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Subject: Bilateral Relations

1. Major World Events
2. India’s Interests in neighbourhood
3. Effects of our Policies

  • India–Israel Elevate Ties to Special Strategic Partnership

    Why in the News

    India and Israel elevated bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. A total of 17 pacts were signed.

    Key Outcomes

    1. Upgrade of Bilateral Ties

    • Earlier: Strategic Partnership since 2017
    • Now: Special Strategic Partnership
    • Focus on technology, defence, innovation and economic cooperation

    2. Technology Partnership

    • Launch of Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership
    • Cooperation in:
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Quantum technologies
      • Cyber security
      • Critical minerals

    3. Defence Cooperation

    • Roadmap for joint development and joint production
    • Emphasis on transfer of technology
    • Defence ties described as expanding in scope and scale

    4. Economic & Trade Measures

    • Bilateral Investment Agreement operationalised
    • FTA negotiations to be finalised soon
    • UPI to be enabled in Israel
    • Financial dialogue mechanism launched

    5. Agriculture & Innovation

    • Target of 100 Centres of Excellence
    • Plan for Villages of Excellence
    • India Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture to be set up
    • 20 joint agricultural research fellowships

    6. Manpower & People Ties

    • Expansion of labour mobility under 2023 agreement
    • Quota of up to 50,000 Indian workers over five years
    • Launch of India Israel Academic Forum

    7. Regional & Global Issues

    • Strong condemnation of terrorism
    • Support for Gaza peace efforts
    • Focus on IMEEC and I2U2 initiatives

    Prelims Pointers

    • India Israel ties established in 1992
    • Strategic Partnership declared in 2017
    • Now elevated to Special Strategic Partnership in 2026
    • Cooperation spans defence, agriculture, AI, cyber security and innovation
    • IMEEC: India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor
    • I2U2: India Israel UAE USA grouping
    [2018] The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (a) China  

    (b) Israel 

    (c) Iraq  

    (d) Yemen

  • India–France Sign Amending Protocol to Update DTAC

    Why in the News

    • India and France have signed an Amending Protocol to update the India–France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) of 1992, aligning it with current international tax standards and strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
    • The Protocol was signed by the Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes and the French Ambassador to India.

    What is DTAC?

    • A Double Taxation Avoidance Convention is an agreement between two countries to:
      • Avoid taxing the same income twice
      • Prevent tax evasion
      • Promote cross border trade and investment
    • India has DTAA or DTAC agreements with over 90 countries.

    Key Changes in the Amending Protocol

    • Capital Gains Taxation: Full taxing rights on capital gains from sale of shares now lie with the country where the company is resident.
    • Removal of MFN Clause: The Most Favoured Nation clause has been deleted. This resolves long standing interpretational disputes regarding treaty benefits.
    • Dividend Taxation: Earlier: Single 10 percent rate
    • Now:
      • 5 percent for shareholders holding at least 10 percent capital
      • 15 percent for others
    • Fees for Technical Services: Definition aligned with the India US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. Introduces greater clarity in taxation of cross border services.
    • Expansion of Permanent Establishment: Introduces Service Permanent Establishment concept. Expands tax jurisdiction where services are provided in another country.
    • Exchange of Information
      • Updated as per international standards.
      • Introduces Article on Assistance in Collection of Taxes.
      • Enhances mutual tax cooperation.
    • Exchange of Information: Integrates provisions of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Multilateral Instrument. Strengthens anti tax avoidance framework.
    [2016] The term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (a) mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas 

    (b) curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies 

    (c) exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies 

    (d) lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects.

  • India Conducts VAJRA PRAHAR with US and DHARMA GUARDIAN with Japan

    Why in the News

    • India is simultaneously hosting two major bilateral military exercises:
      • The 16th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR with the United States in Himachal Pradesh.
      • The 7th edition of Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN with Japan in Uttarakhand.
    • Both drills aim to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation.

    1. Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR (India–US)

    Participants

    • Indian Army Special Forces, 45 personnel
    • United States Army Special Forces, 12 personnel

    Venue and Duration

    • Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
    • February 24 to March 16, 2026
    • Previous edition held in Idaho, USA in November 2024

    2. Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN (India–Japan)

    • Participants

        • Indian Army
        • Japan Ground Self-Defence Force

    • Units Involved

      • India: Ladakh Scouts
      • Japan: 32nd Infantry Regiment
    [2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? 

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 
    2. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 
    3. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. 

    Select the answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

  • India and GCC Sign Joint Statement Launching FTA Negotiations

    Why in the News

    India and the Gulf Cooperation Council signed a Joint Statement on February 24, 2026 in New Delhi, formally launching negotiations for an India–GCC Free Trade Agreement. The statement was signed by Piyush Goyal and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

    About the Gulf Cooperation Council

    The GCC is a regional bloc comprising:

    • Saudi Arabia
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Qatar
    • Kuwait
    • Oman
    • Bahrain
    • Established in 1981
    • Combined GDP about 2.3 trillion dollars
    • Population about 61.5 million

    Trade Significance

    • GCC is India’s largest trading partner bloc.
    • Bilateral trade in FY 2024-25: 178.56 billion dollars
      • Exports: 56.87 billion dollars
      • Imports: 121.68 billion dollars
    • Accounts for about 15.42 percent of India’s global trade.
    • Average annual trade growth over last five years: 15.3 percent.

    Key Trade Items

    • India’s Exports to GCC: Engineering goods, Rice, Textiles, Machinery, Gems and jewellery
    • India’s Imports from GCC: Crude oil, LNG, Petrochemicals and Gold

    Investment and Diaspora Linkages

    • GCC investments in India exceed 31.14 billion dollars.
    • Nearly 10 million Indians live and work in GCC countries.
    • Strong people to people ties support economic cooperation.

    Expected Benefits of the FTA

    • Greater trade predictability and certainty.
    • Diversification of exports.
    • Stronger energy security cooperation.
    • Enhanced market access for goods and services.
    • Deeper economic integration amid global uncertainty.
    [2016] Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (a) Iran 

    (b) Saudi Arabia 

    (c) Oman 

    (d) Kuwait

  • [25th February 2026] The Hindu OpED: India’s trade strategy in a multipolar world

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.”

    Linkage: This question directly links to India’s recent FTAs with the EU and the U.S., which aim to position India as a reliable alternative supply-chain hub in a multipolar world. It connects trade policy with geopolitical strategy, economic diplomacy, and global value chain realignment, core themes of GS 2 (IR) and GS 3 (External Sector & Growth).

    Mentor’s Comment

    India is revising its trade strategy in response to geopolitical tensions, shifting supply chains, and growing protectionism. This topic is highly relevant for GS 2 (India’s foreign policy and international relations) and GS 3 (Indian economy, external sector, globalization, and industrial growth), especially in questions related to trade policy, economic diplomacy, supply-chain resilience, and strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.

    Why in the News?

    India’s recent signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (January 2026) and an interim trade framework with the U.S. (February 2026) marks one of its most ambitious trade expansions in recent years. These moves reflect a clear departure from its earlier cautious FTA approach and signal a strategic push to position India as a key player in a multipolar global trading system.

    How Does India’s Revised FTA Strategy Reflect a Shift in Governance Philosophy?

    1. Strategic Autonomy Framework: Ensures sovereign decision-making while engaging major economic powers. Expands beyond regional FTAs to advanced economies such as EU, U.S., U.K., UAE, and Australia.
    2. Market Diversification: Reduces overdependence on single geographies. FTAs projected to cover 22% of exports by 2026, up from 17%.
    3. Institutional Reform Alignment: Aligns FTAs with domestic reforms under FTP 2023 targeting $2 trillion exports by 2030.
    4. Value Chain Integration: Facilitates integration into global production networks rather than mere tariff concessions.

    How Do Recent Trade Agreements Strengthen India’s Export Competitiveness and Industrial Capacity?

    1. Tariff Liberalisation: Reduces or eliminates tariffs on over 90% of traded goods, enhancing cost competitiveness.
    2. Sectoral Boost: Strengthens textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, marine products, electronics, and semiconductors.
    3. Technology Access: Facilitates access to advanced European machinery and U.S. semiconductor collaboration.
    4. Production Efficiency: Lowers input costs and enhances regulatory cooperation, improving manufacturing productivity.
    5. Export Performance Data: Recorded 6.05% annual growth in exports in 2025; total exports reached $825.25 billion.

    How Do FTAs Enhance India’s Integration into Global Supply Chains and Digital Trade Ecosystems?

    1. Intermediate Goods Liberalisation: Reduces barriers on inputs, enabling seamless cross-border production.
    2. Digital Trade Facilitation: Expands cooperation in e-commerce, services trade, and digital standards alignment.
    3. MSME Integration: Integrates Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises into global value chains through improved market access.
    4. High-Growth Sectors: Strengthens pharmaceuticals, electronics, services, and high-technology industries dependent on component mobility.

    How Do Trade Agreements Operate as Instruments of Economic Diplomacy in a Multipolar Order?

    1. Diplomatic Leverage: Enhances India’s role in shaping global trade norms and standards.
    2. Geopolitical Balancing: Diversifies partnerships across EU, U.S., UAE, Australia, and U.K., reducing vulnerability.
    3. Investment Attraction: Strengthens investor confidence through predictable regulatory frameworks.
    4. Strategic Signalling: Projects India as a reliable global trade partner amid supply-chain reconfiguration.

    What Institutional and Regulatory Reforms Are Necessary to Maximise FTA Gains?

    1. Customs Modernisation: Ensures faster clearance and trade facilitation under WTO-compliant mechanisms.
    2. Standards Harmonisation: Aligns domestic quality infrastructure with global standards.
    3. Supply Chain Infrastructure: Expands logistics capacity and port efficiency to reduce transaction costs.
    4. Production-Linked Incentives (PLI): Supports domestic manufacturing scale-up in electronics and high-tech sectors.
    5. Digital Governance: Strengthens data governance and digital trade regulations.

    What Are the Structural Risks and Governance Challenges in Aggressive Trade Liberalisation?

    1. Domestic Industry Exposure: Increases competition pressure on sensitive sectors.
    2. Trade Deficit Risk: Expands imports of intermediate and capital goods.
    3. Regulatory Adjustment Costs: Requires institutional capacity to implement complex trade provisions.
    4. Labour and Environmental Standards: Necessitates compliance with evolving global norms.

    Conclusion

    India’s evolving trade strategy reflects a calibrated shift from protection-driven engagement to rule-based, strategic integration with major economies. By aligning FTAs with domestic industrial policy, supply-chain resilience, and digital governance reforms, India seeks to convert trade agreements into instruments of long-term economic transformation. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on regulatory preparedness, institutional capacity, and the ability to balance competitiveness with strategic autonomy in an increasingly fragmented global order.

  • As PM visits Israel, how ties evolved over the years

    Why in the News? 

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2026 visit to Israel comes amid the Gaza conflict, US-Iran tensions, and shifting West Asian geopolitics. Since the first-ever standalone PM visit in 2017, ties have become overtly strategic, particularly in defence and technology. The visit is significant as India balances Israel partnership, Gulf energy interests, and the IMEC corridor in a volatile regional environment.

    How has India’s diplomatic engagement with Israel evolved from hesitancy to strategic normalization?

    1. Early Recognition (1950): India recognized Israel but avoided full diplomatic engagement due to Non-Aligned Movement priorities and domestic political considerations.
    2. Delayed Diplomatic Relations (1992): Full diplomatic ties established after Cold War end and Madrid Peace Conference; marked policy recalibration.
    3. Strategic Dehyphenation Policy (Post-2014): India delinked Israel relations from Palestine engagement; PM Modi’s 2017 visit excluded Ramallah, first such shift.
    4. Reciprocal High-Level Visits: Israeli PM Netanyahu visited India in 2018; sustained political signalling strengthened bilateral trust.
    5. Institutionalization of Strategic Partnership: Defence, agriculture, innovation forums and joint working groups operationalized cooperation.

    How has defence cooperation reshaped the strategic character of India-Israel relations?

    1. Defence Procurement: Israel emerged as one of India’s top three defence suppliers; supplies include UAVs, radar systems, Barak missiles, and precision munitions.
    2. Operational Support: Israel reportedly supplied emergency defence equipment during Kargil War (1999); deepened strategic trust.
    3. Technology Transfer: Joint development projects such as Barak-8 missile system strengthened indigenous capacity.
    4. Cyber and Intelligence Cooperation: Collaboration in counter-terrorism, border security, surveillance technology.
    5. Post-October 7 Context: Defence cooperation remains critical amid heightened regional security tensions.

    How does India balance its Israel partnership with West Asian geopolitics and domestic considerations?

    1. Energy Dependence: India imports significant crude oil from Gulf nations; requires diplomatic balance with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar.
    2. Diaspora Factor: Nearly 9 million Indians reside in Gulf countries; remittances influence economic diplomacy.
    3. Palestine Position: India continues to support two-state solution in multilateral forums; abstentions at UN reflect calibrated diplomacy.
    4. US-Iran Rivalry: Tensions in West Asia complicate India’s strategic calculus; Chabahar port interests intersect with regional dynamics.
    5. Domestic Political Optics: Visits to Israel attract political attention due to communal sensitivities.

    How does economic and technological cooperation expand beyond defence into developmental governance?

    1. Agriculture Cooperation: Centers of Excellence across Indian states improve drip irrigation, horticulture yields.
    2. Water Management: Israeli water recycling and desalination technologies deployed in Indian urban projects.
    3. Innovation Partnerships: India-Israel Industrial R&D Fund supports joint startups and technology incubation.
    4. IMEC Integration: India-Middle East-Europe Corridor aims to enhance connectivity linking India with Europe via Israel.
    5. Startup Ecosystem Collaboration: Cybersecurity, AI, agri-tech exchanges institutionalized.

    How do regional conflicts and Abraham Accords reshape India’s strategic calculations?

    1. Abraham Accords (2020): Israel normalized relations with UAE and Bahrain; reduced diplomatic friction for India’s parallel engagements.
    2. Gaza Conflict (2023-26): Regional instability affects energy markets and shipping routes.
    3. Red Sea Security Concerns: Houthi attacks disrupted maritime trade; impacts India’s export routes.
    4. IMEC Uncertainty: Corridor viability linked to regional stability.
    5. Multipolar Engagement: India maintains ties with Israel, Iran, Arab states, and US simultaneously.

    Does the evolution of India-Israel ties reflect a broader shift in India’s foreign policy doctrine?

    1. Strategic Autonomy 2.0: Engagement without bloc alignment; issue-based partnerships.
    2. From Ideology to Pragmatism: Shift from Third World solidarity emphasis to technology-security driven diplomacy.
    3. Security-Centric Foreign Policy: Counter-terrorism cooperation prioritized.
    4. West Asia as Extended Neighbourhood: Integrated into India’s Act West policy.
    5. Balancing Multi-Vector Diplomacy: Simultaneous engagement with Israel, Palestine, Gulf, Iran.

    Conclusion

    India-Israel relations have transitioned from cautious engagement to structured strategic partnership driven by defence cooperation, technology collaboration, and geopolitical convergence. The relationship now operates within a broader West Asian recalibration marked by the Abraham Accords, Gaza conflict, US-Iran tensions, and emerging connectivity frameworks such as IMEC. India’s approach reflects calibrated strategic autonomy, strengthening security ties with Israel while safeguarding energy, diaspora, and political interests in the Gulf. The durability of this partnership will depend on India’s ability to sustain multi-vector diplomacy, manage regional instability, and align bilateral cooperation with long-term national interests.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2018] “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back” Discuss.

    Linkage: It directly mirrors the theme of strategic normalization post-2014, defence cooperation, and technological partnership discussed in the article. It tests understanding of irreversible strategic convergence despite West Asian volatility.

  • Why India chose to be an observer in Trump’s Board of Peace

    Why in the News?

    India has joined the U.S.-proposed “Board of Peace” as an observer amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and rising instability in West Asia. The decision signals India’s cautious engagement with a new U.S.-led diplomatic platform while safeguarding its strategic autonomy and regional sensitivities.

    What is the “Board of Peace”?

    1. U.S.-Led Diplomatic Initiative: A proposed platform announced by U.S. President Donald Trump to address the Gaza conflict and broader West Asian instability through coordinated dialogue among selected countries.
    2. Ad Hoc Governance Structure: Operates outside established multilateral institutions like the United Nations, with no clearly defined treaty basis, charter, or permanent secretariat.
    3. Selective Membership Model: Includes major U.S. allies and regional stakeholders, with participation levels varying between full members and observers.
    4. Conflict-Focused Mandate: Aims to deliberate on ceasefire mechanisms, humanitarian access, reconstruction pathways, and regional de-escalation strategies.
    5. Strategic Signalling Mechanism: Reflects U.S. attempt to shape post-conflict political architecture in West Asia amid perceived limitations of existing multilateral forums.
    Executive Leadership

    1. Chairman: Donald Trump (Indefinite/Life term)
    2. Director-General / High Representative for Gaza: Nickolay Mladenov (Bulgarian diplomat and former UN envoy) 

    Executive BoardsThese boards are tasked with the day-to-day operations and strategic management of the organization’s mission. 

    1. The Executive Boards consist of key figures, including Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel Jr.. 
    2. The specialized Gaza Executive Board includes Mladenov, Kushner, Witkoff, Blair, Rowan, and representatives from the Middle East and international community, such as Hakan Fidan, Ali al-Thawadi, Hassan Rashad, Reem Al Hashimy, Yakir Gabay, and Sigrid Kaag. 

    Member StatesAs of February 2026, 27 countries are members, having contributed $1 billion for permanent status or joining for renewable three-year terms. 

    1. Americas: Argentina, Paraguay, United States
    2. Middle East: Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
    3. Europe/Eurasia: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo
    4. Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
    5. Central America: El Salvador 

    Observers: Over 20 entities participate as observers, including the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Germany, and Mexico.

    Why Did India Prefer Observer Status Instead of Full Membership?

    1. Strategic Autonomy: Preserves independent decision-making in foreign policy without binding commitments to a U.S.-led framework.
    2. Conflict Sensitivity: Avoids direct involvement in West Asian peace enforcement mechanisms that may escalate regional polarization.
    3. India-Pakistan Dimension: Prevents scope for third-party mediation narratives on bilateral disputes.
    4. Diplomatic Signalling: Demonstrates engagement without endorsement of institutional design or agenda-setting.

    How Does This Decision Reflect India’s Approach to Multilateralism?

    1. Selective Multilateralism: Engages in issue-based coalitions rather than formal alliances.
    2. UN-Centric Tradition: Upholds preference for established multilateral institutions like the UN over ad hoc geopolitical platforms.
    3. Institutional Legitimacy: Questions governance architecture of new peace mechanisms lacking defined mandates.
    4. Global South Positioning: Balances Western engagement with developing world solidarity.

    What Are the Governance Implications of U.S.-Led Peace Architectures?

    1. Agenda Control: Concentrates agenda-setting power in major states.
    2. Representation Deficit: Limits equitable voice for regional stakeholders.
    3. Normative Ambiguity: Lacks clarity on enforcement, accountability, and decision-making frameworks.
    4. Institutional Overlap: Risks duplication of UN Security Council functions.

    How Does the Gaza Conflict Shape India’s Diplomatic Calculus?

    1. Energy Security: West Asia remains critical for oil imports and diaspora welfare.
    2. Diaspora Protection: Ensures safety of Indian nationals in conflict-prone zones.
    3. Balanced Diplomacy: Maintains ties with Israel while supporting Palestinian statehood.
    4. Regional Stability: Supports de-escalation to prevent wider regional war.

    What Does This Indicate About India-US Strategic Convergence?

    1. Issue-Based Cooperation: Deepens collaboration in technology, supply chains, and security.
    2. Cautious Alignment: Avoids perception of bloc politics.
    3. Policy Autonomy: Ensures foreign policy independence despite closer defence ties.
    4. Geopolitical Balancing: Maintains engagement with West Asia, Russia, and Global South actors.

    Does Observer Status Strengthen or Dilute India’s Global Leadership Role?

    1. Diplomatic Prudence: Avoids reputational risks of failed peace initiatives.
    2. Engagement without Liability: Retains access to negotiations without enforcement burden.
    3. Soft Power Projection: Signals responsible stakeholder posture.
    4. Risk Mitigation: Prevents entanglement in great-power competition.

    Conclusion

    India’s decision to participate as an observer in the “Board of Peace” reflects calibrated statecraft rooted in strategic autonomy. It preserves engagement with the United States while avoiding institutional entanglement in a conflict-sensitive region. The move aligns with India’s long-standing preference for balanced diplomacy, UN-centric multilateralism, and resistance to third-party mediation in bilateral disputes. Observer status enables access without liability, reinforcing India’s pragmatic, interest-driven foreign policy in a shifting geopolitical order.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2020] Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present time – Discuss.

    Linkage: This PYQ tests understanding of evolving strategic groupings and India’s calibrated participation in issue-based coalitions beyond pure military alignment. It directly links to India’s observer role in the “Board of Peace,” reflecting selective engagement while preserving strategic autonomy.

  • India attends U.S. Board of Peace meeting as observer

    Why in the News?

    India attended the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on Gaza as an observer nation but has not joined the initiative.

    What is the Board of Peace?

    • An initiative announced by Donald Trump.
    • Aimed at redevelopment of the Gaza Strip.
    • Announced during the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
    • Perceived by some as a parallel platform to the United Nations system.

    Key Features

    • U.S. pledged $10 billion to the initiative.
    • 27 member nations including Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE.
    • India participated as observer through its diplomat in Washington DC.
    • India has not formally joined the Board.

    Strategic Context

    • Gaza Strip located along eastern Mediterranean coast.
    • Ceasefire phase between Israel and Hamas led to renewed diplomatic efforts.
    • U.S. attempting multilateral reconstruction framework outside traditional UN mechanisms.
    [2022] The term “Levant” often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions? (a) Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores 

    (b) Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco 

    (c) Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa 

    (d) The entire coastal areas of Mediterranean Sea

  • COAS visit to Australia strengthens defence ties 

    Why in the News?

    Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi concluded his official visit to Australia from February 16 to 19 to enhance bilateral defence cooperation in the Indo Pacific.

    Key Highlights of Visit

    • Talks with senior leadership of Australian Defence Forces.
    • Interactions with:
      • Forces Command (FORCOMD)
      • Special Operations Command (SOCOMD)
      • 2nd Division of Australian Army
    • Discussions on:
      • Force readiness
      • Operational concepts
      • Training methodologies

    Exercise AUSTRAHIND

    • Bilateral Army exercise between India and Australia.
    • Focus on:
      • Joint operations
      • Interoperability
      • Counter terrorism training
    • Next edition to be held in India later this year.

    Strategic Context

    • India Australia ties elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
    • Cooperation part of broader Indo Pacific security architecture.
    • Defence collaboration complements engagement under frameworks like Quad.
    [2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 

    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 

    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 

    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. 

    Select the answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

  • India joins Pax Silica for resilient electronics supply chains 

    Why in the News?

    India has joined the Pax Silica group during the AI Impact Summit, partnering with the United States and other countries to build resilient supply chains for electronics and critical minerals.

    What is Pax Silica?

    • A multilateral initiative aimed at:
      • Securing electronics supply chains
      • Reducing over dependence on a single country
      • Strengthening access to refined rare earth elements
    • Inaugural summit held in Washington DC.

    Member Countries

    • United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, European Union, and India

    Strategic Context

    • China dominates refining of rare earth elements.
    • Concerns over:
      • Export restrictions
      • Economic coercion
      • Weaponisation of supply chains
    • Initiative promotes supply chain sovereignty and diversification.

    Key Concepts for Prelims

    • Rare Earth Elements: 17 metallic elements essential for electronics, EVs, defence systems.
    • Critical Minerals: Minerals essential for economic and national security.
    • Supply Chain Resilience: Diversification to reduce vulnerability to disruptions.
    • Economic Coercion: Use of trade or economic tools for strategic pressure.
    [2025] Consider the following statements: I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member. 

    II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified. 

    III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III