COUNTRY REVIEWS

South Asia

Afghanistan

• At least 10 killed and over 30 injured in multiple attacks by Taliban; Karzai accuses "enemies of Afghanistan" of "trying to spread fear among Kabul citizens"; US Asst Secy Crowley praises Afghanistan ‎National Security Forces (ANSF) for successfully handling the attacks; Gates opposes talks with Mullah Omar; Independent Election Commission postpones parliamentary election till September 18, 2010; 11,000 kgs of narcotics seized in southern Helmand

Pakistan

• Gates: Al-Qaeda and its ‘syndicate’ will undertake activities to de-stabilize the region; Holbrooke: Clear links between Pakistani Taliban and the Khost suicide bomber; Miliband: Pakistan a top priority for British foreign policy; Reports: Zardari could face trial as NRO immunity ends; PPP pledges support for Zardari

Bhutan

• Bhutan PM: Militants from India in no position to re-establish bases inside Bhutan; China and Bhutan hold 19th round of border talks; Statistical Bureau: Inflation averaged 4.41 per cent during 2009; PM Thinley: Medical college with assistance from India to be built by 2012; Bhutan and India finalise implementation agreements for Punatsangchhu-II and Mangdechhu hydroelectric projects

Maldives

• Bangladesh and Maldives to forge a joint front on climate change; President Nasheed: Maldives tapping Indian companies in the renewable energy sector; Foreign Minister Shaheed requests continued Indian support towards strengthening the Maldivian parliament, judiciary and independent commissions

East Asia

China

• PLA sets up a Satellite Navigation Engineering Department; PLA’s “Directives to Political Work in Military Training in 2010” urges strengthening military training programmes at all levels; Austrian Defence Minister meets Gen. Liang; PLA units help in tackling heavy snow in Xinjiang

West Asia

Iran

• Lavrov urges West not to push Iran into a corner by imposing fresh sanctions; Eight people dead in a train accident 700 km east of Tehran

Iraq

• Thousands of Shiites support decision of Iraq’s EC to ban candidates allegedly linked to the Baath party

DEFENCE REVIEW

National Defence

• India to buy 29 more MiG-29Ks
• India raises defence export license concerns with US