COUNTRY REVIEWS

South Asia

Bangladesh

• China considers Sonadia Island is of strategic importance; IMF imposes sixteen conditions for the possible $1 billion credit to Bangladesh; PM Hasina proposes joint tourism packages by Bangladesh and Nepal; Sri Lanka invites Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to invest in prospective sectors of its northern and southern parts; Japan will provide 63 million US dollar for maternal and child health programme; The Power Development Board signs an agreement with the National Thermal Power Corporation of India

Srilanka

• Sri Lankan MEA paid two day visit to New Delhi; India-Sri Lanka bilateral trade reached an estimated all-time high of US$ 5 billion; Sri Lankan business delegates visit Bangladesh; Pakistani trade delegation visits Sri Lanka; Sri Lanka-Indonesia bilateral trade to reach US $ 1 billion by the year 2015; Japan has extended US$ 223,075 grant aid for a reconstruction project in Killinochchi

Maldives

• President Nasheed lauds Indian people, its its democratic institutions and government; Maldivian President sends republic day message to India

South East Asia

• Thai Prime Minister visits India; Malaysia to give $ 35 million to Bangladesh; Philippines to allow greater US military presence in the country; US- Philippines hold bilateral strategic dialogue; Myanmar’s President visits Singapore; Suu Kyi begins campaigning for elections

DEFENCE REVIEW

National

• INS Sudarshini inducted into the Southern Naval Command; IAF contingent led by woman officer bags R-Day parade award

International

• France rules out immediate Afghanistan withdrawal amid panic; Philippines announces plans to allow a greater U.S. military presence on its territory

UNITED NATIONS (UN) REVIEW

• UNSC condemns attacks against peacekeepers in Darfur; UNSC denounces terrorist attacks in Nigeria; UNSC welcomes political transition in Yemen; G4 calls for early UNSC reforms; Indian diplomat appointed as UN Secretary-General’s special adviser on Myanmar; India criticizes Israeli settlements in Palestinian lands; UNSC to discuss draft resolution on Syria