Current Affairs - International

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.

Bangladesh has resumed its seasonal export of hilsa fish to India for Durga Puja 2025, though in a reduced quantity of 1,200 metric tonnes—the lowest since 2019. The first consignment of around 32 tonnes arrived in West Bengal via the Petrapole border on September 17, 2025. Hilsa from the Padma River in Bangladesh is particularly prized for its superior taste and cultural significance during Bengal’s biggest festival. The export window runs from September 16 to October 5, giving importers a limited period to complete shipments. This trade is seen as part of India-Bangladesh goodwill diplomacy, highlighting the strong cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have entered into a significant mutual defence agreement during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Riyadh. The central feature of this pact is the collective security clause, under which any act of aggression against one nation will be regarded as aggression against both. This deepens the long-standing strategic and defence ties between the two countries, reinforcing regional security cooperation. The agreement comes at a critical geopolitical moment, following heightened tensions in the Gulf after an Israeli attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar, a close US ally. This move highlights Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in regional defence alliances.