Current Affairs - International

India and Bahrain jointly launched a real-time cross-border payment system linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Bahrain’s Electronic Funds Transfer System (EFTS) through Fawri+. This initiative, facilitated by the NPCI International and BENEFIT, and guided by the RBI and Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), marks a significant milestone in fintech cooperation between the two nations. The integration enables instant, secure, and low-cost remittances, advancing digital financial inclusion. Building upon the 2019 MoU and the 2024 Joint Commission pledge, the partnership deepens economic engagement and strengthens people-to-people and financial connectivity between India and Bahrain.

Bangladesh became the first South Asian country to join the UN Water Convention in 2025, marking a major milestone in transboundary water governance. Officially known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, it provides a legally binding framework for the equitable and sustainable management of shared water bodies. By acceding to this treaty, Bangladesh aims to strengthen its position in addressing cross-border river issues, particularly with India, and to promote cooperative water management aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. This move enhances Bangladesh’s global engagement on environmental diplomacy and regional water security.

Egypt announced a major natural gas discovery in the Badr-15 area of its Western Desert, tapping into the Lower Bahariya reservoir. The find is expected to add approximately 15 billion cubic feet to Egypt’s gas reserves, with an initial production rate of about 16 million cubic feet per day. This discovery strengthens Egypt’s strategy to boost domestic energy production, reduce reliance on imports, and position itself as a key energy hub in the region. The Western Desert continues to be an important frontier for hydrocarbon exploration, offering significant economic and strategic benefits through expanded reserves and increased energy security.

Japan partnered with the United States to establish a joint framework focused on securing and strengthening the supply chains of critical minerals and rare earth elements essential for advanced technologies such as electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy systems. The agreement emphasises coordinated investment, fair market practices, and resilient bilateral supply chains across the stages of extraction, separation, and processing. Through this collaboration, both countries aim to reduce dependency on single-source suppliers, diversify global mineral resources, and enhance economic and strategic stability in the rapidly evolving clean technology and semiconductor sectors.

Angola is the African nation partnering with India to strengthen cooperation in defence and energy sectors. India is finalising a USD 200 million Line of Credit to assist Angola’s defence modernisation, reflecting growing strategic and developmental ties. The two countries are also expanding their USD 5 billion energy partnership, primarily driven by oil trade, which plays a crucial role in India’s energy security. This collaboration aligns with India’s broader South-South cooperation framework, aimed at fostering sustainable development, capacity building, and mutual growth with partner nations across Africa and the Global South.