Current Affairs - International

India assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Governing Body Meeting held in Jakarta. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of DPIIT. At the meeting, India emphasized its dedication to APO’s Vision 2030 and the Green Productivity 2.0 initiative. Key areas of focus during India’s leadership term include driving digital transformation, promoting sustainable development, fostering innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship across member nations, thereby strengthening the region's productivity and economic growth.

India hosted the second edition of the Blue Talks in collaboration with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica. Held in New Delhi, this event was part of the preparatory activities leading up to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which is scheduled to take place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025. These talks aim to foster dialogue and international cooperation on ocean-related challenges and solutions. India’s active involvement underscores its commitment to marine conservation and sustainable ocean governance, aligning with global efforts to protect marine ecosystems and address climate change.

The United States has unveiled a massive $175 billion initiative known as the Golden Dome missile defence shield. Announced by President Donald Trump, this ambitious project is designed to safeguard the nation from long-range missile threats, including those originating from space or distant continents. The Golden Dome will integrate with existing defence systems and feature a network of satellites capable of detecting, tracking, and potentially intercepting incoming missiles. This initiative represents a strategic upgrade in national security, leveraging advanced technology to strengthen the country’s defence infrastructure and maintain its global military edge.

The “Golden Dragon-2025” joint military exercise between China and Cambodia took place in Cambodia, marking the seventh edition of this bilateral defence cooperation initiative. This exercise expanded in scale and sophistication, featuring advanced unmanned combat systems and encompassing land, sea, and air operations. Held at Cambodia’s Ream Port Joint Support and Training Centre, the drill focuses on enhancing counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and peace cooperation between the two countries. It reflects the deepening military ties and mutual trust in strategic areas between China and Cambodia.

On May 16, 2025, Russia and Ukraine conducted their first direct negotiations in three years in Istanbul, marking a pivotal diplomatic moment amid the ongoing conflict. Hosted at Dolmabahce Palace under the mediation of Turkey, the talks led to a significant agreement on a mutual prisoner swap involving 1,000 individuals from each side. While no ceasefire was achieved, both delegations agreed to continue discussions and explore future steps toward de-escalation. Istanbul’s selection as the venue underscores Turkey’s strategic role in facilitating dialogue between the two nations, and the meeting was closely watched by the international community due to its geopolitical implications.