Current Affairs - International

Maitri 2.0 is the second edition of the India-Brazil Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech, launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The initiative is designed to promote collaboration between Indian and Brazilian innovators to strengthen the agri-food ecosystem. It emphasises sustainable agriculture, the use of digital technologies, and improved value chains to make food systems more resilient. Brazil’s strong agricultural base and India’s innovation potential make this partnership strategically important, as it enables knowledge sharing, joint research, and the adoption of best practices to address global food security challenges.

Super Typhoon Ragasa made landfall on Calayan Island in Cagayan province, Philippines, bringing destructive winds of 215 kph and gusts up to 295 kph. The impact raised the risk of storm surges exceeding 3 meters, endangering coastal communities. While neighboring regions such as Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, and Macau prepared for heavy rains, flight cancellations, and evacuations, the Philippines bore the brunt of the initial landfall. This event highlights the vulnerability of island nations to tropical cyclones and underscores the importance of preparedness and disaster management in mitigating the impact of such devastating natural disasters.

The European Commission, along with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, unveiled “A New Strategic EU–India Agenda” in Brussels to strengthen EU–India cooperation across trade, technology, defence, and climate. The initiative aims to elevate India–EU relations while addressing concerns over India’s military exercises with Russia and oil imports from Moscow. It aligns with ongoing FTA negotiations, the EU’s interest in a rules-based international order, and the growing trade volume between the two regions, which has increased nearly 90% over the last decade. The agenda also focuses on climate, technology, and strategic autonomy, balancing economic and geopolitical priorities for both India and the EU.

India and Canada agreed to restart bilateral dialogues on trade, defence, energy, and critical minerals following pre-Foreign Office consultations on September 19, 2025. The decision builds on discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 Summit earlier that year. The renewed talks aim to enhance market access, revive stalled trade negotiations, strengthen defence and security cooperation, and collaborate on critical minerals and civil nuclear energy. This initiative reflects both countries’ commitment to rebuilding trust, addressing previous diplomatic and consular challenges, and fostering a constructive, long-term strategic partnership.

India’s sovereign credit rating was upgraded to BBB+ by Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I), a well-known credit rating agency based in Japan. The upgrade reflects growing confidence in India’s strong domestic demand, prudent fiscal management, and external stability. This marks the third upgrade India has received in 2025, following earlier positive revisions by Morningstar DBRS and S&P Global Ratings. R&I also acknowledged India’s ongoing structural reforms, such as the two-tier GST system and infrastructure expansion. The move strengthens India’s global investment appeal while reinforcing Japan’s role in recognizing India’s growing economic resilience and potential on the world stage.