Current Affairs - International

India and Vietnam held bilateral discussions in New Delhi and agreed to achieve a bilateral trade target of $25 billion by 2030 under their enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership. The talks focused on expanding trade, improving agricultural market access, and strengthening defence cooperation. Both countries granted access for products such as Indian grapes and Vietnamese durians while also working toward faster clearances for other agricultural goods. They additionally agreed to establish a 2+2 Dialogue mechanism involving foreign and defence ministries. The discussions also emphasised the early review and implementation of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to further strengthen economic integration and regional cooperation.

Bhutan secured a $515 million financing agreement from the World Bank for the development of the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project. The project is the largest hydropower initiative in Bhutan, developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It is being executed by Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited, a joint venture between Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation and India’s Tata Power. Once completed, the project will significantly enhance Bhutan’s power generation capacity and support energy exports to India. The financing package involves support from multiple World Bank institutions, including the IBRD, IDA, and IFC, highlighting international cooperation in sustainable energy development.

South Korea successfully launched the CAS500-2 Earth observation satellite into orbit on May 3, 2026, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite was designed and manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) under the supervision of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA). The mission marked the launch of South Korea’s first privately built Earth observation satellite after a delay of nearly four years. The 534-kilogram satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit and carries high-resolution optical sensors for land management, disaster monitoring, urban planning, and mapping. The project also highlights South Korea’s growing capabilities in indigenous aerospace technology and its ambitions in the global commercial satellite market.

India conducted the bilateral military exercise CINBAX-II 2026 with Cambodia. The exercise was held from May 4 to May 17, 2026, at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre in Kampong Speu Province. Conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate, the exercise focused on joint company-level operations in a sub-conventional environment. The Indian Army contingent mainly consisted of personnel from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, while the Royal Cambodian Army also participated actively. Key operational areas included counter-terrorism drills, drone operations, mortar deployment, sniper tactics, and joint defence coordination in semi-urban warfare scenarios.

Canada took a significant step in May 2026 by officially designating Khalistani extremists as a national security threat through its intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). This classification highlights concerns regarding extremist networks operating within the country that allegedly engage in fundraising and support activities for violent agendas. The designation distinguishes between peaceful political advocacy and extremist actions linked to terrorism. This move also comes in the context of strained diplomatic relations with India, emphasising the importance of national security while balancing civil liberties and international relations.