VIF Information Alerts - 16 Mar 2018

EU Parliament asks India, China and EU nations to restore democracy in Maldives
Published: Business Standard
15 Mar 2018

Expressing its grave concern over the current political crisis in The Maldives, the European Parliament, through a resolution, has called upon the Governments of India and China to work with countries in the European Union (EU) to help deliver political and democratic stability in the crisis-ridden archipelago. Click here to read... [2]

Australia warned against 'dancing with dictators' at Asean summit in Sydney
Published: The Guardian
14 Mar 2018

Australia is not a member of Asean, nor is it planning to be, but this weekend’s Asean summit in Sydney is a significant step in binding Australia closer to its regional neighbours through trade and increased counter-terrorism cooperation.
Despite the possible diplomatic benefits, Australia has been warned against “dancing with dictators” at this weekend’s summit, and urged by rights groups to raise the issue of human rights abuses across the region, not just focus on trade and counter-terrorism. Click here to read... [3]

Asia must not fragment into 'rival blocs' as region reshapes: Singapore PM
Published: The Sydney Morning Herald
16 Mar 2018

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned against Asia splitting into rival blocs as part of a looming “Darwinian” shake-up of security alliances. In an interview ahead of this weekend’s ASEAN meeting in Sydney, Mr Lee has also said the most critical issue facing the region remains “the political and strategic resolve” of the United States to continue as a reliable and constructive player in the western Pacific. Click here to read... [4]

Fearing diplomatic sidelines, Japan reportedly weighs Abe-Kim meet
Published: The Straits Times
14 Mar 2018

Japan is reportedly considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as Tokyo struggles to stay relevant in fast-moving diplomacy with Pyongyang.
Officials in Tokyo would not confirm on Wednesday (March 14) the reports of a potential shift in Japan's policy, but government spokesman Yoshihide Suga also declined to explicitly deny a summit was being explored. Click here to read... [5]

Rivals for Authority in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan
Published: International Crisis Group
14 Mar 2018

The prevailing calm in Gorno-Badakhshan in Tajikistan's remote east does not rule out the prospect of a clash between local powerbrokers and Dushanbe authorities. To mitigate the risks of a local flare-up and regional power rivalry, China and Russia should communicate with each other and nudge Tajik President Emomali Rahmon toward a smooth transition of power, according to new findings presented at International Crisis Group’s briefing. Click here to read... [6]

Indian media read too much into Macron’s visit: Global Times
Published: Global Times
15 Mar 2018

India and France signed 14 pacts ranging from defense to nuclear energy, including the construction of a nuclear power plant on March 10, after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter's recent four-day visit to India.
Apparently, it is a normal official visit by a head of state to India. However some Indian and Western media outlets hyped up that the deals and the two leaders' pronouncements are targeted at China. Under a new deal, India and France will open their naval bases to each other's warships - a move some media outlets believe is meant "to undermine China's territorial ambitions." Macron said, "The Indian Ocean, like the Pacific Ocean, cannot become a place of hegemony." This was interpreted as "an apparent reference to China." However, none pointed out how the words were aimed at China and what threat China posed to France and India. Click here to read... [7]

IMF advises ‘clampdown on people’s pockets’
Published: The Nation
16 Mar 2018

ISLAMABAD - The IMF has asked Pakistan to withdraw tax concession, impose new taxes and introduce additional electricity surcharges ahead of upcoming general elections and the annual budget

“Despite the pre-election period, staff [of International Monetary Fund] recommended complementing the positive revenue performance with an early introduction of additional measures to contain this year’s budget deficit to 5 percent of GDP (5.4 percent underlying deficit excluding one-off operations)” it has said. Click here to read... [8]

Pakistan, Russia satisfied over defence ties
Published: The Nation
15 Mar 2018

Pakistan and Russia Wednesday showed satisfaction over the current level of defence and security relationship. Deputy Secretary National Security Council of the Russia Federation Mikhail Popov called on Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua here and held consultations, said a foreign ministry statement.

“The two sides discussed defence and security relations and expressed satisfaction on the current level of cooperation in this context. The Foreign Secretary elaborated on Pakistan’s improved security situation in the country and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. She also expressed satisfaction at increasing military and technical cooperation between Pakistan and Russia ,” it said. Click here to read... [9]

India most targeted country for ransomware attacks: Sophos survey
Published: Business Standard
14 Mar 2018

Amid the increasing number of ransonware attacks, organisations in the country are finding themselves more vulnerable as India was the most targeted country. As per a survey conducted by network security firm Sophos, around 67 per cent of Indian organisations were hit by ransomware and 38 per cent twice. Infact, Indian organisations median cost stood at USD 1.17 million to rectify the impact of ransomware. Click here to read... [10]