Current Affairs - International

Operation Hawkeye is a joint military operation conducted by the United States and Jordan in Syria to target ISIS infrastructure and fighters. The operation involved extensive overnight airstrikes using precision-guided weapons against more than 70 ISIS targets, including command centers and weapons storage sites. It was launched in response to a deadly ISIS attack in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and injured others. The operation highlighted strong military cooperation between the US and Jordan and reinforced the policy of responding firmly to terrorist threats to maintain regional and international security.

India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) as a structured institutional mechanism for enhancing economic cooperation. The committee is designed to promote bilateral trade, encourage two-way investments, and systematically address trade and regulatory barriers faced by businesses. It will meet annually, with sessions held alternately in both countries, ensuring continuity and balanced engagement. The JTIC also aims to explore cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors, supporting innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth while reinforcing the Netherlands’ role as a key European gateway for Indian trade and investment.

India signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman on 18 December 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s economic engagement with the Gulf region. The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade, investment, services, and professional mobility while providing near-universal duty-free access to Indian exports. It grants zero-duty access on over 98% of tariff lines, benefiting sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The CEPA also includes Oman’s first-ever comprehensive services commitments and enhanced mobility provisions for Indian professionals, strengthening long-term economic cooperation and strategic ties between the two nations.

The Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index 2025 measures how well countries can withstand and manage investment-related risks arising from geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, technological disruption, and climate challenges. India was ranked 104th in this index, indicating a relatively lower level of resilience compared to many other nations assessed. While countries such as Switzerland topped the rankings due to strong institutional stability and investor-friendly environments, India’s position reflects ongoing challenges related to infrastructure, regulatory consistency, and risk mitigation. This ranking serves as an indicator of areas where policy reforms and economic strengthening could improve investor confidence.

India and Saudi Arabia entered into a bilateral visa waiver agreement aimed at facilitating smoother official travel between the two nations. The pact provides mutual short-term visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports, reducing administrative barriers for government officials. Signed in Riyadh under the Strategic Partnership Council framework, the agreement reflects deepening diplomatic ties and growing cooperation across sectors such as trade, energy, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. By simplifying travel procedures, the initiative is expected to enhance institutional dialogue, accelerate joint initiatives, and further strengthen the long-standing strategic relationship between India and Saudi Arabia.