Current Affairs - International

Iran has confirmed a major energy collaboration with Russia, where eight nuclear reactors will be constructed across the country to boost its civilian nuclear infrastructure. The agreement, reaffirmed by Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI), marks a significant step in Iran’s strategic plan to triple its nuclear energy output. The project is being carried out in partnership with Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom, with four reactors specifically planned in Bushehr Province. This initiative reflects growing energy ties between Tehran and Moscow while helping Iran reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

The 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was hosted by Brazil in its capital Brasilia on 4–5 June 2025, bringing together parliamentary delegations from all 10 member nations, including India. The Indian delegation, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, participated in discussions on global cooperation. Notably, India was announced as the next host for the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in 2026, continuing the group's tradition of rotational leadership. This forum strengthens parliamentary diplomacy among emerging economies, addressing shared challenges in governance and development.

The World Expo 2025 is being hosted in Osaka, Japan, where the India Pavilion has gained significant recognition by securing a spot among the top five pavilions. The pavilion highlights India’s cultural heritage, advancements in Ayurveda, space technology (ISRO), and sustainable development initiatives. Organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, it reflects India’s global soft power and innovation. The Expo serves as a platform for nations to showcase their achievements, and India’s strong presence underscores its growing influence in areas of tradition, science, and sustainability on the world stage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the G-7 Summit in 2025, which will be hosted in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. The invitation was extended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Modi’s acceptance marks a pivotal moment in improving India-Canada relations. This will be Modi’s first visit to Canada since 2015, coming after years of diplomatic tensions over issues like the Khalistan separatist movement and the Nijjar case. The summit and Modi's participation are expected to pave the way for renewed diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people engagement between the two nations.

India has recently enforced a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Kyrgyzstan, replacing the earlier agreement that had been in place since May 12, 2000. The treaty is designed to provide a stable and transparent framework to promote and protect investments by investors from both countries. By ensuring legal safeguards and continuity in investment protection, the agreement aims to enhance economic cooperation and mutual confidence between India and Kyrgyzstan, encouraging more robust bilateral trade and financial engagement in the years to come.