23 January 2018, INDIA – Political Update

RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED FM EAS COREU TO ALL COREU NORMAL CFSP/EAS/0087/18 290118 1608Z ACRONYM COASI COPAR SUBJECT COASI COPAR – INDIA – Political Update 23 January 2018 TEXT Subject: COASI – COPAR / INDIA – Political Update 23 January 2018
The EEAS is pleased to circulate the political update prepared by EU Delegation in New Delhi.

Summary:

• EEAS's DSG Serrano visited Delhi on 16-17 January to participate in India's Strategic Forum, the Raisina Dialogue, and to present recent developments in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy.
• Netanyahu's visit (January 14-18) highlighted India's close relations with Israel and was aimed at broadening ties beyond defence cooperation..
• The recently released US National Defence Strategy embraces Indo-Pacific alliances and partnerships, and implicitly calls for stronger cooperation with India..
• On January 18, India conducted a successful test of its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), with a range capable of reaching China's coastal cities.
• India has become the 43rd member of the Australia group, an informal forum of countries which seeks non-proliferation of chemical and biological weapons (CBW). After joining the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2017 and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MRCT) in 2016 it is likely to focus its energy now on its bid for membership in the Nuclear Supplier's Group.
• Repeated violations of the ceasefire along the Line of Control (January 2018 may feature the highest number since 2003) increased tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has urged both sides to turn Kashmir into a 'bridge of friendship' and not a 'battleground'.
• Despite relentless and sometimes violent protests by Hindu fringe groups against what they perceive as an insult to their caste and a distortion of history as well as bans announced by several States, the film Padmaavaat is scheduled to be released nation-wide on 25 January after a number of cuts and adaptations.

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