Forest ServicesInternational 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
105 articles in this topic
Articles on Regional Conflict
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.
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