Topic
International Relations
Latest UPSC current affairs on International Relations for Prelims and Mains.
Malacca-Singapore Model for Resolving Hormuz Crisis
Malacca-Singapore example proves that littoral nations can strike a balance between their territorial sovereignty and free flow of navigation through cooperation, transit passage, and use of common maritime facilities. It is hard to apply the same logic for the Hormuz Strait due to Iran’s security considerations, non-ratification of UNCLOS and rivalry.
SLINEX-26: India-Sri Lanka Maritime Exercise 2026
The India-Sri Lanka bilateral exercise SLINEX-26, which will be the 13th such exercise between the two countries, takes place in Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026, involving INS Kavaratti, INS Jyoti, and SLNS Sindurala.
Modi Flags Weaponisation of Technology and Critical Minerals
PM Modi encouraged BRICS to guard against the militarisation of technologies and rare metals and to concentrate on tangible achievements. These include joint health care and disaster warning systems, logistics resilience, startups and MSME collaboration, digital agriculture, smart grids, and energy storage. BRICS needs to consider geopolitical competition, technology imbalance, supply chain reliance, cyber security, and the execution gap.
India Builds Economic Bridges Amid Global Trade Barriers
PM Modi at BRICS Business Forum emphasises India building "economic bridges" amid rising trade barriers and maritime disruptions. Focus: freedom of navigation, FTAs, local currency trade, and BRICS cooperation in MSMEs, start-ups, and critical technologies.
INS Mysore Joins Exercise Samudra Laksamana 2026
INS Mysore participates in Exercise Samudra Laksamana at Lumut, Malaysia—the 4th India-Malaysia bilateral naval exercise. It strengthens maritime interoperability near the Strait of Malacca and supports Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific outreach.
India–Japan Defence Cooperation Breaks New Ground
Indian-Japanese defence cooperation moves ahead with August 2026 ministerial visit, with emphasis on MDA, joint shipbuilding, UNICORN technology, and advanced drills. Partnership goes from convergence to capability. Obstacles: implementation gap, technology transfer, and interoperability.
India-Japan Sign Maritime Security Pact to Boost Defence Cooperation
India and Japan signed the Maritime Security MOA to boost defence cooperation via enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness, information sharing, joint exercises, logistics, ship maintenance, Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR), and defence technology cooperation (UNICORN). This agreement will help in promoting FOIP, securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), and using Japan’s technology with India’s ship-building capabilities under Make in India.
Palestine Backs India’s Bid for UN Security Council Seat
Palestinian backing of India’s campaign to become a member of the UNSC for 2028-29 is going to bolster India’s diplomatic standing and is reflective of increasing cooperation between the countries. India’s foreign policy follows a de-hyphenation approach wherein strategic relations are maintained with Israel even though India backs Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution approach.
India is losing West Asia, but it is not too late
India is in the middle of an evolving security environment of West Asia, which is fraught with problems concerning Iran, Israel, and the Gulf countries and Pakistan. As West Asia is an area of utmost importance due to its energy resources, trade, diaspora, and maritime interests of India, the country needs to adopt proactive multi-alignment and strategic autonomy and build stronger maritime security.
India Names 27 Places in Arunachal Pradesh on Official Map
The official nomenclature of 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh by India strengthens its sovereignty and negates the attempts by China to rename them. The step reflects the significance of map-making in international politics. It also emphasises the significance of good maps, border infrastructure, strategic preparation, diplomacy, and efforts for an acceptable India-China border settlement.
Quad Manila 2026: Foreign Ministers Back ASEAN Centrality
The Quad foreign ministers met in Manila on 22 July 2026 on the sidelines of ASEAN-related meetings and issued a joint press release reaffirming a free and open Indo-Pacific and 'unwavering support' for ASEAN unity and centrality. Complete UPSC analysis of the outcomes, the summit question and India's Indo-Pacific strategy.