International Relations Current Affairs

It is a battle that can be avoided — the path to next year’s UNSC election will not be a cakewalk, and India must consider its options

The Finance Ministry has unveiled an important amendment to the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. Effective August 10, the new Principal Purpose Test seeks to curb potential abuses of tax treaty benefits. This allows tax authorities to examine claims more thoroughly, specifically targeting investment vehicles based in Mauritius, such as foreign portfolio investors and private equity funds, to maintain fair taxation practices.

The Nobel Committee has redeemed itself by awarding Navi Pillay

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2026 is as much a recognition of the South African jurist’s lifelong commitment to justice for the oppressed and the powerless as it is a rebuke to the idea that might is right

Despite diplomatic consensus at the New Delhi summit, BRICS faces internal tensions and imbalances

India must draw lessons from a decade of investment treaty experience

The United Nations is unwieldy, and needs to move away from superpower hegemony

India’s nuclear doctrine faces new strategic, technological and geopolitical challenges

US President Donald Trump has signed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, allowing tariffs of up to 100% on countries including India and China that buy Russian oil and gas. The law also expands sanctions on Russia’s energy and defence sectors and gives Trump broad discretion over which countries face the new tariffs.

The US is considering imposing tariffs on significant purchasers of Russian energy, which puts India's considerable imports of Russian crude at risk of sanctions. This development unfolds as India engages in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with the US. The looming tariffs threaten to disrupt global trade, adversely affecting Indian exporters while India continues to seek cost-effective energy solutions for its population.

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi is being seen as a significant diplomatic achievement for India. From pushing reforms in global governance to strengthening trade cooperation and facilitating dialogue among rival nations, the summit highlighted India’s growing role as a bridge between competing global powers. Here’s a look at the key outcomes and why the New Delhi Declaration matters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns against weaponisation of technology, critical minerals

PM chairs BRICS summit, says grouping not “against anyone”; holds hour-long meet with Chinese President Xi; declaration calls for “maximum restraint” in war with no specific mention of strikes; rebukes Israel

"Over the past 20 years, BRICS has strengthened its distinctive identity on the global stage; next 20 years, we have to work on a new and ambitious agenda," says PM Modi

The India-US trade deal is nearly finalized, with both nations discussing preferential market access. India's free trade agreement with Chile is also in its final stages of negotiation. New Zealand FTA is expected to become active soon, potentially in October. Government efforts aim to reduce freight costs and support exporters effectively. India sees significant opportunities to expand its fintech services globally, especially in the Global South.

The Delhi summit offers India an opportunity to restore BRICS’s original purpose

India has co-sponsored a UN General Assembly resolution proclaiming November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, marking a global push to end the practice and protect the rights of children and girls

Dubbed the ‘project of the century’ by Beijing, it has been included in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for renewable energy; of concern to India is the impact it could have downstream, particularly in the aftermath of the recent devastating flash flood along the Nepal-China border

India must shed its victim mindset while acting on climate change

The strategic blueprint seeks to integrate defence diplomacy more closely with India’s wider foreign policy, economic interests and national security objectives