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
Opportunity Cost of Excessive Militarisation
Context With Military expenditures reaching $2.7 trillion in 2024, the UN warns that a small fraction could eradicate extreme poverty, hunger, and finance climate adaptation in developing countries, highlighting the opportunity cost of excessive militarisation. Global trend in Militarization Concentration of Power: The top five spenders (US, China, Russia, India, Germany) together account for nearly 60% of total global military expenditure, reflecting a highly asymmetrical global security order.
Political Crisis in Nepal and Its Implications for India
In News Mass protests led by Nepals Generation Z erupted prompting widespread violence, including the burning of government buildings and attacks on politicians. Reasons for Crisis in Nepal Gen Z Discontent: Frustration over corruption, the luxurious lifestyles of leaders, lack of accountability, and youth unemployment (above 20%) fueled mass discontent, especially as remittances form a major part of the economy but job prospects in Nepal remain bleak. Suppression of Dissent: The government bann
China and India Pledge to be partners not rivals': SCO Summit
Context Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin. Key Outcomes of SCO Summit High-level Engagements: Both leaders met and welcomed the positive momentum in their ties. Reaffirmed they are development partners, not rivals; differences must not turn into disputes.
Pakistan, China and Afghanistan agree to extend CPEC to Kabul
The agreement to extend CPEC to Kabul signifies a major geopolitical shift, integrating Afghanistan into China's BRI. This move has profound implications for South Asia's strategic landscape and India's regional positioning.
India – China Special Representatives’ Dialogue
Context Recently India-China held the 24th round of India-China Special Representative talks. Way Ahead Advance Border Dialogue: Prioritise early progress on boundary delimitation and phased de-escalation at the LAC to ensure lasting peace and stability. Balanced Economic Cooperation: Trade and investment flows should be mutually beneficial, avoiding over-dependence.
Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Treaty
In News Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a historic U.S.-brokered peace agreement at the White House, ending decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh It is located within the international borders of Azerbaijan. It is in the South Caucasus region between eastern Europe and western Asia, spanning the southern part of the Caucasus mountains that roughly includes modern-day Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
80 Years of Hiroshima
In News On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped the first atomic bomb, nicknamed “Little Boy,” on Hiroshima, marking the first use of nuclear weapons in warfare. About The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unprecedented devastation wrought by nuclear weapons and underscores the urgent global call for nuclear disarmament. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki not only ended World War II but also ushered in the nuclear age—shaping international politics, security doctrines, and peac
Australia- UK Sign 50-Year Geelong Treaty Under AUKUS
Context Australia and the UK signed the bilateral Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty (the Geelong Treaty) in Geelong, Australia, solidifying their commitment to the AUKUS defense pact. About Geelong Treaty The Geelong Treaty is a historic agreement that commits the UK and Australia to 50 years of bilateral defense cooperation under AUKUS Pillar I. The Treaty will enable comprehensive cooperation on the design, build, operation, sustainment, and disposal of their SSN-A
Rift in the Western World Over Gaza – And Its Possible Impact
As Israel’s military campaign in Gaza intensifies, a growing divide has emerged within the Western world over how to respond — a rift that could reshape global diplomacy, humanitarian policy, and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
NATO Secondary Sanctions: India calls out ‘double standards’
Context India has firmly pushed back against NATO Secretary’s warning of secondary sanctions over its continued trade with Russia. Crude Oil Imports of India India is the world’s third largest crude oil importer, it depends on imports to meet around 88% of its crude oil needs. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, India has ramped up the purchase of discounted Russian oil.
China’s Expanding Strategic Presence in IOR is a Challenge for India: Parliament Committee Report
Context Parliament Committee Report has highlighted that China’s expanding strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region is a challenge for India. India’s Strategic Responses Diplomatic and Security Leadership: India positions itself as first responder in disasters. India is a preferred security partner in HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), and development.
A China-led Trilateral Nexus as India’s New Challenge
Recently, China hosted the first-ever trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Bangladesh in Kunming, on the sidelines of the China-South Asia Exposition. It has far-reaching implications for South Asia — particularly for India.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting
Context India has refused to sign a joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China. About India is not satisfied with the language of the joint document and there was no mention of cross-border terrorist activities specially recent Pahalgam Terror attack. The refusal to endorse the document resulted in the conclave ending without a joint communique.
Bangladesh Joins Tri-Nation Meeting with China & Pakistan
Context Bangladesh, China and Pakistan held an informal trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation meeting in Kunming. About the meeting The three countries exchanged views on the basis of mutual trust, understanding and shared vision for peace, prosperity and stability in the region, the release added. They identified key areas for cooperation including infrastructure, connectivity, trade, investment, healthcare, agricultu
Challenges Before IAEA After Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
In News Iran is considering a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing the agency’s alleged failure to remain impartial and fulfill its obligations. Background The announcement came as the IAEA convened an emergency Board of Governors meeting in Vienna following the U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and Israel’s earlier strike on the Arak Heavy Water Reactor.
Understanding Pakistan’s Balancing Act on Iran
Context Pakistan has extended strong rhetorical support to Iran amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. How is Iran strategically important to India? India and Iran share deep civilisational, linguistic, and historical ties.
Escalation Spiral: On the Israel-Iran Conflict
The recent Israel and Iran conflict has plunged West Asia into its most dangerous crisis that has far-reaching geopolitical and humanitarian consequences since the Arab-Israeli War 1973.
India’s Balancing Act in the Bay of Bengal
Indias maritime ambitions in the Bay of Bengal face challenges despite its progress in ports and regional trade.
Put Pakistan Nuclear Arsenal under Watch: India
Context The Union Defence Minister questioned the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and called for its supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). About Pakistan has tried to leverage its nuclear status against India. While India follows a no-first-use policy when it comes to nuclear weapons, Pakistan doesnt have any such stated policy of restraint.
Pakistan-Türkiye Nexus & India Stands
Context Türkiye’s support for Pakistan on Kashmir, along with defense collaborations, has raised concerns for India. Türkiye’s Strategic Interests in Pakistan Cold War Alliances: Türkiye and Pakistan were part of the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), aligning their policies with Western-led security frameworks. Pakistan supported Türkiye’s stance in Cyprus, even offering military assistance during the 1964 and 1971 crises.