On September 13, 2023, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted a significant long-range strike drill in Greece in preparation for a potential attack on Iran and its nuclear facilities. This drill was the most recent in a series of such exercises. The two-day long joint exercise between the Israeli military and the Hellenic Air Force of Greece involved low-altitude and long-distance flights, aerial refueling, as well as the use of live ammunition, according to the Israeli military. During the drill, the Israel Defense Forces claimed that dozens of fighter airplanes, spy planes, and refueling aircraft flew thousands of kilometers between Israel and Greece. According to the Times of Israeli, the drill had two main objectives. The first one was cooperation with Greece that includes learning from one another whereas, improving IAF readiness was the second goal, while coping with extremely complex challenges such as long-distance flights, weather difficulties, and a lack of intelligence.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated, “The exercise is one of a series of exercises and models carried out by the IAF in the past year. Their purpose is to improve operational and mental competence for long-range flights, refueling, attacks in the depth of enemy territory, and achieving air superiority.” The recent combined drill between Greece and Israel are evidence of the two nations’ expanding collaboration. This collaboration extends beyond joint exercises, Israel handed two M-346 advanced training aircraft to Greece in May, and Greece has contracted Elbit Systems of Israel to give virtual avionics for the M-346 aircraft as well as to establish an International Flight Training Center at 120 TW Kalamata in Greece. Earlier, in September 2023, the leaders of Cyprus and Greece met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss trilateral relations. This is yet another indication of how closely the three nations are working together. Israel, Greece, and Cyprus are working with an aim to cooperate in areas such as energy, military, economics, and academia and to improve the security in the region. In addition, the IDF is reportedly planning to conduct a series of significant joint military exercises with the United States in the upcoming months, as a message to Iran. Israel and Iran are bitter enemies and share hostile relations, both countries are locked in a threatening standoff and the situation is expected to deteriorate between them.

There are strong political and economic links between China and the South-American country Venezuela. In 1974, the two nations established diplomatic ties, and since then, their relationship has progressively improved. China is Venezuela’s largest creditor, lending the nation billions of dollars in return for oil exports. However, the United States sanctions imposed on Venezuela have had a substantial impact on the country’s economy and made it harder to export oil. But stills, China has made significant investments in Venezuela’s infrastructure, energy, and agriculture to help the country. On September 12, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro met and held bilateral talks. The Chinese President praised the relationship between the two countries and said, “China steadfastly supports Venezuela’s efforts to safeguard sovereignty, national dignity, and social stability.” During the meeting the two leaders has decided to upgrade their relations, and highlighted that China-Venezuela are good friends with mutual trust. Xi Jinping said, with Venezuela, China would elevate the ties to “all-weather strategic partnership,” a title only given to few of China’s diplomatic allies.

On behalf of the Chinese foreign ministry, Mao Ning, has also praised relations with Venezuela as “rock solid” and referred two countries as comprehensive strategic partners. The President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, throughout his time in power, has developed relationships with China and was able to secure loans, cash, and investments for his nation. Before his meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, a week earlier, he said on social media that his visit is intended to “strengthen cooperation and the construction of a new world order.” During his visit, Maduro stated that Venezuela is determined to work closely with China within frameworks like the United Nations and the BRICS. Therefore, Venezuela is actively courting membership in the BRICS, a group of significant emerging economies that recently supported expansion and welcomed new members. In order to improve the infrastructure for international trade, Venezuela ensured its supports for China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Following their discussions, the two leaders also signed several bilateral cooperation agreements spanning the fields of economy and trade, education, tourism, science and technology, health, civil aviation, and aerospace. China has welcomed Venezuela as it is the first nation from Latin America to join the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which is led by China. The two countries are committed to work together and the relationship between the two nations will continue to improve in the years to come due to mutual interests.

Introduction

The requirement of maritime surveillance is in more limelight and crucial than ever before, with the center of gravity of conflict veering towards the waters and oceans. Australia has the third-largest marine jurisdiction in the world, with an 8.2 million square kilometers exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This area has significant economic and conservation value because it is home to oil and gas fields, fisheries, and shipping channels. Australia is situated close to important maritime powers like China, India, and Indonesia and is surrounded by some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. For the purpose of extensive maritime interests and preventing foreign attacks and keeping track of local ship and aircraft movements, maritime surveillance is important.

Significance of Maritime Surveillance for Australia

The Australian government’s investment in maritime surveillance is a reflection of the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region. The Australian government’s investment in maritime surveillance is also a signal of its commitment to working with its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia is a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) commonly known as Quad, including four countries i.e. Australia, India, Japan, and the United States that are committed to cooperating on security issues in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad has been working to strengthen maritime cooperation in the region, therefore, the Australian government’s investment in maritime surveillance will complement these efforts. A well-protected maritime domain is not only essential for Australia’s trade and commerce but also for deterring foreign aggression and responding to maritime emergencies.

Australia to boost Maritime Surveillance Fleet

The Australian government’s decision to buy a new drone and upgrade existing patrol and response aircraft in a 1.5 billion Australian dollars ($965 M) deal is a significant investment in its maritime surveillance capabilities. The new drone, a MQ-4C Triton, is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can fly for up to 24 hours at a time. It is equipped with a powerful radar system that can detect and track ships and aircraft over large areas of ocean. The Triton will be based in Australia’s Northern Territory, which is closer to Asia and the Pacific Islands than the country’s southern coastline. The upgrades to the existing patrol and response aircraft, which include 14 P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, will focus on improving their anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and intelligence collection capabilities which is anticipated to be completed by 2030. To conclude, the new investment and upgraded maritime surveillance will give Australia the ability to better monitor and protect its maritime interests which is also important for both economic and security reasons.

UN Secretary General António Guterres sent a new proposal to Russia on August 31, 2023, in an attempt to revive the Black Sea grain deal. The deal, which was brokered by the UN and Turkey in July 2022, allowed Ukraine to export grain from its Black Sea ports despite the ongoing Russian invasion. However, the deal collapsed in July 2023 after Russia accused Ukraine of not fulfilling its commitments. Guterres’ new proposal includes a number of changes to the original deal, including the creation of a UN-led monitoring mechanism to oversee the safe passage of grain ships through the Black Sea. A “green corridor” will be established for ships carrying grain, as well as the lifting of sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian food and fertilizer exports. The Secretary General has said that he is hopeful that Russia will accept his new proposal. He added, “We have some concrete solutions, allowing for more effective access of Russian food and fertilizers to global markets at adequate prices. I believe that, working seriously, we can have a positive solution for everybody.”

However, it is unclear whether Russia will be willing to do so. Russia has previously accused the West of imposing sanctions that have made it difficult for it to export food and fertilizer. The Black Sea grain deal is important because it could help to alleviate the global food crisis that has been caused by the war in Ukraine. Ukraine is a major exporter of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil, and the war has disrupted its exports. This has led to a sharp increase in food prices, which has put a strain on food security in many countries. Although Western sanctions implemented after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine do not apply to Russian exports of food and fertilizer, Moscow claims that restrictions on payments, logistics, and insurance have hampered shipments. If the Black Sea grain deal can be revived, it would help to get grain out of Ukraine and onto the global market. This would help to lower food prices and ease the global food crisis.

Russia has stated that it would consider reviving the Black Sea Agreement if requests to enhance its own exports of grain and fertilizer were met. Reconnecting the Russian Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT global payments network is one of Moscow’s top requests. It was cut off by the EU in June 2022. It is still too early to say whether the new proposal will be successful. However, it is a positive step in the right direction to find a solution that will allow grain to flow out of Ukraine and help to avert a global food crisis.

The leaders of the BRICS countries met in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 22-24, 2023 to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and expand membership. The BRICS countries are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. They account for 40% of the world’s population and 25% of the global economy. The summit was hosted by South Africa, which is the current chair of BRICS. The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, said that the summit was an opportunity to “strengthen our cooperation and partnership and to address the challenges facing the world today.” The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, called for strengthening BRICS cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, finance, and technology. He also said that BRICS should play a more active role in global governance. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, also called for strengthening BRICS cooperation. He said that BRICS countries should “work together to build a more just and equitable world order.” The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said that India is committed to expanding BRICS membership. He said that BRICS should be open to all countries that share its values and goals. The Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, also expressed support for expanding BRICS membership. He said that BRICS should be a “forum for all countries that want to work together for a better future.”

The BRICS summit ended with a joint statement in which the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in a number of areas, including trade, investment, finance, and technology. They also agreed to work together to address global challenges such as climate change and poverty. In addition, the BRICS organization of developing countries, which is expanding for the first time in more than ten years, has extended an invitation to oil powers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. While concluding the group’s annual conference in Johannesburg, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Argentina will all join the following year. All the invited nations had already expressed a desire to take part. The BRICS summit highlighted the growing importance of the BRICS countries in the global economy. The leaders of the BRICS countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in a number of areas and to work together to address global challenges. The BRICS countries are poised to play an increasingly important role in global governance in the years to come.

The leaders of the United States, Japan, and South Korea held a summit at Camp David on August 18-19, 2023, to discuss ways to strengthen their trilateral alliance and cooperation on a range of issues, including the North Korean nuclear threat, China’s growing military power, and economic security. The summit resulted in a joint statement in which the three leaders agreed to deepen security cooperation, including through joint military exercises and intelligence sharing. The three countries will coordinate efforts to deter and counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. The US, Japan and Korea will work together to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region as well as to strengthen economic cooperation, through the creation of a new trilateral supply chain resilience initiative. The summit was seen as a major step forward in strengthening the trilateral alliance between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. It also sent a strong message to North Korea and China that three countries are united in their commitment to peace and stability in the region.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

• The three leaders agreed to hold annual trilateral summit and to establish a new trilateral security dialogue.
• They also agreed to work together to develop new technologies, hold military trainings and share information on North Korean missile launches.
• The summit also addressed the issue of economic security, with the leaders agreeing to work together to strengthen trade.

The US-Japan-South Korea summit was a major step forward in strengthening the trilateral alliance between the three countries. It also sent a strong message to North Korea and China that the United States, Japan, and South Korea are united in their commitment to peace and stability in the region. The summit was also seen as a way to boost the new Yoon administration in South Korea. Yoon, who took office on May 10, 2023, has made strengthening the US-South Korea alliance a top priority. The summit was an opportunity for Yoon to meet with Biden and Kishida and to discuss ways to further strengthen the alliance.

To conclude, the North Korean nuclear threat remained a major focus of the summit. The three leaders condemned North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and reiterated their commitment to work together to deter and counter them. They also called on North Korea to return to dialogue and to denuclearize. Moreover, the three leaders also discussed the growing military power of China and expressed concern about China’s presence and growing influence in the East and South China Seas.

In order to maintain regional security and address global challenges, India and France have a long-standing defense partnership. They have entered into a number of defense agreements over the years, strengthening their strategic alliance and promoting regional stability.

Recently on 15 July 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that defense ties are the basic pillar of India’s bilateral relationship with France, the two countries agreed on the construction of three additional submarines and the co-development of fighter jet engines. However, both sides remained silent on the sale of additional 26 Rafale-M fighter jet planes

The Rafale fighter jet deal is among the most notable agreements between the two countries. The agreement to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation in France, signed in 2016, marked a significant turning point in Indo-French defense cooperation. For India to modernize its air force and improve its defense capacity, this deal was essential.

The 2006 Scorpene submarine deal, in which France’s Naval Group (formerly DCNS) agreed to build six Scorpene class submarines in India, was another historic agreement. The agreement placed a strong emphasis on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing, supporting India’s “Make in India” initiative. These agreements are a part of a larger trend that shows increased cooperation. France has emerged as one of India’s most dependable allies in Europe, with collaborations in a variety of fields, such as civil nuclear energy, space exploration, and defense.

Given this background, the size and scope of a new defense agreement between the two nations could potentially have significant effects.

First off, a new agreement would probably strengthen the strategic alliance between France and India. Increased defense cooperation would highlight their shared vision for regional and global security as both countries agree on the significance of a multipolar world and freedom of navigation in international waters.

The second benefit is that it might greatly improve India’s defense capabilities. Depending on how the agreement is structured whether it calls for the purchase of more sophisticated equipment, the transfer of technology, or joint development and production it could aid in the modernization of India’s armed forces and the expansion of its defense industry.

Third, the agreement might have broader geopolitical repercussions. Stronger ties with France could support India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region as it seeks to counteract China’s rise and maintain its strategic independence. Stronger defense ties with India could increase France’s role and influence in the Indo-Pacific, where it has territories and strategic interests.

Fourth, a new defense agreement might open the door to more cooperation in fields like space, cybersecurity, and civil nuclear energy. Defense cooperation frequently sparks wider strategic and technological cooperation, fostering a more profound and all-encompassing bilateral relationship.

It’s important to be aware of any potential difficulties. Any defense deal must be handled carefully to prevent inciting regional unrest. Additionally, a focus on transparency would be necessary to allay any domestic worries about the agreement’s costs and advantages in both countries.

In conclusion, a new Indo-French defense agreement would build on a solid foundation of defense cooperation, but it could have far-reaching effects. The two countries’ strategic alliance would probably be strengthened, India’s defense capabilities would be improved, the Indo-Pacific region’s geopolitical dynamics would change, and more cooperation in other strategic areas might result. Both countries will have to carefully navigate the agreement, balancing domestic issues with regional sensitivities, while concentrating on their shared interests and vision for regional security and global stability.

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development was held in New York from 10-19 July, 2023. The forum was the first major meeting of world leaders on sustainable development since the COVID-19 pandemic began. For the HLPF, “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels” was the main theme this year. Goals 6 on clean water and sanitation, Goals 7 on affordable, clean energy, Goals 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, Goals 11 on sustainable cities and communities, and Goals 17 on partnerships for the Goals were all thoroughly reviewed. It served as a pre-summit for the SDG Summit, which will take place in September 2023.

The HLPF 2023 was an important opportunity for the world leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development. The forum highlighted the need for accelerated action, strong partnerships, and a focus on addressing the root causes of inequality. Additionally, the HLPF called for urgent action to protect the environment and mitigate climate change. The event brought together participants to engage in a wide range of discussions, dialogues, and reviews. These discussions included high-level panels, interactive dialogues, and Voluntary National Reviews, with 38 countries providing data on their progress towards achieving the SDGs. Notably, the European Union (EU) presented its review for the first time at the HLPF. The highlight of the HLPF was the recognition that achieving the SDGs requires a collective effort involving governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals. It is crucial to foster partnerships among different stakeholders and mobilize resources to accelerate progress towards the goals. The private sector has a particularly important role to play in driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth through responsible business practices and investments.

All the participants acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has set back progress on the SDGs, and many countries are now facing even greater challenges in achieving them. There is a need for urgent action to accelerate progress on the SDGs, and the HLPF called on all countries to enhance their efforts. The SDGs cannot be achieved by governments alone. There is a need for strong partnerships between governments, businesses, civil society, and other stakeholders. The HLPF called on all stakeholders to work together to achieve the SDGs. Moreover, inequality is a major obstacle to sustainable development. The HLPF called on countries to address the root causes of inequality, such as discrimination, poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare. It is a fact that the climate change and other environmental challenges are major threats to sustainable development. Therefore, the HLPF called on countries to take urgent action to protect the environment and mitigate climate related issues and challenges. In conclusion, by encouraging multi-stakeholder collaborations and mobilizing resources to speed up progress toward the SDGs, the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) will play a critical role in accelerating sustainable development.

Algeria and China signed 19 cooperation agreements on July 19, 2023, during Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s official visit to China. It is being reported that China will invest $36 Billion in view of the agreements that cover a wide range of areas, including energy, technology, infrastructure, trade, and investment. A number of MoUs were signed between the two countries, such as joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, the cooperation in the field of energy, including the development of oil and gas fields, the construction of power plants, and the promotion of renewable energy. Moreover, an agreement on the cooperation in the field of technology, including the development of telecommunications, the production of electronic products, and the promotion of scientific research were also signed to promote bilateral trade. The signing of these agreements is a significant step in the deepening of the strategic partnership between Algeria and China.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said in a statement that the agreements were in sectors including aerospace, agriculture, energy, railway transportation, science and technology. There were also agreements in education and sports, as well as telecommunications, sustainable urban development, trade, and inspection and quarantine. The agreements will help to boost trade and investment between the two countries, and they will also help to promote cooperation in a wide range of areas. The signing of the agreements was welcomed by both sides. Algerian President Tebboune said, “The projects and agreements concluded with the Chinese side are huge and mutually beneficial to both countries.” He added, “Algeria seeks to bring economic relations with Beijing to the level of good historical political relations and that his visit opened “all horizons of investment between the two countries.” On the other side, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the agreements would “deepen the friendship between the two countries and promote their common development.” Algeria and China have been allies for a very long time, and Algerian imports from China have increased significantly in recent years, going from $400 million in 2003 to $8 billion in 2022.

Due to its location in the Mediterranean Sea, the North African country is strategically significant to China. Both Algeria and China are committed to safeguard each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The signing of the agreements is a major step forward for both countries to advance their comprehensive strategic relationship and support mutual interests.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe in July 2023, marking the first visit by an Iranian president to Africa in over a decade. In 2013, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was the last leader of Iran who visited Africa. The recent trip is being considered as an Iran’s attempt to broaden its economic relationships in the face of severe U.S. sanctions. Iran’s Foreign ministry has said in a statement, “Iran’s trade with African countries will increase to more than $2 billion this year.” During his visit, Raisi signed a number of agreements with the three countries. Iran signed a total of five memorandums with East Africa’s economic powerhouse, Kenya, for information technology, fisheries, animal products, and investment promotion. As per Kenya’s foreign ministry, “Iran’s President trip to Kenya will provide the two countries an opportunity to review and re-energize their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.” Furthermore, Iran and Zimbabwe have signed 12 agreements in areas of research, science and technology initiatives as well as in the fields of energy, agriculture, medicines, and telecommunications.

The visit by Raisi to Africa was a significant event, and it is likely to have a lasting impact on relations between the two sides. It remains to be seen how these relations will develop in the years to come, but the potential for closer cooperation is certainly there. Iran is increasing its diplomatic outreach to developing countries, in order to bolster support with friends who were also subject to US sanctions, Raisi travelled to three Latin American countries in June 2023. The latest agreements signed during Raisi’s visit to Africa are being contemplated as a step towards strengthening relations between Iran and Africa. However, it remains to be seen how much these agreements will actually translate into increased trade and investment. The future of relations between Iran and Africa will likely depend on a number of factors, including the outcome of the ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. If the negotiations are successful and the sanctions are lifted, Iran will be able to more easily trade with African countries. However, even if the sanctions are not lifted, Iran is likely to continue to seek closer ties with Africa as a way to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on the West.