NIAS South Asia Brief

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CWA # 1592, 17 February 2025
NIAS South Asia Brief
Student Protests against Social Media Bill in Nepal, Rescue from Scam Centres in Myanmar, Violence in Bangladesh and Adani’s Exit in Sri Lanka

  South Asia Brief Team

NEPAL THIS WEEK
Internal Divide within Nepali Congress, Student protests against Social Media bill, and India-Nepal discussions on stalled projects
Ditipriya Ghosh

Three major developments took place in Nepal this week. First, the contentions within the factions of Nepali Congress delaying the process of selection of the new leadership. Second, protests by the students  against Nepal’s Social Media Bill. Third, Nepal-India initiatives to expedite talks on big projects.

POLITICS
The Internal Divide within Nepali Congress
On 16 February, the Kathmandu Post reported of confidants of Deuba planning to counter the Koirala-Thapa faction. The Nepali Congress is prepping for its 15th general convention, to elect new leadership. The convention is likely to be postponed until 2027 elections as party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba is maneuvering  to retain influence. Deuba loyalists, feeling sidelined, met him on Friday urging him to keep his camp united. Key leaders including Purna Bahadur Khadka, Bimalendra Nidhi and others were silent over internal divisions and Deuba’s silence on his successor. Meanwhile Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Thapa from the rival camp of the NC have launched campaigns for party presidency. While some leaders push for a convention by December 2026, Deuba prefers to delay it. (Anil Giri, Congress Battle Heats up as Deuba seeks convention delay, The Kathmandu Post,16 February 2025. https://kathmandupost.com/politics/2025/02/15/congress-battle-heats-up-as-deuba-seeks-convention-delay)

Social Medial Bill: Continuing Protests
On 16 February, the Kathmandu Post reported on the ongoing protest by the Nepali Students Union regarding the social media bill. The protests are ongoing, against the social media bill in the House of Representatives calling it an attack on free speech. The NSU members criticized both PM KP Sharma Oli and their party’s leadership. Placards read:  “regulation needed not control.” The bill proposed by the Oli government have been facing widespread criticism for its vague provisions. (“Congress student wing protests social media bill, slams government,” The Kathmandu Post, 13 February 2025. https://kathmandupost.com/visual-stories/2025/02/13/nsu-protests-social-media-bill-slams-government)

EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Nepal and India discuss on big projects
On 14 February, the Kathmandu Post reported on the ongoing talks relating to big projects. Nepal and India have agreed to resume discussions on key water resources projects, including the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, Saptakoshi High Dam and Sunkoshi Storage Cum Diversion Scheme. During a meeting in New Delhi, Energy Ministers Dipak Khadka and CR Patil committed to expediting talks on flood management, irrigation and transmission lines. The sixth meeting of the Joint Expert Group (JEG) on Pancheshwar is expected by August to finalize the long-delayed DPR. Nepal seeks a 50-50 water-sharing deal, while India proposes a 75-25 split. Additionally, meetings of the Joint Committee on Inundation and Flood Management (JCIFM) and the Joint Commission on Water Resources (JCWR) are set, with JCIFM convening in March. (“Nepal, India to expedite talks on stalled big projects,” The Kathmandu Post, 14 February 2025. https://kathmandupost.com/national/2025/02/14/nepal-india-to-expedite-talks-on-stalled-big-projects)

BHUTAN THIS WEEK
Improvement in Corruption Index, Global Carbon Market Meeting, and the BuddhaBot
Astha Panda
The following major developments took place in Bhutan last week. First, according to the recent report on corruption, Bhutan moved up from 26th to 18th position in the Corruption Perception Index 2024, a sign of effective anti-corruption efforts spearheaded by flagship institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Royal Audit Authority. Second, Bhutan hosted the 6.4 Supervisory Body Mechanism session, an important milestone towards the implementation of the global carbon market under the Paris Agreement. This occasion emphasized Bhutan's commitment to continuing to be carbon-negative and championing fair, transparent carbon markets. These milestones speak volumes of Bhutan's firm commitment to transparency and sustainability. Third, Bhutan's Central Monastic Body will pilot-test BuddhaBot Plus, an AI chatbot, that will enhance deep learning models.

SOCIETY
On Social Security in Bhutan: An editorial suggests improving healthcare and housing
On 10 February, an editorial in Kuensel Online highlighted Bhutan’s critical juncture relating to social security infrastructure, most importantly in healthcare and housing. According to the editorial, urbanization and increasing costs of living in cities like Thimphu and Phuentsholing have revealed gaping chasms, and something needs to be done about it with all due haste. Affordable housing units have been constructed by the National Housing Development Corporation (NHDC), but they are not enough, and most people face sky-high rents or poor living standards. Home ownership continues to be beyond the reach of most, and private rental is unregulated. A solid national housing policy to ensure affordable, decent housing as a right is necessary. Also, the free healthcare scheme, as much a foundation of national development as anything else, is under huge pressure because of increased non-communicable diseases. Improving medical infrastructure and pouring money into medical education are imperative steps towards an enduring healthcare system.
(“How do we expand our social security?” Kuensel Online, 10 February 2025. https://kuenselonline.com/how-do-we-expand-our-social-security/)

POLITICS
Bhutan Ranks 18th least corrupt country in the World
On 12 February, a report in Kuensel Online, referred to an improvement in Bhutan’s ranking from 26th to 18th in the list of the world’s least corrupt nations as per the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2024, with 72 points out of 100. The rise from position 26 in 2023 indicates the Bhutan’s progress against corruption, transparency, and accountability. Institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Royal Audit Authority are believed to have played a pivotal role. Dr Rinzin Rinzin, the executive director of Bhutan Transparency Initiative, termed the CPI score as historic and credited the achievement to the efforts of every individual throughout Bhutan. He also emphasised the need to give support to media and civil society organisations (CSOs) to maintain this progress. Bhutan’s anti-corruption measures are integrity vetting, lifestyle audits, intelligence-based investigations, and proactive research. (“Bhutan ranks 18th least corrupt country in the world”, Kuensel Online, 12 February 2025. https://kuenselonline.com/bhutan-ranks-18th-least-corrupt-country-in-the-world/)

Bhutan hosts Global Carbon Market meeting
On 12 February, an report in Kuensel Online mentioned Bhutan hosting the 15th Article 6.4 Supervisory Body Mechanism (SBM) session to move forward the implementation of the global carbon market under the Paris Agreement. The meeting comes after a historic completion of Article 6 rules at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan during 2024. Article 6 has its emphasis on carbon markets and offering mechanisms to allow countries and corporations to sell and buy emission cuts to keep additional carbon from reaching the atmosphere. The session has convened 24 SBM members, UNFCCC representatives, and stakeholders. The main mandate of the Supervisory Body is to ensure environmental integrity, transparency, and consistency with the Sustainable Development Goals. Lyonpo DN Dhungyel emphasized Bhutan’s vision of being carbon-negative and the need for equitable and transparent carbon markets. (“Bhutan hosts global carbon market meeting to advance Article 6 implementation,” Kuensel Online, 12 February 2025, https://kuenselonline.com/bhutan-hosts-global-carbon-market-meeting-to-advance-article-6-implementation/)

S&T
BuddhaBot Plus: AI for Buddhism
On 10 February, a report in Kuensel Online, mentioned that  monks and nuns of the Central Monastic Body in Bhutan will be able to use BuddhaBot Plus, an AI-powered chatbot that responds to questions from a Buddhist point of view in English. Developed using sophisticated deep-learning models, it produces high-quality responses based on data from ancient Buddhist scriptures. The project is a collaborative pilot project of the Central Monastic Body, Kyoto University, and Japan’s Teraverse Co Ltd. Initially coded in 2021, the initial version utilized a Japanese rendering of the Sutta Nipata. The English rendering was finalized in 2023. Around 200 monks will pilot-test the AI on an experimental basis, with a complete roll-out set for 2027. (Thinley Namgay, “BuddhaBot: AI for Buddhism” Kuensel Online, February 10 2025https://kuenselonline.com/buddhabot-ai-for-buddhism/)

BANGLADESH THIS WEEK
Violence & Destruction of 32 Dhanmondi, and the UN Report on 2024 Violence blaming Sheikh Hasina
Emma Rose Boby
Two major developments took place in Bangladesh this week. First was the widespread violence. 32 Dhanmondi was burnt down following violence by Jamaat-E-Islami supporters against the Awami League. Sheikh Hasina’s speech blamed Mohammed Yunus for his “meticulous plans” to kill her and her sister and calling for the unification of the student body of the Awami League to fight for justice. The government has launched Operation Devil Hunt following the violence. Second, a report by the OHCHR blamed Sheikh Hasina for the killings and violence during the July Uprisings. The report has come at a critical time after the recent violence and Sheikh Hasina’s speech. 

POLITICS
Operation Devil Hunt to combat the alleged uprising of the Awami League
On 9 February, the interim government launched ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ in response to the recurring violence occurring across Bangladesh, in order to “bring the criminals to justice.” It is also to combat “Awami facism” according to Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan. The Operation will last as long as needed, especially after ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for the unification of the student body of the Awami League, which may result in more violence and political instability. (Saif Hasnat, Anupreeta Das, “Fresh Wave of Violence as Bangladesh’s Ousted Ex-Leader Addresses Nation”, The New York Times, 10 February 2025,https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/world/asia/bangladesh-protest-students-sheikh-hasina.html) 

“Sheikh Hasina responsible for July killings”: UN report published by OHCHR
On 12 February, the OHCHR released a report titled “Human Rights Violations and Abuses related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh.” According to the report, Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League were responsible and blames Sheikh Hasina for ordering the killings during the July Uprisings. According to the OHCHR, these crimes could amount to ‘crimes against humanity’ and could be tried in the international court. (“UN accuses former Sheikh Hasina govt of possible ‘crimes against humanity’ in Bangladesh”, The Hindustan Times, 12 February 2025, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/un-accuses-former-sheikh-hasina-govt-of-possible-crimes-against-humanity-in-bangladesh-101739347341361.html)

MYANMAR THIS WEEK
Arakan Army-Military clashes at Sittwe, Rescue of Scam centre victims and a meeting India’s religious leader and Myanmar’s military
Vishnudev S

Three major developments took place in Myanmar this week. First, the fight between the Arakan Army and Myanmar’s military at Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state. Second, the resuce of 260 people from scam centres. Third, India’s religious guru Sri Sri Ravishankar;s meeting with with the military leader to discuss peace efforts.

POLITICS
2024 was Myanmar's Year of Conscription: Report
On 10 February, The Irrawaddy published a report of the conscription since the enactment of conscription law on 10 February 2024. The report says that a total of nine batches and 45000 people were conscripted. The report also says that approx. 15million Kyats were extorted from those who want to avoid conscription. It says that a total of 14million people are eligible, out of which 6.3million are male and 7.7million are female. The junta aims to recruit 50000 people annually. The report also includes exemptions from conscription, which include members of religious orders, married women, persons with disabilities, individuals exempted by the Conscription Board, and those deemed unfit for service by the Myanmar Military Medical Assessment Board. The law fixate that 3years punishment will be given to persons trying to evade conscription and 5year prison for faking the disability or sickness. (“Myanmar’s Forced Conscription in Numbers”, The Irrawaddy, 10 February 2025, https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/conflicts-in-numbers/myanmars-forced-conscription-in-numbers.html)

SECURITY
The Arakan Army and the junta exchange fire in Rakhine capital
On 10 February, The Irrawaddy reported on a clash between Arakan Army (AA) and the military in Rakhine State’s Sittwe Township since 7 February. Sittwe is the only town in northern Rakhine still controlled by the regime. The report mentions about the civilians who were forcibly taken by the junta from neighbouring townships to use as human shields. (“AA Shelling Signals Imminent Assault on Rakhine Capital as Myanmar Junta Digs In”, The Irrawaddy, 10 February 2025. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/aa-shelling-signals-imminent-assault-on-rakhine-capital-as-myanmar-junta-digs-in.html)

EXTERNAL RELATIONS
India’s religious leader Sri Sri Ravishankar meets the military leader
On 11 February, The Irrawaddy reported on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, “an Indian humanitarian and global peace envoy,” meeting with the military leader Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw on 9 February. According to the report, both discussed on peace efforts in crisis affected areas of Myanmar and the around the world. (Maung Kavi, “India’s ‘Guru Diplomacy’ Faces Skepticism in Myanmar”, The Irrawaddy, 11 February 2025. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/indias-guru-diplomacy-faces-skepticism-in-myanmar.html)

SOCIETY
Trump’s aid cut impacts the refugees
On 10 February, reports published in The Irrawaddy and Bangkok Post referred to impact of the aid cut by Presdient Trump for the refugees in Thai-Myanmar border. According to the reports there are one lakh refugees in the border and the aid cut would impact the health sector, which was previously funded by International Rescue Committee (IRC) budget. (“Trump Cuts Hit Thai Refugee Camps on Myanmar Border”, The Irrawaddy, 10 February 2025, https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/asia/trump-cuts-hit-thai-refugee-camps-on-myanmar-border.html)

Foreigners rescued from scam centres
On 13 February, BBC reported on the release of 250 people working in call-center scams in Karen State by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and being taken to Thailand. The rescued were from 20 different nationalities including Ethiopia, Kenya, Srilanka, Malaysia, China, India, etc. DKBA is long accused for allowing scam groups in its territory. According to the report, the development took place because of the pressure from Thailand and China to crackdown scam centres. (Jonathan Head, “Hundreds of foreigners freed from Myanmar's scam centres”, BBC, 13 February 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2d3w90x86po)

Thailand to repatriate 260 trafficking victims
On 14 February, the Associated Press reported on the Thai army plans to repatriate around 260 human trafficking victims rescued from online scam centres in Myanmar as part of a regional crackdown. The Thai army will question the victims and send them back to their origin countries. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that they will only receive victims who are ready to taken back right away to their origin countries and “Thailand is not going to set up another shelter”. (Jintamas Saksornchai, “260 foreigners rescued from virtual slavery in Myanmar’s online scam centers are being repatriated”, The Associated Press, 14 February 2025. https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-scam-centers-thailand-army-myawaddy-trafficking-853f556f08a2bacb3991589fc8ab3588)

SRI LANKA THIS WEEK
Power Outage, SJB-UNP Discussion, and Adani Withdrawal
Vani Vyshnavi
Three major developments took place during the week in Sri Lanka. First, the SJB and UNP discussions on a joint strategy for the local elections ahead. Second, India’s Adani Group walked out of a wind power project in Sri Lanka over a tariff issue, which is a blow to the renewable energy sector. Third, the week witnessed a major power outage, questioning the vulnerability of power sector infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

ENERGY
Nationwide power outage inflicts multi-billion rupee loss on Sri Lanka economy
On 10 February, Sri Lanka had a nationwide power outage lasting several hours, leading to economic disruptions.The blackout resulted in an automatic shutdown in the Norochcholai coal power plant, which is Sri Lanka’s main energy source for the nation. The outage has raised concerns about the vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s power infrastructure.  This Incident mirrors a similar kind of outage that happened in December 2023, which was connected to system failure, which also caused a substantial economic loss for the nation. ("Nationwide power outage In Sri Lanka due to a system failure – government official,”, Reuters, 9 December 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nationwide-power-outage-sri-lanka-due-system-failure-government-official-2023-12-09/)

POLITICS
SJB and UNP come together to discuss a joint strategy for the forthcoming local government elections
On 13 February, a local news source reported on the Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) approving a proposal to discuss a collaboration with the United National Party (UNP). Both SJB and UNP have been engaged in multiple rounds of discussions to explore an alliance for the upcoming local government elections. The talks primarily focused on collaboration strategies for the elections.  (“SJB Working Committee Approves Talks with UNP,” Lanka News Web, 17 January, 2025, https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/68459/sjb-working-committee-approves-talks-with-unp/? ) 

ECONOMY
Adani group exits Sri Lanka wind power project amid tariff dispute
On 13 February, the Indian Express reported on the Adani Green Energy withdrawing from two wind power projects, which are estimated to be valued at around 442 million dollars. According to the Indian Express report, Adani Green Energy informed Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment its decision to “respectfully withdraw” from the wind project. The decision comes after Sri Lanka’s decision to form fresh committees to “renegotiate the project proposal”.  (“Adani Group withdraws from Sri Lanka wind project amid mounting scrutiny,” The Indian Express, 13 February 2024, https://indianexpress.com/article/business/adani-group-sri-lanka-wind-project-scrutiny-9833918)

MALDIVES THIS WEEK
The MDP accusation of undermining the Supreme Court, and the Foreign Ministry’s support for Palestine
Suchitra Jakkala
Two major developments took place in the Maldives during the last week. First, the MDP - main opposition party’s concerns regarding the Supreme Courts and its influence by the ruling party. Second, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning Netanyahu and expressing Male’s support for Palestine.

POLITICS
The Maldivian Democratic Party accuses the government of attempting to influence the Supreme Court
On 9 February, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main opposition party of the Maldives, accused the government for attempting to influence the Supreme Court by removing some of its justices. A local news source, Rajje, referred to a MDP statement accusing the government of exerting influence on other judges through other means. (Zunana Zalif, “MDP condemns govt’s attempts to influence Supreme Court”, Raajje MV, 9 February 2025, https://raajje.mv/162978)

EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Maldives condemns Benjamin Netanyahu
On 9 February, according to a local news source – the Edition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement condemned Israeli PM Netanyahu’s statement for suggesting the establishment of a Palestinian state within Saudi territory. According to the statement, “Such remarks not only violate Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty but also represent a continued denial of the rights of the Palestinian people.” (Malika Shahid, “Maldives condemns Israeli PM’s remarks on Palestinian state, The Edition, 9 February 2025, https://edition.mv/news/39373)

PAKISTAN THIS WEEK
POLITICS
Third letter from Imran Khan to COAS underway, election report and dossier sent to IMF
On 12 February, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry claimed that a third open letter to Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir was underway. He disclosed that Khan would express his concerns about the system and even propose “structural reforms” to tackle the crises in Pakistan. According to sources quoted by Dawn, the letter will soon be published on social media. Furthermore, the previous letters have been entangled in controversy as the military claimed that it did not receive the first letter. However, its contents were revealed  on social media. With regard to the second letter, only its crux was highlighted on Khan’s X account. In a separate development National Assembly Opposition leader, Omar Ayub Khan submitted pictures of a dossier sent to the Chief Justice of Pakistan along with a report of the 2024 elections to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In the letter addressed to IMF’s economist Mahir Binici, Ayub Khan communicated Imran Khan’s reservations regarding the democratic functioning, governance and state of justice and free will in Pakistan.  (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI to continue letter-writing spree,” Dawn, 13 February 2025)

Senate clears bills to curb beggary and human trafficking
On 14 February, the Senate passed three bills linked to human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. The bills that were unanimously adopted are namely the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill, and the Emigration (Amendment) Bill. These reforms aim to enhance punishments for those involved in such illicit activities via which people are smuggled into Gulf states either for begging or prostitution. Hence, the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill amends the Trafficking in Persons Act 2018 in which beggary is also included under the list of offenses. The bill read: “The agents and gangs involved in this practice easily dodge prosecution as beggary is not a crime in any law entrusted to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The sensitivity of the issue demands the urgent need for making beggary a crime.” The Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill proposes increased punishment for those who harbor non-Pakistani residents without fulfilling due process to reside in Pakistan. Lastly, the Emigration (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the Emigration Ordinance under which the culprit escapes accountability through a minor fine. (“Senate passes three bills to check human smuggling, beggary,” The News International, 15 February 2025)

ECONOMY
International Finance Cooperation  to extend USD 20 billion to foster private investment
On 14 February, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Managing Director Makhtar Diop expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund and its successful implementation of economic reforms. His visit follows the World Bank’s announcement to lend USD 20 billion by the International Development Association and International Bank for Reconstruction & Development under the Country Partnership Framework to Pakistan. Additionally, the IFC also plans to advance USD 20 billion to foster private investment in Pakistan. Being the World Bank Group’s investment arm head, Diop held discussions with Prime Minister Sharif. The meeting was held to deliberate on the IFC’s ongoing and forthcoming portfolio in Pakistan. In this regard, Diop emphasized the importance of increasing investments within the private sector in order to improve infrastructure like transmission lines, airport services, roads, and so on to facilitate the private sector’s role in promoting exports. Diop also expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to create a favorable environment for private investment and even extended IFC’s support to the private sector in line with the government’s priorities. (“IFC lauds Pakistan’s successful economic reforms,” The News International, 15 February 2025;  “IFC to boost investment in Pakistan, unlocking $2b annually for infrastructure,” The Express Tribune, 15 February 2025)

SECURITY
Three Afghan terrorists neutralized in North Waziristan
On 10 February, security forces launched an operation to eliminate militants in North Waziristan. As per the sources of Dawn, security forces had information regarding the presence of close to 10 militants in the Tappi village. Some of the militants hailed from Afghanistan. In the operation, security forces managed to neutralize four of them. Three of the killed terrorists were Afghan nationals. Three other militants were wounded. Security forces have closed off the area and launched a “search operation.” On a separate note, a “joint operation” by police and security forces was launched in Karak. The operation resulted in the killing of five terrorists. As per a police officer, the militants killed belonged to proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. He also confirmed that the neutralized militants were indulged in incidents of “bank robberies, attack on polio teams and police and FC installation.” He further stated that the counter-terrorism department commandos and police team were searching for terrorists who had managed to escape. (“9 terrorists killed in Karak, North Waziristan,” Dawn, 11 February 2025) 

EXTERNAL
Pakistan slides two spots on Corruption Perception Index
On 11 February, according to a report released by Transparency International Berlin, Pakistan’s ranking on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has fallen by 2 points to 135 in 2024 from 133 in 2023. This ranking is out of a total of 180 countries. Pakistan’s score has also dropped from 29 in 2023 to 27 in the previous year. The countries are ranked on the basis of the perceived levels of corruption existing within the public sector on a scale of zero to 100, with the former signifying “highly corrupt” and the latter “highly clean.”Dawn reported that Pakistan’s score has ranged between 27 and 33 over the last ten years. Ever since the scale changed from 10 to 100, Pakistan’s score rose to 33 in 2018. Additionally, it is worth noting that Pakistan ranked second last of 54 countries in 1996 under the zero-10 scale. Drawing comparison with countries within the Asian region, Pakistan hasn’t experienced a significant drop, compared to Oman, China, Turkey and Mongolia. (Amin Ahmed, “Pakistan’s ranking on corruption perception index slides 2 spots: Transparency International,” Dawn, 11 February 2025)
 

Pakistan exhibits JF-17 Block-III jets at Exercise Spears of Victory-25 in Saudi Arabia
On 14 February, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) outlined Pakistan Airforce’s (PAF) participation in the Exercise Spears of Victory-25 which is hosted by Saudi Arabia. The international air exercise saw participation from various other countries such as Greece, France, UK, US, Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain. ISPR boasted about PAF’s JF-17 fighter jet's “long-range capabilities.” The JF-17 jets went on a “non-stop flight” from Pakistan to reach Saudi Arabia and then returned to Pakistan again. The jets were refueled in mid-air.  As per The Express Tribune, PAF’s JF-17 Block-III jets were appreciated for their capability to maneuver in combat conditions and exemplified their “technological strengths.” As per ISPR, PAF taking part in the exercise underlines its determination to be at the “forefront of aerial warfare.” (PAF showcases JF-17 fighter jet capabilities in Saudi Arabia exercise,” The Express Tribune, 15 February 2025)
 

About NIAS South Asia Brief and the authors

NIAS South Asia Brief is a new initiative led by the faculty and scholars of NIAS Online Course on Contemporary South Asia in collaboration with the Centre for South Asian Studies at Pondicherry University.

Astha Panda, Ditipriya Ghosh, Suchitra Jakkala and Vishnudev S are postgraduate students at Pondicherry University. Vani Vyshnavi is an undergraduate student at Christ University, Bengaluru. Emma Rose Boby is an undergraduate student at St Joseph's University, Bengaluru.

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