General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - March 2025

Mar 2025

May 27, 2026

Commerce Minister in Toronto advances India-Canada CEPA talks

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal engaged Indian diaspora in Toronto, advancing discussions on the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). In posts on X, he spoke at the opening ministerial plenary session From Political Reset to Commercial Delivery with Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. He highlighted efforts to improve ease of doing business and attract investment, inviting Canadian firms to participate in India's growth. The two sides reaffirmed the goal of expanding bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030 and aimed to conclude CEPA negotiations by year-end. Goyal emphasised sectors including technology and energy.

Event location: Toronto, Canada
CEPA negotiations highlighted
Bilateral trade target: USD 50 billion by 2030
Session titled From Political Reset to Commercial Delivery
Sectors: technology, energy, investment

India–US framework on critical minerals signed in New Delhi

India and the United States signed a bilateral Framework on Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formalised cooperation across mining, processing, and recycling supply chains to secure long term access to materials essential for electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. The agreement recognises global competition for lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements used in modern technology and defence manufacturing. The pact aims to strengthen resilience in both countries' supply chains.

Signing leaders: Jaishankar and Rubio
Scope: mining, processing, recycling of critical minerals
Key materials: lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, rare earths
Purpose: long-term supply security for EVs and semiconductors
Context: amid global supply chain competition

May 26, 2026

India chairs BRICS MENA Meeting 2026

India chaired the BRICS MENA Meeting in 2026, bringing together partners from the Middle East and North Africa region. The meeting focuses on trade, energy, finance and geopolitical coordination among emerging economies and regional partners. India’s leadership highlighted its aim to strengthen cooperation with West Asian partners and shape discussions on development and regional integration within BRICS. The event reflects India’s active role in international forums and its strategy to expand engagement with developing economies across continents. Participation and outcomes are expected to influence future collaborations in energy, infrastructure and regional trade.

India chaired BRICS MENA Meeting 2026.
Participants from Middle East and North Africa region.
Topics: trade, energy, finance, geopolitical coordination.
Shows India’s leadership in BRICS and regional diplomacy.
Could influence future regional cooperation and projects.

India-Ethiopia sign WTO accession protocol

India and Ethiopia signed a protocol related to Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization. The development strengthens India–Africa trade relations within a multilateral framework and supports broader economic integration. For Ethiopia, WTO accession can improve access to global markets and enable reforms in trade rules. For India, the protocol broadens economic engagement with African partners and diversifies trade opportunities. The move aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen regional cooperation and empower developing economies to participate more fully in international trade governance.

Protocol signed for Ethiopia’s WTO accession.
Strengthens India–Africa trade relations within WTO rules.
Ethiopia gains better access to global markets.
India broadens economic engagement with Africa.
Supports multilateral trade and regional cooperation.

Taiwan overtakes India as 5th-largest stock market

Taiwan has overtaken India to become the world’s fifth-largest stock market by market capitalization, driven by a rally in semiconductor stocks led by TSMC. Taiwan’s market value reached about 4.95 trillion dollars, while India’s stood around 4.92 trillion. The shift underlines the growing role of semiconductors and AI-related equities in global markets. Analysts view this as a reminder of the rapid changes in emerging markets and the importance of technology sectors in valuation. The development is relevant for discussions on international finance, investment strategy, and supply chains in the tech sector.

Taiwan tops India as 5th-largest stock market by market cap.
Taiwan value around USD 4.95 trillion; India around USD 4.92 trillion.
Semiconductors, especially AI-linked stocks, drive the shift.
Reflects rapid changes in global market rankings.
Impacts discussions on international finance and supply chains.

US clarifies H-1B and green card policy changes

The United States issued clarifications on recent policy changes affecting H-1B visa holders and green card applicants, a development closely watched by Indian professionals in technology and other high-skilled sectors. Officials described adjustments related to status changes and green card processing timelines, aiming to streamline procedures while addressing backlogs. Indian stakeholders express concern over possible delays that could affect career planning and residency timelines. Industry groups call for clear guidance to maintain competitiveness in the bilateral tech sector. The policy updates underscore ongoing shifts in US immigration policy and their implications for Indian talent mobility.

Policy clarifications issued for H-1B and green cards.
Affects high-skilled professionals from India in tech sectors.
Focus on status changes and processing timelines.
Possible delays may impact career and residency plans.
Impacts India–US technology collaboration and workforce planning.

May 25, 2026

India and Cyprus upgrade to Strategic Partnership with defence, trade and cybersecurity focus

During a state visit by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to New Delhi (20–23 May 2026), India and Cyprus upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Six major agreements and MoUs were signed, covering defence, cybersecurity, innovation, education, culture, and maritime cooperation. A Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was established to strengthen security coordination, alongside a diplomatic training collaboration between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Cyprus’ Diplomatic Academy. Both nations announced a Cyber Security Dialogue and joint initiatives in digital technology to boost research collaboration. The partnership signals deeper strategic ties between India and Cyprus amid regional security shifts.

Nikos Christodoulides visited India 20–23 May 2026
Six MoUs signed on defence, cybersecurity, science and education
Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism established
Diplomatic training cooperation between institutes
Cyber Security Dialogue launched

India-Cyprus strategic partnership details expand after state visit

Following the Cyprus President’s state visit to India (20–23 May 2026), new details emerged about the strategic partnership. In addition to defence and cybersecurity, discussions highlighted progress on innovation, education, and culture cooperation, with a new cybersecurity dialogue and joint training initiatives. Government sources note enhanced cyber diplomacy and a mutual commitment to strengthen maritime collaboration. The arrangements build on a 2025 momentum and aim to translate diplomatic ties into tangible projects across technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. The partnership signals a broader regional alignment with Europe within the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean arenas.

State visit: 20–23 May 2026
Expanded strategic partnership beyond defence and cybersecurity
New cybersecurity dialogue and training initiatives
Cooperation in innovation, education, culture, and maritime sectors

May 24, 2026

Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting slated in New Delhi on 26 May

Quad Foreign Ministers will meet in New Delhi on 26 May, hosted by External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. Participants include Penny Wong (Australia), Toshimitsu Motegi (Japan), and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with arrangements for bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Modi and the External Affairs Minister. The Ministers will build on discussions held in Washington, D.C. on 1 July last year, exchange views on advancing Quad cooperation in priority areas, review progress on ongoing initiatives, and address recent Indo-Pacific developments. The visit underscores a shared interest in security, trade, and climate collaboration among Quad partners.

Dates and location: 26 May, New Delhi.
Participants: S. Jaishankar; Penny Wong; Toshimitsu Motegi; Marco Rubio.
Purpose: advance Quad cooperation; review initiatives; discuss Indo-Pacific issues.
Related meetings: bilateral talks with PM Modi and the EAM.
Theme: Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

May 23, 2026

UK and Italy Deepen Aerospace and Defence Cooperation

The United Kingdom and Italy have deepened cooperation between their aerospace, defence, and security industries through a new Memorandum of Understanding between ADS and AIAD. Signed in Rome during the UK Public Security Exhibition at Villa Wolkonsky, the MoU aims to support long‑term collaboration via joint initiatives, trade missions, investment support, and enhanced industry engagement in both markets. ADS and AIAD will facilitate delegation visits, coordinate participation in trade fairs, and help member companies explore overseas investment and export opportunities. The partnership is designed to benefit companies operating across the two markets and expand bilateral businesses.

ADS (UK) and AIAD (Italy) sign a new MoU to deepen aerospace and defence ties.
Signing took place in Rome during a UK security exhibition at Villa Wolkonsky.
Plans include joint initiatives, trade missions, and investment support.
Aims to increase cross‑border collaboration and market access for companies.

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