Current Affairs - International

India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in 2025 at Visakhapatnam, underscoring its strategic commitment to strengthening regional maritime connectivity and advancing sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal. The conclave emphasised themes like blue economy, innovation, and sustainable partnerships, aligning closely with India's Sagarmala initiative. Key developments included progress on the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), recognition of the Kaladan Corridor as vital for India's northeastern connectivity, and the announcement of the BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in Mumbai. Hosting this conclave reaffirmed India's leadership within BIMSTEC and its broader Indo-Pacific engagement through the Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.

Bangladesh has taken a significant step by launching its first National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), a tool that highlights various dimensions of poverty beyond income levels. Developed with support from UNICEF and the EU, the MPI reveals critical insights, including that 28.9% of Bangladeshi children experience multidimensional poverty—significantly higher than the 21.44% rate among adults. This indicates children are 35% more likely to face such poverty, emphasising the urgent need for targeted social policies. The index identifies over 39 million people in Bangladesh living under these conditions, making it an essential instrument for shaping national development strategies.

India and Morocco recently signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) that aims to strengthen cooperation in civil and commercial legal matters. The treaty also includes provisions for exchanging legal expertise, conducting joint training programs, and fostering legal research between the two countries. To ensure effective implementation, a joint coordination committee will be established to design and monitor annual cooperation plans. Morocco, a mountainous country located in western North Africa, is strategically positioned across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. This agreement represents a deepening of legal and diplomatic ties between India and the North African region.

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2025 in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasised the importance of establishing a global consensus to balance AI innovation with security risks. China advocates for a governance framework that ensures openness, fairness, and accessibility to AI advancements, especially for developing nations. Premier Li also announced plans to establish a Chinese-led international AI cooperation body and promoted open-source development to avoid monopolisation. In contrast, the US has opted for a deregulation-focused approach. China's position aims to prevent technological inequalities and promote equitable access to AI technologies while addressing global security and ethical concerns.

Myanmar has recently restructured its political leadership by forming a new Union government and establishing a State Security and Peace Commission. This move was executed by the country’s National Defence and Security Council (NDSC), with U Nyo Saw appointed as the new Prime Minister. Additionally, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is set to lead the new peace commission. The state of emergency in the country has been lifted to make way for the upcoming general elections. These changes represent a significant shift in Myanmar's governance as the nation prepares for a new political phase.