India’s New Challenge: China-led Trilateral Nexus

Context:

China recently hosted the first China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral dialogue in Kunming, soon after a China-Pakistan-Afghanistan meet, signaling a strategic push to consolidate Beijing’s influence in South Asia.

About India’s New Challenge: China-led Trilateral Nexus:

What is the Nexus?

The emerging China-Pakistan-Bangladesh and China-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilaterals are Beijing’s strategic mechanism to expand its geopolitical leverage in South Asia.

China drives the agenda and Pakistan gains strategic relevance; and Bangladesh & Afghanistan are pulled into China’s orbit for political, economic, and connectivity influence.

Mutual Interests Behind the Trilateralism:

China: Seeks to dilute India’s influence, expand BRI projects, and use Pakistan to complicate India’s neighbourhood strategy.

Pakistan: Gains strategic cover and economic aid from China to counterbalance India, especially post-Islamabad’s international isolation.

Bangladesh & Afghanistan: Seek Chinese infrastructure investments and political assurances in a multipolar South Asia.

Implications of the Nexus

On India

Security Threat Intensification: Trilateral setups give legitimacy to China-Pakistan coordination on cross-border terrorism (e.g., Pahalgam attack, 2025).

Diplomatic Disruption: China’s involvement complicates India’s outreach in Bangladesh and Afghanistan, traditionally seen as Indian strategic depth.

BRI Encroachment: Enhanced trilateralism strengthens BRI’s southern flank, marginalizing India-led alternatives like BBIN or Chabahar route.

On South Asian Stability:

Strategic Polarization: Smaller countries are forced to balance between India and China, risking long-term regional fragmentation.

Proxy Conflict Risks: Pakistan may exploit Chinese backing to re-intensify state-sponsored terrorism, destabilizing regional peace.

Undermining SAARC-Like Platforms: China’s encroachment could render regional initiatives ineffective and externally influenced.

Way Ahead for India:

Reassert Strategic Redlines: India must communicate that any neighbour aligning against its sovereignty will face economic, political, and military consequences.

Strengthen Regional Partnerships: Boost engagement through platforms like BIMSTEC, IORA, and IPRU, bypassing Chinese influence.

Counter with Economic Diplomacy: Offer targeted investments, credit lines, and market access to South Asian nations to dilute Chinese influence.

Expand Defence Engagement: India should deepen military ties with Bangladesh, Maldives, and Afghanistan, showcasing credible alternatives to Chinese military aid.

Narrative Building & Strategic Communication: Project India as a non-hegemonic, inclusive partner, countering Chinese propaganda in the region.

Conclusion:

The China-led trilateral nexus marks a shift in regional power play aimed at restraining India’s strategic ascent. India must blend hard power, diplomacy, and economic leverage to prevent encirclement. Only a confident, proactive India can shape a secure and multipolar South Asian order free from coercive trilateralism.

Consequences of the Israel-Iran Conflict:

Global Implications:

Oil Price Shock: Escalation near the Strait of Hormuz (through which 20% of world oil flows) could destabilize global markets.

US Strategic Dilemma: The US faces pressure to distance itself from Israeli actions while protecting its regional assets.

Nuclear Proliferation Threat: Iran’s exit from the NPT may trigger a nuclear arms race in West Asia.

Regional Impact:

Destabilisation of the Middle East: Countries like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon may face intensified drone warfare and proxy escalations.

Collapse of Peace Talks: Iran-US talks in Muscat and the two-state solution dialogues face an uncertain future.

Rise of Armed Militias: Groups like PMF and Houthis may intensify retaliation against Israel or US bases.

Impact on India:

Diaspora Risk: Nearly 8 million Indians reside in West Asia. War puts their safety and evacuation logistics at risk.

Energy Dependency: Over 60% of India’s crude imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz—supply disruptions threaten inflation.

Diplomatic Balancing: India’s ties with both Israel and Iran require delicate management amidst war rhetoric and sanctions.

Conclusion:

The Israel-Iran conflict has reignited fears of full-scale war in an already volatile region. Diplomatic breakdown, proxy wars, and nuclear brinkmanship threaten global peace and economic stability. De-escalation and multilateral dialogue remain the only path forward to prevent irreversible damage.

India’s Refusal to Sign SCO Draft Statement

Context:

Defence Minister refused to endorse the SCO joint statement during the Qingdao meet, objecting to the omission of India-specific terror concerns.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):

What is it?

The SCO is a Eurasian intergovernmental organisation focused on political, economic, security, and defence cooperation, particularly in Central and South Asia.

Established in: Formally founded on 15 June 2001, evolving from the 1996 Shanghai Five initiative.

Founding Members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.

Current Members (2025): 10 countries — India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.

Why India Refused?

The draft excluded the Pahalgam terror attack while highlighting the Jaffar Express hijack in Pakistan.

India sought balanced representation of terror threats from all member states, but one country (likely Pakistan) blocked the inclusion.

India’s Stance:

Defence Minister reiterated India’s zero tolerance for terrorism, demanding accountability for state-sponsored terrorism and cross-border proxy groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Significance of India’s Action at SCO:

Sends a Strong Diplomatic Signal: India’s refusal reaffirms its non-negotiable stance on terrorism, even within a forum influenced by China and Pakistan.

Assertive Multilateral Diplomacy: India disrupted consensus in a 10-member bloc, challenging the China-Pakistan narrative control within the SCO.

Strategic Autonomy in Action: Aligns with India’s policy of strategic assertiveness, as seen during Operation Sindoor and other post-Galwan diplomatic moves.

BIMSTEC Summit

Context:

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit will be held on April 4, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand with the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC.”

It aims to enhance regional cooperation on trade, security, connectivity, and endorse the Bangkok Vision 2030.

About BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation):

What is BIMSTEC?

A regional grouping connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia to promote technical and economic cooperation among nations bordering the Bay of Bengal.

Established On: 6 June 1997, via the Bangkok Declaration.

Originally named BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation).

On 22 December 1997 during a special Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, the Group was renamed ‘BIMST-EC’ (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation).

Key Features of BIMSTEC:

Bridge between SAARC and ASEAN: Offers a unique geostrategic platform uniting South and Southeast Asia.

Sector-led cooperation: Began with six sectors in 1997, now streamlined to seven core sectors post-2021 reforms.

Focus on Security and Trade: Includes counter-terrorism, disaster management, and maritime cooperation.

Vision-based Agenda: 6th Summit to adopt Bangkok Vision 2030 and Maritime Transport Agreement.

Institutional Strengthening: BIMSTEC Charter signed in 2022; Secretariat operational since 2014.

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India – USA Nuclear Deal 2025

Context:

The US Department of Energy has approved Holtec International to transfer Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to India marking a major milestone in operationalizing the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal (123 Agreement) signed in 2007.

Recent Indo-US Nuclear Deal Breakthrough:

Technology Transfer Approved: The US DoE has permitted Holtec International to share unclassified SMR technology with Indian firms under 10CFR810 regulations.

The deal is under the restrictive regulation of the US, ‘10CFR810’, with the approval being valid for 10 years and will be re-evaluated every five years.

Strategic Collaboration: Indian partners include L&T, Tata Consulting Engineers, and Holtec Asia, with regulatory compliance to ensure no retransfer without US consent.

Manufacturing within India: For the first time, US-designed reactors can be co-developed and manufactured in India—previously prohibited.

Linked to Energy Security Dialogue: The move follows Modi-Trump discussions in Feb 2025 focused on energy resilience and decarbonisation goals.

Scope for Expansion: The government is exploring amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to allow more private sector participation in civil nuclear power.

E.g. The Kovvada project in Andhra Pradesh is planned with six 1208 MWe reactors under Indo-US                        collaboration.

Significance of Nuclear Energy in India

Clean Baseload Power: Nuclear energy offers low-carbon, reliable power unaffected by weather like solar or wind.

Reduces Fossil Fuel Dependency: Helps India reduce its ~70% fossil fuel dependence, supporting energy sovereignty.

Supports Net-Zero Targets: Critical for achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030 and Net-Zero by 2070.

Promotes Industrial Decarbonisation: BSRs and SMRs can be installed near industries for clean captive power.

Geostrategic Edge: Enhances India’s global standing in clean energy tech and addresses energy security.

India – Sri Lanka Relation

Context:

Prime Minister of India visit to Sri Lanka strengthened bilateral ties with 7 key MoU’s in defence, energy, and digitization. The visit also addressed China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.

Recent Outcomes of India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Meet:

Defence Cooperation Agreement:

Umbrella MoU signed for structured military collaboration, countering China’s Hambantota port presence.

Example: Joint exercises like SLINEX (Navy), MITRA SHAKTI (Army) to expand.

Energy & Infrastructure Boost:

Trincomalee Energy Hub development with UAE partnership.

Solar power plant launched in Trincomalee; railway projects worth $106M inaugurated.

Economic Support:

$100M Indian loans converted to grants; interest rates reduced on existing debt.

Example: Sri Lanka’s economic crisis (2022) saw India provide $4B aid.

Cultural & Religious Ties:

Buddha relics from Gujarat to be displayed in Sri Lanka for Vesak 2025.

India to renovate Thirukoneswaram Temple and Sita Eliya Temple.

Digital & Health Collaboration:

MoUs on e-governance, healthcare, and Eastern Province development

Political Trilemma and the West

Context:

Recent global trends highlight the growing relevance of Dani Rodrik’s Political Trilemma as Western democracies face a crisis of polarisation, mistrust, and populism.

About the Political Trilemma:

What it is: Proposed by economist Dani Rodrik in 2000, the Political Trilemma suggests that nations cannot simultaneously maintain national sovereignty, democracy, and deep economic integration (globalisation).

Components:

National Sovereignty: Independent decision-making.

Popular Democracy: Mass political participation and accountability.

Globalisation: Deep international economic integration.

Features of the Theory:

Countries can at best achieve only two out of the three goals.

Trying to achieve all three leads to systemic tensions and instability.

Examples:

EU model sacrifices sovereignty for democracy and globalisation.

Technocratic regimes sacrifice democracy for sovereignty and globalisation.

Protectionist economies like China prioritize sovereignty and democracy, limiting globalisation.

Issues Plaguing the West:

Rising Populism: Leaders like Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán gain support by opposing free trade and immigration.

Erosion of Trust: Traditional democratic institutions face scepticism, reflected in declining voter turnouts and protests.

E.g., France’s Yellow Vest movement.

Economic Dislocation: Job losses in traditional industries have widened inequality

E.g., Midwest US deindustrialisation.

Insular Policies: Withdrawal from global cooperation frameworks like Paris Climate Accord and WHO indicates growing inward focus.

Polarisation: Societies are increasingly divided along ideological, racial, and economic lines, weakening collective national identity.

Conclusion:

Rodrik’s Political Trilemma remains more relevant today than ever before, illustrating the structural tensions in the global order. Navigating between democracy, sovereignty, and globalisation requires delicate balancing and visionary leadership. Without course correction, Western democracies risk deeper division and long-term decline.

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World Economic Forum

Context:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025, hosted in Davos, Switzerland, brings together global leaders from business, politics, and civil society to discuss critical global issues.

About World Economic Forum (WEF):

Established in: The WEF was founded in 1971 as the European Management Forum, later renamed the World Economic Forum in 1987.

Headquarters: The WEF is headquartered in Cologny, Switzerland.

Established by: German economist Klaus Schwab, who introduced the concept of “stakeholder capitalism”.

Aim:

To improve the state of the world by fostering public-private cooperation.

To address global economic, social, and environmental challenges through collaboration among stakeholders.

2025 Theme: “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”

Functions:

Global Dialogues: Organizes the Annual Meeting in Davos, where leaders brainstorm on solutions to pressing global issues.

Publications and Rankings: Regularly releases reports like the Global Competitiveness Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Future of Jobs Report and Energy Transition Index.

Policy Advocacy: Promotes sustainability, inclusive development, and technological innovation.

Diplomatic Initiatives: Facilitates dialogues, such as the historic 1992 meeting between Nelson Mandela and South African President de Klerk.

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Paris AI Summit, 2025

Context:

Indian Prime Minister is set to co-chair the Paris AI Summit on February 10-11, 2025, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

About the Paris AI Summit 2025:

What is the Paris AI Summit?

The Paris AI Summit 2025 is a high-level global conference focused on AI regulation, innovation, and ethical governance.

It builds on previous AI Safety Summits held in Bletchley Park (UK) in 2023 and Seoul (South Korea) in 2024, aiming to create a global consensus on AI policies.

Key Details of the Paris AI Summit 2025:

Host: France

Chair & Co-Chair: Emmanuel Macron (Chair) & PM Narendra Modi (Co-Chair)

Participants: Heads of state, AI researchers, policymakers, businesses, and civil society leaders

Aims of the Paris AI Summit:

Global AI Governance: Establish frameworks for AI regulation and ethical use.

Balancing Innovation & Regulation: Foster AI growth without stifling development.

Addressing AI Market Concentration: Examine the dominance of big tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta in foundational AI models.

Public Interest & AI Safety: Ensure AI tools align with security, trust, and responsible use.

Global Collaboration: Strengthen cooperation between countries to tackle AI-related challenges.

Significance of the Paris AI Summit:

European AI Strategy: The summit is critical for Europe to compete with US tech giants and China’s AI leadership.

Investment in AI Infrastructure: Discusses major AI projects, such as the $500 billion US Stargate Project.

AI Accessibility & Ethics: Focuses on affordable AI models and reducing AI development costs.

India’s Role: PM Modi’s co-chair position highlights India’s growing influence in global AI policy and digital governance.

India – Maldives

Context:

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Muizzu in New Delhi, India decided to extend support in the form of INR 30 billion and USD 400 million as part of a bilateral currency swap agreement, instrumental in tackling the ongoing financial challenges faced by the Maldives.

Background on India-Maldives relations:

Political Relations: India and Maldives share a history of close ties, with India often acting as a first responder during crises, such as the water crisis in Malé (2014) and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic Cooperation: India has provided significant financial aid to Maldives, including budgetary support and currency swap agreements, to help stabilize the Maldivian economy.

Security Partnership: Defense and maritime cooperation have been key areas, with joint efforts to counter terrorism, piracy, and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean Region.

Historic Ties: Diplomatic relations date back to 1965, with strong people-to-people and cultural connections that have been built over decades.

Recent agreements:

Financial support: India extended a $400 million currency swap agreement and INR 30 billion to aid Maldives’ economic challenges.

Free trade agreement: Discussions initiated to boost trade and economic ties between the two countries.

Defense cooperation: Agreements on defense infrastructure upgrades, provision of radar systems, and enhancing MNDF’s surveillance and maritime capabilities.

Development projects: Support for social housing, the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, and the development of ports and airports.

Significance of the pact:

Strengthening bilateral ties: The agreements cement India’s role as a strategic partner in Maldives’ development and security.

Maritime security: Enhances India’s influence in the Indian Ocean, contributing to regional stability and security.

Economic stability: Financial aid and economic agreements aim to stabilize Maldives’ economy and boost bilateral trade.

Defence collaboration: Upgrading defense capabilities in Maldives bolsters regional defense against common threats like terrorism and piracy.

Challenges:

Political instability: The recent anti-India sentiment in Maldives and fluctuating political alliances could affect bilateral relations.

China’s influence: Growing Chinese investments in Maldives could counterbalance India’s strategic interests in the region.

Debt dependency: Maldives’ heavy reliance on external financial aid poses risks of economic instability and dependency.

Environmental concerns: Rising sea levels and environmental issues could hinder long-term developmental projects in Maldives.

Way Ahead:

Enhanced diplomatic engagement: Continued high-level political exchanges to address challenges and strengthen relations.

Diversified investments: Focus on sustainable projects in renewable energy, tourism, and blue economy to reduce Maldives’ economic vulnerabilities.

Maritime security framework: Collaborate on initiatives like the One Sun One World One Grid for energy security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Public diplomacy: Strengthen people-to-people ties through cultural, educational, and medical cooperation to build goodwill.

India – Canada

Context:

Relations between India and Canada are at a nadir, amidst the row regarding India’s alleged involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Background of Bilateral Relations:

Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1947, upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2015.

Trade: India was Canada’s 10th largest trading partner in 2022-23, with bilateral trade worth US$ 8.15 billion. CEPA/EPTA trade negotiations are on hold.

Nuclear cooperation: Began in 1956, paused after India’s 1974 nuclear test, resumed in 2010.

Diaspora: 1.6 million Indian diaspora members in Canada, with 22 Indian-origin MPs in its House of Commons.

Current issues:

Khalistani extremism: Canada’s perceived support for Khalistani groups has strained ties.

Nijjar killing: Relations worsened after the June 2023 killing of Nijjar. PM Trudeau accused Indian agents, which India denied.

Diplomatic expulsions: Both countries expelled diplomats, further escalating tensions.

Diplomatic Principles:

Diplomatic Immunity:

Defined under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), ensuring diplomats are not subjected to local jurisdiction.

Termination of Relations:

The Vienna Convention also outlines procedures for ending diplomatic relations and withdrawing diplomats

Western double standards: India pointed out the hypocrisy of Western democracies, including Canada, when security concerns outweigh their commitment to freedoms.

Impacts:

Diplomatic fallout: Reduced diplomatic engagement, withdrawal of senior diplomats.

Economic impact: Paused trade talks could hurt bilateral trade and market access.

Diaspora concerns: Rising tensions may affect Indian diaspora in Canada specially students abroad.

Canada hosts 1.6 million Indian-origin people, making up over 3% of its population.

Indian students make up 40% of all international students in Canada, contributing significantly to remittances.

Strategic cooperation: Strain on cooperation in nuclear energy, education, and technology.

Way ahead:

Diplomatic engagement: Both nations must initiate high-level dialogue to ease tensions.

Security concerns: Canada should address anti-India elements, while India should cooperate transparently.

Focus on trade: Resume trade talks to rebuild economic ties.

People-to-People ties: Strengthen diaspora ties and encourage cultural exchanges.

Conclusion:

The diplomatic row between India and Canada poses a significant challenge to bilateral relations, yet both countries stand to benefit from restoring trust and cooperation. By addressing core issues related to extremism and diplomacy, they can work towards stabilizing ties for mutual benefit.

India-China Patrolling Arrangement

Context:

India and China recently announced an agreement on “patrolling arrangements” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), aimed at resolving lingering border disputes.

Key Points on the India-China Patrolling Agreement:

Restoration of patrolling rights: Indian and Chinese troops will regain patrolling rights in areas of longstanding contention, such as the Depsang Plains and Demchok, restoring pre-2020 conditions.

Three-phase process: The agreement outlines a phased approach — Disengagement, De-escalation, and De-induction of troops — aimed at reducing troop presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) over time.

Resumption of grazing rights: Traditional grazing activities will resume in certain areas, reflecting an effort to return to a status quo that predates recent border tensions.

Monitoring and verification: Both countries agree on close monitoring to prevent the reoccurrence of confrontations, such as the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

Limited areas of engagement: Current disengagement covers the Depsang and Demchok regions, with previous stand-off points, including Pangong Tso and Galwan, remaining unchanged.

Challenges in the de-escalation process:

Trust deficit: India remains cautious due to past incidents where China did not uphold previous border agreements fully, emphasizing the need for a “trust, but verify” approach.

Diverging interpretations: Differences in Indian and Chinese statements indicate varying perspectives, with China emphasizing general progress, while India highlights specific de-escalation steps.

Sequence of de-escalation: India’s focus is on disengagement first, while China’s position on the sequence is less clear, possibly complicating the pace and sequence of military withdrawal.

Political sensitivities: India’s stance links border peace with broader bilateral relations, whereas China views the border issue as separate from overall ties, adding diplomatic tension.

Way ahead:

Close monitoring: Maintain stringent checks on patrolling activities to ensure compliance and avoid provocations.

Strategic engagement: Continue dialogues at various diplomatic levels to address boundary issues transparently.

Strengthened surveillance: Enhance infrastructure and surveillance along the LAC to swiftly detect and address potential violations.

Promote confidence-building measures: Initiate regular communication channels and confidence-building measures to rebuild trust.

Conclusion:

The recent agreement represents a cautious yet hopeful step in India-China relations. Sustained efforts toward disengagement and de-escalation, guided by mutual respect and trust, are essential for restoring long-term stability along the LAC. As India emphasizes, maintaining peaceful borders is key to resuming “business as usual” with China.

Neuromorphic computing

Context:

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have made a significant breakthrough in neuromorphic computing, which mimics the human brain’s structure and functioning.

They’ve developed an analogue computing platform that can process and store data using 16,500 conductance states, a major advancement over traditional computers limited to two states.

This platform improves efficiency and reduces energy consumption for complex AI tasks, such as training models like ChatGPT.

The team also demonstrated the system’s capabilities by recreating NASA’s “Pillars of Creation” image with much less energy.

This innovation promises to revolutionize computing, impacting industries like AI, finance, and tech by enabling faster data processing and more efficient machine learning systems.

Zorawar

Context:

The DRDO has successfully completed the first phase of developmental field trials for the Zorawar Light Tank, designed for high-altitude deployment, particularly in areas like Ladakh.

Conducted in desert terrain, the trials tested the tank’s firing accuracy, with the tank meeting all performance goals.

Developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Zorawar is a testament to India’s growing indigenous manufacturing capabilities, involving contributions from numerous Indian industries, including MSMEs.

Weighing 25 tonnes, the tank is highly mobile and versatile, capable of being transported by C-17 aircraft. It integrates technologies like unmanned systems and loitering munition, lessons drawn from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material

Context: 

The article explore Supreme Court recently delivered landmark judgment clarifying the penal consequences for the possession, storage, and consumption of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM), overturning a controversial Madras High Court ruling.

Judgment overview:

The Supreme Court clarified that storing, watching, or possessing Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM) is a crime under the POCSO Act, overturning a prior Madras High Court decision that had quashed charges against a man for merely possessing such material.

The Court emphasized that “child pornography” is a misnomer and coined the term “Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material” (CSEAM) to reflect the seriousness of the crime.

It held that possession, storage, and even viewing of CSEAM falls under criminal liability, whether for personal use or commercial purposes.

Significance of the judgment:

Broadened interpretation of CSEAM Laws: Criminalizes mere possession, closing legal loopholes previously exploited in court rulings.

Strengthens child protection laws: Reinforces the POCSO Act as a tool to combat online child exploitation, ensuring stricter penalties.

Victim-centric approach: Emphasizes victim protection, aiming for quicker content takedowns and advocating for the psychological well-being of child victims.

Tech companies’ role: The ruling calls for tech platforms to report CSEAM cases, enhancing collaboration between law enforcement and online service providers

Turkey’s bid to join BRICS

Context:

Turkey’s bid to join BRICS could be a political move to gain leverage in its stalled EU accession process or signal frustration with the EU.

Benefits:

Increases Turkey’s global influence.

Provides economic cooperation with emerging markets.

Strengthens Turkey’s political leverage in EU negotiations.

Concerns:

Strains relations with the EU and NATO.

Undermines Turkey’s credibility within Western alliances.

Risks diplomatic isolation from Western powers.

India’s stance on expansion:

India welcomed the consensus-based expansion of the BRICS grouping during the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

The move strengthens BRICS as a representative of developing countries

India has proposed creating a BRICS space consortium, investing in skill mapping, technology, and education, and emphasising cooperation for conservation efforts.

The expansion is aimed at making BRICS future-ready by enhancing cooperation, digital solutions, and development initiatives.

Significance for India:

The addition of new members to BRICS holds significance for India in terms of expanding partnerships and geopolitical influence, while also raising concerns about potential

Philadelphi (Salaheddin) Corridor

In News

A narrow stretch of land along the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt has emerged as the main stumbling block in negotiations.

About the Corridor

It is a 14-km stretch along Gaza’s border with Egypt, and is central to ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

It was built by the Israeli military when Gaza was under its direct occupation between 1967 and 2005.

The U.S.-brokered 1979 agreement was the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab country

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on permanent Israeli control of the corridor to prevent Hamas from rearming.

Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including the corridor.

A 2005 agreement between Israel and Egypt established the corridor as a buffer zone to manage Gaza’s movement and smuggling.

After Israel’s 2005 withdrawal, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority managed the area, but Hamas took control in 2007.

The corridor has been used for smuggling, including arms and goods, through numerous tunnels.

Egypt has destroyed many tunnels and views Israeli control as a violation of agreements.

Axis of Resistance

Context

The Axis of Resistance was in the news after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.

Axis of Resistance

It is a coalition of Iranian-backed groups describing themselves as the “Axis of Resistance” to Israel and U.S. influence in the Middle East.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis are some of the major groups in  the alliance.

How was the coalition formed?

The roots of the ‘axis of resistance’ go back to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which paved the way for radical Shia Muslim clerics to come to power.

To expand its political and military influence in a region where most powers (such as US-ally Saudi Arabia) are Sunni-majority nations, Iran’s new regime began to support non-state actors.

Another reason for this was to deter threats from Israel and the US as Iran has seen Israel’s creation in 1948 as a means for the US (and the West) to influence the region for its strategic interests.