The US State Department has addressed allegations regarding Indian involvement in the foiled assassination plot targeting Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. During a media briefing on Monday, spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasised the importance of India taking these allegations seriously and conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
The first-ever China-Bangladesh military exercise, “Golden Friendship 24,” will be held in the first half of May. Both sides will participate in this cooperative training, which is modelled after UN peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations. According to the Chinese military, the exercise will enhance mutual understanding and friendship and deepen practical exchanges and cooperation.
On Monday, Australian High Commissioner to India Phillip Green stated that the Quad, which currently consists of Australia, India, Japan, and the US, has no intentions of broadening its membership.
Pro-Palestinian organisations have pledged to demonstrate outside a defence trade exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, supported by the Malaysian government, due to the participation of international arms suppliers supplying equipment used by Israel. Demonstrators plan to assemble at the VIP entrance of the Defence Service Asia (DSA) 2024 expo in the city on Tuesday morning, demanding the removal of major sponsors and participants like US arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin and the UK’s BAE Systems.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese condemned China for endangering Australian defence personnel during a UN sanctions enforcement operation over North Korea. A Chinese fighter jet reportedly dropped flares near an Australian military helicopter in the Yellow Sea. Defence Minister Richard Marles called the act unsafe and unacceptable. Albanese emphasised that China had yet to address Australia’s concerns publicly. He clarified that the incident was made public with the aim of denouncing such behaviour firmly.
On Monday, Myanmar’s Arkan Army claimed to have apprehended hundreds of government soldiers upon seizing a significant command centre. The Arakan Army, known for its strong training and weaponry, serves as the military faction of the Rakhine ethnic minority movement. According to a video statement shared on Telegram, soldiers from the junta’s Operational Command No. 15 headquarters in Buthidaung township, Rakhine, surrendered following a prolonged siege.