CWA # 2015
The World Today #275, 10 March 2026
The World Today
The Indian Neighbourhood Today

Global Politics Team
10 March 2026

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The World Today
The US-Iran War, Day 11: The "most intense" day of US strikes, says Pete Hegseth; Trump calls the war "very far ahead of schedule" sparking market rebound; Indian restaurants face a gas crisis
On 10 March, the BBC reported that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that 10 March marked the "most intense" day of US strikes on Iran, stating: "the most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes.” He noted that Iran had fired its fewest missiles in 24 hours since the war began. Tehran residents noted the continuing bombardment stating: "They hit hard last night. All you can see in our house are cracks in the walls. Sleeping has become the hardest thing." Meanwhile, President Trump called the war "very far ahead of schedule" and "very complete," sparking a market rebound. As per media reports, oil fell from USD 100+ to below 88 USD per barrel, European stocks rose 1.5 per cent, and the Asia-Pacific region marked 3.2 per cent. Trump threatened to hit Iran "twenty times harder" if it blocked oil exports.

Media reports also note that Iran's Revolutionary Guards are positive they can outlast US and Israel through missile barrages, energy disruptions and market shocks to force Washington to blink first in an "existential fight." Tehran retains over half its pre-war missile stockpile for weeks more, with no internal protests or fractures; residents say life continues amid bombardment as national solidarity grows.

Separately, Indian restaurants face a gas crisis from the Hormuz blockade.The crisis has impacted the public sector as well as India's restaurants and hotels, which have warned of shutdowns as the Iran war halts Gulf LPG supplies. Food chains like California Burrito stated that they have two days of stock left, and that they are working on contingencies. Qatar halted production, prompting emergency refinery output and a government panel.

The US and Russia: President Putin shares proposals with Trump to end the Iran war quickly
On 09 March, media reported that President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with President Trump to discuss the ongoing war involving Iran. According to the Kremlin, President Putin presented several proposals aimed at achieving a quick political and diplomatic settlement to the war. The proposals followed consultations with leaders from Gulf countries and Iran. During the call, the two leaders also exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and broader global energy concerns triggered by instability in the Middle East. The Kremlin described the discussion as “substantial” and potentially significant for future cooperation between the two countries. President Trump later stated that President Putin appeared willing to help address the war but added that Russia could contribute further by ending the war in Ukraine.

Madagascar: Military dissolves key institutions as Colonel Michael Randrianirina consolidates control of the government
On 10 March, the BBC reported that Madagascar’s key state institutions were dissolved by the country’s military leadership. Colonel Michael Randrianirina consolidated control of the government, deepening the country’s ongoing political crisis. An announcement was made by Randrianirina where he stated “We have taken power,” on national radio. This confirmed the military’s direct assumption of authority. Following the announcement, several institutions including the Senate, the High Constitutional Court and the Electoral Commission were suspended as part of the takeover. The military leadership described the current phase as a “renovation period,” which could last up to two years. During this time, authorities indicated that a referendum on a new constitution and fresh elections could be organised. This development comes against the backdrop of a political crisis in Madagascar wherein President Andry Rajoelina was impeached in October 2025 following the Gen Z protests. This latest move by the military could mark a key shift in the political landscape of the Indian Ocean island given the context.

China: Beijing sees expanding trade surpluses and a shift to AI-driven growth
On 10 March, China reported massive economic growth. In the first two months of 2026, Beijing's exports grew by 21.8 per cent, exceeding the estimated 7.1 per cent. Despite the threat to supply chains posed by the war in Iran, the economy remains on track to top last year’s record of USD 1.2 trillion in trade surplus. The rise was driven by a 66.5 per cent jump in semiconductor exports, manufacturers rerouted trade toward Southeast Asia and Europe to counterbalance shifting US demand. With a USD 213.6 billion trade surplus in just two months, Beijing has shifted its primary focus to the "New Three": electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and solar cells. This surplus has strengthened the government's belief that investing in these high-demand sectors would be the most effective way to safeguard China’s position at the center of global trade. Simultaneously, Beijing relies on a nationwide AI initiative to revitalize the economy and open up new employment opportunities. Though the IMF warns that AI could affect 40 per cent of jobs worldwide, Beijing is focusing on using it to create jobs for the 12.7 million students graduating this year. Universities are working to introduce "micro-majors" that teach skills AI cannot easily replace, such as critical thinking. Although experts warn regarding youth unemployment and the need for social welfare reform, China’s new five-year blueprint aims to integrate AI into the manufacturing and service sectors to boost overall productivity.

The US: Contest to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia exposes turbulence within Republican ranks
On 10 March, Voters in Georgia headed to the polls to elect the successor to Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene in a closely watched US House special election. This is seen as a test of President Donald Trump's sway in the state's most conservative ‌district. With 17 candidates in the race, no one is expected to win a majority, likely triggering a 07 April runoff between the top two finishers. The election is reportedly viewed as a test of Trump’s influence over his Make America Great Again base. Donald Trump endorses Clay Fuller, but Colton Moore seeks to win over grassroots voters. Political analysts have noted that Harris may be ahead initially, but the district's conservative leanings will favor Republicans in the runoff.

The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Bangladesh: Dhaka and London discuss trade and Investment cooperation
On 10 March, Dhaka Tribune reported that Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Adviser Humayun Kabir held a bilateral meeting with Chris Bryant, the UK Minister of State for Trade, in London to explore ways to strengthen trade and investment ties between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. Discussions covered expanding the “Made in Bangladesh” brand, unlocking investment in the blue economy, safeguarding investor interests, and enhancing cooperation in education and multilateral platforms. Both sides also agreed to maintain close coordination ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, scheduled for Cameroon later this month. During the visit, the delegation also met UK Trade Envoy Rosie Winterton to discuss cooperation in the aviation sector, while Dapo Akande presented his candidacy for judge at the International Court of Justice for the 2027–2036 term. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in international legal and diplomatic arenas.

Myanmar: Conflict fuels drug surge in Golden Triangle region
On 10 March, Irrawaddy reported that the escalating civil war in Myanmar has fuelled a surge in drug production and trafficking across the Golden Triangle, worsening addiction and social hardship in northern Thailand. The region, once the world’s largest opium hub during the conflicts of the 1960s and 1970s, has seen renewed drug activity since the 2021 Myanmar military coup triggered ongoing conflict. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, opium cultivation and methamphetamine production in Myanmar have sharply increased, with drugs being smuggled through Thailand toward international markets. Research by Chiang Mai University indicates that hard-drug use in Thailand’s eight northern provinces has more than tripled since 2019, affecting vulnerable communities such as the Lahu hill tribe. Limited economic opportunities and language barriers have pushed some residents into drug-related work, while local organizations and community groups attempt to steer young people away from trafficking and addiction.

Sri Lanka: Flights re-route to Europe
On 10 March, the Daily Mirror reported that SriLankan Airlines has adapted its flight routes via Afghanistan and Azerbaijan to its European destinations amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. This leads to longer travel paths and operational adjustments. The decision also reflects potential economic implications for Sri Lanka's tourism and aviation sectors. Route changes such as this often increase fuel cost and travel time, affecting airline profitability. It also highlights Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to disruptions in major transit corridors that link Europe, the Middle East and South Asia.

Afghanistan: US designates Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention
On 10 March, CNN reported that in a move targeted at preventing abduction of American citizens, the Trump administration in Washington has attributed Kabul as a sponsor of wrongful detention. This is the second such attribution; the first was given to Iran, days ahead of the ongoing war. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the Taliban has used terrorist tactics to engage in the kidnapping of several individuals. He termed the tactics as “despicable” and demanded their end. Further, Rubio strongly recommended that Americans avoid travel to Afghanistan. Analysts now expect travel restrictions in the region of Afghanistan to be the next probable decision.

Iran: US Defence Secretary claims the most intense days of the strike
On 10 March, the CNN reported that the war between the US, Israel, and Iran has extended to yet another day. Comments from Pete Hegseth, the US Defence Secretary, have noted that Iran will be hit “harder than ever” if it does anything to stop the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. The US Air Force General, on the other hand, claimed that more than 50 Iranian ships have been destroyed in the attack. There has been a lot of discussion regarding Trump’s decision on when the war could end. The war has been unpopular amongst American leaders and could possibly have affected Trump’s upcoming election campaign. Meanwhile, the UAE stated that it had detected and intercepted about eight missiles and 26 drones over the past day.

Pakistan: Provinces announce austerity measures amid fuel crisis
On 10 March, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces decided to close educational institutions as part of a fuel-saving initiative. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet approved the “Fuel Conservation and Responsible Governance Initiative”. Under this initiative, the government decided to reduce the fuel allowance for government vehicles by 25 per cent. However, the reduction would not apply to police, rescue, and law enforcement personnel. Other measures include a 50 per cent work-from-home policy for government departments, and the closure of educational institutions every Friday. Punjab's provincial government also took several measures amid the fuel crisis. The government decided that provincial ministers would not receive free petrol until the end of the “petroleum crisis” and that petrol and diesel allowances for official vehicles would also be reduced by 50 per cent. Moreover, educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, would remain closed from 10 March to 31 March. The Balochistan government also decided to close educational institutions till 23 March.

Pakistan: Islamabad’s arms imports increase by 66 per cent in the 2021-25 period
On 10 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s arms imports grew by 66 per cent in the 2021-25 period compared with 2016-20, as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) data. On a global level, transfers of major arms surged by nearly 10 per cent over the past five years.  In the case of Pakistan, China’s role as top arms provider increased from 73 per cent in the previous 2016-20 period. While Pakistan’s imports soared, India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer, despite a marginal four per cent decrease. India has diversified its suppliers, turning increasingly to Western nations. Arms imports by states in the Middle East also shrank by 13 per cent, yet the region was home to three of the world’s top ten importers: Saudi Arabia with 6.8 per cent of global imports, Qatar with 6.4 per cent, and Kuwait with 2.8 per cent. The US supplied more than half of the arms to the Middle East.

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