SIPRI Yearbook 2026: Global Military Spend Hits Record $2.9 Trillion, India Enters Top 5 Spenders with $92.1 Billion

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.

India-Uzbekistan Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Set $5 Billion Trade Target by 2030

India and Uzbekistan upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant deepening of ties. Key outcomes include a $5 billion annual trade target by 2030, a long-term uranium supply framework, and the establishment of a Coordination Council at the foreign ministers' level.

US-Denmark Greenland Deal: US Gains Veto on Third-Party Military Activity; NATO Unity at Risk

The US-Denmark-Greenland deal ends Trump's coercive push for Greenland by expanding US military presence and granting Washington a veto over third-party military activity. However, the standoff has severely eroded trust within NATO, setting a dangerous precedent for alliance coercion and prompting allies like Canada to seek strategic diversification.

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.

SRIA Signed: Jaishankar Conveys India's Energy Concerns Over US Tariffs Up to 100% on Russian Oil

In the first official discussion after Trump signed the Russia Sanctions Bill (SRIA), External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Rubio in New York and reiterated India's economic and strategic concerns over potential tariffs up to 100% on Russian oil buyers. India, a major importer of Russian crude, stressed its energy security needs for its 1.4 billion people. The meeting came as both nations work on a bilateral trade deal.

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 Warns India Against Helping Iran Evade Sanctions After Modi-Pezeshkian Meet at SCO Summit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any country, including India, that helps Iran evade sanctions will face sanctions. This came after PM Modi met Iranian President Pezeshkian at the SCO Summit in Bishkek. Modi used the platform to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy for conflict resolution, highlighting the impact of the West Asia war on the Global South.