The Indian Navy submarine INS Vela completed a three-day visit to Sri Lanka this week, in a move that seems aimed at building closer ties between the two militaries.

Vivek Ramaswamy, an American entrepreneur and Republican politician of Tamil Brahmin heritage, has been appointed by US President-elect Donald Trump to co-head a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency.

^{Photograph: Gage Skidmore}

The United States has sanctioned India-based Shaurya Aeronautics Private Limited (Shaurya), part of a consortium with Russia’s Airports of Regions Management Company to oversee Sri Lanka’s Mattala Rajapaksa Airport.

 In a move that has raised concerns over government scrutiny of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Sri Lanka’s Central Bank has signed an agreement to expand the exchange of information on investigations and prosecutions involving money laundering, terrorist financing, and related activities connected to NGOs.

Hundreds of fishermen from Tamil Nadu staged a roadblock on the Pamban bridge in Rameshwaram, demanding the immediate release of 23 local fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy. This protest, amidst growing tensions, was coupled with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s written request to the Indian central government to intervene and curb the recurring arrests of Tamil fishermen.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the annual BRICS summit last month in the southwestern city of Kazan – a three-day gathering with leaders from 36 countries, as well as the UN Secretary General in attendance.