CURRENT AFFAIRS

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia and disruptions in maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, India faces potential risks to its supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, reaffirming India’s growing role as a global convenor of strategic and geopolitical discussions.

The assassination of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, in a joint US–Israeli attack has marked the end of a defining chapter in the Islamic Republic’s post-1979 leadership.

Amid disruptions in oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating West Asia conflict, the Indian government and public sector refiners are considering increasing imports of Russian crude to maintain supply continuity.

On February 28, 2026, Israel conducted a daylight strike on Tehran, calling it a pre-emptive operation against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. US President Donald Trump confirmed American involvement, and the US Department of Defense named the operation Operation Epic Fury.

India and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on rare earths and critical minerals during the visit of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to India in February 2026.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have entered a sharp new phase of hostilities after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and other provinces following a cross-border attack on its troops. Pakistan’s Defence Minister described the situation as an “open war” with the Taliban-led Afghan government.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2026 visit to Israel, India and Israel elevated their bilateral ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.” The visit resulted in 27 outcomes, including the signing of 17 agreements across defence, technology, agriculture, trade, and connectivity sectors.

During the recent visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to New Delhi, the two countries elevated their bilateral relations to a new level by signing a total of nine important agreements, including one on rare earth elements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an official visit to Tel Aviv, marking his first trip to Israel since his landmark 2017 visit — the first-ever by an Indian Prime Minister after diplomatic ties were established in 1992.