PM Modi at SCO Summit: West Asia Crisis Threatens Global Energy, Trade, Supply Chains

SCO Bishkek Declaration Rejects Double Standards in Counter-Terrorism, Condemns Iran Strikes

The SCO Bishkek Declaration, adopted by India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China and Central Asian states, unequivocally rejects 'double standards' in counter-terrorism and condemns military strikes on Iran. This is crucial for India's stance on cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and its balancing act with Israel, while also marking the inclusion of English as an official SCO language and the upcoming presidency of Pakistan in 2027.

Putin Arrives in New Delhi for BRICS 2026 Summit; Bilateral Talks with Modi on Defence, Energy

Russian President Putin's three-day visit to India for the BRICS summit underscores India's role as a diplomatic anchor amid global fragmentation. The summit focuses on collective resilience in food, energy, health, and supply chains, with bilateral talks expected to boost defence, energy, and technology cooperation.

Xi Jinping Visit to Egypt: China Deepens Ties with US Ally Amid West Asia Shifts; $20B Trade, BRICS, BRI Focus

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt marks a strategic push to expand China's influence in West Asia, a region traditionally dominated by US allies. With $20 billion in annual trade, Egypt's inclusion in BRICS (2023) and Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, this visit signals China's role as a stabilizer and mediator, especially amid the Iran-US war. For UPSC aspirants, this is a key case study in geopolitics, soft power, and India's balancing act in the region.

PM Modi's 2026 Uzbekistan Visit & SCO Summit: India's Central Asia Strategy Embraces Realism

India's engagement with Central Asia is evolving with new geopolitical dynamics. PM Modi's 2026 visit to Uzbekistan and the SCO summit highlights the need for a pragmatic approach. This article outlines four key trends reshaping the region that are crucial for understanding India's foreign policy challenges.

Strait of Hormuz Deal Imminent; Saudi-Pakistan-Turkiye Defence Pact Signed Amid US-Iran War

Two major geopolitical developments: the US expects a deal between Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, vital for global oil supply, while Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye have signed a joint defence pact in Mecca. These events reshape West Asian security and energy dynamics, directly impacting global inflation and regional alliances.

US-Iran Ceasefire Expires: 14-Point Framework, Strait of Hormuz Deadlock & Nuclear Stalemate

The 60-day US-Iran ceasefire (signed June 17, 2026) has expired without progress. The deal collapsed over control of the Strait of Hormuz, which ships 20% of global oil. This is critical for UPSC: tests geopolitics, energy security, and nuclear non-proliferation.

US-Iran Talks on Strait of Hormuz Reopening: Oman-Backed Interim Deal Near, India's Energy Security at Stake

US President Trump claims an interim deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, with Oman and Qatar mediating. Any disruption here directly impacts India's crude oil imports and global energy prices, making this a key IR and energy security topic for exams.

Iran President Pezeshkian Arrives for BRICS Summit, Meets PM Modi Amid West Asia War

Iranian President Pezeshkian visits India for the BRICS Summit, his first since taking office and the first by an Iranian President in 8 years. The meeting with PM Modi is critical as Iran is at war with the US/Israel, and BRICS faces a deadlock over the Delhi Declaration due to Iran-UAE differences. India is being asked to mediate.