Current Affairs - International

On May 8, 2025, India and Chile officially signed the Terms of Reference to initiate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a significant upgrade from their existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). This agreement aims to deepen bilateral economic ties by expanding into new areas such as digital services, MSME cooperation, critical minerals, and investment facilitation. The CEPA seeks to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth while enhancing access to strategic resources. By engaging with Chile—a key Latin American economy—India is strengthening South-South cooperation and diversifying its trade and investment relationships in a rapidly evolving global economic landscape.

Vietnam has introduced a groundbreaking 10-year renewable Golden Visa aimed at attracting long-term Indian investors, tourists, and skilled professionals. This strategic initiative is part of the country’s broader vision to transform itself into a regional hub for business, innovation, and sustainable tourism. The visa is expected to deepen India-Vietnam relations by encouraging long-term economic, cultural, and professional engagement. With features such as renewable residency, a digital-first application process, and a focus on meaningful economic contributions, the Golden Visa marks a significant policy shift to attract foreign talent and capital, positioning Vietnam as a key player in Southeast Asia’s evolving economic landscape.

The 24th edition of the Airport Show and the 12th Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF) concluded successfully at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Dubai has maintained its global reputation as a leading aviation hub, with Dubai International Airport holding the title of the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the 11th year in a row. The event also highlighted the contributions of women in the aviation sector through the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference. This large-scale gathering underscored Dubai’s continued leadership in global aviation innovation and infrastructure.

GISEC Global 2025, the Middle East and North Africa region's largest cybersecurity event, is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event attracts more than 750 companies and 25,000 visitors from across the globe. It serves as a key platform for showcasing cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence, data privacy, and threat intelligence. India is prominently participating under the leadership of the Data Security Council of India (DSCI). With over 350 hours of AI-focused cybersecurity content, the event underscores Dubai’s role as a hub for global tech innovation and cyber defence collaboration in the region.

In the 2025 Human Development Report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India has been placed at the 130th position out of 193 countries and territories. The report, titled "A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI", evaluates countries based on various human development parameters such as health, education, and income. The top three countries in the index are Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, while South Sudan is ranked last. India’s position highlights the ongoing challenges and the need for continued progress in improving human development outcomes across the country.