UAE Plans New Deepwater Port in Fujairah to Bypass Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran-US Conflict

US-Iran Talks: Key Sticking Points – Lebanon Issue, Strait of Hormuz, Crude Oil Price

After 156 days of war and an MoU, US-Iran talks resume amid uncertainty. Key issues include military aggression in Lebanon, control of the Strait of Hormuz (through which 1/5th of global oil passes), and surging crude oil prices impacting global economies, especially oil-importing nations like India.

US-Iran Military Strikes at Strait of Hormuz: China Buys 90% of Iran Oil, Economic Sanctions Deepen

The US and Iran have resumed direct military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint, after a month-long pause. The conflict has an economic dimension: US Treasury threatens secondary sanctions on any country trading with Iran, but China buys 90% of Iran's oil, creating a diplomatic dilemma. This is crucial for India's energy security and understanding of global sanctions dynamics.

Strait of Hormuz Blockade: Iran Revolutionary Guards Set Conditions for Reopening Including End of Sanctions and War Compensation

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transit, remains blocked by Iran's Revolutionary Guards after US-Israel attacks in February 2026. Iran has set multiple conditions for reopening, including compensation for war damages, lifting sanctions, and ending aggression against its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq. The crisis threatens global energy security and has led to attacks on vessels, with mediators urging return to a June memorandum.

India and V4 Hold First Foreign Ministers' Meeting at UNGA 81, Agree on Annual Business Forum and Defence Cooperation

India and the Visegrad Group (V4) of Central Europe – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia – held their first-ever Foreign Ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly. They agreed to institutionalize annual meetings, launch a business forum, and deepen defence, technology, and space cooperation. This marks a new diplomatic milestone for India's engagement with a key European sub-regional grouping.

Trump Threatens NATO Exit, Signs Greenland Security Pact with Denmark

President Trump's threat to leave NATO contradicts his new security pact with Denmark to expand US military bases in Greenland, a territory whose defence is tied to NATO. This creates a strategic paradox that examiners will test for its implications on alliance solidarity, Arctic geopolitics, and US commitment to collective security.

Houthi Missile Attack on Saudi Tanker Reduces Gulf Shipping Traffic to 3 Vessels in Key Straits

The Houthi attack on a Saudi oil tanker has drastically reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, two critical chokepoints for global oil trade. This escalates tensions in the Gulf and could disrupt energy supplies, affecting India's oil imports. Exam relevance: Prelims (geography, current events) and Mains (security, energy security, India's foreign policy).

India-Sri Lanka Update FTA, Sign Social Security Pact; $450 Mn Cyclone Aid Package

India and Sri Lanka are deepening ties through a $450 million cyclone reconstruction package, updated FTA negotiations, and a Social Security Agreement. The visit also stressed provincial elections in Sri Lanka and security assurances, making it crucial for India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and regional stability.

Pakistan Army Chief Visits Iran: Talks on Reopening Strait of Hormuz, De-escalation of US-Iran Conflict

Pakistan's Army Chief visited Iran to discuss reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and de-escalating the US-Iran conflict. The strait, through which a fifth of global oil passed before the conflict began, remains choked. This visit is part of Pakistan's broader mediation efforts, having previously acted as a guarantor for an interim peace agreement that has since derailed.