Current Affairs - International

Oman has been selected to serve on UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Council for the 2025–2029 term, reflecting its expanding role in global environmental stewardship. This position allows Oman to contribute to advancing protected area management, climate research initiatives, and long-term sustainability objectives aligned with its Vision 2040 strategy. The country’s commitment is further reinforced through significant conservation sites such as the Al-Sareen Reserve and Al Jabal Al Akhdar, which highlight ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity. This election strengthens Oman’s influence in shaping international discussions on ecological preservation and sustainable development.

Indonesia collaborated with Australia to establish a new security treaty focused on strengthening regional peace and fostering closer cooperation between the two nations. The agreement outlines commitments for both sides to consult one another in the event of emerging security threats, reinforcing trust and strategic communication. It also includes provisions for regular high-level dialogues and enhanced defence interaction, reflecting a renewed warmth in bilateral relations. Although modeled on the 1995 agreement, this updated version does not impose mandatory joint action, allowing both countries flexibility while still deepening their strategic partnership in a rapidly evolving regional environment.

Angola marked its 50th year of independence with significant global participation, including the historic first visit by an Indian President, Droupadi Murmu. The occasion also highlighted four decades of diplomatic ties between India and Angola, underscoring a growing partnership. During the visit, key areas such as governance, infrastructure development, defence cooperation, and the energy sector were appreciated and discussed. India further strengthened bilateral engagement by proposing a USD 200 million Line of Credit aimed at supporting joint defence and energy initiatives. This milestone celebration not only commemorated Angola’s independence but also reinforced a deepening India–Angola relationship.

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.