India-US Sign Pax Silica Agreement for AI & Semiconductor Supply Chain De-risking; Microsoft & Google Commit $32.5 Billion Investment

US Draft Letter to 35 Nations: Choose Sides in AI Race or Lose Pax Silica Access

The US is preparing to send a State Department draft letter to 35 countries, warning them that joining China's new World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization is incompatible with membership in the US-led Pax Silica AI coalition. This marks a decisive push to force 'pick a side' alignment in the AI supply chain race, with Kazakhstan already caught in the middle. For aspirants, this is a key current-affairs data point on global technology bloc formation and US-China strategic rivalry.

Bangladesh-U.S. MoU on Civil Nuclear Cooperation; Both NPT Parties with IAEA Safeguards

Bangladesh and the US signed a strategic MoU on civil nuclear cooperation in New York on September 25, 2026, aiming to expand the Rooppur nuclear plant. This strengthens US-Bangladesh ties and reinforces the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, as both countries are NPT parties with IAEA safeguards in force. For UPSC aspirants, this is a key example of international energy cooperation and its implications for India's neighbourhood.

US Approves $24.3B Sale of 48 F-35 Stealth Jets to Saudi Arabia: First Arab Nation

US State Department has notified Congress of a proposed sale of up to 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia worth approximately $24.3 billion. This historic sale makes Saudi Arabia the first Arab nation to operate the advanced fifth-generation fighter, but raises concerns over Israel's military edge and potential Chinese access to US technology.

BRICS Summit: India Keeps AI Insulated from National Rivalries as China Pitches Open Source Community

This editorial analyses AI governance at a crossroads: the US government is disregarding frontier AI developers' call for a global development slowdown, while the BRICS Summit offers an open-source, collaborative alternative. India's 'middle path'—opposing weaponisation but not joining protests against US-led models—is a key mains theme for IR, S&T, and security.

India-Australia ECTA: Zero Tariff on Indian Goods, 200% Export Growth, PACTS & Quad in Focus

India-Australia ties are no longer just cricket—ECTA zero-tariff access, PACTS on critical technologies, space tracking and Quad security now anchor the relationship. Indian exports to Australia have grown ~200% in five years. This is a high-value bilateral story for IR, economy, science-tech and security questions.

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.

US Envoy Invites Bangladesh to Join Pax Silica Alliance: Critical Minerals & AI Focus

US Special Envoy Sergio Gor has called on Bangladesh to join the Pax Silica initiative, a US-led global economic security alliance focused on critical minerals, energy, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure. This signals Washington's push to reduce Chinese tech dominance and build alternative supply chains in South Asia.

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.