Topic — International Relations

💡 For the exam: Remember Belgium backs India's permanent UNSC bid and they'll swap non-permanent terms, reinforcing their historic bilateral ties and new strategic dialogue.

💡 For the exam: Remember SCO's 25th anniversary and India's key initiatives like the Civilisation Dialogue Forum at the 26th Summit in Bishkek.

💡 For the exam: Remember the India-Uzbekistan elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, joint military exercise 'Dustlik', and the new Foreign Ministers-led mechanism.

💡 The India-Uzbekistan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership includes afforestation grants, UPI integration, and cultural education initiatives.

💡 Remember: India-Chile CEPA negotiations led by Commerce Secretary on 26 August 2026 for a year-end conclusion.

💡 Remember: India and Seychelles discussed an MoU to boost cooperation in the blue economy and fisheries.

💡 Remember: India-Brazil MoU at BRICS ICT Track Meeting (Pune, 21 AUG 2026) for wide-ranging telecom and ICT cooperation.

💡 Remember: India chaired the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting on Aug 21, 2026, focusing on ICTs, with Minister Scindia.

💡 Remember: India (Goa) hosted the 8th BRICS OPST meeting in August 2026, fostering collaboration on ocean and polar science during its BRICS Presidency.

💡 Remember: The 7th BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting in Pune focused on DPI and Digital Governance, with India presenting its DPI.

💡 For the exam: Remember, India's E-visa entry points are now 88 total, with 11 recent additions, processed quickly.

💡 Remember: The 2026 BRICS Competition Authorities meeting, held in Udaipur under India's Chairship, adopted a Joint Statement focusing on fair competition, especially in renewable energy.

💡 Remember: The XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal on August 8, 2026, adopted the Bhopal Declaration and launched a Voluntary Artist Registry.

💡 Remember: India hosts the second BRICS ACWG in Hyderabad (August 2026) focusing on asset recovery under its Presidency theme.

💡 The 4th CCS meeting on the West Asia conflict focused on protecting citizens, diaspora, seafarers, and ensuring fertilizer and fuel supply.

💡 For the exam: Remember 24 MoUs for DPI, DigiLocker for Kenya & Cuba, and UPI in 9+ countries.

💡 Section 301 duties on forced labor mean 10% additional tariffs for 55% of India's US exports, but it's lower than initially proposed due to engagement.

💡 For the exam: Remember India's Eighth WTO TPR on July 23, 2026, showcased global interest and India's commitment to transparent trade.

💡 Remember: India hosted the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh under its 2026 Chairship, focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, and adding healthy lifestyle and mental wellness to its agenda.

💡 Remember: India accepted WTO's AFS on 20th July 2026, becoming the 123rd member to ban unsustainable fishing subsidies, *excluding* aquaculture and inland fisheries.

💡 Remember: India’s 8th WTO TPR in 2026 reviews 2021-2025, conducted every five years, led by the Commerce Secretary.

💡 Remember: India led new global standards for Cardamom, Coriander, and Vanilla, and now co-chairs a new Codex EWG on food product risk.

💡 For the exam: Remember CETA and DCC came into force on 15 July 2026, offering zero-duty access for 99% of India's exports and social security relief.

💡 Remember CETA's date (July 15, 2026), its nearly 99% duty-free access for Indian exports, and the related mobility schemes.

💡 Remember: The India-Maldives FTA negotiations' first round concluded in July 2026, boosting a USD 771.76 million trade relationship.

💡 For the exam: Remember, the 2026 India-Australia Administrative Arrangement secures long-term Australian uranium for India’s nuclear energy goals under IAEA safeguards.

💡 For the exam: Remember the 2026 India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030 aims to double trade to NZ$7 billion.

💡 Remember: The 'Strategic Partnership' with New Zealand has a 'Roadmap to 2030', includes an FTA aiming for NZ$7 billion trade, and a Maritime Security Dialogue.

💡 For the exam: Remember India-Australia strengthened defense, maritime, nuclear, cyber, and education ties.

💡 For the exam: PACTS (Australia-India) replaces 2020 Framework, focuses on 5 pillars: supply chains, critical tech (AI/space), cybersecurity, digital resilience (DPI), and defence research.

💡 Remember India-Australia energy security boosts uranium (2015 agreement, IAEA) and energy trade.

💡 Remember the 2026 summit established key mechanisms like the Annual Defence Ministers' Dialogue and the Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, plus new MOUs for stronger bilateral defense and maritime security.

💡 Remember: Nagpur, July 2026 for the 3rd BRICS Transport Working Group Meeting.

💡 The 13th AITIGA JC meeting in New Delhi focused on expediting outstanding chapters, with trade reaching $128B in 2025-26.

💡 Remember: Modi's 2026 Indonesia visit strengthened the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, boosting defence, maritime cooperation, and placing an ILO at IFC-IOR Gurugram.

💡 For the exam: Remember the visit's broad scope: space, health, defense, steel, and electoral cooperation.

💡 Remember: The 1st India-Costa Rica JETCO in 2026 reviewed $391M trade, focusing on tech and pharma.

💡 India's 2026 BRICS Chairmanship includes hosting the Guwahati meeting for anti-drug cooperation and a Joint Declaration.

💡 Remember: India-Israel BIA signed 2025, effective 2026, for economic ties.

💡 Remember: 16th Summit, 2026, focuses on economic security, AI R&D, and 75th anniversary in 2027.

💡 The 16th India-Japan Summit in July 2026 focused on security, economic resilience, and energy cooperation, including the UNICORN project and CBG Initiative.

💡 For the exam: Remember the India-Japan AI Strategic Dialogue and key collaborations like the IIT Bombay-NII/ROIS LLM MOU for AI advancements.

💡 India-Japan (July 2, 2026) energy pact: strategic stockpiles, consumer voice, transport, institutional ties through existing working group.

💡 India's ICAR partnered with Seychelles for a five-year agriculture plan (2026–2031) focusing on climate-smart agriculture.

💡 Remember key areas: defence/aid, digital payments (UPI), health (Janaushadhi, hospital), space, and extradition strengthen India-Seychelles ties.

💡 India's PM visited Seychelles (June 27-29, 2026), marking 50 years of ties, signing MoUs including a ₹1250 Cr LoC, and announcing Seychelles joining CDRI.

💡 For the exam: Remember the 50th anniversary, UPI, USD 175M package, Jan Aushadhi, and the Professional & Technical Centre as key India-Seychelles collaborations.

💡 Remember: India 2026 Chairship = Gurugram meeting + Digital Centre + Smart Grid Principles.

💡 Remember India-UK CETA and DCC implementation date: 15 July 2026.

💡 Remember: Greer's 22–24 June 2026 visit with Goyal advanced the India-U.S. BTA talks, following the Feb 7, 2026 joint statement.

💡 Remember NHRC India joined the First Consultative Meeting of SCO human rights bodies in Kyrgyzstan on June 23, 2026, sharing its 32 years of experience.

💡 India is hosting the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting in Gurugram on 25-26 June 2026 with 'Energy for All' as its theme, under its 2026 Chairship.

💡 For the exam: Remember Vivek Aggarwal and India's first Vice-Presidency at FATF for 2026-2027.

💡 India's human-centric MANAV AI vision, presented at the G7 Summit, prioritizes safety, global cooperation, and inclusivity, especially for the Global South.

💡 Remember Agra, June 19, 2026, for the First BRICS MSME Forum hosted by India.

💡 Remember, the India-UK CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) commences 15 July 2026 to boost bilateral trade.

💡 For the exam: Remember India-UK CETA and Social Security Agreement activate on July 15, 2026, offering 99% zero-duty access for exports and 5-year social security exemption.

💡 Remember IMEC (existing corridor) and the two proposed partnerships, IMPACT (connectivity) and Global Skills Partnership, from India's G7 address.

💡 The first India-Slovakia PM visit elevated ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, with agreements on defense, tech, and counter-terrorism.

💡 For the exam: Remember the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030 covers trusted AI, student mobility (30,000 by 2030), and research ties through CEFIPRA and IFIN.

💡 Remember: India-France cooperation now spans Innovation Roadmap 2030, UPI, trade doubling, and security dialogues.

💡 For the exam: Remember the ATL Bridge connects India and France for school-level innovation during the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.

💡 For the exam: Remember Indore Declaration (2026), four new networks (agro-ecology, digital agriculture), and India's Modipuram Institute.

💡 Remember: The 16th BRICS Agri Ministers' meeting in Indore saw India coordinate new networks and a forum for agroecology, digital agriculture, and farmers' rights.

💡 For the exam: Remember UPI-NPI for India-Nepal cross-border remittances launched on June 6, 2026.

💡 Remember: PM visits France (bilaterals, G7, tech summits) and Slovakia (first PM visit since 1993).

💡 Remember: INSA convened the first BRICS Science Academies Forum 2026 under India's Presidency to foster AI for global South development, with a second meeting at IIT Hyderabad in July 2026.

💡 India's energy diversification strategy involves Venezuela's large crude oil reserves, with significant import and investment growth in 2026.

💡 Remember: The USTR team visited India in June 2026 to advance the BTA following a Feb 2026 framework.

💡 The India-UK Critical Minerals Observatory, launched June 04, 2026, by Mines Minister and UK Foreign Secretary, involves IIT (ISM) and Cambridge to secure vital mineral supply chains.

💡 For the exam: Remember the India-Oman CEPA (effective June 1, 2026) grants immediate duty-free access for textiles, apparel, and handicrafts, with a digital CoO and GI recognition.

💡 For the exam: India-Oman CEPA operationalized on June 1, 2026, offering 99.38% duty-free access for Indian exports and bolstering trade to USD 11.18 billion.

💡 For the exam: Remember the 12th India-Korea CEPA round in 2026 focused on upgrades, including digital trade and addressing the trade deficit.

💡 Remember: The 16th Defence Policy Dialogue on May 28, 2026, strengthened India-Singapore strategic ties in defence, tech, and Indo-Pacific security.

💡 Remember: India-US BTA discussions include an 'Interim Agreement' framework, with a US visit from 1-4th June 2026.

💡 Remember: India-Canada set USD 50 Bn trade by 2030 and CEPA by year-end.

💡 Remember: India-Canada CEPA target date is end of 2026, aiming for USD 50 billion trade by 2030.

💡 Remember: WHO declared Ebola a PHEIC in May 2026, leading India to issue a travel advisory for DRC, Uganda, South Sudan due to the Bundibugyo strain.

💡 India's signing of the Ethiopia WTO protocol signifies support for developing nations' trade integration.

💡 India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership in 2026 includes defence roadmap, counter-terrorism, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

💡 Remember BRICS countries (including new members) met in Gandhinagar in May 2026 to boost ADR.

💡 For the exam: Remember India-Italy upgraded to 'Special Strategic Partnership', aiming for €20B trade by 2029, and IMEC cooperation.

💡 For the exam: India-Vietnam enhance strategic partnership with new AI/Quantum tech MoU and joint labs in Vietnam.

💡 For the exam: Remember the 5 agreements involve CSIR with multiple Norwegian partners across research, offshore wind, green shift, and geosciences.

💡 For the exam: Remember the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap (2026-2030), covering economy, water, and tech collaboration.

💡 India and the Netherlands elevated ties to a 'Strategic Partnership' in May 2026, boosting cooperation across sectors and trade, with the Netherlands joining IPOI.

💡 Remember: The 2026-2030 India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap covers migration, semiconductors, and critical minerals.

💡 India-UAE agreements cover energy reserves, defence, maritime, AI, and significant investments.

💡 Remember: India hosted and chaired the KP Intersessional 2026 in Mumbai, focusing on 3Cs against conflict diamonds.

💡 For the exam: Remember the 2032 trade target and key MoUs for energy, defence, and maritime infrastructure.

💡 India's aquaculture exports to the EU, valued at US$ 1.593 billion in 2025-26, will continue beyond September 2026 after compliance with antimicrobial regulations.

💡 Remember: Second round of India-Canada CEPA talks concluded in New Delhi, next in Ottawa, 2026.

💡 For the exam: Remember TEPA covers 99.6% of India's exports to EFTA and India's first with a European economic bloc.

💡 For the exam: Remember India's 2026 BRICS Chairship drives MSME finance cooperation through working groups.

💡 For the exam: India-Vietnam 'Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' aims for $25B trade by 2030, marking 10th anniversary.

💡 For the exam: Remember "E"nhanced Strategic Partnership, "25B" trade by "2030", and Vietnam joining "IPOI".

💡 India-EU's €15.2M TTC initiative for EV battery recycling focuses on circular economy and critical raw material recovery by 15 September 2026.

💡 Remember: The India–Tanzania JTC aims for enhanced trade (over $9B) and sectoral cooperation (e.g., health, digital, education).

💡 For the exam: Remember the India-New Zealand FTA signed on April 27, 2026, with $20 billion investment focusing on agriculture and manufacturing.

💡 Remember IN-NZ FTA: 100% duty-free for Indian exports, $20 billion investment from New Zealand, and enhanced student/professional mobility.

💡 For the exam: Remember the India-New Zealand FTA offers 100% duty elimination on Indian exports, protects India's sensitive sectors, and facilitates skilled migration and services.

💡 Remember: The India-New Zealand FTA from April 2026 gives zero-duty access to Indian textiles, apparel, and made-ups.

💡 Remember: The India-New Zealand FTA (launched March 2025) is a comprehensive deal, reducing tariffs to zero for key sectors like leather and notably including AYUSH for the first time.

💡 Remember: India-US BTA discussions in Washington D.C., led to an Interim Agreement.

💡 India's MSME sector partnered with Republic of Korea on April 20, 2026 for economic cooperation.

💡 For the exam: Remember the 2026-2030 Vision, ROK's role in 'Act East,' IPOI membership, and the new Economic Security Dialogue.

💡 India and ROK are boosting energy trade, shipbuilding, and LNG collaboration under their Special Strategic Partnership.

💡 India & ROK collaborate on climate (Paris Article 6.2), renewable energy (ISA, GGGI), oceans, and Arctic research.

💡 Remember VOYAGES (Yard Asssisted Growth with Efficiency and Scale) for India-ROK maritime partnership across shipbuilding, ports, and logistics with skill development.

💡 Remember: ROK joined IPOI & ISA, India joined GGGI, and 2028-29 is the India-ROK Friendship Year.

💡 The WTO ruling on Indonesia's subsidies clarified what constitutes a 'financial contribution' under the SCM Agreement.

💡 For the exam: Remember the Ind-Aus ECTA's four-year milestone, $24.1 billion trade, 100% Australian tariff access by 2026, and Organic MRA.

💡 For the exam: MC-14 in Cameroon saw India's stance on IFD, e-commerce moratorium, agriculture (PSH, SSM, Cotton), and TRIPS NVSC.

💡 Remember: India-EU, WTO MC-14, Yaounde, FTA, Reforms are key terms.

💡 India & Canada deepened ties and CEPA talks at WTO MC-14, eyeing nuclear energy and high-tech sectors.

💡 Remember, India and the UK have both approved the CETA signed in July 2025, nearing its implementation.

💡 Remember: India-New Zealand FTA and PM Modi's visit were key topics at the WTO MC-14 bilateral meeting on March 29, 2026.

💡 For the exam: Remember India's core principles at WTO MC14 for fisheries subsidies: equity, S&DT, 25-year transition, and small-scale fisher carve-out.

💡 For the exam: India at MC-14 pushed for consensus, addressing Uruguay Round asymmetries, prioritizing food security, and effective dispute settlement, while opposing plurilaterals.

💡 Remember: The first IGoM meeting, chaired by the Raksha Mantri on March 28, 2026, focused on West Asia's impact and coordinated responses.

💡 For the exam: The CCS met on March 22, 2026, to address the West Asia Conflict's impact on India's economy, supply chains, and essential needs like fertilizers.

💡 Remember: India-EFTA TEPA = $100B investment & 1M jobs, with safeguards for sensitive sectors.

💡 Remember: From 2025-26, India's FTAs include UK, Oman, New Zealand, EU, and EFTA, with an interim US agreement.

💡 For the exam: Remember India-Finland Strategic Partnership focuses on Digitalization and Sustainability, aiming to double trade by 2030.

💡 Remember, India-Canada CEPA talks started March 2, 2026, aiming for US$50 billion trade by 2030.

💡 Phase II of India-Japan SDGs project targets Aspirational Districts/Blocks across six themes.

💡 For the exam: Remember 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' guiding the renewed India-Canada partnership, with a focus on a CAD $2.6 billion uranium deal and Canada's LNG export goals.

💡 For the exam: Remember CEPA, Critical Minerals, and Canada joining ISA/GBA as key outcomes.