Pakistan Declares 'Open War' with Afghanistan; 400+ Killed in Kabul Hospital Airstrike on March 16, 2026

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.

UNSC Report: Red Fort Attack 'Officially Attributed' to Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)

The UN Security Council's monitoring team has officially attributed the November 2025 Red Fort terror attack to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), highlighting the group's evolution into a decentralized regional entity. The report also raises concerns about AQIS exploiting Bangladesh for new cells and notes ongoing threats from ISIL-K and TTP in Afghanistan.

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.

UNSC: Russia, China Veto US Resolution on Iran Sanctions Monitoring; Snapback Triggered Sept 2025

Russia and China vetoed a US-led UN Security Council resolution that would have extended the mandate of UN experts monitoring sanctions on Iran, which were reimposed via the 'snapback' mechanism in September 2025. The veto creates a monitoring gap; Iran currently holds 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a technical step away from weapons-grade. The US had sought to extend the expert panel for a year as part of its broader isolation campaign against Tehran.

4th PCA Award Against India: Ratle Project Halted, Treaty Remains in Force as India Keeps Abeyance

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has issued its fourth award against India, ruling that India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance is impermissible and ordering a halt to the Ratle Hydroelectric Project. India rejects the PCA as illegally constituted and maintains the treaty is effectively dead. Meanwhile, India is pushing ahead with eight major infrastructure projects on the western rivers worth ₹50,000 crore, signalling a decisive shift in its water-sharing stance.

SCO 26th Summit Bishkek: Condemns Strikes on Iran, Backs Inclusive Afghanistan, Pakistan Takes Chair

The SCO's 26th summit in Bishkek saw India, China, Russia, Iran, and others condemn US-Israel strikes on Iran, reaffirm support for Iran's sovereignty, and call for inclusive government in Afghanistan. India emphasized no double standards in fighting terrorism and connectivity respecting territorial integrity, while Pakistan assumed chair for next year's summit, complicating India-Pakistan relations.

IAEA Board Reports Iran to UN Security Council for First Time in 20 Years Over Uranium Traces

The IAEA's board voted 23-3 to report Iran to the UN Security Council for non-cooperation in investigating undeclared uranium traces – the first such referral in two decades. This escalates nuclear tensions, opens Iran to potential sanctions (though vetoes by Russia/China make them unlikely), and marks a major diplomatic flashpoint amid ongoing US-Iran conflict.

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.