Las Vegas (The Hawk): Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud division of Amazon, has announced the "Digital Sovereignty Pledge," a commitment to provide its customers with the most sophisticated set of sovereignty controls and features available in the cloud, in an effort to give them more control over their digital assets.
With AWS, customers have always had control over where their data is stored. Customers can already deploy their data into any of the eight AWS Regions in Europe, for instance.
"We pledge to provide even more services and features to safeguard the data of our consumers. In addition, we pledge to build on our current capacities to offer even finer-grained data residency controls and transparency. According to Matt Garman, Senior Vice President of AWS Sales, Marketing, and Global Services, "We will also broaden data residency controls for operational data, such as identity and billing information.
Customers are dealing with a tremendous amount of complexity right now, and over the past 18 months, "many have told us they are concerned that they will have to choose between the full power of AWS and a feature-limited sovereign cloud solution that could limit their ability to innovate, transform, and grow," Garman said at the AWS "Re: Invent 2022" summit.
Currently, AWS offers users tools and options for encrypting data, whether it is in memory, at rest, or in transit.
Each and every AWS service already offers encryption, and the majority of those services additionally offer encryption using customer-managed keys that are inaccessible to AWS.
For our customers to be able to encrypt everything, anywhere, with encryption keys controlled within or outside the AWS Cloud, Garman stated, "We promise to continuing to develop and investing in more controls for sovereignty and encryption features."
The business promised to keep expanding its selection of sovereign and resilient choices so that customers may maintain operations in the face of disruption or disconnection.
In order to comply with changing privacy and sovereignty regulations, it was further stated, "We pledge to continue to provide the openness and business flexibility needed."
(Inputs from Agencies)

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud division of Amazon, has announced the "Digital Sovereignty Pledge," a commitment to provide its customers with the most sophisticated set of sovereignty controls and features available in the cloud, in an effort to give them more control over their digital assets.

AWS releases the Digital Sovereignty Pledge to safeguard clients' cloud-based assets

New Delhi: Just making "absurd claims" does not make other people's territories yours, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday rejecting China's so-called "standard map" that laid claim over Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as regions within its borders.  He said Beijing had even put out such maps in the past claiming territories that are not theirs and that it is "an old habit" of China.  On Monday, Beijing released the 2023 edition of the so-called "standard map of China" that claimed Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as belonging to that country.  The "map" also showed the so-called nine-dash line covering the South China Sea as part of China as featured in the previous editions of the 'map'.  "China has even in the past put out maps which claimed the territories which are not China's, which belong to other countries. This is an old habit of theirs," Jaishankar said.  He made the comments while replying to a question on the 'map' at an event hosted by the NDTV.  "It is not something which is new. It started in the 1950s. So just by putting out a map claiming territories some of which are part of India.. I think this doesn't change (anything). These are very much part of India," he said.  "We are very clear what our territories are. This government is very clear about what we need to do to defend our territory. You can see that on our borders. I think there should be no doubt about that," Jaishankar said.  "Just making absurd claims does not make other people's territories yours. Let's be very clear on that," he added.  India on Tuesday lodged a strong protest with China over the map issue and said such steps only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.  "We have today lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels with the Chinese side on the so called 2023 'standard map' of China that lays claim to India's territory," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.  "We reject these claims as they have no basis. Such steps by the Chinese side only complicate the resolution of the boundary question," he added.  In April, India outrightly rejected China's renaming of some places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of India and that assigning "invented" names does not alter this reality.  In early April, Beijing announced Chinese names for 11 more places in Arunachal Pradesh which the neighbouring country claims as southern part Tibet.  It was the third batch of standardised geographical names for Arunachal Pradesh issued by China's civil affairs ministry.  The first batch of the standardised names of six places in Arunachal Pradesh was released in 2017 while the second batch of 15 places was issued in 2021.
—PTI

Just making "absurd claims" does not make other people's territories yours, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday rejecting China's so-called "standard map" that laid claim over Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as regions within its borders.

'Absurd claims' don't make other people's territories yours: Jaishankar on China's so-called new map

New Delhi: Supreme Court (SC) on Monday asked National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, who is one of one of the main petitioners in the batch of pleas filed against abrogation of Article 370 and had reportedly raised "Pakistan Zindabad" slogans in the State Assembly, to file a short affidavit affirming that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and he abides by and owes allegiance to the Constitution of India.
“He (Akbar Lone) has come to our court, we are more than duty bound to hear his submissions. People across the political spectrum in J&amp;K presented rival viewpoints before us, which is welcome …. but all of them have come here with one spirit that they abide by the integrity of India,” remarked CJI DY Chandrachud, who headed the Constitution Bench.
The Constitution Bench said that the J&amp;K leader has invoked jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution and therefore, “necessarily abides by an allegiance to the Constitution.”  Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who represented Akbar Lone, said that the petitioners did not challenge the sovereignty of India and at the outset, he had said that J&amp;K is an integral part of India.
“If the first petitioner has said something, if he has said it- in what circumstances he said it, is it recorded, etc. You ask him for an affidavit. I have nothing to do with it,” said Sibal.  At this, the bench asked: “Do we take it that Lone unconditionally accepts the sovereignty of India and J&amp;K is an integral part of India.”  In response, Sibal said that Akbar Lone is a member of Parliament and has sworn to the Constitution of India. “He is a citizen of India. How can he say otherwise? If anybody has said it, I deprecate it,” Sibal added.
“We want to have it from him that he unconditionally accepts that J&amp;K is an integral part of India and abides by and owes allegiance to the Constitution,” said the Constitution Bench.  Solicitor General Tushar Mehta claimed that Lone supports “separatist elements”.  “Let him say that he doesn't support secessionism and terrorism. No citizen of this country can have any objection in filing that affidavit,” Mehta said.  “If I start recounting, what may have happened. It will unnecessarily lead only to media coverage. We are arguing a pure constitutional issue. There was a speaker (of the legislative assembly) from BJP who was present there when this allegedly happened... Why do you want me to go into it? It is not a part of the record, it has been withdrawn and deleted from the record,” Sibal retorted, alleging that the Union is derailing legal submissions.  Sibal defended that one cannot be a member of Lok Sabha without swearing an oath of office that he abides by the Constitution of India. He said that the member has to take the oath before entering the Lok Sabha.  The Constitution Bench reiterated that it is merely asking for a short one-page affidavit from the main petitioner.  At this, Sibal said: “I would not stand arguing here if he doesn't give. I made a commitment that there will be an affidavit.”  Earlier in the day, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, pleaded before the Constitution Bench that the National Conference leader should file an affidavit that he owes allegiance to the Constitution of India and opposes terrorism and secessionism by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.  SG Mehta said that if Akbar Lone is not asked to file an affidavit after the matter has been brought to the top court’s attention, it “might encourage others” and “efforts of the nation to bring in normalcy (in the union territory) might be affected”.  “Main petitioner in the lead petition saying "Pakistan Zindabad" on the floor of the house has its own seriousness,” SG Mehta said.  The Constitution Bench was told a ‘startling’ fact that Lone has reportedly uttered pro-Pakistan slogans in the State assembly and hesitated to be identified himself as an Indian. It was also claimed that the National Conference leader as per media reports had said that J&amp;K accession with India is not complete.
—IANS

Supreme Court (SC) on Monday asked National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, who is one of one of the main petitioners in the batch of pleas

Article 370: Supreme Court asks J&K leader to file affidavit affirming India’s sovereignty, allegiance to Constitution

New Delhi: Hours after India on Tuesday rejected “absurd” accusations by the Canadian government on the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Congress said it believed that the country’s fight against terrorism has to be uncompromising, and the country’s interests and concerns must be kept paramount at all times.
The sharp reaction from the Congress came after Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia’s Surrey in June, a charge denied by the Indian government.
In a post on X, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “The Indian National Congress has always believed that our country’s fight against terrorism has to be uncompromising, especially when terrorism threatens India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity.”
“Our country’s interests and concerns must be kept paramount at all times,” he said. His remarks came after India on Tuesday rejected the “absurd” accusations by the Canadian government that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Nijjar.
India’s relations with Canada nosedived on Tuesday when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of Nijjar in British Columbia’s Surrey in June. Canada also expelled “a senior Indian diplomat” for India’s alleged involvement in the killing. Nijjar, who was spearheading the Khalistani referendum in Canada, was gunned down by two persons on June 18 in the parking lot of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.
Trudeau told the House of Commons that the “agents of the Indian government” carried out Nijjar’s killing. Trudeau said: “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty. It is contrary to the fundamental rules by which free, open, and democratic societies conduct themselves.
“As you would expect, we have been working closely and coordinating with our allies on this very serious matter.” Trudeau said that he brought the issue to the notice of the Indian Prime Minister during his visit. “Canada declared its deep concerns to the top intelligence and security officials of the Indian government last week at the G20. I brought them personally and directly to Prime Minister Modi.”
The Ministry of External Affairs reacted sharply to the Canadian Prime Minister’s remarks and in a statement said, “We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of the Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated…We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to rule of law.”
In the statement, the MEA said, “Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
“The inaction of the Canadian government on this matter has been a long-standing and continuing concern. That Canadian political figures have openly expressed sympathy for such elements remains a matter of deep concern. The space given in Canada to a range of illegal activities including murders, human trafficking and organised crime is not new. We reject any attempts to connect Government of India to such developments. We urge the Government of Canada to take prompt and effective legal action against all anti-India elements operating from their soil,” the MEA added.
—IANS

Hours after India on Tuesday rejected “absurd” accusations by the Canadian government on the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Country's fight against terrorism has to be uncompromising: Cong on Trudeau statement

Manila (Philippines): The Philippines has accused China's shadowy maritime militia of causing extensive coral reef destruction in the South China Sea, which has ignited a public dispute between the two nations over the contentious maritime region, CNN reported. Videos released by the Philippine Coast Guard have revealed substantial damage to coral reefs along the Rozul (Iroquois) Reef and Sabina (Escoda) Shoal in the South China Sea. These underwater features fall within the Philippines' internationally recognized exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and are located near Palawan, a southwestern island chain facing the South China Sea. However, China asserts sovereignty over a significant portion of the South China Sea, challenging competing claims by neighbouring countries and international rulings. Commodore Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, disclosed that underwater surveys conducted by divers indicated "visible discolouration" and alterations in the seabed's natural topography, suggesting intentional activities to modify the terrain. Tarriela asserted that the actions of China's Maritime Militia, particularly their indiscriminate illegal and destructive fishing activities in the area, may have directly led to the degradation and destruction of marine environments within the Philippines' jurisdiction, as reported by CNN. Between August 9 and September 11, the Philippine coast guard reported monitoring 33 Chinese vessels near Rozul Reef and approximately 15 Chinese ships in the vicinity of Escoda Shoal. The presence of crushed corals strongly suggests potential dumping, possibly involving dead corals that were previously processed and then returned to the seabed. The Philippine military had previously accused China's maritime militia of causing extensive destruction in the area. However, China initially remained silent on the allegations until its foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, refuted the claims as "false and groundless." Mao advised Philippine authorities not to utilize fabricated information for political purposes, according to CNN. China has asserted "indisputable sovereignty" over a vast portion of the South China Sea, including the Spratly chain, which consists of 100 small islands and reefs. These territorial claims are contested, in full or part, by the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. China's actions in the South China Sea, including the construction of military installations on reefs and atolls, have challenged not only the Philippines' sovereignty but also the marine biodiversity of the highly disputed region. The recent footage of damaged and bleached coral reefs is a stark contrast to the vibrant marine ecosystem observed just two years ago. While the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute had previously documented the health of the Rozul (Iroquois) Reef in 2021, the current status of the reef remains uncertain. The institute emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and marine scientific research activities to assess the impacts of recent activities in the area. The degradation of marine resources in the South China Sea highlights the threats posed by coral harvesting and raises suspicions of China's plans to militarize atolls through land reclamation. Western marine security experts and officials from various countries have accused China of using civilian fishing vessels as a maritime militia, a force that advances China's territorial claims in the region while maintaining deniability, CNN reported. The destruction of marine resources has prompted concern among foreign ambassadors in Manila. United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa expressed alarm and emphasized the need to protect vital ecosystems. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has consistently raised concerns over ecologically harmful activities conducted by foreign vessels in its maritime zones. The Philippines' efforts to garner international support to affirm its territorial sovereignty have yielded results, especially as transparency about activities in the South China Sea becomes increasingly vital. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the National Security Team of the Philippines has enhanced transparency regarding developments in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. This approach has gained domestic and international support for the Philippines' position in the ongoing maritime disputes, CNN reported. —ANI

The Philippines has accused China's shadowy maritime militia of causing extensive coral reef destruction in the South China Sea

Philippines Accuses China's Maritime Militia Of Coral Reef Destruction In South China Sea

Dr. Alon Ben-Meir* New York (The Hawk): It’s time for the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo to come to their senses and accept certain realities that neither can change. They are stuck and should recognize that their conflict will end only through mutual understanding of each other’s aspirations and respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.  I condemn in the strongest terms the killing of a Kosovo police officer in the most recent clash that sadly took place in northern Kosovo. Unfortunately, these types of incidents may reoccur due to the fact that tensions between the two sides are heightened as a result of a lack of understanding and distrust between Kosovo and Serbia. In order to prevent this kind of tragic event from reoccurring, it is critical that both sides make every effort to reduce the tension and face certain realities that neither side can change. To further advance the understanding between the two sides, it is critical that both Serbia and Kosovo accept certain realities on the ground that have been created since Kosovo declared its independence. The realities that are not subject to change The first is the reality that the northern municipalities are occupied by a majority of ethnic Serbs. Living in a democracy gives them the right to follow their way of life. Neither Pristina nor Belgrade can change this reality and nothing either side or any other power suggests to the contrary can defy this reality. Moreover, given that both Serbia and Kosovo want to join the EU, they must also adhere to the Treaty of Lisbon (in essence, the EU’s constitution), which enshrines respect for human rights of minorities and opposes any territorial change by “ensuring the territorial integrity of the State.” None of the above however, should or could compromise Kosovo’s sovereignty as long as the ethnic Serbs adhere to Kosovo’s constitution. Second, Vucic must realize that the eventual recognition of Kosovo’s independence is not negotiable now or at any time in the future. However long he may drag his feet on this issue, it is only a question of time when he or his eventual successor will come to this conclusion. Third, although Prime Minister Kurti recognizes that there are nearly 50,000 ethnic Serbs living in the north who are Kosovo citizens, the establishment of the Association of Serb Municipalities, which was agreed upon several years ago, must take place to give them the opportunity to live as they see fit, as long as Belgrade will not under any circumstances exert executive power there. To suggest that the establishment of this Association would de facto sever these municipalities from Kosovo is completely misplaced. Indeed, anyone who thinks that the ethnic Serbs in these areas are stooges operating on behalf of Belgrade is also mistaken. In reference to the recent violence, the US Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, stated that “This was not a group of citizens who spontaneously came together to voice their concerns. This was a trained and organized group. This implies that there is some sort of structure behind them, given the training and equipment.” And while Kosovo’s Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla stated that a significant number of heavy weapons, explosives, and uniforms were found after the attack in northern Kosovo, I do not agree with his conclusion that this is necessarily a preparation for a massive assault to come. The ethnic Serbs in the area know that if such an attack against Kosovo police were to occur, Kurti would be right to, and certainly capable of, sending in significant forces to quell it. Under such a scenario, Kurti would receive the full support of KFOR. Furthermore, Serbia itself is not planning, as some suggest, to wage an open war against Kosovo, as it knows full well it would have to confront NATO forces, which is simply a non-starter and definitely is not in Serbia’s long-term interest. More often than not, these ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo demonstrate a strong affinity to Serbia because of the natural association they have with their brethren in that country. And thus, anything they do or say is immediately attributed to Serbia’s direct influence, which only strengthens rather weakens their ties to Belgrade. This can change if they feel they are being heard as Kosovars. In fact, as far as I know, they want to be free just as much from Belgrade as from Pristina, once they are given the opportunity. Reciprocal measures Even though Kosovo agreed several years ago to the establishment of the Association of Serb Municipalities, if the Kurti government is to move toward its implementation, he should expect at the same time some reciprocal steps taken by Belgrade to demonstrate good faith. This may include, for example, allowing Pristina to join other international organizations, recognize its passports and other state-level documents, etc., all of which Serbia previously committed to. The EU’s indispensable role Contrary to the views of Prime Minister Kurti, who claims that EU special envoy Miroslav Lajcák has “lost neutrality,” EU mediation remains indispensable. To suggest that the EU is no longer neutral and is operating on the behest of Belgrade is again completely unfounded. The EU is and continues to be committed to Kosovo’s sovereignty and national security. What the EU would like to achieve is putting both countries on the path of mutual recognition. To that end, as I indicated, compromises on both sides must be made, and that should begin by Belgrade and Pristina agreeing on the above-mentioned reciprocal measures. The EU needs to exert pressure on Vucic, not just Kurti, to fulfil his obligations. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Lajcák need to focus on these two initial steps and ensure that both sides commit to their simultaneous implementation at a mutually agreed upon timeline. Once this is done, they’ll be able to build on such initial steps and take further mutual measures that would also aid both sides in moving ever closer to mutual recognition and to eventual integration with the EU. Necessary mitigating steps None of the above can take place unless both sides first reduce the heightened tension by demonstrating their willingness to resume negotiations in good faith, knowing full well that there is no substitute to negotiations to reach any agreement. To begin with, a new election should be scheduled in the north. As everybody knows, the first election was boycotted by ethnic Serbs, and the current mayors were elected by a mere 5 percent. This in and of itself has created tremendous resentment, and it cannot be rectified unless new elections are scheduled, as soon as possible. In addition, both sides must end their acrimonious public narrative which otherwise only deepens their distrust and disdain for the other, poisons the political and social atmosphere, and drives both sides to take extreme positions to safeguard their interests, which further complicates their conflict. Furthermore, they should heed the EU’s recommendations, not only because they need EU support, but also because the EU is the only institution that can help settle their conflict and provide the incentive of integration that Serbia and Kosovo aspire for while moving the process of reconciliation forward. Finally, Vucic and Kurti need to enhance their credibility; Vucic must stop his public pronouncement that Serbia will never recognize Kosovo, and Kurti needs to accept that the Serb-majority municipalities in the north have the right to live in accordance with their culture, religion, and tradition, which are consistent with democracy and Kosovo’s constitution under the umbrella of association. Peaceful coexistence and mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia is not one of many options, but the only option. Their conflict will not end on a zero-sum basis where one party benefits at the expense of the other, but only on a non-zero-sum basis where both sides mutually benefit to ensure the sustainability of any agreement. In the final analysis, both leaders must demonstrate statesmanship and the courage to act, without which both will leave the political scene worse off than when they assumed power.
*Dr. Alon Ben-Meir is a retired professor of international relations at the Center for Global Affairs at NYU. He teaches courses on international negotiation and Middle Eastern studies.

It’s time for the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo to come to their senses and accept certain realities that neither can change

Serbia-Kosovo Deadlock Requires A Reality Check

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud on Monday said the state of Jammu and Kashmir did not retain any element of sovereignty, including internal sovereignty when it joined the Union of India.  “We have held that the state of Jammu and Kashmir did not retain any element of sovereignty or internal sovereignty when it joined the Union of India,” said CJI Chandrachud, adding that Article 1 and 370 indicate that J&amp;K is an integral part of India.  He said that J&amp;K surrendered its sovereignty completely to the Union of India and the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir was to further define the relationship between the Union of India and the state of Jammu and Kashmir.  “There is a clear absence in the Constitution of J&amp;K of a reference to ‘sovereignty’ and in contrast, the Constitution of India emphasizes in its preamble that the people of India resolves to constitute themselves into a ‘sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic’,” CJI Chandrachud said.  He added, “The State of Jammu and Kashmir does not have internal sovereignty which is distinguishable from the powers and privileges enjoyed by other states in the country.”  CJI Chandrachud held that the Preamble and Sections 3, 5 and 147 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir coupled with Article 1 of the Constitution of India read with the First Schedule as well as Article 370 indicate in “no uncertain terms” that the State is subordinate to the Indian Constitution first and only then to its own Constitution.
—IANS

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud on Monday said the state of Jammu and Kashmir did not retain any element of sovereignty

J&K did not retain any element of sovereignty when it joined Union of India: CJI

Taipei: Taiwan heads to the polls amidst rising tensions with China, with Beijing framing the vote as a choice between "peace and war." Regardless of the election outcome, Taiwan's security officials anticipate continued or intensified military and economic pressures from China.  The enduring dispute over Taiwan's status remains a significant issue for Beijing, given its strategic and economic importance. Taiwan, a global leader in semiconductor technology, holds a critical position in the tech industry as the headquarters of TSMC.  The election stakes involve the island's future relations with China, with both major parties advocating for Taiwan's sovereignty but differing in their approach toward Beijing.  Vice President Lai Ching-te, the ruling party's presidential candidate, calls for resilience against China's threats while proposing dialogue and a commitment to maintaining the status quo. Emphasizing Taiwan's role as a democratic bulwark against totalitarianism, Lai urges voters not to succumb to external pressures.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/chinese-satellite-launch-stirs-political-controversy-ahead-of-taiwan's-election" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/chinese-satellite-launch-stirs-political-controversy-ahead-of-taiwan's-election</a>  The ruling party, DPP, accuses Beijing of interference through disinformation campaigns and coercive tactics, a claim dismissed by China as a ploy to gain votes by manufacturing threats.  China's recent military exercises near Taiwan, coupled with its firm sovereignty stance, have escalated tensions. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) opposes Taiwan's independence, advocating for cross-strait peace through dialogue and reinforcing national defenses.  The parties diverge on their interpretation of the "1992 consensus," with the KMT emphasizing a unified China under distinct interpretations, while the DPP asserts Taiwan's right to self-determination, rejecting Beijing's claims.  Anticipation looms over China's response to the election outcome, especially given President Xi Jinping's internal challenges. Taiwan's officials caution voters of China's multifaceted attempts to influence results, including clandestine operations and economic sanctions.  Speculation arises on potential post-election pressures from China, such as economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, irrespective of the victor. As President Tsai Ing-wen concludes her two-term presidency, the election outcome holds immense significance for Taiwan's future direction amidst intensifying cross-strait dynamics.
—Input from Agencies

Cross-Strait Strain: Taiwan's Election Amid Rising Tensions with China Explored, Candidates' Stances Analyzed

Taiwan's Election Amidst Heightened Tensions with China: An Overview

Islamabad: Pakistan on Wednesday said it will recall its ambassador in Tehran after Iran violated its airspace, the Pakistani foreign ministry said.
Pakistan will also not allow Iran's envoy in Islamabad, who is visiting his home country, to return, the ministry's spokesperson said in a statement.  She said the violation was an unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan's sovereignty and was "unacceptable".  "Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act," she said.  Pakistan said the incident resulted in the death of two children.  Iranian state media said on Tuesday that its missiles targeted two bases of militant group Jaish al Adl, which has mounted attacks on Iranian security forces in the border area of the two neighbours.
—Input fron Agencies

Pakistan-Iran Diplomatic Crisis: Ambassadors recalled, airspace violated. Tensions rise over sovereignty breach. Two children lost in the tragic incident.

'Violation of airspace': Pakistan recalls ambassador from Tehran, bars Iranian envoy from returning to post

Islamabad: The Pakistan Air Force conducted retaliatory airstrikes on Thursday, targeting alleged Baloch separatist camps within Iranian territory, as reported by various media outlets. The strikes were purportedly aimed at hideouts housing Baloch militants wanted by Pakistan.  This military response followed Tehran's assertion of utilizing "precision missile and drone strikes" a day earlier, claiming to have destroyed two significant headquarters of Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) in Pakistan. Pakistan swiftly denounced the violation of its sovereignty as "completely unacceptable," issuing a stern warning of serious consequences.  Salman Masood, Editor of a local Pakistani daily and correspondent for The New York Times, reported on Wednesday that the Pakistan Air Force had carried out airstrikes on Baloch separatist camps inside Iran. This action was in direct response to Iran's claim of targeting militants within Pakistani territory—a claim rejected by Pakistan, which cited civilian casualties.
 <a href="https://twitter.com/salmanmasood/status/1747811468853006837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1747811468853006837%7Ctwgr%5E4f65c10c72f80a54c9ef4d9162c0c4f7b67e27ee%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aninews.in%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fasia%2Fpakistan-military-conducts-retaliatory-strikes-against-iran-reports20240118093328" target="_self">https://twitter.com/salmanmasood/status/1747811468853006837?</a>
 Simultaneously, another Pakistani local daily reported that hideouts of Baloch militants wanted by Pakistan had indeed been targeted in Iran.
 Pakistan's caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, emphasized in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, that Iran's January 16 attack inside Pakistani territory constituted a serious breach of sovereignty, violating international law and straining bilateral relations. Jilani condemned the incident, stating that it had caused significant damage to the ties between the two nations.  At the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar met with Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. This meeting coincided with Iran's announcement of targeting Jaish Al Adl bases inside Pakistan through drone and missile strikes.
 <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick/status/1747314133102637467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1747314133102637467%7Ctwgr%5E4f65c10c72f80a54c9ef4d9162c0c4f7b67e27ee%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aninews.in%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fasia%2Fpakistan-military-conducts-retaliatory-strikes-against-iran-reports20240118093328" target="_self">https://twitter.com/AnasMallick/status/1747314133102637467?</a>
 Jaish al-Adl, labeled a "terrorist" organization by Iran, has been active since 2012, operating as a Sunni terrorist group in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan. Notably, the group claimed responsibility for a December attack on a police station in Sistan-Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 police personnel.  The recent attacks on Pakistan occurred in the wake of Iran's missile launches in northern Iraq and Syria on Monday. Iran's foreign ministry defended the strikes, characterizing them as a "precise and targeted" operation to counter security threats. Iranian spokesperson Nasser Kanaani emphasized the use of ballistic missiles to identify and strike the "headquarters of criminals" in Idlib, Syria, and an alleged "Mossad-affiliated center" in Erbil, Iraq.
—Input from Agencies

Tensions escalate as Pakistan retaliates with airstrikes on alleged Baloch separatist camps in Iran. Military actions strain relations, prompting international concerns.

Pakistan Air Force Launches Retaliatory Airstrikes on Iran in Escalating Tensions: Media Sources

Male: Maldives will not renew an agreement with India to conduct hydrographic surveys and plans to acquire the facilities and machines required to do the exercise by itself, President Mohamed Muizzu has announced.
Muizzu also announced that his country is working to establish a 24X7 monitoring system for the Maldivian waters this month to ensure control of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) despite its significantly large area.  The development comes days after China signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster 'stronger' bilateral ties.  India-Maldives ties have suffered a setback ever since pro-China Muizzu assumed office last year. Hours after he took oath in November 2023, Muizzu had vowed to ensure Maldives’ sovereignty and one of the first steps was to demand India to withdraw all its troops.  Muizzu’s announcement also comes days after a Chinese research vessel spent about a week around Male and more than a month just outside Maldives’ EEZ.
Speaking at a ceremony at one of the islands that he was visiting on Monday, Muizzu said, the Maldives Ministry of Defence is making efforts to obtain the facilities required for conducting the hydrographic surveys by the country itself.  “This will allow Maldives to conduct the underwater surveys of the country by ourselves. We will then acquire all insights of our underwater features and prepare charts, they will be drawn by us,” the President was quoted as saying by Edition.mv, a news portal on Tuesday.  Maldives' former administration, led by then President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, had signed an agreement with the Indian government to conduct hydrographic surveys of Maldives’ underwater features.  “We decided not to renew the agreement entered into with the Indian government to scan and acquire all insights into our underwater bodies. All these underwater details are our property, our heritage,” Muizzu said and claimed the Maldives earlier needed to purchase all such maps and survey data from India.  This is the first time that Muizzu has publicly commented about the hydrographic survey plans of his government. His government has earlier announced that it is reviewing more than 100 agreements signed with India by the previous regimes.  The most recent hydrographic survey carried out in collaboration with India’s Hydrography Office was launched in January 2021 as part of the agreement signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 during his visit to Maldives.  “The former President had obtained the approval of the parliament to facilitate this hydrography services in the Maldives and confer the facility to the Defence Ministry,” the Edition.mv reported.  Meanwhile, two days earlier, Muizzu, while visiting yet another atoll on Saturday said, his government has vowed to begin work on and establish a 24X7 monitoring system of the Maldivian waters in March.  Speaking with the locals of Raa Meedhoo, the President highlighted that the area of sea is twice as large as the entire land mass of the Maldives and noted that the Maldives “has not been in control of its Exclusive Economic Zone despite its significantly large area”.  “Although the EEZ is part of our territory, we did not have the capacity to monitor the area. God willing, our work (to monitor the Maldivian waters) will commence in March. We will establish a 24X7 monitoring system during this month,” Sun.mv, a news portal reported, quoting the President.  The Maldives Coastguard currently seeks regular assistance from the militaries of neighbouring countries and carries out some of the special patrolling operations with foreign allies, the news portal said.
—PTI

Maldives to end hydrographic survey agreement with India, seeking independence in maritime surveys and strengthening EEZ control. 

Maldives not to renew agreement with India for hydrographic surveys; to do on its own: President Muizzu

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an 'unlawful association' for a further period of five years. In a notification, the MHA said its fresh move followed inputs received against the outfit, referred to as the JKLF-Y, for its involvement in "activities, which are prejudicial to security and public order and have the potential of disrupting the unity and integrity of the country"
Exercising the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the MHA declared the JKLF-Y as an unlawful association on March 22, 2019. As per the fresh report received by the MHA, the JKLF-Y is still involved in anti-national and subversive activities intended to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India; it is in close touch with militant outfits and is supporting extremism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere. "The JKLF-Y is supporting and inciting claims for secession of a part of the Indian territory from the union and supporting terrorist and separatist groups fighting for this purpose by indulging in activities and articulations intended to disrupt the territorial integrity of India," reads the notification issued on Friday night. Explaining its action, the MHA said, the Central government is of the opinion that if the unlawful activities of the JKLF-Y are not curbed and controlled immediately, it will take the opportunity to escalate its subversive activities including an attempt to carve out a separate State out of the territory of Union of India by destabilising the Government established by law.
The Ministry further said that the outfit will also continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India while disputing the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union; propagating anti-national and separatist sentiments prejudicial to the territorial integrity and security of the country; and escalate secessionist movements, support militancy and incite violence in the country. The notification further says the Central government for the above-mentioned reasons firmly decided to declare the JKLF-Y as an 'unlawful association' with immediate effect. "Now, therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby declares the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an unlawful association. "The Central Government, having regard to the above circumstances, is of the firm opinion that it is necessary to declare the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an 'unlawful association' with immediate effect, and accordingly, in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the said Act, the Central Government hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made.  under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official," reads the notification. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appreciated the action taken by his ministry through his 'X' handle and said: "The Modi government has declared the 'Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction)' as an 'Unlawful Association' for a further period of five years. "The banned outfit continues to engage in activities that foment terror and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. Anyone found challenging the security, sovereignty and integrity of the nation will face harsh legal consequences."
—ANI

MHA declares JKLF-Y, led by Mohd. Yasin Malik, an unlawful association for five more years due to its anti-national activities threatening India's sovereignty.

'Unlawful Association': Centre extends ban on Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Yasin Malik faction) for 5 more years

Singapore: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday dismissed China's repeated claims on Arunachal Pradesh as 'ludicrous' and asserted that the frontier state was a 'natural part of India'.
In probably his first public comments on China's frequent claims on Arunachal Pradesh and its opposition to Indian leaders visiting the state, Jaishankar said it was not a new issue.  "This is not a new issue. I mean China has laid claim, it has expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous to begin with and remain ludicrous today," he said in response to a question on the Arunachal issue after delivering a lecture at the prestigious NUS Institute of South Asian Studies here.  He emphasised that Arunachal Pradesh was a 'natural part of India.'  "So, I think we've been very clear, very consistent on this. And I think you know that is something which will be part of the boundary discussions which are taking place," he said.  Jaishankar's comments came days after the Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the Chinese defence ministry's assertions.
"We have noted the comments made by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Defence Ministry advancing absurd claims over the territory of the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programmes and infrastructure projects," the MEA said in a statement.  Earlier, the Chinese foreign ministry had objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh.  "We reject the comments made by the Chinese side regarding the visit of the Prime Minister to Arunachal Pradesh. Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other States of India," the MEA said in a separate response last week.  Objecting to such visits or India's developmental projects does not stand to reason. Further, it will not change the reality that the State of Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. The Chinese side has been made aware of this consistent position on several occasions, the statement said.
—PTI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar rejects China's claims on Arunachal Pradesh, affirming it as an inherent part of India. 

Jaishankar dismisses China's claims on Arunachal Pradesh as "ludicrous"

New Delhi [India]: India has taken "strong objection" to remarks of the United States State Department Spokesperson about certain legal proceedings in India.
"In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This responsibility is even more so in case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement today.
The MEA defended India's legal system, emphasizing its independence and dedication to impartial and expedient judgments. "India's legal processes are based on an independent judiciary that is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted," the foreign ministry statement read. Earlier today, the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena was seen leaving the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters. The meeting lasted for approximately 40 minutes. The MEA's remarks come in the backdrop of a US State Department spokesperson telling Reuters this week, that the US is closely following reports of the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest. "We encourage a fair, transparent, and timely legal process for Chief Minister Kejriwal," the US spokesperson said in response to an emailed query about the case. Earlier this month, the US had expressed concern over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). In his daily briefing on March 15, the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller had said, "We are concerned about the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on March 11." External Affairs Ministry rejected the remarks as "misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted". Moreover, on March 25, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) raised the alarm on the government's notification of the Citizenship Amendment Rules (CAR) in a move to begin implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). In a statement, the USCIRF said that last week, USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck testified at a Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing on this matter.
—ANI

India takes strong objection to US remarks on legal proceedings, upholding its judicial independence amid diplomatic discourse and emphasizing respect for sovereignty and internal affairs.

India strongly objects to remarks of US State Department Spokesperson on Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi [India]: Stating that India is proud of its "robust and independent" democratic institutions, the Ministry of External Affairs called the remarks by US State Department on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as "unwarranted", adding that any such external imputation on our electoral and legal processes is "completely unacceptable." This comes after US State Department doubled down on its remarks that that they encourage "fair, transparent and timely legal processes" on the issue, a day after a US diplomat was summoned to communicate India's "strong objections" to the earlier remarks.
Addressing a weekly press briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Yesterday, India had lodged its strong objection and protest with a senior official from the US Embassy with regards to the comments made by the US State Department." He further emphasised that mutual respect and understanding is imperative for the foundation of international relations and urged the states to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of other countries. "The recent remarks by the US State Department are unwarranted. Any such external imputation on our electoral and legal processes is completely unacceptable. In India, the legal process are driven only by the rule of law. Anyone who has a similar ethos, especially fair democracies, should have no objection in appreciating this fact. India is proud of its robust and independent democratic institutions," Jaiswal said.
"We are committed to protect them from any form of undue external influences. Mutual respect and understanding form the foundation of international relations and states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others," he added. Earlier on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller was asked about his response to India's summoning US diplomat over comments on Delhi CM Kejriwal's arrest and freezing of Congress party's bank accounts, to which he said that they are following these actions closely. "We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. We are also aware of the Congress party's allegations that tax authorities have frozen some of their bank accounts in a manner that will make it challenging to effectively campaign in the upcoming elections," Miller added. "And we encourage fair, transparent and timely legal processes for each of these issues," he stressed. Prior to this, India summoned the German Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest against their foreign office spokesperson's remarks on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Last Friday, a spokesperson of the German Foreign Ministry, when questioned on the arrest of Kejriwal, said that he was entitled to a fair trial.  Making a strong statement against the German Foreign Office spokesperson's remarks, India said that it sees these remarks as interference in India's 'judicial process' and 'undermining the independence' of the Indian judiciary, the Ministry of External Affairs said last week. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate for alleged money laundering in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi on Thursday extended the custodial remand of the Delhi Chief Minister by four more days till April 1.
—ANI

India protests US & German remarks on Delhi CM's arrest, asserting sovereignty & democratic values, urging respect in international relations.

The Hawk

Tag : Sovereignty

AWS releases the Digital Sovereignty Pledge to safeguard clients' cloud-based assets

Pankaj Sharma

Tag : Sovereignty

AWS releases the Digital Sovereignty Pledge to safeguard clients' cloud-based assets

Pankaj Sharma

More about Sovereignty