Current Affairs - International

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is collaborating with India’s Department of Technology (DoT) on AI-driven digital twin technologies, has its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland. This partnership focuses on innovation and sustainable development through global frameworks and standards. Additionally, India has proposed to host the ITU-Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030, showcasing its growing role in global technological collaborations.

The 17th BRICS Summit will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025. The summit will bring together leaders from BRICS countries and selected invited nations to discuss critical global governance reforms and cooperation. The event is particularly significant as it occurs amid U.S. threats of imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, adding an extra layer of complexity to discussions. The summit is also expected to address the growing influence of BRICS and its efforts to reshape global trade and diplomacy.

India was showcased as the theme country for the first time at the 27th Annual New Year Celebration of the Asia Pacific Cultural Centre, which took place at the Tacoma Dome in Washington. The event highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional prayers and vibrant art forms. The Indian Consul General in Seattle honoured officials with tri-colour stoles, and messages from U.S. leaders were read during the ceremony.

The emergency summit on the Ukraine crisis is being organized by Emmanuel Macron, the President of France. As Macron is from France, it follows that the summit will take place in this country. The summit involves leaders from several European nations discussing the implications of the Ukraine situation on European security, making France the host country for this key event.

The India-U.S. bilateral trade is expected to reach $500 billion by 2030 under the ‘Mission 500.’ This growth is driven by expanding trade, energy cooperation, and technological partnerships between the two countries. Key areas of collaboration include energy imports, nuclear technology, and defence cooperation. Strengthening ties with the United States is also expected to bolster India's strategic positioning globally and contribute to trade deficit reduction. The United States plays a central role in this evolving partnership, with significant implications for both countries' economic and geopolitical strategies.