General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - February 2024

Feb 2024

Jul 01, 2026

India-Saudi water-cooperation MoU signed during Saudi Water Week

During the inaugural Saudi Water Week in Jeddah, India and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in water resources management. The agreement covers sustainable water management, exchange of technical expertise, and capacity-building. It anticipates joint research, data sharing, and technology transfer in groundwater management, water recycling, irrigation efficiency, and climate resilience. The pact underscores India’s broader regional outreach and the importance of water security for fast-growing economies in the Gulf and adjacent regions. The MoU aligns with ongoing projects in energy, agriculture, and urban water supply.

MoU signed during Saudi Water Week (Jeddah)
Focus on water resources management and capacity-building
Includes data sharing, research, and tech transfer
Covers groundwater, recycling, irrigation, climate resilience
Part of broader India-Gulf regional collaboration

PM Modi’s Seychelles visit ends with nine agreements and UPI rollout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a three-day state visit to Seychelles from 27 to 29 June 2026. He attended the Golden Jubilee National Day as a guest of honour and held talks with President Patrick Herminie. India and Seychelles signed nine agreements, including the rollout of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and a Rs 1,250 crore line of credit for priority projects. The visit also covered defence and maritime cooperation, healthcare, and development finance. Modi described the trip as a step forward in Indo-Seychelles ties and regional security in the Indian Ocean context.

PM Modi’s 27–29 June 2026 Seychelles visit concluded
Nine agreements signed, including UPI rollout
Rs 1,250 crore line of credit announced
Meetings with President Herminie focused on defence and trade
Visit underscored India-Seychelles ties in Indian Ocean

India to implement UPI in Seychelles with NPCI International

India has signed an MoU with the Central Bank of Seychelles to implement the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles. The agreement was signed between NPCI International Payments Limited and Seychelles’ Central Bank. The move aims to strengthen cooperation in digital payments and expand India’s UPI platform abroad. Authorities say UPI adoption will enable fast, convenient transfers for individuals and businesses, potentially boosting remittances, tourism, and trade with Seychelles. The initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of promoting digital payments across the Indian Ocean region and deepening financial inclusion.

MoU between NPCI International Payments and Seychelles Central Bank
UPI to be launched in Seychelles
Aims to boost digital payments ecosystem abroad
Expected gains in remittances, tourism, and trade
Part of India’s regional digital-payments expansion

Jun 30, 2026

India-Seychelles Cooperation Expanded with 19 Outcomes

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Seychelles in June 2026, India and Seychelles announced 19 outcomes across maritime security, defence, digital payments, healthcare, education, agriculture and space cooperation. The agreements reflect India's aim to strengthen strategic ties in the Indian Ocean region. Initiatives include enhanced capacity building, technology transfer and joint ventures in space research, along with expanded people-to-people and commercial links. The package demonstrates ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and regional stability through diversified collaboration across multiple sectors.

Visit date: June 2026
Total outcomes: 19 announced
Sectors: maritime security, defence, digital payments, healthcare, education, agriculture, space
Focus: strategic ties in Indian Ocean region
Mechanisms: capacity building, technology transfer, joint ventures
Impact: strengthened bilateral and regional cooperation

SCO Women’s Forum 2026 Held in Bishkek on Women’s Leadership

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Women’s Forum 2026 took place in Bishkek from 25 to 27 June 2026 under Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship. Delegates from member countries discussed women’s leadership in governance, social development and economic activities. The forum emphasised education, entrepreneurship and equal opportunities for women, with exchanges on policy measures to enhance participation in decision-making. Participants showcased successful women-led projects and explored regional cooperation on gender issues. The event highlighted commitments to empower women within the broader SCO framework and improve regional gender outcomes.

Dates and location: 25–27 June 2026, Bishkek
Theme focus: Women’s Leadership
Key topics: governance, social development, economic participation
Participation: delegates from SCO member states
Outcomes: recommendations for regional gender policy cooperation
Significance: boosts women’s leadership within SCO

Jun 29, 2026

India launches Operation Amistad to assist earthquake-hit Venezuela

India launched Operation Amistad on 27 June 2026 to help earthquake-affected Venezuela. External Affairs Ministry announced the mission as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft flew to Venezuela carrying a 41-member rescue team, a self-reliant medical task force, an army field hospital unit, medicines, and relief supplies totaling around 30 tonnes, plus six tonnes of medicines and portable hospital units. The effort aims to support Venezuelan authorities in relief, rescue, and medical care. India expressed condolences to families affected by the disaster and pledged ongoing coordination with Caracas for further assistance.

Operation Amistad initiated on 27 June 2026.
IAF C-17 aircraft transporting a 41-member team and relief material.
Relief payload includes 30 tonnes of supplies and 6 tonnes of medicines.
Portable BHISHM cube hospitals deployed as part of relief.
India coordinating closely with Venezuelan authorities.

Prime Minister Modi conferred Seychelles' Guardian of the Blue Horizon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Seychelles' highest honour, the Guardian of the Blue Horizon, by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during his state visit on 28 June 2026. The award recognises leadership in climate action, green development and the Blue Economy, and underscores India's role in sustainable ocean resource management. Modi dedicated the honour to nations fighting climate change and emphasized bilateral cooperation in environmental stewardship. Officials highlighted the ceremony as part of broader ties in maritime security and sustainable development. The event follows India’s recent emphasis on blue economy partnerships and climate collaboration with Indian Ocean partners. Must-know items from the last 48 hours include Amistad humanitarian mission and Kalpakkam hydrogen facility inauguration.

Date of award: 28 June 2026.
Award named Guardian of the Blue Horizon for environmental leadership.
Presented during Modi’s state visit to Seychelles.
Recognition cited India’s climate action and Blue Economy work.
Must-know cross-links: Amistad operation (27 June 2026) and Kalpakkam hydrogen facility (29 June 2026).

India-Japan Summit 2026 in New Delhi from 1 to 3 July

The India-Japan Summit 2026 is scheduled in New Delhi from 1 to 3 July 2026. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit India for the annual summit, accompanied by a large business delegation. The session will review bilateral coalitions and discuss regional issues, including economic security, supply chains, and clean energy collaboration. The MEA stated that the talks will help deepen strategic and economic ties between the two democracies and explore joint projects across infrastructure, technology, and energy sectors. The summit reinforces a shared interest in maintaining regional stability and expanding people-to-people and business linkages.

Summit dates: 1–3 July 2026 in New Delhi.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to attend with delegation.
Key topics: economic security, supply chains, clean energy.
Aim: strengthen bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
Context: aligns with broader India-Japan strategic partnerships.

Jun 25, 2026

BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting Scheduled for 25–26 June 2026

The government announced that the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting would be held in Gurugram on 25–26 June 2026. The gathering will bring energy ministers from BRICS nations to discuss energy security, sustainability, and cross‑border cooperation. The agenda is likely to cover renewable energy integration, grid resilience, and new financing mechanisms for clean energy projects. Observers expect policy alignment and joint initiatives that could influence regional energy markets and investment flows in the coming years. The event reinforces BRICS collaboration at a time of increasing global energy demand and transition pressures.

Dates: 25–26 June 2026; location: Gurugram
Participants: BRICS energy ministers
Key themes: energy security, sustainability, renewables
Expected outcomes: policy coordination, financing mechanisms
Strategic relevance: regional energy cooperation

Abelardo de la Espriella Wins Colombia Presidency

Abelardo de la Espriella was elected President of Colombia in June 2026 after defeating left‑wing candidate Ivan Cepeda in a close runoff. The right‑wing lawyer and businessman will assume office on 7 August 2026. His victory marks a notable political shift, with emphasis on security and economic policy. The outcome has drawn attention from regional partners and international markets due to potential implications for trade, investment, and security cooperation in Latin America. The transition will influence Colombia’s approach to narcotics policy, governance reforms, and relations with neighbouring countries in the coming years.

Winner: Abelardo de la Espriella
Opponent: Ivan Cepeda; runoff outcome
Inauguration: 7 August 2026
Policy emphasis: security and economic policy
Regional impact: implications for trade and security

BRICS Energy Ministers Meet in Gurugram Under Indian Chairship

India hosted the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram, Haryana, in June 2026 as part of its BRICS Chairship. Led by Union Minister Manohar Lal, the Indian delegation discussed energy security, sustainability, innovation, smart grids, and renewable energy cooperation among BRICS members. Ministers reviewed ongoing projects and policy coordination, aiming to accelerate low‑carbon energy deployment and grid modernization. The gathering reflected shared BRICS interests in energy diversification, emissions reduction, and regional integration. The discussions are expected to influence financing, technology transfer, and strategic alignment among the five nations in the near term.

Event: 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting
Host: India; location: Gurugram, Haryana
Dates: June 2026 (25–26 ongoing/initiated)
Lead: Union Minister Manohar Lal
Topics: energy security, sustainability, renewables, smart grids

Jun 23, 2026

First BRICS MSME Forum Held in Agra Under BRICS Chairship 2026

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises hosted the inaugural BRICS MSME Forum and the third SME Working Group Meeting in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, in June 2026. The event carried the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. It focused on strengthening BRICS cooperation in the MSME sector, sharing best practices, and exploring cross-border collaboration to support small businesses. Delegates from BRICS member and partner countries discussed policies, financing options, and practical steps to boost MSMEs. The forum also highlighted regional exports and capacity-building opportunities for Indian small firms in global value chains.

Event: BRICS MSME Forum and SME Working Group Meeting in Agra, UP.
Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
Focus: BRICS cooperation in MSMEs and cross-border collaboration.
Participants: BRICS member and partner country delegates.
Outcomes: policy dialogue, financing options, capacity building for MSMEs.

BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting Held in India on 22–23 June 2026

India hosted the BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting on 22–23 June 2026 under the chairmanship of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The gathering discussed non-traditional security challenges and the role of new technologies in national security. NSAs and Heads of Delegation from BRICS member countries exchanged views and reviewed outcomes from BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism and ICT security. The meeting formed part of preparations for the BRICS Summit to be hosted by India in September 2026. Attendees included senior officials from BRICS states, with aims to deepen security cooperation and coordinate responses to evolving threats.

Dates: 22–23 June 2026.
Chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
Theme: Non-traditional security challenges and tech roles.
Review: BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism and ICT security.
Context: Preparations for BRICS Summit 2026 in India.

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