Global Terrorism Index 2026: Pakistan Ranks 1st, India Improves to 13th; Sahel Accounts for 50% of Deaths

SCO Bishkek Declaration 2026: India Achieves Objectives on Terrorism, Connectivity, and Central Asia Ties

The SCO Bishkek Declaration (2026) condemns cross-border terrorism and attacks on Iran. India used the platform to reiterate its stance on state-sponsored terrorism and push connectivity via INSTC and Chabahar. The summit highlights India's strategic autonomy and the challenge of converting soft power in Central Asia into tangible economic and connectivity gains.

18th BRICS Summit: India Balances Ties with Russia, China Amid Global Fragmentation

The 18th BRICS Summit highlights India's diplomatic strategy of maintaining strategic autonomy by engaging with all major powers, including Russia and China, even as border tensions with China persist and global fragmentation deepens due to wars and trade weaponisation. Key takeaways for exams: BRICS expansion, India-Russia bilateral talks on trade/energy, and the Modi-Xi meeting as a test of managing competition while keeping dialogue alive.

18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi: India Forges Consensus on Multipolar Global Order Amid West Asia Crisis

The 18th BRICS Summit (Sept 12-13, 2026, New Delhi) demonstrated India's ability to forge consensus among 11 member nations including rival UAE and Iran. The Delhi Declaration reaffirmed commitment to a multipolar global order. For UPSC aspirants, this article highlights India's strategic autonomy amidst US-China rivalry and the role of multilateral platforms like BRICS and SCO in managing bilateral tensions.

Makkah Joint Defence Agreement Signed on Aug 7, 2026: Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan Pact Impacts India

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan on August 7, 2026, creates a new security triangle in West Asia, echoing NATO's Article 5. While it may raise concerns for India due to Pakistan's involvement, Riyadh's ties with New Delhi are strong and unlikely to be undermined by this pact. India should monitor developments but not overreact.

US Removes Syria from State Sponsor of Terrorism List; Delists HTS as Global Terrorist Group

The US has removed Syria from the state sponsor of terrorism list and revoked the terrorist designation of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that overthrew Bashar al-Assad in 2024. This move signals a major shift in US-Syria relations and aims to attract investment for Syria's economic recovery.

Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan Sign Mecca Joint Defence Agreement: Implications for West Asia & India

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, creating a trilateral security pact amidst the volatile West Asia crisis. This raises critical questions about collective security against perceived threats from Houthis, Iran, and Israel, and has direct implications for India's strategic interests, especially given Pakistan's involvement.

BRICS Delhi Declaration: Common Stand on Terrorism, UNSC Reform, and 50 Tangible Outcomes for Global South

The BRICS Delhi Summit (Sept 12-13, 2026) is set to adopt a declaration with 10 key takeaways, including a unified stand against terrorism, consensus on reforming global governance institutions, support for India's UNSC bid, and 50 tangible outcomes across four pillars. This signals India's growing role as a 'bridge builder' for the Global South and a counterweight to China-Russia security narratives within BRICS.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Sign Joint Defence Pact Amid West Asia Turmoil

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca on August 7, pledging collective security amid reduced US presence and ongoing wars in West Asia. While symbolically significant, the pact's credibility is questioned as it was signed during active conflicts, making deterrence uncertain.