Neighbourhood News Digest – 9 December 2024

Afghanistan

900,000 Migrants Returned from Iran, Turkey, Pakistan in 8 Months – Tolo News

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations has reported that in the past eight months of the current solar year, more than 900,000 Afghan migrants have returned to the country from Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations stated that, "in the past eight months, approximately 970,000 Afghans have returned to the country. About 88,000 of them came from Pakistan, 5,000 from Turkey, and the rest from Iran." Meanwhile, Abbas Ali Mohammadian, the Chief of Tehran Police, stated that 700 to 800 Afghan migrants are detained daily and deported from Iran. Click here to read… [2]

22nd Doha Forum Kicks off with Focus on Afghanistan – Tolo News

The 22nd session of the Doha Forum commenced on December 7, in the Qatari capital with the participation of representatives from over 100 countries, including diplomats and high-ranking officials. Rosa Otunbayeva, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), described the decree banning medical education for girls as an irreversible act during the session. The forum also discussed the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice under the Islamic Emirate. The head of the UNAMA office in Afghanistan stated: “Polio is in only two countries, including Afghanistan, and sadly, the leadership has stopped medical education. It is very regrettable.” Click here to read… [3]

Bangladesh

Foreign Secretary Misri to visit Dhaka tomorrow amid frosty India-Bangladesh ties – The Hindu

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to raise with Dhaka India's concerns over attacks on Hindus and other minorities as he embarks on a day-long visit to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024, in the first high-level trip from New Delhi after a massive uprising ended deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule in August. Mr. Misri is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Md. Jashim Uddin and meet the country's de-facto foreign minister Mohammad Touhid Hossain. Click here to read… [4]

Bangladesh economy to have expanded in Nov – The Doily Star

Bangladesh's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) increased to 62.2 in November, a 6.5 percentage point climb from October, according to an unofficial estimate, indicating accelerated economic expansion driven by agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors. However, the construction sector saw a setback, reverting to contraction. The PMI, released by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB), is a tool designed to offer timely insights into the nation's economic health, according to the MCCI. Click here to read… [5]

Bhutan

Tourism Master Plan targets USD 2.56 billion in SDF revenue by 2034 – DD News

The government plans to generate a staggering USD 2.56 billion in direct Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) revenue by 2034, according to the draft Bhutan Integrated Tourism Master Plan 2025-34. Last year, Bhutan generated approximately USD 26 million in SDF revenue. Achieving the target set by the master plan will require a dramatic hundred-fold increase in earnings over the next decade. Developed by the Department of Tourism (DoT), the master plan aims to position Bhutan as a global leader in regenerative tourism while reinforcing the “High Value, Low Volume” policy. The comprehensive framework is designed to transform the tourism sector into a sustainable driver of national development, while safeguarding the country’s cultural and environmental heritage. Click here to read… [6]

PM Modi, Bhutan King discusses cooperation for Gelephu spl administrative region– Hindustan Times

India and Bhutan on December 5, discussed cooperation for the Gelephu special administrative region, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuring King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of India’s continued support for the project. The “Gelephu Mindfulness City” or economic hub, a pet project of Wangchuck located close to the Indian border, and India’s support for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29) and Economic Stimulus Programme were among the major issues that figured in the discussions between the two leaders. Click here to read… [7]

Maldives

Usable reserves increase with investments in banks after currency swap – Adhadhu

Data released by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has shown that usable reserves increased at the end of November by including investments in banks after the currency swap with India. MMA's Financial Position Report for November shows that the official reserves stood at USD 616 million. The amount invested in banks is USD 128 million. It is believed that the amount was added as interest on the money previously invested. The proceeds of currency swap agreements were previously invested in foreign banks. However, MMA said some of the money was invested in two local banks this time to maximize profits, facilitate the growth and stability of the financial sector and benefit the entire economy. Click here to read… [8]

Pres Dr. Muizzu criticizes politically motivated prisoner releases – Avas

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has disclosed that the current administration has pardoned only 86 prisoners thus far this year. Speaking to the residents of AA. Thoddoo during his ongoing tour of selected islands in Alif Alif and Kaafu atolls, President Dr. Muizzu expressed concern over the high number of prisoners released without proper rehabilitation under former administrations. He noted that these releases, usually timed around major elections, have compromised public safety. Click here to read… [9]

Myanmar

Myanmar border fencing gathers pace, BRO to complete project in 10 years – The Times of India

India has stepped-up work on fencing the 1,643-km porous border with Myanmar, which will be completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in phases over the next 10 years. The ongoing ambitious project will entail around Rs 20,000 crore being spent on the fence itself and another Rs 11,000 crore on construction of over 60 border roads. "As per the survey conducted by govt agencies, over 1,500-km of fencing - which includes 300-km of electric fencing - is required for effective management of the India-Myanmar border as well as ensuring security and stability of India's north-east region," as stated by Army sources. The fencing comes at a time when there are still no signs of normalcy returning to conflict-torn Manipur, where over 250 people have been killed in ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May last year. Click here to read… [10]

India sends humanitarian aid to Myanmar Current Affairs – Deccan Chronicle

India on December 9, sent 2,200 metric tonnes of rice to Myanmar as part of humanitarian assistance. ‘In line with India's 'Act East' & 'Neighbourhood First' policies, India reaffirms its commitment to humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar,’ External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X'. Click here to read… [11]

Kalmykia delegation from Russian Federation arrives in Myanmar – Global New Light of Myanmar

A delegation led by Mr Batu Sergeyevich Khassikov, Head of Russia’s the Republic of Kalmykia, arrived in Yangon by air on December 8. Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Myanmar Mr Iskander Azizov, regional ministers and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture welcomed the delegation at Yangon International Airport. Ethnic national people from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture welcomed the delegation with waving miniature flags of the two countries. Click here to read… [12]

Nepal

Nepal’s Industry Minister Bhandari meets India’s Piyush Goyal to attract Indian investment – DD News

Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, met India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in New Delhi on Monday to discuss matters of bilateral trade and investment. During the meeting, Minister Bhandari urged Goyal to address the challenges posed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements imposed on Nepali exports such as cement, plywood, and shoes. The two ministers also held positive discussions on amending the Treaty of Transit to facilitate smoother trade operations. It was agreed to organize a Commerce Secretary-level meeting in Nepal soon to further advance cooperation in trade and transit. Click here to read… [13]

US Assistant Secretary of State Lu arrives in Nepal – The Himalayan

8United States (US) Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, has arrived in Nepal on December 8 in connection with his visit to South Asian countries. Before this, he has already visited India and Sri Lanka. While in Nepal, he will be meeting with senior leaders of Nepal to advance cooperation on environmental protection, women's empowerment, and sustainable development, said the US Department of State. He will also meet with youth leaders to gain insights into their vision for the future of U.S.-Nepal relations. Additionally, discussions will emphasize the importance of cultural preservation, recognizing Nepal's rich heritage as a cornerstone of its identity and a key driver of its tourism and economy. Click here to read… [14]

China signed the agreements on our terms – The Kathmandu Post

Bishnu Rimal, chief advisor to the prime minister, shared insights on how the Nepal and China signed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Framework Cooperation agreement. Bishnu Rimal was one of the key interlocutors during the framework agreement negotiations. Nepal secured favourable terms in recent agreements with China during a high-profile visit, focusing on grants over loans within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Key projects include cross-border railway development, enhanced road connectivity, and urban infrastructure improvements. Nepal emphasized clarity on financing and efficiency in utilizing pledged aid. The agreements underscore Nepal's strategic approach to avoid debt risks while enhancing bilateral cooperation. Effective project implementation and streamlined internal coordination remain critical challenges. Click here to read… [15]

Pakistan

Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan calls for rally on December 13, threatens civil disobedience – The Times of India

Pakistan’s imprisoned ex-prime minister Imran Khan has threatened to launch a nationwide civil disobedience movement, in an apparent bid to keep his public mobilisation campaign intact and to force the country’s powerful authorities to agree to his demands. Less than two weeks after his “final call” protest in Islamabad was violently suppressed, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief has asked his supporters to converge on Dec 13 in the northwestern city of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, to pay homage to party workers who were killed in the crackdown by security forces in Islamabad. Click here to read… [16]

CPEC slowdown doesn’t mean China has lost interest in the connectivity project or in Pakistan– The Dawn

The slowdown in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) due to security issues, Pakistan's rising debt, and China's caution amid global challenges. Despite delays, China remains invested but seeks improved safety for its workers and better governance. Pakistan must address inefficiencies, including dissolving the ineffective CPEC Authority, to restore momentum and attract investments. Revitalizing CPEC requires tackling internal hurdles and ensuring a secure, stable environment. Click here to read… [17]

FM Dar discusses Pakistani nationals stranded in Syria with Turkish counterpart– The Dawn

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan about the unfolding situation in Syria on Sunday, where they discussed stranded Pakistani nationals. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad left office and fled the country after being ousted by Syrian rebels, who ended the 50-year Assad dynasty in a lightning offensive that has raised fears of a new wave of instability in the Middle East. Syria’s army command notified officers that Assad’s regime had ended, as stated by a Syrian officer who was informed of the move. But the Syrian army later said it was continuing operations against “terrorist groups” in the towns of Hama and Homs and Deraa countryside. Click here to read… [18]

Sri Lanka

Launch of Sri Lankan Technical Assistance Report-Debt Management Reform Plan – IMF

Sri Lanka has initiated extensive reforms in public debt management (PDM) to address inefficiencies and enhance transparency. Key steps include enacting a new Public Debt Management Act in June 2024, consolidating fragmented laws, and establishing a Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) within the Ministry of Finance. The PDMO, led by a Director General, will follow international best practices with clear roles for front-, middle-, and back-office functions. The reforms emphasize a unified debt database, streamlined reporting, and risk management for guarantees and on-lending. Regulations and guidelines for the PDMO’s operationalization are underway. Click here to read… [19]

Sri Lanka’s interim budget passed unanimously – The India Express

The interim budget covering the first four months of 2025 was approved in parliament on December 6, without a vote at the end of a two-day debate. After last month’s parliamentary election, the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake led government has an absolute majority of 159 seats in the 225 member House. The government presented a vote on account on Friday while a formal budget would be presented in February for the next fiscal year. Deputy minister of finance Anil Jayantha Fernando said that the delay in debt restructuring over the last two years had cost the country an additional USD 1.7 billion in accumulated interest. Click here to read… [20]