India Roundup: Energy milestone, anti-piracy operation, political unrest

Energy milestone

Coal and lignite production in India reached a billion-tonne mark on March 22, a 7% increase from the previous fiscal year. The move is attributed to the Modi government's reforms since 2014. The government is pushing domestic output to reduce imports and aims to be self-sufficient by March 2025. The achievement is expected to benefit power consumers as coal-fired plants supply over 70% of the national grid, Times of India reports.

Anti-piracy operation

India brought 35 accused Somali pirates to Mumbai following the recapture of a hijacked bulk carrier. The pirates are expected to face trial in India and could potentially face the death penalty. According to reports, the operation also led to the rescue of 17 crew members. India's navy has increased anti-piracy efforts in response to a surge in maritime assaults.

Political unrest

Hundreds of protesters in India's capital, New Delhi, demanded the immediate release of Arvind Kejriwal, a top rival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the country prepares for a national election. Kejriwal was arrested by the federal Enforcement Directorate, accusing his party and ministers of accepting 1 billion rupees ($12 million) in bribes from liquor contractors two years ago. His Aam Aadmi Party denied the accusations and said Kejriwal would remain Delhi's chief minister, AP news reported.

Bilateral ties with Bhutan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated on March 23 a hospital for women and children in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, during a two-day visit. The hospital, built with Indian assistance, will double India's assistance for Bhutan's five-year plan. The hospital, which has state-of-the-art facilities for paediatrics, gynaecology, obstetrics, anesthesiology, operation theatre, neonatal intensive care, and pediatric intensive care, will add value to the quality of mother and child health services in Bhutan, Hindustan Times reported. “Inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital, which stands as a beacon of hope for several families, offering quality healthcare. This facility embodies a commitment to nurturing a healthy future generation,” Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Navy's commitment to security

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar stated that no Indian-flagged vessel has been targeted by the Houthis. The Navy has been actively engaged in anti-piracy, anti-missile, and anti-drone operations, emphasizing its mission to maintain a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean Region, according to NDTV. The Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022, has empowered the Navy to take affirmative action to protect Indian nationals and vessels, as evidenced by the recent apprehension of 35 pirates off the coast of Somalia.