Current Affairs - International

On January 17, 2025, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" in Moscow, which aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors including economic, military, and cultural fields. This agreement comes as a response to shared challenges such as common security threats and Western sanctions. The treaty includes plans for joint defence efforts, scientific exchanges, and energy collaboration, strengthening the relationship between Russia and Iran, which has evolved from historical rivalries to a closer alignment in recent years.

India is working with the European Union to strengthen economic ties through a 6-point plan that emphasizes integrating their $24 trillion market. Key areas of focus include promoting fair trade, fostering SME growth, advancing cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring resilient supply chains. The partnership aims to align trade practices with sustainability and address global challenges, with the ultimate goal of finalizing a robust Free Trade Agreement. This collaboration highlights India and the EU's commitment to mutually beneficial economic growth.

India and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation and information sharing on cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics, specifically in criminal investigations. The MoU was signed in Washington DC by the Ambassador of India to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristie Canegallo. This agreement aims to improve both countries’ ability to combat cyber threats and enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. The cooperation will foster a closer partnership between India and the United States in the digital space.

The 900 MW Upper Karnali Hydro-electric Project is being developed in Nepal through a joint venture involving the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), SJVN Ltd., GMR Energy Ltd., and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). This project, operating under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer model, aims to enhance energy security in the region and foster renewable energy development, showcasing cross-border collaboration in sustainable energy initiatives.

On January 17, 2025, China successfully launched Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical Satellite (PRSC-EO1) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using the Long March-2D rocket. This satellite is equipped with advanced electro-optical sensors to enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in Earth observation, disaster management, resource monitoring, and urban planning. This launch signifies a continuation of China-Pakistan collaboration in space technology, building on earlier satellite launches and cooperative projects for communication and lunar exploration.