a time when China is expanding its military aggressiveness in the South China Sea and is locked in a bitter border row with India in eastern Ladakh.

Central & West Asia

Central Asia TIR to improve trade India-Central Asia trade: Official September 24, 2020, SME Times Commissioner of Customs, Nhava Sheva, Mumbai, said that total indicator reading (TIR) will help improve trade between India, Central Asia & CIS countries. "TIR will facilitate intermodal transport and act as enabling document to cross multiple international borders without any additional checks," he said. India – Uzbekistan partnership in peace building in Afghanistan September 24, 2020, Maj Gen BK Sharma, The Statesman Uzbekistan and India share a common vision and position on Afghanistan. The two countries have echoed similar approach towards enduring peace and sustainable security in Afghanistan. India has consistently espoused democratic consolidation of Afghanistan, under an “Afghanistan-owned, led and controlled” peace process. India and Uzbekistan are natural partners in peace building in Afghanistan at the bilateral level; in undertaking joint ventures or contributing in a multilateral framework under the aegis of new initiative of Permanent Committee (PC) at the UN (PCUN), mooted by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. As China Faces U.S. Forced Labour Sanctions, Uzbekistan Becomes A Model September 24, 2020, Forbes Uzbekistan is moving fast to abolish forced labour. It could try to replace a large chunk of Xinjiang cotton with its own. This would be a positive move in the direction of making Uzbekistan a more globally integrated economy in Central Asia. Uzbekistan produces 3,500 tons of uranium annually: official September 24, 2020, Xinhua Net Uzbekistan, a resource-rich Central Asian nation, produces 3,500 tons of uranium annually and holds 139,200 tons of uranium reserves, an Uzbek official has said. China to restore power line between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan for $25 million September 24, 2020, New Europe China’s Shanghai Electric Power Transmission & Distribution has won a tender for the restoration of a 500 kV transmission line between Uzbekistan and

Tajikistan, Sputnik Tajikistan reports with reference to the press service of the organiser of the competition, National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan (NES). Beyond the Intra-Afghan Talks, Uzbekistan Sees a Bright Future September 21, 2020, The Diplomat The start of peace negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government on September 12 sparked unprecedented enthusiasm among Uzbek officials. An eventual peace settlement means a new era of economic development opportunities for Uzbekistan. Only two days after the negotiations began, the Taliban’s top political leader made a statement assuring that they would not allow any threats to Uzbekistan to emerge in Afghanistan. He also guaranteed support to Uzbekistan’s economic projects in Afghanistan. India – Uzbekistan partnership in peace building in Afghanistan September 24, 2020, The Statesman The UN 75th General Assembly Session is abuzz with online and video- recorded speeches of world leaders – articulating views on post – COVID-19 world affairs, envisaging UN reforms and revamping multilateralism for addressing international security and developmental issues of common concern. The UN is at the cusp of suggesting a recalibration of the multilateral system in keeping with the session’s goal of – “The future we want, the United Nations we need”. What Did Central Asia’s Leaders Have to Say to the UN General Assembly? September 24, 2020, The Diplomat The five leaders foregrounded a range of issues, from the pressing challenge of COVID-19 to vague promises of political reform. Sino-Russian Economic Cooperation in Central Asia is Not What It Seems to Be September 23, 2020, The Diplomat China and Russia are partners in Central Asia, but their cooperative efforts are not as robust as they often claim. The Mulan Scandal and China’s Central Asia Problem September 24, 2020, Geopolitical Monitor The scandal surrounding the remake of the Disney movie Mulan has again drawn international attention to the egregious human rights violations of Uyghurs and other minorities living in Xinjiang (also known as East Turkestan) in the People’s Republic of China.

West Asia India Terms Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Remarks on Kashmir As “Completely Unacceptable” September 23, 2020, The Economic Times India has termed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks on Kashmir during his United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) speech as “completely unacceptable”, and advised Ankara to “learn to respect the sovereignty of other nations”. India Tops Up Strategic Reserves With Cheaper Crude, Saves Over $685m September 23, 2020, Gulf News Taking advantage of low prices in major oil-producing centres in Saudi Arabia and UAE, India has filled up its strategic crude oil reserves to meet its energy needs in times of emergency and saved a neat $685 million in the process. India’s Ministry of Defence Holds Webinar With Israel on Defence Industry Global Outreach for Collaborative Partnership September 25, 2020, PIB India This webinar is the first in the series of webinars which will be organized with friendly foreign countries in order to boost defence exports and achieve India’s defence export target of $5 billion in the next five years. Israel and India Sign MoU to Collaborate in Tech Innovation & Startups September 22, 2020, The Economic Times A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between Israel’s Start-Up Nation Central and India’s International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (iCreate) to initiate a bilateral program to accelerate innovation and technology cooperation between start-ups and corporates from both countries. Jaishankar, NSA, Naqvi Attend Saudi Arabia’s National Day September 24, 2020, Hindustan Times At a time when diplomatic receptions are a rarity, both External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval attended Saudi Arabia’s national day, reflecting the importance attached by India to its ties with the kingdom.

Iran Hits Back at ‘Delirious’ Saudi Arabia After King Salman’s UN Speech September 24, 2020, Al Jazeera In response to a fiery UN speech by King Salman, Iranian officials brand Saudi Arabia as the main sponsor of ‘terrorism’ in the region. Saudi King Salman Assails Iran in United Nations Address September 23, 2020, Reuters Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz took aim at Iran during his debut speech at the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting of world leaders, calling for a united front to contain Riyadh’s rival and stop it from getting weapons of mass destruction. Rape, Ethnic Cleansing and Looting: UN Reveals Turkey's Crimes in Syria September 19, 2020, The Jerusalem Post Turkish-backed extremists have committed a litany of abuses in northern Syria after Ankara illegally occupied Afrin, Jarabulus, Idlib and Tel Abyad over the last three years. The allegations have gained exposure in recent years and are now part of a UN Human Rights Council biannual report. President Trump Says ‘No Problem’ Selling F-35 Stealth Aircraft to UAE September 15, 2020, Defence News U.S. President Donald Trump said he personally would have “no problem” selling the advanced F-35 fighter jet to the United Arab Emirates, despite objections from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. First Direct Commercial Flight From Israel Lands in Bahrain September 23, 2020, Outlook The first known direct commercial flight from Israel to Bahrain landed in the island kingdom, just a week after the two countries signed a deal to normalise relations. Egypt Boasts Record Crude Oil Production September 24, 2020, Oilprice.com Egypt has recently announced its crude oil production has exceeded 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) for the first time since the late 1950s. Yemen Seeks Emergency Meeting of UN Security Council to Discuss Al Houthis Attacks on Ma’rib September 20, 2020, Gulf News The Yemeni government has asked the UN Security Council to hold an “emergency” session to discuss the repercussions of the Al Houthi attack.

United States

"If We Can Help, Would Love To Help": Trump On India-China Border Row September 25, 2020, NDTV US President Donald Trump hoped that India and China would be able to resolve their current border disputes as he reiterated his offer to help the two Asian giants in this regard. Trump Asks U.S. Court to Allow WeChat Ban to Proceed September 25, 2020, Bloomberg Quint President Donald Trump asked a San Francisco judge to stay an injunction blocking a ban on Tencent Holdings Ltd.’s WeChat, arguing the Chinese- owned messaging app jeopardizes national security. Justice Department asks judge to allow U.S. to bar WeChat from U.S. app stores September 25, 2020, Reuters The U.S. Justice Department asked a federal judge in San Francisco early to allow the government to bar Apple Inc AAPL.O and Alphabet Inc's Google GOOGL.O from offering WeChat for download in U.S. app stores pending an appeal. US has reimposed UN sanctions on Iran, Pompeo says September 20, 2020, CNN Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said evening that the US has reimposed UN sanctions against Iran, a move expected to be effectively ignored by global allies and adversaries alike. Biden to push for less US reliance on nukes for defence as President September 21, 2020, Business Standard Although the former vice president has not fully detailed his nuclear priorities, he says he would make the US less reliant on the world's deadliest weapons. Pompeo: Chinese Consulate in NYC Is Espionage Hub September 24, 2020, National Review Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the Chinese consulate in New York City is a center for espionage, in comments to the New York Post . Pompeo’s remarks came after the Justice Department charged an NYPD officer with spying for China.

Pompeo says U.S. working on language for China's treatment of Muslims in Xinjiang September 23, 2020, Reuters The United States is considering the language it will use to describe what is happening in China’s western Xinjiang region, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, when asked if Washington will make an “atrocity determination” regarding Beijing’s treatment of Muslims there. "Can't Let It Happen": Pompeo Accuses China Of Fomenting US Racial Unrest September 24, 2020, NDTV US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused China of trying to foment unrest in the United States through its criticism of racism.

Europe & Russia

Europe Europe probes price of optical fibre imported from China September 24, 2020, Telecom lead The European Commission launched an investigation into imports of optical fibre cable from China, which EU manufacturers believe are being sold in Europe at artificially low prices, Reuters reported. Belarus Crisis Highlights Europe’s Energy Problem September 24, 2020, Oil Price The ongoing demonstrations in Belarus and the looming instability are a threat to both Russia and the EU. Moscow prefers the continuation of Lukashenko's regime due to political reasons. Europe, on the other hand, faces an energy crisis if the situation escalates which could lead to a disruption of supplies. France's Macron urges U.N. mission to visit China's Xinjiang region September 23, 2020, Reuters France’s president called for an international mission under the auspices of the United Nations to visit China’s Xinjiang due to concerns over the Muslim Uighur minority. Europe sours on China: What Germany's latest Indo-Pacific shift means for the region September 18, 2020, The Week Merkel's Germany has now hinted at a major foreign policy shift on China Germany Expands its Horizons September 21, 2020, The Delhi Policy Group The announcement made by the German Federal Foreign Office on September 1, 2020 of the policy guidelines adopted by the German Government on the Indo-Pacific region is significant. It has been some time in the making and the title itself reflects that the new policy represents an inflection point; a coming of age by Germany in foreign and security policy matters. Brexit and coronavirus spur EU to deepen capital market September 24, 2020, Reuters The European Union presented plans to expand and bolster its capital market to help reboot companies hit by the coronavirus and reduce the bloc’s reliance on the City of London after Brexit.

The EU announces its first ever plan to regulate cryptocurrencies September 24, 2020, CNBC The European Commission put forward plans to regulate crypto-assets in what will be its first ever attempt to oversee the nascent technology.

Russia Putin regrets freeze in Russia-US relations, but 'it is not Moscow’s fault' September 3, 2020, TASS Russia’s President Vladimir Putin expressed regret that bilateral relations between Russia and the US have been experiencing a freeze. Russian, British diplomats discuss Belarus, Navalny case — Russian Foreign Ministry September 24, 2020, TASS Russia’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov held talks on the phone with Wendy Morton, Minister for European Neighborhood and the Americas at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which focused on the Belarus crisis and the case of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Russia’s top diplomat urges to stave off attempts to weaken arms control framework September 22, 2020, TASS In his speech at the UN General Assembly high-level meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged to stave off attempts to weaken the global arms control framework. Russia to supply Avifavir drug to 17 nations for coronavirus treatment September 24, 2020, The Economic Times The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, and ChemRar Group have agreed to supply Avifavir, the world's first registered favipiravir-based drug against coronavirus and Russia’s first drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19, to 17 countries. US Presidential elections: Facebook purges 3 Russia-based fake networks September 25, 2020, Business Standard Facebook has pulled down three separate networks for violating its policy against foreign or government interference that originated in Russia and

22 created fictitious media accounts and along with driving people to other websites controlled by the state-backed hackers. Amid Tensions, Russia Is Deploying Thousands Of Soldiers Near China Border September 21, 2020, The Eurasian Times China Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun efforts to increase his homeland’s military presence in the Far East along the border with China, amid growing foreign threats. According to Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Moscow’s decision to send reinforcements comes at the back of rising tensions in the “eastern strategic direction”, an area encompassing Russia’s eastern border with China and the wider Asia-Pacific. Russia should prevent development of US-China conflict - Gorbachev September 25, 2020, TASS "The pandemic exacerbated a new bipolar conflict that arose as a result of increased tensions between the United States and China," former leader of the Soviet Union said.

Africa & Latin America

Latin America Latin American leaders address UN General Assembly September 23, 2020, Andolou Agency Leaders of Latin America, the region worst-hit by the novel coronavirus, referred to their efforts to defeat the disease and its devastating economic consequences during the UN’s first virtual meeting of heads of government as it marked its 75th anniversary. Protests Intensify Across Venezuela Over Worsening Shortages September 25, 2020, Bloomberg Protests are intensifying across Venezuela over worsening shortages of everything from fuel to medicine as the pandemic aggravates the world’s longest recession. Venezuela blasts Canada for legitimizing Juan Guaido September 24, 2020, Andolou Agency Canadians ‘deserve sovereign foreign policy,’ not a gov’t subjected to Trump’s interest: Venezuelan foreign minister said. EU Team Visits Venezuela to Seek Fairer Congressional Vote September 25, 2020, Bloomberg A European Union mission has arrived in Venezuela to talk with political leaders about ensuring fairer conditions for Dec. 6 congressional elections, as some opposition groups weigh whether to participate. Cuba rejects report on human rights violations in Venezuela September 24, 2020, On Cuba News The report on the “alleged Independent International Mission” of the UN in Venezuela “lacks technical rigor, objectivity and impartiality,” according to the Cuban foreign minister, who expressed his disagreement through a message on Twitter. Trump imposes new bans against Cuba after Havana criticizes U.S September 24, 2020, CGTN .U.S. President Donald Trump banned U.S. citizens from bringing home rum or cigars from Cuba and from staying at Cuban government-owned hotels two days after Havana criticized U.S. as the biggest threat to world peace and international security.

Africa The African Union Needs to Resolve Ethiopia’s Dam Dispute September 24, 2020, Foreign Policy Egypt and Sudan have threatened to withdraw from negotiations over the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, which flows into the Nile River. Thus, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan all ultimately share the water of the Blue Nile, but Egypt and Sudan—both of which sit downstream from Ethiopia on the river—fear putting control of a vitally needed water supply in Ethiopia’s hands. The dispute has lasted for years, but with the livelihoods of millions depending on the project and on the smooth flow of the water, it is crucial that the African Union (AU) helps to resolve the deadlock imminently. UN chief calls for formalized links between AU, Security Council September 25, 2020, China Daily UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asked the UN Security Council to create strong, formalized links and regular communications with the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) to advance peace in the African continent. Is China Using Africa to Shape a New Global Maritime Order? September 24, 2020, Maritime Executive Guided by the Belt and Road Initiative’s maritime component - the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road - China has set its foothold in virtually all sub-Saharan Africa seaports leading flagship port development projects running into billions of dollars. The Maritime Silk Road ostensibly will serve China’s core interests in its quest to become a global superpower, including the development of its more than $1.2 trillion blue economy, while also diversifying and securing sea lines of communications. It will also give China an added advantage in seeking to reduce disruptive forces along its key supply chains through ports as Africa increasingly exports mineral and agricultural commodities to China. India executed 194 developmental projects in 37 African countries; working to complete 77 more such projects: MoS MEA September 25, 2020, Financial Express Emphasising the importance of India-Africa ties, Muraleedharan said India has already made tremendous progress in implementing the commitments made during the last India Africa Forum Summit.

Jaishankar pitches for closer India-Africa defence cooperation September 23, 2020, The Hindu External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pitched for closer defence cooperation between the Indian and the African military forces in view of the affinity between military doctrines and protocols. At the inauguration of the 15th CII Exim Bank Digital Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership, the Minister said India is a trustworthy partner of Africa and that the rise of Africa in international affairs is part of the global system’s rebalancing. Al-Shabaab’S Improvised Explosive Device Supply Chain Gambit In Somalia September 22, 2020, War On The Rocks Al-Shabaab ended 2019 with a truck-borne improvised explosive device (IED) attack that killed at least 82 people and wounded dozens more in Mogadishu, Somalia. It capped a decade of increasingly deadly complex suicide attacks by the Somali terrorist group that routinely involves homemade IED devices constructed from commercially imported chemical precursors. South Africa signals hardening of ‘quiet diplomacy’ with Zimbabwe September 23, 2020, Financial Times A dispute between the ruling parties of South Africa and Zimbabwe is threatening the longstanding alliance between two former liberation movements that for decades helped shore up the regime of Robert Mugabe and his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa. European Army Plans Face Battlefield Reality in Africa September 23, 2020, The Wall Street Journal In a troubled part of West Africa, Europe is fielding a military force intended to show it can handle its own security and reduce its reliance on the U.S. The coalition of European countries, led by France, is assembling based on a calculation that helping each other overseas will cement security and defense back in Europe.

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