INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Internal Security – Terrorism, Extradition Processes, Role of National Investigation Agency (NIA) GS-2: International Relations – India-U.S. Ties, India-Pakistan Dynamics, Legal Collaboration Key Points: Extradition Tied to 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian-American of Pakistani descent, was extradited from the United States and detained by …

GS2 – International Relations Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act & Trump’s Modern-Day Trade Wars Former US President Donald Trump’s reintroduction of aggressive tariff measures in 2025 has drawn parallels with the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of the Great Depression era. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930) Overview: Enacted under President Herbert Hoover, the …

GS2 – International Relations – International Organisations During the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, the Indian Prime Minister unveiled a series of India-led initiatives aimed at deepening regional cooperation. Major Indian Initiatives Under BIMSTEC Human Resource Development – BODHI Initiative India launched the BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure (BODHI) …

GS2 – International Relations Poland, Finland, and the Baltic nations (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) have announced intentions to exit the Ottawa Convention. About  Also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, it is an international disarmament agreement that prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. The treaty was …

GS2 – International Relations – Key Issues Following the attacks on October 7, it has been reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activated the Hannibal Directive at multiple military locations infiltrated by Hamas. The directive is controversial due to its ethical implications and operational intent. What is the Hannibal …

GS II-International Relations Significance for Both Countries Mutual Support at International Forums India supports Sri Lanka’s application to join BRICS. Sri Lanka backs India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (2028–29). Shared Interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Strong commitment to freedom of navigation, countering …

GS II International Relations The Indian Prime Minister took part in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which was held under the chairmanship of Thailand. The summit was conducted under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open,” and centered around enhancing regional cooperation and addressing key regional and global challenges. Major Highlights …

GS II – International Relations At the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil, India called upon all 11 BRICS members to endorse the ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’, an ambitious initiative aimed at securing $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for climate action in developing nations. What is the ‘Baku to …

GS II-International Relations Strategic Importance of the Red Sea Route The Red Sea corridor serves as the shortest maritime route for trade between India and Europe. This passage facilitates approximately 12% of global trade and accounts for nearly 30% of worldwide container traffic. While the Cape of Good Hope route …

GS II-INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION India is set to host the FATF Private Sector Collaborative Forum 2025 in Mumbai. The event will focus on crucial global financial issues, including enhancing payment transparency, promoting financial inclusion, and advancing the transformation of digital financial systems. Overview of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) The …

GS II- International Relations The United States recently launched over 40 precision strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. Reasons Behind US Military Action Against the Houthis Disruptions in the Red Sea: Since December 2023, Houthi attacks have severely impacted maritime trade, forcing shipping routes to bypass Africa, escalating insurance costs. …

GS II- International Relations Context: Switzerland’s Golden Visa program is among the most desirable residency-by-investment schemes globally. Overview of the Swiss Golden Visa Program Eligibility Requirements: Open to non-EU nationals aged 18-55 who possess a clean legal record, stable financial status, health insurance, and either rented or owned accommodation in …

GS2 – International Relations Context: During New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon’s first official visit to India for the Raisina Dialogue, both leaders discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation. Historical Linkages Between India and New Zealand Early Indian Settlers: The first wave of Indian migration to New Zealand began in the …

GS II-International Relations Context: The Prime Minister inaugurated the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, a premier conference on geopolitics and global affairs. The 2025 theme, ‘Kalachakra – People, Peace, and Planet’, emphasizes sustainability, global stability, and human development. About the Raisina Dialogue Global Policy Forum: Launched in 2016, this …

GS II-International Relations Context Ongoing trade discussions between the US and India highlight disparities in agricultural support policies, with Washington pushing for greater market access while Indian farmers contend with lower direct financial aid compared to their US counterparts. Comparison of Farm Support Systems: US vs. India US Agricultural Support …

GS2 INTERNATIONAL RELATION Background Lithuania’s Independence: Lithuania became the first nation to break away from the Soviet Union in 1991, marking the beginning of the U.S.S.R.’s disintegration. Lithuania Geographical Location: Situated in the Baltic region of Europe, Lithuania shares its borders with Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and the Baltic Sea. Baltic …

GS II- International Relations Context: Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to a peace treaty after nearly four decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. This marks a historic resolution in the South Caucasus region. About Nagorno-Karabakh Location: A mountainous, landlocked region in the Caucasus, situated between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. …

GS II-International Relations Context: India has suggested establishing a South-East Asia surveillance network to strengthen multi-source collaborative surveillance for improving responses to pandemics and health emergencies. The proposal will be presented to the 11 member nations of the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEARO) later this year for discussion and potential …

GS II-International Relations Context: Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire, conditional on Russia’s acceptance. The deal could lead to a resumption of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing. Strategic Motivations: Ukraine’s Objectives: Secure U.S. military aid & diplomatic leverage. Finalize mineral deals with the U.S. for economic stability. …

GS II-International Relations Context: The recent killing of ~300 Alawite civilians in Syria has raised concerns over sectarian violence against this minority group. Who are the Alawites? Religious Origins: A Shia Islam offshoot, emerging in the 9th-10th centuries through the teachings of Mohammad ibn Nusayr in Iraq. Beliefs & Practices: …