US Submarine Sinks Iranian Frigate IRIS Dena in Sri Lanka's EEZ, 87 Casualties Under UNCLOS & Law of Armed Conflict

India-Sri Lanka Update FTA, Sign Social Security Pact; $450 Mn Cyclone Aid Package

India and Sri Lanka are deepening ties through a $450 million cyclone reconstruction package, updated FTA negotiations, and a Social Security Agreement. The visit also stressed provincial elections in Sri Lanka and security assurances, making it crucial for India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and regional stability.

Pakistan Army Chief Visits Iran: Talks on Reopening Strait of Hormuz, De-escalation of US-Iran Conflict

Pakistan's Army Chief visited Iran to discuss reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and de-escalating the US-Iran conflict. The strait, through which a fifth of global oil passed before the conflict began, remains choked. This visit is part of Pakistan's broader mediation efforts, having previously acted as a guarantor for an interim peace agreement that has since derailed.

US-Saudi Civil Nuclear Pact Submitted to Congress for 90-Day Review Under Atomic Energy Act

The US has submitted a civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress for a mandatory 90-day review under the Atomic Energy Act. The deal is tied to Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel via the Abraham Accords, but faces hurdles due to Saudi demands for Palestinian statehood and Israeli opposition. This has implications for nuclear non-proliferation and Middle East geopolitics.

US Sanctions 4 Indian Firms Under 'Operation Economic Outcast' for Iran Oil Imports Worth $119 Mn

The US has sanctioned four India-based companies for facilitating Iranian petroleum imports under a new campaign 'Operation Economic Outcast'. This move broadens secondary sanctions risk, directly impacting India's energy trade and testing its diplomatic balancing act between Washington and Tehran.

BRICS New Delhi Declaration Flags Nuclear Safety; Bloc Expands to 10 Members Under India's Chair

BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 2026 summit hosted by India, expressing serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards and the growing risks of nuclear conflict. The declaration also highlights BRICS expansion (10 members, 10 partner countries) and reaffirms support for nuclear-weapon-free zones. For UPSC aspirants, this is a key data point on India's diplomatic leadership, nuclear disarmament discourse, and the evolving BRICS architecture.

UN Mission: US Committed War Crimes in Iran Under Geneva Conventions

A UN fact-finding mission has reported reasonable grounds that the US committed war crimes in Iran by attacking civilian sites, invoking the Geneva Conventions. This is a significant international legal development with major implications for international humanitarian law (IHL) and the accountability of powerful nations.

U.S. Establishes Two New Military Bases in Greenland Under 2026 Security Deal to Counter Russia, China

The U.S., Denmark, and Greenland signed a landmark security deal on September 22, 2026, at the UN General Assembly. The agreement allows the U.S. to establish two new military bases in Greenland (Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig), expand its Arctic presence, and counter growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region. While respecting Danish sovereignty and Greenland's self-determination, the deal grants the U.S. indefinite access to military facilities and influence over Greenland's rare earth resources.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Sign Trilateral Defence Pact in Jeddah Amid Iran Conflict

Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have signed a trilateral defence agreement in Jeddah, creating a new Sunni-majority security axis as the Iran conflict reshapes Middle East alliances. The pact, signed by Erdogan, Sharif, and MBS, comes amid Gulf security vulnerabilities and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. India will closely watch this development given Turkey's growing defence ties with Pakistan.