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Sherlocking Revision Doc
International Relations — 2024
PT 365 + Updated Part 1 — a comprehensive 20-page revision doc covering every high-yield IR topic for UPSC Prelims.
20 pages · Last updated 2024
Download PDFUnited Nations System
United Nations (UN) — HQ: New York. Established: 1945 (Charter signed 26 June 1945, effective 24 October 1945). 193 member states. 6 principal organs: General Assembly, Security Council, ECOSOC, Trusteeship Council (suspended 1994), ICJ (The Hague), Secretariat. Article 99 of the UN Charter empowers the Secretary-General to bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which may threaten international peace and security.
UN Flagship Reports — World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP), Human Development Report (UNDP), World Happiness Report, Global Sustainable Development Report.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) — adopted 10 December 1948. 30 articles. Not legally binding but foundation for international human rights law. India's representative: Hansa Mehta — credited with changing "All men are born free and equal" to "All human beings are born free and equal."
UNESCO — HQ: Paris. Education, science, culture, communication. Designates World Heritage Sites, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Biosphere Reserves.
UNHRC (UN Human Rights Council) — HQ: Geneva. 47 members elected by UNGA for 3-year terms. Replaced the Commission on Human Rights in 2006. Conducts Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of all UN member states.
UNCDF (UN Capital Development Fund) — provides micro-finance and capital investment in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). GCRG — Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy, and Finance (set up by UN Secretary-General). UN Statistical Commission — highest body for international statistical activities, oversees the work of UNSD.
UNCTAD — HQ: Geneva. Est. 1964. Deals with trade, investment, and development. Key reports: Trade and Development Report, World Investment Report, Technology and Innovation Report, Digital Economy Report, Least Developed Countries Report.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) — HQ: Rome. Key reports: The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), The State of the World's Forests (SOFO). ICO (International Coffee Organization) — India became the first Asian country to host the ICO Council session.
UN Peacekeeping — managed by the Department of Peace Operations (DPO, created 1992). India is the 3rd largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping. India deployed an all-women contingent to UN peacekeeping in Liberia (2007, Formed Police Unit) and in 2017 sent the first female engagement team. Major Indian contributions: UNMISS (South Sudan), UNIFIL (Lebanon), MONUSCO (DR Congo).
ESCAP (UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) — HQ: Bangkok. Largest regional development arm of the UN. 53 member states. UNCITRAL — UN Commission on International Trade Law. Promotes harmonisation and unification of international trade law.
G20 & Multilateral Groupings
G20 — est. 1999 (post-Asian financial crisis). 19 countries + EU + AU (from 2023). India held the presidency in 2023 (theme: "One Earth, One Family, One Future"). The Troika consists of the previous, current, and next presidency holders. Key outcomes of India's G20 presidency: Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), African Union as permanent member, Kashi Culture Pathway, and launch of Startup 20 engagement group.
Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) — launched during India's G20 presidency. Aims to accelerate global biofuel adoption, facilitate technology transfer, and establish sustainable biofuel supply chains. Founding members include India, USA, and Brazil.
L.69 Grouping — a group of developing countries (including India, Brazil, South Africa) that advocate for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, including expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats.
BIMSTEC — Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Founded by the Bangkok Declaration (1997). 7 members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Charter adopted in 2022 at the 5th Summit in Colombo. Operates across 7 sectors including trade, technology, energy, and climate change.
ASEAN — Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Est. 1967 (Bangkok Declaration). 10 members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. India's 20th ASEAN-India Summit held in 2023. ASEAN Plus Three includes China, Japan, South Korea. India is part of the East Asia Summit (EAS) framework.
BRICS Expansion (2024)
BRICS expanded from 5 to 10 members at the Johannesburg II Declaration (2023). New members (effective January 2024): Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
- New Development Bank (NDB) — HQ: Shanghai. Founded 2014. Provides loans for infrastructure and sustainable development in BRICS and other developing nations.
- Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) — $100 billion forex reserve pool to provide mutual support during balance of payment crises.
SCO & Regional Bodies
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) — Samarkand Summit 2022. India chaired SCO in 2023. 5 new pillars introduced by India: Startups & Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Youth Empowerment, Digital Inclusion, and Shared Buddhist Heritage. Iran became the 9th full member. India hosted the SCO Summit virtually and the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Kashi (Varanasi).
Asian Development Bank (ADB) — HQ: Manila, Philippines. Founded 1966. Japan and USA are the largest shareholders. India is the 4th largest shareholder and one of the largest borrowers.
IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) — launched 2022. 14 members including India, USA, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and ASEAN nations. 4 pillars: Trade, Supply Chains, Clean Economy, Fair Economy. India joined all pillars except Trade (Pillar I). Focus on regulatory coherence and supply chain resilience.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) — HQ: London. UN specialised agency for shipping safety and marine pollution prevention. MARPOL — International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. IMO 2020 sulphur cap limits sulphur in fuel oil to 0.50%.
G7 — USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada (+ EU as non-enumerated member). RISE (Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement) initiative launched to diversify supply chains.
GCC, NATO & Security
GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) — HQ: Riyadh. 6 members: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman. Note: Iran and Iraq are NOT members. Established 1981 for regional cooperation in economic, security, and cultural affairs.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) — HQ: Brussels. 32 members (after Finland joined April 2023 and Sweden joined March 2024). Founded 1949. Article 5 — collective defence clause (an attack on one is an attack on all). Invoked only once — after 9/11 attacks in 2001.
FATF (Financial Action Task Force) — HQ: Paris. Founded by G-7 in 1989. Sets global standards for anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT). Grey List — jurisdictions under increased monitoring. Black List — high-risk jurisdictions subject to call for action. Countries undergo Mutual Evaluation to assess compliance with FATF standards.
International Organisations
INTERPOL — HQ: Lyon, France. Est. 1923. 195 member countries. Each country has a National Central Bureau (NCB) — India's NCB is the CBI. I-CORE (INTERPOL Cooperation on Organised and Emerging Crime) provides operational support against transnational crime.
IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) — est. 1997. Based on the vision of Nelson Mandela. 23 member states. Promotes regional cooperation in trade, investment, maritime safety, fisheries, disaster risk management, and tourism.
FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) — launched by India in 2014. Includes 14 Pacific island countries. India launched STAR C (Solar Technology Application Resource Centre) to support solar energy initiatives in Pacific island nations.
Eastern Economic Forum — annual forum held in Vladivostok, Russia. Platform for economic cooperation in the Russian Far East. India has participated at the highest level. G77 — est. 1964. Largest intergovernmental organisation of developing countries. Operates as G77 Plus China in UN negotiations.
I2U2 — India, Israel, USA, UAE. Also called the "West Asian Quad." Focuses on water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. AUKUS — security pact between Australia, UK, and USA. Focuses on nuclear-powered submarines and advanced defence technology sharing.
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) — HQ: Vienna. Promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy and applies Safeguards to prevent diversion of nuclear material for weapons. IOM (International Organization for Migration) — launched PRAYAS project with India for safe and orderly migration.
OPEC / OPEC+ — HQ: Vienna. 13 OPEC members led by Saudi Arabia. OPEC+ includes 10 non-OPEC allies (notably Russia). Controls oil production quotas. Brent Crude is the international benchmark for oil prices. Paris Club — informal group of creditor nations that coordinates debt relief for indebted countries. TIWB (Tax Inspectors Without Borders) — joint UNDP-OECD initiative to build tax audit capacity in developing countries.
Places in News — India's Neighbourhood
Katchatheevu Island — small uninhabited island in the Palk Strait. Ceded by India to Sri Lanka in 1974 via an agreement. Controversy: Tamil Nadu fishermen historically accessed the island for fishing and the annual St. Anthony's Church festival. No formal treaty ratified by Parliament — hence the legal debate.
Siang River — the name of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Tibet) / Brahmaputra as it enters Arunachal Pradesh. China's dam projects on the Yarlung Tsangpo have raised concerns over downstream water flow in India and Bangladesh.
British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) — includes the Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia (a major US-UK military base). ICJ advisory opinion (2019) ruled UK's separation of Chagos from Mauritius was unlawful. UK agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius (2024 deal).
South East Asia
Cambodia — Capital: Phnom Penh. Known for Angkor Wat (largest religious monument in the world, originally Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, later became Buddhist). India has been actively involved in the restoration of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm temple complex.
Laos — Capital: Vientiane. Became the first country to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in the WHO Western Pacific Region (validated by WHO).
South China Sea — strategic waterway through which approximately one-third of global maritime trade passes. Scarborough Shoal — disputed reef claimed by China, Philippines, and Taiwan. Philippines won the 2016 PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration) ruling against China's nine-dash line, but China rejected the ruling.
West Asia
Syria — Capital: Damascus (one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities). Civil war since 2011. Key players: Assad regime (backed by Russia, Iran), opposition groups, Kurdish forces (SDF), ISIS remnants, Turkey's operations in northern Syria.
Armenia — Capital: Yerevan. Signed a Digital Solutions MoU with India covering e-governance, digital infrastructure, and technology sharing. Qatar — Capital: Doha. Hosted Afghanistan talks and serves as a diplomatic intermediary in several West Asian conflicts.
Nagorno-Karabakh — disputed region between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan launched a military operation in September 2023, effectively retaking the region. Mass exodus of ethnic Armenians followed. The region was formally dissolved as an autonomous entity.
Red Sea Tensions — Houthi rebels (Ansar Allah, based in Yemen, backed by Iran) attacked commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from late 2023, disrupting global trade through the Suez Canal. US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian launched in response.
Oman — Duqm Port — strategically located on the Arabian Sea, being developed with Indian investment. India signed agreements for use of Duqm Port facilities for Indian Navy. Chabahar Port — in southeastern Iran. India signed a 10-year agreement (2024) to develop and operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal. Critical for India's connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
Americas
Panama Canal — connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 82 km long. Opened 1914. Uses a system of locks to raise and lower ships. Drought conditions in 2023-24 severely reduced transit capacity (linked to El Nino reducing rainfall in the Gatun Lake watershed).
Ecuador — home to the Galapagos Islands (UNESCO World Heritage Site, inspired Darwin's theory of evolution). Also part of the Amazon basin. Faces challenges of illegal mining, deforestation, and narco-violence.
Suriname — India's PM was awarded the Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star, Suriname's highest civilian honour. Large Indian-origin diaspora (Hindustani community). Rich in bauxite (aluminum ore). Venezuela-Guyana — territorial dispute over the Essequibo region (oil-rich area covering about two-thirds of Guyana). Venezuela held a referendum in 2023 to assert its claim; ICJ ordered no unilateral action.
Indo-Pacific & Africa
Cocos (Keeling) Islands — Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean. Strategic importance for Indo-Pacific surveillance and maritime domain awareness. Papua New Guinea — key FIPIC partner. India has deepened engagement through development assistance, solar energy, and healthcare initiatives. Orkney Islands — archipelago off northern Scotland; in news for renewable energy projects and potential strategic significance.
Sahel Region — semi-arid belt stretching from Senegal to Eritrea, south of the Sahara. Countries: Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Mauritania, etc. Facing jihadist insurgency, military coups, food insecurity, and climate change impacts.
Africa — Key Countries in News
- Tanzania — large Indian diaspora. India-Tanzania defence and maritime cooperation expanding.
- Mozambique — strategic location on the Mozambique Channel. Rich in natural gas (Rovuma Basin).
- Sudan — Capital: Khartoum. Civil conflict between SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces) and RSF (Rapid Support Forces) since April 2023. India evacuated citizens (Operation Kaveri).
- Niger — military coup in July 2023 ousted President Bazoum. Key for uranium mining (France's nuclear energy supply).
- Libya — dual government crisis (Tripoli vs. Tobruk). Strategic Mediterranean location.
- Ethiopia — new BRICS member (2024). Tigray conflict ended with Pretoria Agreement (Nov 2022). Seeks Red Sea access through Somaliland port deal.
- Nigeria — Africa's largest economy. Major oil producer (OPEC member). India imports significant crude oil from Nigeria.
- Guinea-Bissau — world's 5th largest cashew producer. Political instability and coup attempts.
- Mali — French troops withdrew. Military junta in power. Part of the Sahel security crisis. Joined Alliance of Sahel States with Burkina Faso and Niger.
- Gabon — military coup in August 2023, ending the Bongo family's decades-long rule.
- Burkina Faso — two coups in 2022. Part of the Sahel instability zone. Uganda — home to Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake by area, shared with Kenya and Tanzania). Source of the White Nile.
- Comoros — archipelago in the Mozambique Channel. Volcanic islands. Member of the African Union and Arab League.
Bilateral Relations — India & Neighbours
India-Pakistan — Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) 1960 — mediated by the World Bank. Allocated eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. India issued a notice to modify the treaty in 2023 citing changed circumstances. PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration) — Pakistan approached the PCA regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects; India contests PCA jurisdiction.
India-Nepal — boundary dispute over Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh region. Nepal published a new map in 2020 including these areas. Surya Kiran — bilateral joint military exercise between India and Nepal.
India-Bangladesh — IBFP (India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline) — India's first cross-border energy pipeline, supplying diesel from Numaligarh Refinery (Assam) to Parbatipur (Bangladesh). Godda Thermal Power Project — 1,600 MW plant in Jharkhand (Adani Power) that exports electricity to Bangladesh.
India-Sri Lanka — India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) signed in 1998 (operational from 2000). Negotiations for ETCA (Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement) ongoing. India provided $4 billion in assistance during Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis.
India-Maldives — UTF Atoll — India helped develop the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) naval dockyard. Ekuverin — bilateral joint military exercise. Ekatha Harbour — India-built harbour project in Maldives. Operation Cactus (1988) — India deployed troops to thwart a coup attempt in Maldives. Operation Neer — India sent drinking water to Male during a water crisis (2014).
India-Malaysia — Harimau Shakti — bilateral joint military exercise. India-Philippines — India signed the BrahMos cruise missile deal with the Philippines (first export of BrahMos, 2022). India-Saudi Arabia — Al Mohed Al Hindi — bilateral naval exercise. India-UAE — CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) signed in 2022. IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi campus — India's first overseas IIT campus established in Abu Dhabi.
India & Major Powers
India-US — iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) — launched 2023 for cooperation in AI, quantum, 6G, semiconductors, space, and biotech. RETAP (Roadmap for Environment, Technology, and Partnership). MSP (Minerals Security Partnership) — for critical minerals supply chain diversification. Friend-shoring — relocating supply chains to allied/trusted countries. INDUS-X — India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem for defence innovation. India signed the Artemis Accords (NASA-led framework for lunar exploration). MQ-9B Reaper drones — India approved purchase of 31 armed drones from the US (for Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force).
India-Canada — Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (2010). Relations strained in 2023 over Nijjar issue. Canada is a member of FVEY (Five Eyes) intelligence alliance (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand).
India-Brazil — IBSAMAR — trilateral naval exercise between India, Brazil, South Africa. IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa Dialogue Forum) — promotes South-South cooperation. India-Australia — IndAus ECTA (Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement) 2023 — India's first FTA with a developed economy. Deakin University established a campus in Gujarat (GIFT City).
India-South Korea — Special Strategic Partnership upgraded in 2015. Sarang — India's aerobatic display team (HAL Dhruv helicopters) demonstrated at the Seoul ADEX air show. India-France — Horizon 2047 Roadmap — 25-year plan for bilateral partnership. Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines are key French defence supplies to India.
India-UK — Roadmap 2030 — comprehensive framework covering trade, defence, climate, health, and people-to-people ties. FTA negotiations ongoing. India-Egypt — India's PM made the first PM-level state visit to Egypt in 2023. Bilateral relations elevated to Strategic Partnership. India-Denmark — Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) established in 2020 for cooperation in green energy, circular economy, and water management.
Geopolitical Issues
Neighbourhood First Policy — India's foreign policy priority of engaging with immediate neighbours (SAARC nations + Myanmar) through connectivity, development assistance, and capacity building. Operationalised through BIMSTEC, BBIN corridor, and bilateral projects.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) — China's flagship infrastructure and connectivity project (launched 2013). India has opposed BRI (CPEC passes through PoK). Italy withdrew from BRI in 2023 (only G7 member to have joined). Counters: PGII (Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment) — G7 initiative. Global Gateway — EU's connectivity strategy.
INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) — 7,200 km multi-modal transport route linking India (Mumbai) to Russia (St. Petersburg) via Iran. 13 members including India, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia. Connects to Chabahar Port. Northern Sea Route — Arctic shipping route along Russia's northern coast. Becoming viable due to melting Arctic ice. Significantly shortens Europe-Asia shipping distance.
Israel-Hamas War (Oct 2023)
- Balfour Declaration (1917) — British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
- Oslo Accords (1993) — PLO-Israel mutual recognition; created the Palestinian Authority. Envisaged a two-state solution.
- Yom Kippur War (1973) — surprise attack by Egypt and Syria on Israel during the Jewish holiday. Led to the 1973 oil crisis (OPEC embargo).
- Operation Ajay — India's evacuation operation for its citizens from Israel after the October 2023 conflict.
- De-hyphenation Policy — India's approach of maintaining independent bilateral relations with both Israel and Palestine, rather than treating them as a hyphenated pair.
Geneva Conventions
Four conventions (1949) + three Additional Protocols form the core of International Humanitarian Law (IHL):
| Convention | Protection Covers |
|---|---|
| I (1949) | Wounded and sick soldiers on land |
| II (1949) | Wounded, sick, and shipwrecked at sea |
| III (1949) | Prisoners of war (POWs) |
| IV (1949) | Civilians in war zones |
| Protocol I (1977) | International armed conflicts — extended protections |
| Protocol II (1977) | Non-international (civil) armed conflicts |
| Protocol III (2005) | Additional distinctive emblem (Red Crystal) |
Russia-Ukraine — Black Sea Grain Deal — brokered by UN and Turkey (2022) to allow Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea. Russia withdrew from the deal in July 2023 citing unfulfilled commitments regarding its own agricultural exports and sanctions relief.
Treaties & Frameworks
CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) — 11 nations: Japan, Canada, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Chile, Peru. UK joined in 2023 (first non-founding member). India is not a member. Covers trade, investment, IP, and digital commerce.
Windsor Framework — UK-EU agreement (2023) replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol. Addresses post-Brexit trade rules for Northern Ireland by creating a green lane (goods staying in UK) and red lane (goods entering EU market).
Lusophone World — community of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP: Community of Portuguese Language Countries). Members include Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea. India (Goa) has historical Portuguese connections.
Washington Declaration — US-South Korea agreement (2023) strengthening nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula. Includes deployment of US nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to South Korea and enhanced consultations on nuclear planning. Spirit of Camp David — US-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit (2023) committing to regular trilateral meetings, real-time missile warning data sharing, and supply chain cooperation.
Security & Defence
UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) — India's primary counter-terrorism law. Allows the government to designate individuals and organisations as terrorists. Provides for attachment of properties linked to terrorism.
Global Nuclear Regulation Regime
- PTBT (Partial Test Ban Treaty, 1963) — bans nuclear tests in atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. Allows underground tests.
- CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, 1996) — bans ALL nuclear explosions. Not yet in force (needs ratification by all 44 Annex 2 states). India, Pakistan, North Korea have not signed.
- TPNW (Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, 2017) — comprehensive ban on nuclear weapons. Entered into force 2021. None of the nuclear-weapon states have joined.
Multilateral Export Control Regimes
| Regime | Focus | India's Status |
|---|---|---|
| NSG | Nuclear Suppliers Group — controls nuclear-related exports | Not a member (China blocks) |
| MTCR | Missile Technology Control Regime — missile and drone tech | Member (joined 2016) |
| WA | Wassenaar Arrangement — conventional arms and dual-use tech | Member (joined 2017) |
| AG | Australia Group — chemical and biological weapons precursors | Member (joined 2018) |
START Treaties — Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties between USA and Russia. New START (2010) — limits each side to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed delivery systems. Russia suspended participation in 2023. Theatre Commands — India is restructuring its military into integrated theatre commands for joint operations (Air Defence Command, Maritime Theatre Command, etc.). DRDO — Defence Research and Development Organisation, India's apex defence R&D body. Key projects: Agni series, BrahMos, LCA Tejas, ASAT missile.
CAPF — Central Armed Police Forces (7 Forces under MHA)
| Force | Full Name | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| CRPF | Central Reserve Police Force | Internal security, law and order, counter-insurgency |
| BSF | Border Security Force | India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders |
| CISF | Central Industrial Security Force | Protection of critical infrastructure (airports, metros, PSUs) |
| ITBP | Indo-Tibetan Border Police | India-China border (LAC) |
| SSB | Sashastra Seema Bal | India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders |
| AR | Assam Rifles | India-Myanmar border, counter-insurgency in NE India |
| NSG | National Security Guard | Counter-terrorism, hostage rescue (Black Cats) |
Colombo Security Conclave — India, Sri Lanka, Maldives (founding members) + Mauritius (2022). Focuses on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and humanitarian assistance in the Indian Ocean Region. MLATs (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties) — bilateral treaties for cooperation in criminal investigations, sharing of evidence, and extradition proceedings between countries.
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) — bans the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. Administered by the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) — HQ: The Hague. 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. India ratified the CWC in 1996 and declared and destroyed its chemical weapons stockpile.
Military Exercises
Key Bilateral Military Exercises
| Exercise | Partner | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Malabar | USA, Japan, Australia (QUAD navies) | Navy |
| RIMPAC | US-led multinational (largest naval exercise) | Navy |
| AUSINDEX | Australia | Navy |
| Yudh Abhyas | USA | Army |
| Cope India | USA | Air Force |
| Garuda Shakti | Indonesia | Army |
| Surya Kiran | Nepal | Army |
| Ekuverin | Maldives | Army |
| Harimau Shakti | Malaysia | Army |
| Al Mohed Al Hindi | Saudi Arabia | Navy |
| Tarang Shakti | Multinational (India-hosted) | Air Force |
| IBSAMAR | India, Brazil, South Africa | Navy |
| Varuna | France | Navy |
| Konkan | UK | Navy |
Tri-service & Multinational Exercises
- Kavach — India's tri-service joint exercise conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar theatre. Tests joint warfare capabilities across army, navy, and air force.
- BRIGHT STAR — multinational exercise hosted by Egypt. One of the largest military exercises in the Middle East. India participated alongside US, Saudi Arabia, and others.
- Pitch Black — Australia-hosted multinational air combat exercise. Vostok — Russian-hosted strategic military exercise. JIMEX — Japan-India Maritime Exercise.
Updated Content (Jan-Mar 2024)
QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) — India, USA, Japan, Australia. Q-CHAMP (QUAD Climate, Health, and Medical Partnership). 6 working groups: Critical and Emerging Technology, Climate, Health Security, Cybersecurity, Space, and Infrastructure. QUIN (QUAD Investors Network) — platform for private sector engagement in QUAD priorities.
Commonwealth — HQ: London (Marlborough House). 56 member nations. Head: King Charles III. CHOGM — Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (biennial). Samoa hosted CHOGM 2024.
SASEC (South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation) — est. 2001, facilitated by ADB. Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka. Focuses on transport connectivity, trade facilitation, and energy cooperation.
WEF (World Economic Forum) — HQ: Geneva. Annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Founded by Klaus Schwab (1971). Publishes Global Competitiveness Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Global Risks Report. Uniting for Consensus — group led by Italy opposing expansion of permanent UNSC seats (members include Pakistan, South Korea, Mexico, Argentina).
CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organisation) — HQ: Moscow. Military alliance of former Soviet states: Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. Russia's parallel to NATO. SCO Startup Forum — launched during India's SCO presidency to promote startup ecosystems across member states.
ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) — 15 member regional bloc. Faced crisis as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger (all under military juntas) announced withdrawal in 2024, forming the Alliance of Sahel States. Africa Club — proposed by India as a platform for engagement between India and African nations.
India-Bhutan — Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) — Bhutan's monarch. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner and development aid provider. Bhutan is the only country that is carbon negative (absorbs more CO2 than it emits). India-Bhutan hydropower projects: Chukha, Kurichhu, Tala, Mangdechhu (operational); Punatsangchhu-I & II, Kholongchhu (under construction).
India-Russia — Strategic Partnership since 2000. Russia is India's largest defence supplier. Key platforms: S-400 missile system, BrahMos (joint venture), INS Vikramaditya. India became a major buyer of Russian crude oil after 2022 Western sanctions.
NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) — Kampala (Uganda) hosted the 19th NAM Summit (2024). South Sudan became the 121st member. Founded during the Cold War (Bandung Conference 1955; Belgrade Summit 1961). India, under Nehru, was a founding member.
Genocide Convention — Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948). South Africa filed a case against Israel at the ICJ under this convention in January 2024, alleging genocide in Gaza. ICJ issued provisional measures ordering Israel to prevent genocide.
Summit for Democracy — US-initiated forum to counter democratic backsliding. South Korea hosted the 3rd Summit (2024). India participated. Focuses on human rights, anti-corruption, and defending against authoritarianism.
Mission Aspides — EU naval operation in the Red Sea to protect commercial shipping from Houthi attacks (launched February 2024). Operates alongside the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian. Weimar Triangle — informal grouping of France, Germany, and Poland for European foreign policy coordination. Operation Indravati — India's evacuation operation from Haiti amid gang violence and political crisis.
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