Japan's Cabinet Approves New Guideline to Lift Ban on Lethal Arms Exports (April 2026), Allowing Fighter Jets and Missiles Sales

India Raises Concerns on US SRIA Law Allowing 100% Tariff on Russian Oil Buyers

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed India's concerns over the newly signed US 'Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act' (SRIA), which authorizes up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India. India reiterated its commitment to protect its economic interests and ensure energy security.

Japan's F-2A Fighter Deploys to India for Veer Guardian 2026; Boosts Interoperability and Indo-Pacific Vision

India and Japan conducted the second edition of bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian at Jodhpur AFS, with Japan deploying its Mitsubishi F-2A fighter for the first time on Indian soil. The exercise underscores growing interoperability between IAF and JASDF amidst shared concerns over China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Key agreements like ACSA and co-development of UNICORN stealth antenna are deepening bilateral defence ties.

US-Iran Tensions: Trump Offers Talks, Oil Prices Slide $4/bbl, OPEC+ Approves 188,000 bpd Production Increase

US President Trump announces talks with Iran, calling off planned strikes, leading to a sharp drop in oil prices. Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war status, while OPEC+ approves a production increase of 188,000 bpd from September amid ongoing supply disruptions.

Japan Labels China 'Greatest Strategic Challenge' in Defence White Paper; China Lodges Protest

Japan's 2026 defence white paper labels China its 'greatest strategic challenge', escalating bilateral tensions. China has lodged a serious diplomatic protest over the paper's comments on Taiwan and the East China Sea. This development is critical for UPSC IR/Security segments, highlighting the shifting security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and the Japan-US alliance's role.

Putin Visits Disputed Kuril Islands; Japan Protests Over Northern Territories Claim

Russian President Putin's first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands since 2010 has triggered a sharp diplomatic protest from Japan, which claims the southern islands as its 'Northern Territories.' The visit underscores the unresolved territorial dispute stemming from WWII and delays a formal peace treaty between the two nations.

North Korea Launches 10 Ballistic Missiles; Seoul Estimates 80–120 Warheads vs Trump’s 57

North Korea launched 10 short-range ballistic missiles on August 20, 2026, escalating tensions just as US President Trump seeks to revive diplomacy with Kim Jong Un. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Defence Ministry estimates the North’s nuclear arsenal at 80–120 warheads—more than double Trump’s claim of 57—highlighting a major intelligence gap with strategic implications for regional stability and non-proliferation.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Warns of 'Economic D-Day' on Iran; Iran Threatens to Block Gulf Oil Exports

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced an 'economic D-Day' — the largest financial offensive against Iran — targeting trade partners. Iran retaliates by threatening to shut down all oil exports from the Persian Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply. This escalation has major implications for India's energy security and global oil prices, making it a high-priority topic for IR and Economy sections.

Houthi Capture of Perim Island Threatens Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Saudi Oil Exports via Red Sea

Houthi forces, backed by Iran, have captured Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, especially after the Strait of Hormuz disruption. This move threatens Saudi Arabia's alternative Red Sea export route and could spike oil prices. Saudi airstrikes have retaliated, escalating the Yemen conflict.