International Relations
Regional Conflict
Welcome to the dedicated study hub for Regional Conflict, a critical and consistently evolving domain within International Relations. For the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a nuanced understanding of regional conflicts is not
98 articles in this topic
Articles on Regional Conflict
Give India’s Northeast and borderlands their rightful place in the national story
Source: Indian Express(Page8) | Syllabus: GS2(Governance)/GS3(Economy)
Where does Iran — and the world — go from Khamenei death? All you need to knowIran agreed to unprecedented terms. But Trump had to save face
Source: Indian Express(Page12)Indian Express(Page12) | Syllabus: GS2(IR)GS2(IR)
India believed that Panchsheel Pact settled Border with China: CDS
Context The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) mentioned that India believed the 1954 Panchsheel Agreement effectively addressed the northern boundary question, even though China viewed it differently. Panchsheel Agreement In 1954, India recognised Tibet as part of China, and both countries signed the Panchsheel Agreement. The Panchsheel Agreement stated the five principles as: Mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The ‘Board of Peace’ For Gaza: India’s Approach
Published on: 23 January, 2026 The recent invitation by the US President to several countries including India to join the Board of Peace for Gaza aiming to establish a comprehensive framework for peace, security, and development in Gaza and the wider West Asian region.
China’s Military Drill Around Taiwan & India’s Strategic Interests
Context Recently, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan named ‘Justice Mission-2025’. About the ‘Justice Mission-2025’ It was a large-scale military exercise conducted by China’s PLA around Taiwan. It was the second major drill of the year, launched to demonstrate China’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and national unity while sending a warning to Taiwanese separatist forces and foreign interference, particularly the USA.
Global Risk Report 2026 Released
In News The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 21st edition of the Global Risks Report (2026), warning that geoeconomic confrontations pose the biggest risk to major powers. Global Risks for 2026 Geoeconomic Confrontation: Rated as the top risk for 2026. This includes the weaponization of trade, finance, and technology through sanctions and tariffs (such as the US tariffs imposed by the US, banning critical minerals by China etc).
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD): Interregnum or Strategic Continuity
Published on: 12 January, 2026 In 2025, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) entered a period of strategic pause, often termed a ‘year of interregnum’, as it faced significant headwinds that tested QUAD’s cohesion, purpose, and long-term viability.
Legality of USA’s Venezuelan Actions
Published on: 07 January, 2026 Recent US military and economic intervention and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro represent a profound breach of international law, undermining fundamental principles that underpin the international legal order.
From Venezuela to Greenland: Expanding US Strategic Ambitions
Context The recent remarks by the US President asserting that the United States “needs Greenland for national security” have triggered a diplomatic standoff with Denmark and Greenland, raising concerns over sovereignty, Arct geopolitics, and great-power competition About Greenland It is semi-autonomous and part of the Kingdom of Denmark, with strong defense ties to NATO. Location: Situated between the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, northeast of Canada.
US Strikes on Venezuela
Context The US strikes on Venezuela have brought to the forefront concerns over violations of international law, breach of national sovereignty reinforcing perceptions of U.S. imperialism. Probable Reasons for US Attack on Venezuela Oil Reserves: Venezuela holds about 18% of the worlds oil reserves, more than Saudi Arabia (around 16%), Russia (about 5-6%), or the United States (around 4%).
Joint Water Measurements By India & Bangladesh as Ganges Treaty Nears Expiry
Context India and Bangladesh have initiated a joint water measurement initiative on the Ganga and Padma rivers as the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty enters its final year before expiry in December 2026. About the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, 1996 The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed on 12 December 1996 between India and Bangladesh, governs the sharing of Ganges waters at the Farakka Barrage, located in West Bengal, about 18 km upstream of the Bangladesh border. The treaty marked a major diplomat
Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship: Parliamentary Committee on MEA
Context According to a recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, India is facing its most formidable strategic challenge in Bangladesh since the 1971 Liberation War. Key Highlights of Report Strategic Challenge Post-2024 Regime Change: India faces its ‘greatest strategic challenge’ in Bangladesh since the 1971 Liberation War. The ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 disrupted a decade-long strategic alignment between the two nations.
Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and Inalienable Part of India: MEA
Context The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. About Recently, Chinese immigration officials at the Shanghai airport detained an Indian Citizen for 18 hours on the ground that her passport was invalid as her birthplace was Arunachal Pradesh.
India Withdraws from Ayni Airbase
In News India has shut down its operations at the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan, a key overseas facility that had provided its strategic influence in Central Asia. Ayni Airbase The airbase, originally built during the Soviet era, was in poor condition following the split of the Soviet Union. India invested around $80 million since 2002 to upgrade it with a 3,200-metre runway, hangars, fuel depots, and air traffic control, largely executed by the Border Roads Organisation It is situated in Tajikista
Resolution of Palestinian Question Necessary for IMEC
Context The first India–Egypt Strategic Dialogue was held in New Delhi co-chaired by EAM Dr. Jaishankar and Egyptian FM. About Egypt’s Position: Egypt supports regional connectivity projects like India-Middle East EU Economic Corridor (IMEC) but believes progress is impossible without addressing the Palestinian question.
Israel–Hamas Ceasefire Impact on Global Trade
Context Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, potentially ending the two-year-long conflict in Gaza. Freight Rates and Global Trade Since late 2023, freight rates surged nearly threefold due to the need to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. Shorter Suez Canal routes were blocked, increasing transit time, shipping costs, and profits for companies.
Gaza Peace Plan and its Implications for India
Recently, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace proposal, dubbed as ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ aimed at ending the protracted war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
France Recognised Palestine as a State
Context France and several other Western nations formally declared their recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations. About France’s announcement comes as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal declared recognition recently. The move, however, is largely symbolic without support from the United States, which has the power to veto membership.
Why did India Condemn the Doha Strike?
Context India’s recent condemnation of Israel’s bombing in Doha is a shift from its more muted positions on previous Israeli operations in other countries. About Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) bombed a home in Doha, Qatar, where Hamas leaders were reportedly meeting in the U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan. Israel PM Netanyahu claimed the strike was “justified,” accusing Qatar of “harbouring and funding” Hamas operatives.
India Votes in Favour of Palestine's Statehood at UN
Context India has voted in favour of a resolution in the UN General Assembly that endorses the ‘New York Declaration’ on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and implementation of the two-state solution. About The resolution was introduced by France and was adopted with an overwhelming 142 nations voting in favour, 10 against and 12 abstentions. Those voting against included Argentina, Hungary, Israel and the United States.