INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

GS2 – International Relations Context The Indian External Affairs Minister’s recent high-level dialogue with China—the first since the Galwan clash—indicates a gradual movement towards a structured and calibrated normalisation of ties. This approach seeks to restart the long-stalled “Dragon-Elephant” engagement through measured diplomatic, military, and economic initiatives. Importance of Stability …

GS2 – International Relations Context: PM Modi’s visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Argentina enroute to the BRICS Summit reaffirmed India’s commitment to championing the Global South. Understanding the Global South: Comprises developing nations in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania, sharing a legacy of colonialism and common developmental …

GS2 – International Relations Context: At the FfD4 Summit in Seville, the doubling of the Global South’s share in global debt—from 16% in 2010 to 30% in 2023—highlighted systemic flaws in the international financial system. Current Trends Debt Servicing Surge: Developing countries spent $1.4 trillion on foreign debt in 2023—the …

GS2 – International Relations Context: BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—was formed as a coalition of emerging economies challenging the dominance of Western-led institutions. Over time, it has evolved into a platform for economic cooperation, political coordination, and global governance reform. India’s role in BRICS remains crucial yet …

GS2 – International Relations Context Climate-induced displacement is emerging as a major humanitarian concern. In 2024 alone, over 8.24 lakh people were uprooted due to severe weather events. Despite the increasing scale of the issue, climate refugees remain outside the scope of legal recognition, protection, and policy frameworks. Understanding Climate …

GS2 – International Relations Context India is striving to assert itself as a global leader while navigating the limitations of forums such as BRICS, which are increasingly influenced by China. As global multilateral systems evolve, India is reassessing whether these platforms support or compromise its strategic autonomy and foreign policy …

GS2 – International Relations Context Lt. Gen. Rahul R. Singh has confirmed active Chinese backing of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, indicating a shift from a two-front war to a “one-front reinforced war” paradigm. Nature of the Threat: Not a conventional two-front war, but a Pakistan-led conflict with Chinese technological and …

GS2 – International Relations Context PM Modi’s visit to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit marked the first by an Indian PM in nearly 60 years, underscoring the growing strategic and economic importance of the relationship. Historical Connections: Colonial Linkages: Both were part of the Portuguese empire. Portuguese explorers reached …

GS 2 – International Relations Context: Bulgaria will officially become the 21st member of the Eurozone on January 1, 2026, following formal approval by EU finance ministers. About Bulgaria: Feature Description Location Southeastern Europe, in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula Capital Sofia Borders Romania, Black Sea, Turkey, Greece, …

GS2 – International Relations Context The UAE unveiled a nomination-based golden visa for skilled residents of India and Bangladesh, with a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (~₹23.3 lakh). The pilot will later include China and other CEPA partners. Key Features: Long-term residency enabling foreign nationals to live, work, and study …

GS2 – International Relations Context: The Indian Prime Minister recently visited Argentina as part of a broader outreach to the Global South, strengthening bilateral cooperation. Geographical & Economic Significance of Argentina Location: Southern South America; borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Key Cities and Features: Capital: …

GS2 – International Relations Context: The 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia was hosted in New Delhi by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), in collaboration with India’s National Authority of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC). Participants: Representatives from 24 Asian states …

GS2 – International Relations Context: During a recent diplomatic visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to sixth-generation persons of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago. This marks a significant outreach to the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean. Historic Visit: …

GS2 – International Relations Context In the aftermath of the 2024 Pahalgam terror attack, India intensified actions against undocumented migrants. This included both legal deportations and extra-legal pushbacks, raising legal and ethical concerns. Deportation vs. Pushback Deportation: A formal process involving judicial oversight, identity verification, and legal trials. Pushback: Extra-legal, …

GS2 – International Relations Context: In light of a global aid crunch and rising geopolitical challenges, India is turning to Global South partnerships and Triangular Cooperation (TrC) to reshape international development finance. Challenges in Development Financing Declining Official Aid: Global ODA is projected to fall sharply from $214 billion (2023) …

GS2 – International Relations Context: The Quad (India, Australia, Japan, US) has launched the Critical Minerals Initiative to enhance supply chain security and counter China’s influence. Objective To build economic security and resilience by securing access to critical minerals essential for: Renewable energy Electric vehicles (EVs) Advanced technologies Significance Counters …

GS2 – International Relations Context: Amid growing geopolitical flux and waning U.S. global leadership, India is reinforcing its multilateral engagement, especially through BRICS. Strategic Importance of BRICS Global Influence: Now a bloc of 11 nations, BRICS represents nearly half of the global population and 40% of the world’s GDP. Diversity …

GS2 – International Relations Context India, along with the United States, Japan, and Australia, launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’ to enhance coast guard coordination across the Indo-Pacific region. Background & Objectives Wilmington Declaration: This initiative was introduced as part of the Wilmington Declaration adopted during the …

GS2 – International Relations Context The U.S. has withdrawn its controversial AI Diffusion Framework, which imposed strict export controls to regulate the global spread of advanced AI technologies. What Was the AI Diffusion Framework? Introduced in early 2025, the framework: Treated AI on par with nuclear technology. Restricted AI chips …

GS2 – International Relations Context: At the 2025 NATO Summit, member nations agreed to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, citing rising security threats from Russia and pressure from the U.S. Key Drivers of Change: Russia’s aggression post-2022 Ukraine invasion. Persistent terrorism threats in unstable global regions. …