India and Singapore signed an MoU in the sphere of law and dispute resolution on Thursday during a virtual meeting of their law ministers. Under the agreement, both sides will cooperate in the areas of international commercial dispute resolution, promote robust alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and establish a Joint Consultative Committee to oversee the deal’s implementation.
Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik visited India from 12 to 13 March and met with his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, to discuss regional and global issues. The two diplomats discussed bilateral cooperation in trade, economy, insurance, defence, education, IT, and science and technology. Aleinik also met Indian Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Sri Lanka's State Defence Minister denied a US Intelligence report about a potential Chinese military base in the country. The report claimed that China was attempting to establish a base in Sri Lanka in a bid to bolster its power projection capabilities and safeguard national interests. The minister called the report “inaccurate” and said that Colombo has not engaged in any discussions with Beijing or any other foreign government regarding the establishment of a base within its borders.
Police in the Philippines raided an online scam centre on Thursday, rescuing hundreds of people who were forced to work there. The raid followed a tip from a Vietnamese man who had escaped the compound near Manila. Authorities discovered a human trafficking operation where victims were coerced into conducting online scams. Gilberto Cruz, executive director of the crime task force leading the raid, stated that the rescued workers disclosed engagement in love scams, romance scams, cryptocurrency scams, and other fraudulent activities. Additionally, the victims had their passports confiscated, preventing them from leaving.
The US aims to open an embassy in Vanuatu soon and is seeking approval from Kiribati's parliament for a diplomatic mission. The move comes amidst Washington’s efforts to expand its diplomatic footprint in the Pacific region, aiming to counter China’s increasing influence, its primary strategic competitor.
Peruvian Economy Minister Jose Arista stated Thursday that Brazil is exploring the option of exporting soy, corn, and other products through Peru’s Chancay port, which is controlled by China. Such a move would enable Brazilian exporters to transport goods via truck to the Peruvian port for shipment to Asia via the Pacific Ocean, significantly reducing transit time by approximately two weeks. The port also provides an alternative to the Panama Canal, where shipping has been hit by logjams and delays.