Current Affairs (2023): International Relations At a Glance

‘‘ G 20 Summit ‘‘ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 15th BRICS
‘‘ The Ministers Meeting of the G20 Summit 2023 was held in New Summit held under South Africa’s chairmanship, in Johannesburg on
Delhi at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention 23 August 2023. The leaders held productive discussions including
Centre (IECC). The G20 Summit’s first day featured the Issuance of the on Global Economic Recovery, Partnership with Africa and the
New Delhi Declaration, which set the stage for discussions on crucial Global South and reviewed the progress made on the BRICS agenda
Economic themes. so far.
‘‘ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unprecedented visit to
Greece, the first by an Indian PM in 40 years, signals a significant
step toward fortifying bilateral relations.
‘‘ The I2U2 Group of India, Israel, United Arab Emirates and the US
have announced a new joint space venture. It aims to develop
a unique space-based tool for policy makers, institutions and
entrepreneurs.
‘‘ India has launched Operation Ajay, a dedicated initiative to facilitate
the safe return of its citizens from Israel amidst the ongoing
developments in the region. Special charter flights and other
‘‘ The African Union (AU) has been granted Permanent Membership in arrangements are being organized to bring back Indian citizens
the G20 during the 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit from Israel.
at New Delhi. ‘‘ The UNSC adopted a resolution for “Extended Humanitarian Pauses”
‘‘ On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, several countries, in the Gaza Strip, marking the first formal response by the UNSC
including India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the UAE, since the recent Israel-Hamas conflict began.
France, Germany, and Italy, signed a Memorandum of Understanding ‘‘ India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to
(MoU) to establish the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor collaborating on addressing Global Illicit Finance Risks. The joint
(IMEC). statement follows the India-US Anti-Money Laundering/Countering
the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Dialogue, co-chaired by
India’s revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra and US Treasury under-
secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson.
‘‘ India and Australia held the second India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial
Dialogue. The focus is on elevating Defence cooperation and
expanding the strategic relationship in critical sectors such as
Trade, Investment, and Critical Minerals.
‘‘ The Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), a voluntary export control regime
that monitors the transfer of conventional weapons and dual-use
goods, has announced that India will assume the chairmanship of its
‘‘ India, EU Sign Semiconductor Pact: India and the European Union plenary for the next year.
signed an MoU on semiconductors that will help in building a “Robust ‘‘ As the Russia Ukraine war enters its 676th day on December 31,
supply chain” and Support Innovation. 2023, Russia drew sharp criticism at the UNSC for its huge air
‘‘ India-Japan Chip Supply Chain Partnership: The Union Cabinet has assault on Ukraine that damaged a maternity hospital, apartment
approved a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and blocks and schools and killed at least 41 people.
Japan on developing a semiconductor supply chain partnership. The ‘‘ The Diplomatic dispute between India & Canada
MoC was signed in July 2023. This partnership will focus on R&D,
Manufacturing, Design, and Talent Development for the industry. ‘‘ Canada has stopped visa and consular services at its Chandigarh,
Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates. These services will now be
‘‘ India hosted the Voice of Global South Summit 2023 virtually under available only at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi.
the leadership of PM Modi, under the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of
Purpose”. ‘‘ This has happened after Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India
after New Delhi said it would revoke their Diplomatic Immunity.
‘‘ EAM Jaishankar virtually inaugurated the Buzi Bridge, which is a part of
‘‘ The diplomatic dispute was triggered by PM Trudeau’s allegation
the 132 km Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road project. The bridge has been
constructed by India and is a symbol of the solidarity and friendship that India may have had a hand in the killing of a Khalistani separatist
in Canada this June.
between India and Mozambique.
‘‘ Italy To Walk Out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative- In a private
meeting during the G20 summit 2023, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni
reportedly conveyed Italy’s plans to withdraw from the Belt and
Road Initiative to Chinese Premier.
‘‘ Stapled Visa Row - Asian Games 2023
‘‘ Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur called off his trip to China on
the eve of the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games.
‘‘ This was after three athletes — all Wushu Martial Arts players —
from Arunachal Pradesh were denied accreditation cards and
‘‘ India chaired the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) virtual instead offered stapled visas by China.
Summit, leaders called for the formation of a “More Representative” ‘‘ India-Nepal Power Pact- India and Nepal signed a long-term
and Multi Polar World order in the global interest. agreement for the export of power during the 7th meeting of the
‘‘ The Indian Prime Minister joined French President as the Guest of Nepal-India Joint Commission.
Honor at the Bastille Day Parade, where an Indian tri-services marching ‘‘ 3rd South Summit- Summit was held in Kampala, Uganda, bringing
contingent participated. together the members of the Group of 77 (G77) and China, to
‘‘ PM Modi participated in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit, proposing a boost South-South cooperation. The theme of the summit was
12-point cooperation plan. “Leaving No One Behind.”