COUNTRY REVIEWS

South Asia

Bhutan
[September 13-19]

• Revised tariff rates for High Voltage users from 2011; Nepal-Bhutan trade talks to be held in November 2011

Sri Lanka
[September 6-12]

• Controversial 18th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution passed; Tamil National Alliance calls 18th amendment as the final nail on the coffin of democracy in Sri Lanka; US sought views from India on developments in Sri Lanka; Sri Lanka dismisses report on a member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba having been trained in Sri Lanka

[September 13-19]

• Sri Lanka’s position rose in the Global Competitiveness Ranking; Two more vessels to Sri Lanka’s shipping fleet; Indian firms began railway line construction in Sri Lanka; Sri Lankan government prepares to amend 13th Amendment; British government expresses concern over human rights situation in Sri Lanka

Maldives
[September 13-19]

• Maldives takes its seat for the fist time during the 15th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, expresses commitment to human rights; Indian Navy carries out routine patrol in Maldives’ EEZ ; Maldives and Turkey sigh framework agreement of Military cooperation; Dutch Ambassador to Maldives discusses potential private sector investments in Maldives; MNDF participates in Operation Pacific Angel 2010-04 for the first time

Myanmar
[September 13-19]

• Detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi barred from casting vote in November elections; Election commission abolishes NLD and other parties; NLD supporters warned against dissent over its dissolution; Myanmar’s elections to be held on township basis, not population basis; Burma excludes some areas from electoral process

East Asia

China
[September 6-12]

• US Deputy National Security Advisor visits China; Chinese Defence Minister tours Latin America; China and Myanmar willing to enhance defence cooperation further; “Peace Mission 2010” kicks off; New regulations for control on radio promulgated; The PLA organizes a seminar on “Foreign Publicity Work” aimed at portrayal of positive image of the PLA

[September 13-19]

• The Chinese military wants to expand its international contacts; The PLA receives hosts of foreign military leaders and sends its good-will delegation to foreign countries; The PLA peace mission earns appreciation from the UN General; A PLA brigade carries out a rigorous military exercise in Tibet; Countries conduct live ammunition drill under the framework of SCO joint exercise

Southeast Asia
[September 6-12]

• Prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia are to discuss bilateral disputes on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly; Malaysia and China to sign Mutual Recognition Agreement Act (MRA) to promote cooperation the education sector

[September 13-19]

• ASEAN Secretary General calls on China to discuss bilateral dialogue partnership; Malaysia and Singapore to enhance bilateral relations; Indonesia and the United States pledge to expand cooperation on global issues

West Asia

Iran
[September 13-19]

• President Ahmadinejad changes his decision to obey Supreme Leader’s instruction; Opposition leader Mousavi’s office raided by Iranian forces

Iraq
[September 13-19]

• 29 killed and many injured in twin blasts in Iraq

DEFENCE REVIEW

[September 6-12]

• India, Russia sign agreement to jointly develop multirole transport aircraft; RFI issued for Rs. 50,000 Crore submarine project