Current Affairs - International

Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR was launched by the United States to counter narco-terrorist networks operating across Latin America. The initiative is overseen by the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which supervises a broad region covering South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The operation focuses on disrupting criminal organizations, dismantling drug-trafficking operations, and strengthening security partnerships throughout the Western Hemisphere. By targeting these transnational threats, the effort aims to safeguard regional stability and protect the U.S. homeland. The mission underscores the strategic importance of collaborative security measures and highlights ongoing efforts to confront complex criminal and terrorist networks operating across international borders.

Bangladesh recently became the 5th member of the Colombo Security Conclave, an evolving regional security platform aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and collaborative security efforts in the Indian Ocean region. The Conclave initially grew out of a trilateral security framework involving India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, established to coordinate maritime activities and address emerging security challenges. Over time, the group expanded to include Mauritius as a member and Seychelles as an observer, reflecting its growing strategic importance. With Bangladesh joining, the Conclave now represents a broader coalition committed to regional stability, enhanced information sharing, and coordinated responses to common security concerns.

India holds the 85th position in the Henley Passport Index 2025, reflecting a decline of five places compared to the previous year. This rank is based on the number of destinations Indian passport holders can visit without a prior visa, which currently stands at 57. The lower ranking highlights challenges in expanding bilateral visa agreements and slower diplomatic progress relative to rapidly advancing nations in Asia and the Gulf. As global mobility becomes increasingly competitive, India’s passport strength has not kept pace with its expanding economic and geopolitical ambitions, emphasizing the need for greater diplomatic efforts and international partnerships.

Sergio Gor assumed office as the United States Ambassador to India on November 11, 2025, marking a notable moment in the expanding Indo-US relationship. At 38, he brings extensive experience from his previous role as Director of Presidential Personnel in the Trump administration, where he oversaw significant staffing decisions and strategic coordination. His appointment was confirmed by the US Senate in October 2025, and his swearing-in ceremony at the Oval Office was attended by top US leadership, reflecting the importance of the India-US partnership. Gor aims to strengthen cooperation in defence, regional security, trade, technology, and supply chain resilience.

India and Nepal recently signed a Letter of Exchange aimed at enhancing bilateral rail-based trade by expanding freight movement through the Jogbani–Biratnagar rail link. This agreement enables containerised and bulk cargo to move more efficiently and opens additional routes such as Kolkata–Jogbani, Kolkata–Nautanwa, and Visakhapatnam–Nautanwa. By improving multimodal logistics and offering more streamlined pathways for third-country trade, the pact significantly boosts economic cooperation between the two nations. Strengthened rail connectivity is expected to reduce transit time, improve trade volumes, and deepen strategic and economic partnership between India and Nepal.