India-Australia Agree to Develop Defence MoU, Stress UNCLOS & Indo-Pacific Security Amid West Asia Crisis

India-UK Defence Consultative Group Reviews Industrial Roadmap, Maritime Security Cooperation

India and the UK held the 25th Defence Consultative Group meeting, reviewing defence industrial cooperation under the India-UK Vision 2035 and the 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap. The meeting focused on expanding joint exercises, capacity building, and maritime security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, including the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

India-Belgium Strengthen Defence & Fintech Ties, Agree to Double $13.01 Bn Bilateral Trade

India and Belgium agreed to expand defence ties including co-development and co-production, set up an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, and aim to double bilateral trade over five years. PM Modi hosted Belgian PM Bart De Wever in Delhi, a visit described as the first by a Belgian PM in two decades. Key data points — $13.01 bn trade, $4.2 bn FDI, and 7.8% GDP growth — make this relevant for prelims and mains IR/economy questions.

Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Pact: New Islamic Alliance Reshapes West Asia Security

Israel's war on Gaza and the subsequent conflict with Iran have triggered the formation of a new Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact. This trilateral alliance signals a major shift in West Asian geopolitics, challenging the US-led security order and creating new strategic dynamics for India, Iran, and Israel.

India Joins P4M Alliance, Seeks UN Security Council Seat 2028-29 as UN Authority Fades

India's growing global influence coincides with the UN's declining authority. The article analyses India's strategic dilemma: it must shape international rules while avoiding dependence on rival power blocs. Key development: India co-launched the Partners for Multilateralism (P4M) group with Brazil, Canada, Kenya, EU, Australia, Barbados to counter economic coercion and advance collective interests.

US-Iran Talks on Strait of Hormuz Reopening: Oman-Backed Interim Deal Near, India's Energy Security at Stake

US President Trump claims an interim deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, with Oman and Qatar mediating. Any disruption here directly impacts India's crude oil imports and global energy prices, making this a key IR and energy security topic for exams.

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.

India Engages US Congress on Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA) Over Energy Security

India is actively engaging the US Congress to address concerns over the newly enacted Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA), which could impose up to 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy. Given India's 88% dependence on crude imports and Russia supplying nearly half of that, the legislation poses a direct threat to India's energy security and bilateral trade relations.

India-China WMCC Talks Review LAC Situation, Stress Border Peace

India and China held diplomatic talks under the WMCC framework to review the situation along the LAC and discussed border management, boundary delimitation, and trans-border cooperation. Both sides stressed that peace in border areas is essential for overall bilateral relations. This is a follow-up to the Special Representatives talks and includes India's demand for early expert-level talks on trans-border rivers.