Current Affairs - International

The United Kingdom signed a 50-year defence treaty with Australia known as the Geelong Treaty, under the AUKUS alliance. This long-term bilateral agreement focuses on cooperation in nuclear-powered submarine capabilities and reflects a strategic alignment between the two nations, even as the United States reviews its own role in the alliance. Signed in Geelong, Victoria, this pact underscores a solid commitment to deepening defence ties and advancing shared security goals in the Indo-Pacific region. It also highlights the UK's active participation in strengthening its defence partnerships post-Brexit, particularly within key alliances like AUKUS.

Sri Lanka has decided to expand its free visa policy to include citizens from 40 countries as a strategy to boost tourism and support its ongoing economic recovery. The policy, which has already been in effect since March 2023 for countries like India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, received recent cabinet approval for broader implementation. By easing entry requirements for tourists, Sri Lanka aims to attract more international visitors and generate vital foreign exchange, which plays a crucial role in revitalising its post-crisis economy and strengthening the tourism sector.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives, India and the Maldives signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three agreements covering key areas such as fisheries and aquaculture, digital solutions, and the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. The visit also marked the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence. Additionally, India extended a Line of Credit worth ₹4,850 crore to support various developmental projects in the Maldives. These initiatives highlight the strategic and diplomatic significance of India’s relationship with the island nation in the Indian Ocean region.

In September 2025, France announced its decision to officially recognise the State of Palestine, making it the first G7 country to do so. This foreign policy shift was declared by President Emmanuel Macron and reflects France’s growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the stalled peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The move is both symbolic and strategic, aiming to support a ceasefire, promote the demilitarisation of Hamas, and foster the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state that coexists with Israel. France's recognition carries significant diplomatic weight as a UN Security Council permanent member and may influence other Western nations.

On July 24, 2025, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens after a five-year suspension that began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened bilateral tensions following the Galwan Valley clash. This diplomatic move signals a thaw in strained India-China relations and demonstrates India’s renewed focus on soft power and tourism. The decision also aligns with the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage of significant cultural importance for many Chinese-origin devotees. Resuming visas for Chinese tourists is expected to boost inbound tourism, cultural exchange, and economic activity, especially in hospitality and religious tourism sectors.