Current Affair Category: International Relations

Why in News? On 16 September 2026, Oman promoted Sohar Port in New Delhi as an alternative access point for India’s energy and trade flows from the Persian Gulf region. The development highlights the strategic importance of Middle Eastern ports and alternative maritime routes for India, particularly amid risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz. Sohar Port – Oman: Located on Oman’s Gulf […]

Why in News? The US House of Representatives has passed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” by 262–159 votes, sending it to President Donald Trump for consideration. Key Provisions: Targets Russia’s energy sector, financial institutions and its “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. Seeks to restrict Russian oil and gas revenues by tightening financial and shipping-related sanctions. Gives the US […]

Why in News? The 2026 BRICS New Delhi Declaration has indicated that BRICS members recognise the need to identify “pathways” for plurilateral initiatives within the WTO legal framework. This is significant because India has traditionally preferred multilateral trade negotiations involving all WTO members and has raised concerns about plurilateral agreements. What are Plurilateral Agreements? Plurilateral agreements are trade agreements negotiated and […]

Why in News? On 14 September 2026, the UN Secretary-General clarified that the UN does not define international borders through maps. The statement followed India’s objection to anomalies in a UN Geospatial “Map of the World”, particularly concerning J&K, Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin. What is the “Correct the Map” Resolution? Passed by the UN General Assembly on 3 September […]

Why in News? The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India, adopted the New Delhi Declaration after prolonged negotiations, particularly over the language on the West Asia conflict. The consensus is significant because BRICS Foreign Ministers had failed to issue a joint statement in May 2026 due to differences among members. Key Issues: 1. West Asia Conflict: Called for maximum restraint, […]

Why in News? United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in an interview with The Hindu on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, strongly criticised the growing culture of “impunity” and geopolitical division that has paralysed the UN Security Council. He argued that the existing global governance system still reflects the power realities of 1945, rather than the emerging multipolar world. Key Issues Highlighted […]

Why in News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the first International Space Summit in Paris, France, through video conference. He highlighted India’s vision of safe, peaceful, sustainable and inclusive use of outer space and called for greater international cooperation in space exploration. Key Issues Highlighted: 1. Sustainable Use of Outer Space: Increasing number of satellites, powerful technologies […]

Why in News? Yemen’s Houthi rebels have reportedly seized control of Mokha (Mocha), a strategically important port city on the Red Sea coast. The development has renewed concerns over the security of the Red Sea–Bab el-Mandeb maritime route, one of the world’s important trade and energy corridors. The Houthis have also reportedly captured Zuqar Island and launched attacks […]

Why in News? On 8 September 2026, the United Kingdom announced restrictions on trade involving Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The measures cover agricultural, processed and manufactured goods produced in Israeli settlements. UK companies will also face restrictions on certain services linked to settlement expansion, including construction, financing and real estate activities. The move […]

Why in News? The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi is expected to discuss mechanisms for making cross-border payments faster, cheaper and more efficient. Discussions include linking national payment systems and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). What are Cross-Border Payments? Cross-border payments are financial transactions between people, businesses or banks located in different countries. For example, when an Indian company […]