International Relations
Bilateral ties, multilateral forums, treaties and India's foreign policy
Philippines unveils new coast guard command in disputed South China Sea
On April 9, 2026, the Philippine Coast Guard unveiled its first dedicated command centre in the Spratly Islands chain, headquartered on Pagasa Island (also k...
EU slams Hormuz toll idea, urges unrestricted freedom of navigation
The European Union formally condemned Iran's proposal to impose a toll on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical maritime chokepoin...
Nitish Kumar to take oath as Rajya Sabha member on Friday
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) supremo, was administered the oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10, 2026, in the chamber of Rajya Sabha Chai...
How US ‘pushed Pakistan’ for ceasefire with Iran even as Trump escalated threats
A Financial Times report (cited in analysis) revealed that Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, led back-channel negotiations that produ...
Too early to draw lessons from US-Israel & Iran war, India monitoring like a hawk—Navy chief
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (26th Naval Chief), addressed the tri-service seminar 'Ran Samvad' in Bengaluru on April 9, 2026. The Na...
China denies reports of support to Iran's military during war with U.S.
China's Ministry of National Defence, through spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang, denied reports that China had been providing military support to Iran during the o...
Iran rules out restrictions on enrichment programme: nuclear energy chief
Iran's nuclear energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, publicly ruled out accepting any restrictions on the country's uranium enrichment programme in the context of o...
India to remain among fastest-growing economies in FY27 despite the West Asia war: World Bank
The World Bank, in its April 2026 South Asia Economic Update, raised India's GDP growth forecast for FY27 (April 2026–March 2027) to 6.6%, up from its Octobe...
DGS issues direct pass-through of port concessions to exporters amid West Asia crisis
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India, issued a circular (dated April 8, 2026) directing major ports, private terminals, and shippin...
Pakistan’s return: Mediator or West Asia asset?
Pakistan emerged as a key diplomatic mediator between the United States and Iran during the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war, brokering a two-week ceasefire by con...
Worried by hits on Iran nuclear sites, must never happen again: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern over a series of military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, including damage confirmed at the ...
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species: IUCN
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) upgraded the emperor penguin (*Aptenodytes forsteri*) from Near Threatened to Endangered on its Red...
Congress to hold CWC meet on April 10 to discuss women's quota law amendments, delimitation, West Asia crisis
The Indian National Congress held a meeting of its Congress Working Committee (CWC) on April 10, 2026, to deliberate on three issues: the government's propos...
West Asia conflict: Early signs of stress visible across sectors, says FICCI report
FICCI released a report titled "West Asia Conflict: Implications for India and Imperatives for Industry and Government," documenting early signs of economic ...
Indian team to visit U.S. this month to discuss trade deal currently stuck in limbo
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal indicated that the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) can proceed only if India receives preferential market access as a...
Hyrox, the global fitness race, draws 8,000 athletes to Bengaluru
Hyrox — a global fitness racing series that combines 8 x 1 km runs with 8 functional workout stations — drew approximately 8,000 participants to Bengaluru fo...
PFRDA ropes in private partners to push NPS Swasthya that provides healthcare funding along with retirement planning
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched the second proof of concept (PoC) of NPS Swasthya, roping in multiple private sect...
Congress withdraws candidate from Baramati bypoll; says move meant to maintain decorum
On the last date for withdrawal of nominations, the Maharashtra Congress withdrew its candidate, Amar More, from the Baramati assembly seat bypoll, citing po...
How will 20% ethanol-blended petrol affect your vehicle? Anumita explains E20 petrol policy
From April 1, 2026, all oil marketing companies (OMCs) across India are mandated to sell E20 petrol — a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol — with a minimum ...
Reflects govt's true commitment to Paris Agreement: Congress on India withdrawing bid to host COP33
India's withdrawal of its candidacy to host the COP33 climate summit in 2028 has triggered a political debate over the country's commitment to international ...