INDIA WILL SEND LOCOMOTIVES TO BANGLADESH
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? India will hand over 10 railway locomotives to Bangladesh reflecting a renewed focus on the “neighbourhood first” policy to bolster economic ties and connectivity within the region amid the border standoff with China. Details The handover of the broad-gauge diesel locomotives, part of grant assistance from the Indian […]
QUAD: THE CONFLUENCE OF FOUR POWERS AND TWO SEAS
Focus: GS-II International Relations Introduction Parallel exercises in the Indo-Pacific this week, including a trilateral exercise between the U.S., Australia and Japan in the Philippines Sea, and an Indo-U.S. naval exercise in the Indian Ocean have fuelled speculation that Quadrilateral (Quad) exercises will be launched soon between all four navies. Highlights regarding the “Quad” Australia’s […]
INDIA – UK: FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? India and UK held the 14th Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting virtually. Highlights India and UK affirmed their shared commitment to a Free Trade Agreement and towards that, Early Harvest deals in a staged manner. Both sides approached the talks with open minds and shared commitment to […]
INDIA – EU: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? India and European Union have renewed its Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for the next five years (2020-2025). Details The extension of Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation ill expand the cooperation in scientific and technological research strengthen the conduct of cooperative activities in areas of common […]
INDIA, SRI LANKA SEEK TO RESET TIES, RBI CURRENCY SWAP
Focus: GS-II International Relations, GS-III Indian Economy Why in news? India was holding “close and constructive” discussions with Sri Lanka, on Colombo’s pending request for a ($960 million) debt freeze and for swapping currency under bilateral and SAARC arrangements. The Reserve Bank of India has agreed to a $400 million currency swap facility for Sri […]
INDIA AND CHINA DEVELOPMENTS
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? India and China have agreed to hold another round of high-level military talks to take forward the slow-moving disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which remains only partially complete after four rounds of talks between Corps Commanders. India has made it clear to China that […]
DEEPENING INDIA-SOUTH KOREA TIES
Focus: GS-II International Relations Introduction India and South Korea have signed numerous bilateral agreements with the aim of taking their ties to the next level. However, the economic partnership is struck and their defence partnership appears to have receded from great all-round promise to the mere sale and purchase of weapon systems. Indians in South […]
TIES WITH U.S. SEVERELY HARMED: CHINA
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? China warned it will be forced to respond after the U.S. ordered the shutdown of its Houston consulate. Details Washington gave China 72 hours to close the consulate “to protect American intellectual property and Americans’ private information”, marking a dramatic escalation of tension between the world’s two biggest […]
INDIA APPRECIATES DHAKA’S KASHMIR POSITION
Focus: GS-II International Relations, GS-I History, Prelims Why in news? India spoke of its unique relation with Bangladesh, in response to Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue with the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) saying India appreciates Bangladesh’s position which regards Kashmir as an ‘internal’ matter of India. The MEA […]
U.S. ORDERS CHINA TO CLOSE TEXAS CONSULATE
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The United States has told China to close its consulate in Houston, further deteriorating bilateral ties. Details Washington “abruptly demanded” closure of the Houston consulate according to China. Beijing condemned the order and threatened retaliation, but did not say what measures it might take. The State Department confirmed […]