Archive

1. Indo-Pacific Strategic Shift

The Indo-Pacific framework combines the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean into one strategic space. It has strengthened India’s maritime role alongside its traditional continental focus.

2. Earlier Hub-and-Spoke Model

Earlier regional security was based mainly on bilateral United States alliances with Japan, South Korea and Australia.

1. Rising sea levels caused by climate change threaten the physical existence of several small island nations, creating unprecedented challenges to their sovereignty and statehood.

2. Under the Montevideo Convention, a sovereign state requires a permanent population, defined territory, government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

1. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) comprises six member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

2. India considers the GCC region a key part of its “Extended Neighbourhood” policy due to its strategic, economic, and energy importance.

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook an official State Visit to Indonesia during 6–8 July 2026, strengthening India–Indonesia cooperation in defence, maritime security, technology, education, critical minerals, and cultural diplomacy.

2. India and Indonesia strengthened their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, originally upgraded in 2018, with the 2026 visit focused on practical implementation across defence, trade, technology, connectivity, and maritime cooperation.

1. India formally recognised Israel as a sovereign state on 17 September 1950, while full diplomatic relations were established in January 1992.

2. India voted against the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, opposing the creation of states based on religion.

1. India and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations in 1947 and elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership for 2026–2030 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s May 2026 visit.

2. The Netherlands is one of India’s major trade partners in Europe, with bilateral trade worth USD 27.8 billion in 2024–25.

1. Latin America includes Mexico, Central and South America, parts of the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico.

2. Latin America comprises 20 countries and contributes approximately 6% of nominal global GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

1. In 2025, Africa witnessed major political, economic, security, diplomatic, and climate-related developments.

2. India intensified high-level diplomatic engagement with African countries throughout 2025.

1. In 2025, France reaffirmed its commitment to European autonomy through its National Strategic Review.

2. France increased defence expenditure and shifted strategic focus towards the Indo-Pacific, strengthening ties with India, Japan, and Australia.

1. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), earlier known as One Belt One Road (OBOR), was launched by China in 2013.

2. BRI was championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a global infrastructure and connectivity strategy.