India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute:

India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute: The fishing dispute between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Bay has been a long-standing issue with a range of underlying causes and implications for both countries. Key Issues in the Dispute: Recurrent Arrests of Indian Fishermen: Indian fishermen, often facing engine failures or sudden weather changes, accidentally stray into Sri Lanka

India-Pledged Support to Maldives Amid Economic Issues

India-Pledged Support to Maldives Amid Economic Issues Context: The Foreign Minister of the Maldives is on a three-day visit to India, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, particularly focusing on trade, investment, and addressing economic challenges facing the Maldives. Maldives & Its Strategic Importance Strategic Location: The Maldives holds significant strategic value, bei

18th Edition of Exercise SURYA KIRAN

18th Edition of Exercise SURYA KIRAN In News: The 18th edition of Exercise SURYA KIRAN is scheduled to take place from 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025 at Saljhandi, Nepal. This annual joint military exercise is conducted alternately between India and Nepal. About Exercise SURYA KIRAN SURYA KIRAN is a bilateral military exercise designed to strengthen the defense cooperation bet

Exercise Mitra Shakti

Exercise Mitra Shakti is an annual bilateral military exercise between India and Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening joint military capabilities and cooperation, especially for counter-insurgency operations under the United Nations Mandate. The 10th edition of the exercise was recently held at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. Key Highlights of Exercise Mitra Shakti: Objecti

Visit of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to India: Key Highlights

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent visit to India marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. The visit lasted for two days and included extensive talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Vision Documents Released India-Bangladesh Shared Vision for Future Title: “India-Bangladesh Shared Vision for F

India and Nepal relations

Context: Nepal signed a long-term agreement for the export of 10,000 MW power to India in the next 10 years and an MoU for cooperation in renewable energy . Status of India-Nepal Relations: Defense Cooperation: - India supports Nepal Army in modernization through equipment, training, and joint military exercises. - The Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army recruit soldiers from Nepal

South china sea

Context: China showcased on Thursday fighter jets firing missiles in the South China Sea, as it held rival military exercises with the United States in the hotly contested waters.The drills follow tense standoffs between Beijing and Manila in disputed reefs that saw vessels from the two countries collide and Chinese ships blast water cannon at Philippine boats. Significance of the South China S

Bangladesh

PM congratulates Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh for victory for 4th consecutive term recently. Sheikh Hasina's Awami League won almost 75% (222 out of 300) Parliamentary seats  of the seats in general election that was boycotted by the main opposition BNP and drew a low turnout.

Bangladesh elections and India

Context: A stable, prosperous and friendly Bangladesh is in India’s best interests. This is why India will hope that incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returns to power after the January 7 elections. Background: Bangladesh gained its independence in December 1971; since then, India Bangladesh Relations have been good. India was one of the first nations to recognize it and establish di

Maldives suspends three Deputy Ministers

Context: The Maldives government suspended three of its ministers- Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha and Hassan Zihan- for their ‘derogatory remarks on India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the latter's Lakshadweep visit. News: In retaliation more than 8,000 hotel bookings, as well as 2,500 flight tickets, have been cancelled after a Maldivian min

Free Movement Regime to end at Myanmar border

Context: The Union government is all set to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border. People living in border areas, who could cross over to India, will soon require visas, the official added. About: Free Movement Regime The Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border is a mutually agreed pact between India and Myanmar that allows tribes residing on eithe

India Pakistan Exchange list of Nuclear Installations

Context: India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations, covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. About: India and Pakistan have a history of exchanging lists of their nuclear installations under a bilateral pact that prohibits the two sides from attacking each other's atomic facilities. This agreemen

Matarbari Port

Context: India is considering proposals to connect Bangladesh’s Matarbari Port to Northeastern States. About: Matarbari Port is a deep-sea port under construction at Matarbari in Maheshkhali Upazila of Cox's Bazar District, Bangladesh. Some key details about the port include: - Type of harbor: Artificial - Construction started in 2011 - Located near the Bay of Bengal

Is India ‘losing’ South Asia? That’s not the question

Background: South Asia is a diverse and complex region with historical rivalries, cultural differences, and varying developmental levels.The region is witnessing a dynamic shift in power balances, with new players like China and regional assertiveness from countries like Bangladesh.India faces domestic challenges that can impact its foreign policy priorities and regional lea

A FERRY FROM TAMIL NADU TO JAFFNA, ONCE AGAIN

    Why in the News? Recently, 50 people boarded a ferry, Cheriyapani, from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to cross the Palk Strait and travel to Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The ferry from Tamil Nadu to Jaffna: The maritime service which was begun in the early 1900s, was discontinued in the 1980s due to ethnic strife in Sri Lanka. Both the

India and Maldives ties

  Why in the News? The recent Maldives Presidential election led to winning of Mohamed Muizzu who has been known for his Anti-India Campaign in Maldives. India’s footprints in Maldives: They are deep-rooted, both historically and in contemporary relations in spite of changes caused due to change in leadership in Maldives.  India as the closest neighbour:

The Maldives, the evolution of a democracy

The Maldives, the evolution of a democracy     Why in the News? The Maldives, South Asia’s smallest nation-state, held its latest Presidential election successfully, indicating that democracy is thriving and free and fair election has enhanced the country’s international prestige. Five men, shared future: President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (1978 to 20

Relationship between India and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

Relationship between India and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan   Why in the News? Recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announced the closure of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Delhi. The Embassy of Afghanistan has cited some reasons for the move that includes: Lack of cooperation from the Government of India  Lack of resourc

Pakistan bomb blasts

Pakistan bomb blasts Why in the News? A recent bomb blast has killed at least 53 people and injured over 70 in a suicide blast in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, marking it as the deadliest terror attack in Pakistan since 2018. Balochistan remains a problem province for Pak: Balochistan is the largest Pakistani province which is sparsely populated and impoverished, compared t

Maldives Election and India

Maldives Election and India     Why in the News? Maldives is set to face the second round of Presidential election very soon, after no candidate secured more than 50% of the votes in the first round on September 9. Maldives Election: Maldives’ electoral system is similar to France, where the winner has to secure more than 50% of votes. If no one cross

India-China LAC

India-China LAC Why in the News? Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to intensify efforts for expeditious disengagement and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Disengagement along the LAC: 19th round of India-China military talks outcome: There is a possibility for limited disenga

What are the amendments to the Pakistan Army Act?

What are the amendments to the Pakistan Army Act? Why in the News? Recently, an amendment was passed in Pakistan senate to amend the Pakistan Army Act, 1952. The new amendments proposed in the Bill: A new clause 1A in Section 8 of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 has been added to expanded the ambit of the Army Act. Upon this addition, civilians working in entities affiliated wit

China’s worldview, its postulates and a reality check

China’s worldview, its postulates and a reality check China’s worldviews: China’s growth is driven by a multitude of factors Acceleration by technology Economic strength Demographic potential Beijing’s one of the underlying principles include, ‘changes unseen in a century’, that lays