Our weekly newsletter, analysing global stories from an Indian lens
Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his ralle. Source: Reuters
In Focus
He's back: Modi congratulates Trump on Red Landslide
New Delhi has been among the happiest capitals since the results got announced, with PM Modi being among the first to tweet his congratulations out to President-elect Trump, and among the first, together with Netanyahu and MBS, to dial his friend. Over the last 48 hours, India has signalled that it is looking to refresh its partnership with Washington, focusing on shared strategic interests (in the Indo-Pacific). In New Delhi, there is optimism around refocusing of US priorities towards Asia (read China), an end in sight for wars in Ukraine and West Asia, and even around the situation in Bangladesh. Some may even suggest that the Trump administration is more likely to see the futility of Washington reintroducing American scepticism in this important relationship over wanted terror suspects. Visa and tariff concerns will likely remain, but there is a sense that the two sides can work to make America-First and India-First approaches more complementary than confrontational.
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Myanmar Junta Chief’s China Visit
This week, during Min Aung Hlaing's first visit to China since the 2021 coup, Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged support to Myanmar’s government, signalling its desire to stabilize the junta regime. This comes amid the junta's ongoing territorial losses to ethnic armed groups, with over 80% of the country now beyond its control. While China is keen to protect its economic interests—especially through infrastructure projects—it’s also grappling with growing resistance from Myanmar’s ethnic groups. India, concerned over possible spillover of the conflict in Myanmar into its North East region, would also be watching what this means for China's ability to acquire access to critical minerals and strategic projects in India's neighbourhood.
Philippine Military Drills in South China Sea
In a signal to China, the Philippines carried out a high-stakes military exercise to mock capture a disputed island in the South China Sea. This comes after the Philippine military chief asked Beijing to compensate for damages and return rifles seized during a violent confrontation in the South China Sea in June. Maritime security and defence trade is increasingly the focus of India-Philippines ties.
Chad's Potential Exit from Regional Security Force
After a recent deadly attack, reportedly carried out by Boko Haram, Chad’s President Deby has threatened to withdraw Chad from the Multinational Joint Task Force, calling out its lack of coordination against common threats in the Lake Chad region. Multilateral counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel have proven to be difficult, as seen previously with G5 Sahel and Operation Barkhane. Actively involved in shaping the multilateral counter-terrorism architecture, India is likely monitoring the Sahel closely.
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