https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/free-trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements-concluded-but-not-in-force/new-zealand-india-free-trade-agreement/overview#:~:text=Overview%20%7C%20New%20Zealand%20Ministry%20of,to%20expand%20two%2Dway%20trade This article explains that New Zealand and India have negotiated on a Free Trade Agreement late December of 2025. This agreement was aimed at strengthening economic ties and expanding regional trade. Additionally, this deal is set to diversify both New Zealand’s and India’s trade partners and markets as both nations are experiencing rapid economic growth and a growing middle… Read more »
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/13/russia-working-to-circumvent-sanctions-to-ensure-india-oil-imports-continue This article discusses Russia’s efforts to actively bypass sanctions made by the west so that India can continue importing oil. This is a push back from Russia as international efforts try to isolate Moscow economically. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India became one of the biggest buyers. Recently, however, U.S. sanctions on major exporters such as Rosneft and Lukoil… Read more »
https://apnews.com/article/cop29-climate-baku-azerbaijan-host-city-b7b740770555ec250efa885d02d5e3f4 This article is explaining the importance of the 29th United Nations climate summit (COP29) in bringing global diplomats together and addressing climate change. It is held in Azerbaijan which is one of the world’s first oil producing countries and is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels. This location puts a spotlight on the country’s role in global energy as… Read more »
https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/11/25/afghanistan-pakistan-tensions-spike-amid-border-attacks-and-militancy/ This article discusses the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan towards the end of 2025. Reports of border attacks and militant violence flood the air as the conflict escalates. Pakistan accused Afghan militant grounds and the Pakistani Taliban of operating in close relations with Afghan and from Afghan territory. So, Pakistan carried out airstrikes along eastern Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban… Read more »
https://timesca.com/japan-steps-out-of-the-shadows-with-first-central-asia-leaders-summit/ This article is about the first ever elite summit of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue (CA +JAD). It was hosted in Tokyo on December 19-20, 2025. The CA+JAD was launched in 2004 to elevate Japan’s involvement with relations regarding the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and others. The meeting was meant to further political and economic cooperation between… Read more »
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/16/india-electoral-roll-special-intensive-revision-threatens-democracy-muslims This article discusses India’s 2025 “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR). This is a revision of electoral rolls that may threaten democracy for Muslim citizens. This process requires citizens in certain areas to re-verify their documentation and eligibility to vote. This raises fears that vulnerable areas such as poor people, minorities, and migrants could be removed from the voter list. However,… Read more »
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/78180 This article reports Vladimir Putin’s meeting with a wounded Russian serviceman that is receiving treatment at the Vishenevsky Military Hospital. Putin personally awarded the soldiers state honors, and praised their courage and discipline during military operations in Ukraine. He emphasized that their actions demonstrate the strength and unity of Russia’s armed forces. Putin highlighted improvements in military medical care,… Read more »
https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/17/asia/bangladesh-sheikh-hasina-verdict-intl-hnk The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal sentenced the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death on November 17 2025. She was convicted of crimes against humanity. The charges stem from the violent suppression of student protest in 2024 which resulted in significant casualties leading to her resignations and, further, her exile. She had been forced out of power by student… Read more »
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pakistani-forces-step-raids-afghan-border-killing-23-127700558 Pakistan security forces raided two Pakistani Taliban hideouts in the northwest near the Afghan border. Intense shootouts left 23 dead. This operation followed raids earlier that week. The military identified the killed militants as “Khawarji”. These militants are allegedly supported by Afghanistan and India. Along with this raid, a roadside bombing killed two police officers and wounded four in… Read more »
