General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - January 2025

Jan 2025

Jan 15, 2026

Israel withdraws from several UN agencies after US pullout

Israel announced the severing of formal contact with a group of United Nations agencies following the US withdrawal from multiple international bodies. The move cites perceived bias and politicisation within the agencies as a driver for the decision. The development aligns with Israel’s broader stance on international organisations and affects its cooperation with several UN bodies and related entities. The government indicated it would re-evaluate ongoing cooperation and pursue future arrangements after further consultations with relevant ministries. The decision comes in a climate of heightened geopolitical realignments across the region and global diplomacy.

Israel suspends contact with several UN agencies
Decision follows US withdrawal from multiple bodies
Cited concerns about bias and politicisation
Re-evaluation of ongoing cooperation with affected bodies
Possible broader regional diplomatic implications

India and France reaffirm strategic partnership at 38th Dialogue in New Delhi

During the 38th India-France Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Emmanuel Bonne, France’s Diplomatic Adviser, reaffirmed a deep and broad bilateral partnership. The discussions encompassed security, defence, technology, space, and civil nuclear cooperation, with a focus on Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Preparations for President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India were reviewed, and both sides underscored their commitment to regional and international stability. The dialogue highlighted ongoing collaboration and explored new opportunities in innovation, governance, and education aligned with the Year of Innovation in 2026.

38th India-France Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi
Co-chaired by Ajit Doval and Emmanuel Bonne
Topics: security, defence, technology, space, civil nuclear
Discussed Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat cooperation

US to pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries from January 21

The United States State Department announced a broad pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. The measure targets applicants deemed likely to rely on public welfare, aiming to curb long-term welfare costs. Non-immigrant visas such as tourist and temporary work visas are not affected. Affected countries include Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, and Thailand. Officials said the pause will last until procedures are reassessed to prevent the entry of individuals likely to become public charges. The decision marks one of the most significant shifts in U.S. immigration policy in recent years and has broad political implications.

Immigrant visa processing paused for 75 countries
Effective date: January 21, 2026
Non-immigrant visas remain unaffected
Countries affected include Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Russia
Policy cited public welfare concerns; broader reassessment planned

Jan 14, 2026

India and Germany sign pact to boost postal and logistics ties for cross-border e-commerce

India and Germany signed a bilateral pact to deepen cooperation in postal, express, and logistics services, with a strong emphasis on cross-border e-commerce and time-definite international deliveries. The statement noted that the agreement could raise export volumes, improve service quality, and integrate Indian firms into global value chains by strengthening access to international markets. The Ministry of Communications cited the exchange of two key instruments in January 2026 in Ahmedabad during the visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India. The pact envisages joint premium express products leveraging India Post’s reach and the Deutsche Post–DHL network to speed up shipments.

Bilateral pact in postal, express, and logistics services
Focused on cross-border e-commerce and timely deliveries
Joint premium international express products planned
India Post and Deutsche Post–DHL to cooperate for faster transit
Significant step in expanding India-Germany logistics collaboration

India launches BRICS Presidency 2026 website and branding

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the BRICS Presidency 2026 portal, along with the official theme and logo. The event, attended by key cabinet ministers, marks India’s chairmanship of BRICS this year. The BRICS bloc includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with broader regional and global governance implications. Officials described the branding as reflecting inclusivity and shared growth, while highlighting three pillars: Political-Security cooperation, Economic and Financial partnership, and People-to-People exchanges. The website will host agendas, events, and policy dialogues for BRICS partners and observers.

BRICS Presidency 2026 website launched
India chairs BRICS in 2026
Branding emphasizes inclusivity and growth
Three pillars: political-security, economic-financial, people-to-people
Portal to host agendas and events for BRICS partners

Jan 13, 2026

Pakistan and United States begin joint anti-terrorism exercises Inspired Gambit 2026

Pakistan and the United States started two-week joint anti-terrorism exercises titled Inspired Gambit 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi, Kharian district. The drills involve contingents from both armies and focus on CT operations, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to terrorist threats. The talks are coordinated with partners such as China and the US as part of broader counter-terrorism collaboration. The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability and readiness, reflecting ongoing security ties between Pakistan and the U.S. amid regional security concerns and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

Inspired Gambit 2026: two-week joint exercise between Pakistan and US.
Location: National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi, Kharian district.
Participants: contingents from Pakistan and the United States.
Focus: counter-terrorism operations, intelligence-sharing, cooperation.
Part of broader regional security cooperation.

India-US trade talks advance against tariff backdrop; envoy confirms January 13 discussions

A newly appointed U.S. ambassador to India indicated that India-US trade discussions are planned for January 13, 2026, amid a recent tariff dispute and a sharp rupee decline. The talks will address trade, investment, and regulatory issues, with hopes of restarting negotiations toward a broader economic framework. The envoy also mentioned India’s invitation to join the Pax Silica initiative to diversify supply chains for semiconductors and AI technologies. Market reaction in Mumbai and New Delhi was cautious, with investors monitoring policy signals from both capitals as dialogue resumes.

Trade talks between India and US scheduled for January 13, 2026.
Tariff dispute and rupee volatility cited as backdrop.
Discussions cover trade, investment and regulatory issues.
Pax Silica invitation mentioned to diversify supply chains.
Markets respond cautiously pending outcomes.

International Kite Festival opens as Modi and Merz visit Sabarmati Ashram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and later inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront. The leaders discussed the India-Germany strategic partnership, marking 25 years of cooperation. In the evening, Modi and Merz will participate in delegation-level talks at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, with a joint press statement planned. The festival highlights cultural exchange and bilateral ties, illustrating ongoing collaboration in defense, technology, trade, and energy between India and Germany. The visit underscores shared interests and growing people-to-people links.

Modi and Merz inaugurate International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad.
Leaders discuss India-Germany strategic partnership (25 years).
Delegation-level talks planned at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.
Festival showcases cultural exchange and bilateral cooperation.
Aligns with broader defense, tech, and trade ties.

Myanmar pro-military party wins Suu Kyi’s old parliamentary seat in junta elections

Myanmar’s main pro-military party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), won the parliamentary seat previously held by detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Kawhmu, Yangon region. The outcome comes amid elections held under military rule. The result reinforces the party’s influence in the region and reflects ongoing political shifts under the junta. International observers watch for implications for regional stability and for the status of democratic processes in Myanmar. The development underscores broader questions about governance, civil rights, and international responses to the country’s political transition.

USDP wins Suu Kyi’s former Kawhmu seat in junta elections.
Election held under military rule in Myanmar.
Result strengthens military-backed parliamentary presence.
Observers monitor implications for regional stability.
Raises questions about democratic governance in Myanmar.

U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor assumes charge in Delhi; India invites to Pax Silica initiative

Sergio Gor officially took charge as the U.S. Ambassador to India in Delhi. In his address, Gor thanked former President Donald Trump and expressed intent to strengthen ties between the United States and India. He confirmed that India will be invited to join the Pax Silica initiative, a U.S.-led effort to diversify and secure global supply chains for semiconductors and AI-related technologies. Gor emphasized ongoing cooperation on trade, security, and technology, despite recent tariff tensions. The appointment signals a potential shift in diplomatic engagement and strategic collaboration across multiple sectors.

Sergio Gor takes charge as U.S. Ambassador to India in Delhi.
Gor thanks former President Trump; aims to strengthen ties.
India to be invited to Pax Silica initiative for supply chains.
Emphasis on cooperation in trade, security, and tech.
Diplomatic signals for broader Indo-U.S. partnership.

India funds Bailey bridge opens traffic in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

The first Bailey Bridge funded by India opened to traffic in cyclone-affected Sri Lanka. The 100-foot bridge, built by the Indian Army, connects the Central Province with the Uva Province and restores a vital road link damaged by the disaster. Indian assistance forms part of a broader relief and reconstruction package, highlighting sustained security and humanitarian cooperation between New Delhi and Colombo. Officials stated the bridge will improve movement for relief delivery and civilian mobility in the affected region. The event underscores ongoing regional support from India to Sri Lanka after extreme weather events.

First India-funded 100-foot Bailey Bridge opened in Sri Lanka.
Bridge connects Central Province and Uva Province.
Built by the Indian Army as part of cyclone relief.
Aims to restore vital road connectivity for relief and civilians.
Represents ongoing India-Sri Lanka cooperation.

Jan 12, 2026

Taliban appoints diplomat to Afghan embassy in New Delhi

The Taliban administration has appointed a diplomat to head the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, marking a visible presence of the regime in India nearly five years after Kabul’s takeover. Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, a senior official in the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has arrived in Delhi to assume the role of Charge d’Affaires. The development follows a prior meeting between India and the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister in October 2025. The move signals continuing diplomatic engagement channels between India and Afghanistan as both sides navigate regional security dynamics and humanitarian considerations.

Taliban appoints diplomat to Afghan embassy in New Delhi; Noor to head as Charge d’Affaires.
Arrival follows October 2025 meeting with Taliban acting Foreign Minister Mottaqi.
Marks a rare public Taliban presence in India since takeover.
Diplomatic signals reflect ongoing regional engagement dynamics.
Implications for India–Afghanistan ties amid security considerations.

Vaishnaw to attend G7 Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting in Washington

Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will participate in the G7 Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting in Washington, as part of ongoing efforts to bolster global supply chains for essential resources. The gathering focuses on securing strategic minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements crucial for defence, semiconductors and renewable energy. Vaishnaw emphasised that resilient supply chains are vital for India’s Viksit Bharat ambitions. The meeting aligns with broader dialogue among major economies on resource security and manufacturing competitiveness, with potential implications for India’s industrial policy and export opportunities in critical minerals sectors.

Ashwini Vaishnaw to participate in the G7 Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting in Washington.
Focus on securing critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, graphite, rare earths.
Meeting linked to defence, semiconductors and renewable energy needs.
Vaishnaw ties supply chains to India’s Viksit Bharat goals.
Part of wider international discussions on resource security and manufacturing.

Jan 10, 2026

U.S. to exit 66 international organisations amid retreat from global cooperation

The Trump administration signed an executive order to withdraw U.S. support from 66 international organisations, including the UN population agency and a climate negotiations treaty, as part of a broader retreat from global cooperation. The order targets groups focused on climate, labor, migration, and other governance areas, including several UN-related agencies and non-U.N. organisations. The decision signals a major shift in how the United States engages with international institutions, with potential implications for global governance, transnational cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy. Critics warn of reduced U.S. leadership, while supporters argue for sovereignty and cost-saving reforms.

Executive order to withdraw from 66 organisations
Includes UN agencies and climate-related bodies
Represents shift in U.S. engagement with global institutions
Implications for global governance and diplomacy

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