Every news story that matters for the International Relations part of UPSC Civil Services GS2 (Polity · Governance · IR), written for the exam: why in news, background, prelims facts, a practice MCQ and a mains question. 3,350 notes so far, updated daily.
Syllabus topics covered: India's bilateral relations (2763) · Policies of other countries affecting India (208) · India & neighbourhood (173) · Regional & global groupings (QUAD, BRICS, SCO, G20...) (112) · International institutions & agencies (UN, WTO, IMF...) (88) · Indian diaspora (6)
Why in news: British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper convened a virtual summit with over 40 countries to discuss clearing sea mines and rescuing ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz following over 25 attacks by Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage for global oil and gas supplies. Iran has reportedly carried out more than 25 attacks on vessels in the strait, trapping thousands of seafarers. The UK government is advocating for a combination of diplomatic and economic pressure to reopen the lane.
Prelims pointers (4)
FactIran has carried out more than 25 attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
PlaceStrait of Hormuz: A strategic maritime chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies.
PostYvette Cooper: British Foreign Secretary.
PostKeir Starmer: UK Prime Minister.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the Strait of Hormuz in global energy security and evaluate the role of multilateral diplomacy in resolving maritime chokepoint conflicts.
Energy security: High concentration of global oil and gas transit through a single maritime chokepoint.
Multilateralism: Collective defensive military capabilities vs. diplomatic and economic pressure as tools for maritime safety.
Geopolitical friction: Impact of regional hostilities on international shipping lanes and global supply chain stability.
Why in news: Palantir's UK and Europe head, Louis Mosley, defended the Maven Smart System, stating that while AI speeds up military decision-making, the ultimate responsibility for its output lies with the military organization.
Palantir's Maven Smart System is used by the US military for targeting decisions during the war with Iran. The Pentagon plans to further integrate Maven into its systems despite expert concerns regarding inaccurate targeting and civilian casualties.
Prelims pointers (3)
S&TMaven Smart System: An AI platform used by the US military for targeting decisions.
FactPalantir: A technology company providing AI platforms for military and commercial use.
PostLouis Mosley: Head of Palantir for UK and Europe.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the ethical and legal implications of delegating lethal decision-making to AI systems in modern warfare. How can accountability be ensured in autonomous targeting?
Accountability gap: Difficulty in attributing legal liability for 'autonomous' errors to human operators or software developers.
Algorithmic bias: Risk of inaccurate targeting due to training data flaws leading to unintended civilian casualties.
Dual-use dilemma: Rapid commercialization of AI tools complicates international oversight of military-grade technology.
Keywords: Algorithmic Accountability · Autonomous Weapons Systems · Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWS) · Dual-use Technology · Ethical AI
Why in news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to prioritize European relations this summer, including a visit to the G-7 Summit in France and meetings with EU officials to fast-track the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
The EU Parliament is currently discussing the ratification of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement. A delegation from the European Union met with Indian officials to discuss expediting the agreement's implementation.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyG-7 Summit: To be held in France during the summer of 2026
FactEU-India Free Trade Agreement: Aims to boost trade between the European Union and India
PostNarendra Modi: Prime Minister of India
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the strategic and economic significance of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union in the context of diversifying global trade.
Trade imbalance: Addressing the deficit in industrial goods and services between the EU and India
Regulatory alignment: Harmonizing standards on data privacy, environmental norms, and labor rights
Geopolitical shift: Strengthening India's position as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific and European trade corridors
Why in news: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to retrieve Aasim Sajjad, a Pakistani-born son of a J&K resident deported after the April 2025 Pahalgam attack.
The court ruled that Aasim Sajjad should be allowed to pursue a visa extension and be considered for citizenship under Section 5(1)(d) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was given an eight-week deadline to retrieve him.
Prelims pointers (4)
Act / BillCitizenship Act, 1955: Governs the acquisition of Indian citizenship.
FactSection 5(1)(d) of the Citizenship Act, 1955: Relates to the acquisition of citizenship by birth.
BodyMinistry of Home Affairs (MHA): Responsible for deportation and citizenship matters in India.
PlacePahalgam: Location of the April 2025 attack mentioned in the court order.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the legal and security implications of granting citizenship to children of Indian residents born in neighboring countries under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Security-Legal Conflict: Balancing the right to citizenship against national security concerns regarding cross-border movements.
Judicial Oversight: The role of High Courts in reviewing executive decisions on deportation and citizenship status.
Why in news: Israel launched attacks on Beirut's suburbs and invaded southern Lebanon, leading to a military escalation with Hezbollah and significant civilian casualties.
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported 1,200 deaths in Lebanon since the conflict began. Over one million people have been displaced due to the ongoing hostilities.
Prelims pointers (2)
FactLebanese Ministry of Public Health reported 1,200 deaths in Lebanon since the conflict began
FactOver one million people displaced in Lebanon due to the conflict
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the implications of the escalating conflict in Lebanon on regional stability and the security architecture of the Middle East.
Humanitarian crisis: Massive internal displacement and infrastructure damage in Lebanon
Regional escalation: Risk of direct confrontation between Israel and Iran
Security vacuum: Potential for permanent Israeli occupation and long-term instability in southern Lebanon
Why in news: US President Donald Trump stated the conflict with Iran could end in two to three weeks without a deal, amid reports of Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti infrastructure and US-Israeli strikes on Iranian industrial sites.
Iran launched an attack on Kuwait's international airport, causing a large fire in fuel tanks. Simultaneously, US and Israeli forces conducted strikes on pharmaceutical companies and steel plants in the Iranian cities of Isfahan and Farokhshar.
Prelims pointers (3)
PlaceIsfahan and Farokhshar: Iranian cities targeted in recent US-Israeli strikes.
FactKuwait reported a large fire at fuel tanks at its international airport due to an Iranian attack.
PostDonald Trump: Serving as the US President as of April 2026.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the implications of escalating regional conflict in the Middle East on global energy security and maritime trade routes.
Energy supply volatility: Disruption of fuel infrastructure in Kuwait affecting global oil markets
Regional security dilemma: Escalation of kinetic strikes on industrial hubs impacting regional stability
Why in news: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an intention to use US mediators to convey an Easter ceasefire offer to Russia, while the Kremlin denied receiving a clearly formulated initiative.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a truce during the Easter holiday period, excluding compromises on sovereignty and dignity. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated no clearly formulated initiatives have been received from Zelenskyy regarding an energy truce.
Prelims pointers (4)
PostVolodymyr Zelenskyy: President of Ukraine
PostDmitry Peskov: Kremlin spokesman
FactThree rounds of high-level trilateral talks have been held between the US, Russia, and Ukraine
FactA fourth round of trilateral talks was postponed due to the war on Iran
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the role of third-party mediation in resolving protracted interstate conflicts and the limitations of trilateral diplomacy in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Diplomatic deadlock: Lack of progress on eastern Ukraine territorial status despite trilateral engagement
Sovereignty constraints: Conflict between ceasefire concessions and non-negotiable territorial integrity
External variables: Impact of regional conflicts (Iran) on the momentum of peace negotiations
Why in news: The United States conducted a reported airstrike on an ammunition depot in Isfahan, Iran, using bunker-buster bombs, escalating tensions regarding Iran's nuclear and defense infrastructure.
The US used 2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs to strike an ammunition depot in Isfahan. Iranian officials confirmed the strikes targeted military sites but did not disclose specific locations.
Prelims pointers (3)
FactThe US utilized 2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs in the Isfahan strike.
PlaceIsfahan is a key site for Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure.
FactThe strike targeted an ammunition depot.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the implications of targeted strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure for regional stability and the global non-proliferation regime.
Nuclear proliferation: Risk of accelerated clandestine enrichment programs in response to kinetic strikes
Regional escalation: Potential for proxy warfare expansion and disruption of Middle Eastern energy corridors
Why in news: Israeli special envoy Fleur Hassan-Nahoum stated that India's balanced approach makes it a better mediator than Pakistan in the Middle East conflict.
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Israel's special envoy to the foreign ministry, commented on the ongoing conflict with Iran since October 7th. She expressed skepticism regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts due to a lack of diplomatic ties with Israel.
Prelims pointers (3)
PostFleur Hassan-Nahoum: Special envoy to the foreign ministry of Israel
FactIsrael's conflict with Iran has been ongoing since October 7th
FactPakistan currently lacks diplomatic ties with Israel
Mains angle
Q. Analyze India's growing role as a mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts and the geopolitical implications of its 'balanced approach' in the face of regional tensions.
Geopolitical leverage: India's ability to engage with both Western powers and regional actors like Iran
Diplomatic credibility: The impact of non-aligned status on mediation efficacy compared to polarized neighbors
Security-diplomacy nexus: Balancing trade interests with regional security concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program
Why in news: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko held Foreign Office Consultations to discuss the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
The meeting took place in India on March 30, 2026. Discussions covered bilateral, regional, and global issues, including a schedule of upcoming high-level contacts and the impact of US-Israel tensions over Iran.
Prelims pointers (3)
FactIndia and Russia share a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
BodyIndia's focus includes multilateral organizations such as BRICS, SCO, G20, and the United Nations.
PostS. Jaishankar serves as India's External Affairs Minister.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the significance of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the context of evolving global and regional dynamics.
Multilateral alignment: Balancing participation in BRICS and SCO with Western-led global frameworks
Why in news: The foreign ministers of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey met in Islamabad to discuss a ceasefire in the Iran-Israel conflict and regional stability.
The quartet met in Islamabad on Sunday (March 2026) to address the Iran-Israel conflict. A key outcome included an Iranian agreement allowing vessels under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Prelims pointers (3)
PlaceStrait of Hormuz: A strategic maritime chokepoint in the Middle East.
FactThe quartet consists of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
FactTurkey is identified as the most committed member advocating for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the role of regional multilateralism in mediating the Iran-Israel conflict and its implications for Middle Eastern maritime security.
Geopolitical leverage: Turkey's advocacy for nuclear program negotiations vs. immediate ceasefire demands
Maritime security: Impact of Pakistani-flagged vessel passage on Strait of Hormuz stability
Regional mediation: The shift from bilateral tensions to a four-nation bloc for conflict resolution
Why in news: The IMF warned that the Iran-related conflict in the Middle East is causing an asymmetric global shock, leading to higher prices and slower growth due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The IMF reported that Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and regional infrastructure damage caused the largest disruption to the global oil market in history. Low-income countries face heightened food insecurity from rising food and fertilizer prices.
Prelims pointers (2)
BodyIMF: International Monetary Fund
FactIMF to release a fuller assessment on the economic impact on April 14th
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East create asymmetric economic shocks and exacerbate food insecurity in low-income nations.
Supply chain volatility: Infrastructure damage in the Middle East causing historic oil market disruptions
Asymmetric impact: Low-income nations facing food insecurity while advanced economies scale back external assistance
Why in news: The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated into a protracted war following a joint US-Israel attack, raising concerns over the lack of a clear political endgame.
Israel and the United States launched a joint attack on Iran targeting key infrastructure and personnel. The conflict has expanded to include Hezbollah in Lebanon as a new front.
Prelims pointers (2)
FactIsrael and the United States launched a joint attack on Iran.
PlaceHezbollah in Lebanon has become a new front in the conflict.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the strategic implications of the protracted conflict between Israel and Iran and the risks of military escalation without a comprehensive political framework.
Strategic ambiguity: Absence of a defined political endgame complicating military objectives
Regional spillover: Expansion of conflict to Lebanon via Hezbollah involvement
Asymmetric resilience: Iran's ability to sustain infrastructure and personnel despite targeted strikes
Why in news: U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor outlined a 'win-win' economic expansion strategy focusing on energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure to strengthen the India-U.S. strategic partnership.
Ambassador Sergio Gor highlighted the alignment of India's infrastructure needs with U.S. expertise in energy and digital infrastructure. The discussion focused on building resilient supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, and pharmaceuticals.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyU.S.-India COMPACT: A framework for expanding economic ties and infrastructure cooperation.
S&TPax Silica: An initiative aimed at building resilient supply chains for semiconductors.
FactKey sectors for cooperation include energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze how the expansion of economic cooperation and supply chain resilience in critical minerals and semiconductors serves as a pillar for the India-U.S. strategic partnership.
Supply chain diversification: Reducing reliance on single-source origins for critical minerals and semiconductors
Technological synergy: Leveraging U.S. expertise in digital infrastructure to accelerate India's manufacturing capabilities
Geopolitical alignment: Utilizing economic investments to foster stability in South and Central Asia
Why in news: India demanded a 25-year transition period and stricter regulations on distant-water industrial fishing fleets during the second phase of the WTO's fisheries subsidies agreement negotiations.
India is advocating for a permanent exemption for small-scale and artisanal fishers within the WTO fisheries subsidies agreement. The proposal aims to protect the livelihoods of 9 million fisher families who primarily utilize sustainable practices.
Prelims pointers (2)
FactIndia has approximately 9 million fisher families.
FactIndia's proposed transition period for developing countries is 25 years.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of multilateral trade agreements in balancing global industrial fishing interests with the food security and livelihoods of small-scale artisanal fishers in developing nations.
Regulatory asymmetry: Disparity between industrial distant-water fleets and artisanal fishing practices
Food security nexus: Impact of subsidy discipline on coastal community livelihoods
Developmental equity: The necessity of transition periods for developing nations in global trade governance
Why in news: Iran accused the US of secretly planning a ground assault while publicly seeking talks, amid escalating tensions and the entry of Houthi rebels into the conflict.
The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran involving special forces and conventional infantry. The conflict has entered its second month and has caused significant disruptions to global energy supplies and key shipping routes.
Prelims pointers (3)
FactHouthi rebels joined the conflict for the first time in the second month of the war.
PlaceA meeting of regional powers to de-escalate the conflict was held in Pakistan.
FactThe conflict has caused significant disruption to global energy supplies and key shipping routes.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the impact of escalating Middle Eastern conflicts on global energy security and maritime trade routes.
Energy volatility: Supply chain disruptions affecting global oil and gas price stability
Maritime security: Threats to key shipping lanes and the necessity of international naval cooperation
Why in news: Iran intensified attacks on UAE and Bahrain industrial sites while the Houthis launched missiles at Israel, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies. Israel continued airstrikes against Iran and Lebanon, resulting in casualties among journalists and paramedics.
Prelims pointers (3)
PlaceStrait of Hormuz: A key shipping route for global energy supplies.
FactOil and gas prices spiked following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
PostHouthis: A group backed by Iran launching missiles at Israel.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the impact of maritime security disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on global energy security and international trade routes.
Energy volatility: Sudden supply shocks causing global price spikes and inflationary pressures
Maritime security: Vulnerability of critical chokepoints to non-state and state-sponsored proxy actions
Why in news: The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for weeks of limited ground operations in Iran, including potential raids on Kharg Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Pentagon is planning limited ground operations involving special operations and conventional infantry troops. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has already deployed additional soldiers to the Middle East with thousands more expected to arrive.
Prelims pointers (4)
PlaceKharg Island: A location in Iran targeted in potential US ground operations
PlaceStrait of Hormuz: A strategic maritime passage near Iran's coastal areas
BodyCENTCOM: US Central Command responsible for military operations in the Middle East
FactThe planned operations are described as 'limited' and fall short of a full invasion
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the geopolitical implications of potential US military intervention in Iran on regional stability and global energy security.
Maritime security: Risk of disruption to global oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz
Regional escalation: Potential for proxy conflict expansion and direct confrontation between major powers
Why in news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to remain vigilant against rumors regarding the West Asia war and called for a united Parliamentary voice on the crisis.
PM Modi engaged with leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iran, France, Israel, and Malaysia since the conflict began on February 28. He noted that Gulf countries provided support to over 1 crore Indians residing there.
Prelims pointers (3)
FactOver 1 crore Indians reside in Gulf countries.
PlaceWest Asia conflict began on February 28.
PostMann Ki Baat is a monthly radio broadcast by the Prime Minister of India.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of India's 'dialogue and diplomacy' approach in navigating the geopolitical complexities of the West Asia conflict.
Strategic autonomy: Balancing energy security with non-alignment in a polarized West Asia region
Diplomatic leverage: Utilizing India's role as a bridge between Gulf nations and Western powers
Internal security: Mitigating the spread of misinformation and rumors during regional geopolitical crises
Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Diplomacy · Geopolitical Stability · Energy Security · Public Vigilance
Why in news: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) to monitor the West Asia crisis and its impact on India's energy and supply chains.
The IGoM meeting included Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The group focused on the conflict's impact on India's energy supplies, essential commodities, infrastructure, and supply chains.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyIGoM: Informal Group of Ministers established to monitor the West Asia crisis.
PostRajnath Singh: Union Minister of Defence.
PostNirmala Sitharaman: Union Minister of Finance.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the strategic and economic implications of the West Asia crisis on India's energy security and global supply chain resilience.
Energy vulnerability: High dependence on West Asian oil and gas imports during geopolitical instability
Supply chain disruption: Potential bottlenecks in maritime trade routes and essential commodity flows
Strategic autonomy: Balancing diplomatic neutrality with the need to protect Indian citizens and economic interests
Why in news: Iran responded to US-Israel strikes on its industrial and nuclear infrastructure by targeting US and allied assets in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iraq.
The conflict entered its 29th day with Iran targeting assets in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iraq. Simultaneously, Yemen's Houthi movement launched its first ballistic missile toward Israel while Hezbollah continued ground engagements in southern Lebanon.
Prelims pointers (3)
FactIran targeted assets in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iraq in retaliation for industrial and nuclear infrastructure strikes.
FactYemen's Houthi movement launched its first ballistic missile toward Israel during the conflict.
FactHezbollah maintained ground engagements in southern Lebanon during the escalation.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the impact of proxy warfare and regional retaliatory strikes on the geopolitical stability and economic security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Regional destabilization: Spillover of kinetic strikes into neutral Gulf states affecting maritime and energy security
Proxy dynamics: Escalation of non-state actor involvement (Houthi, Hezbollah) complicating conventional diplomatic ceasefire efforts
Why in news: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Summit to discuss global governance reforms and security concerns.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron and other foreign ministers including Marco Rubio (U.S.) and Faisal bin Farhan (Saudi Arabia) during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Summit in France. Discussions centered on energy, food, and fuel security.
Prelims pointers (4)
PostS. Jaishankar: India's External Affairs Minister
PlaceG7 Foreign Ministers' Summit held in France
FactKey discussion topics included energy, food, and fuel security
FactIndia advocated for global governance reforms during the summit
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of India's proactive engagement in multilateral forums like the G7 to address global food and energy security.
Multilateralism: India's role as a voice for the Global South in governance reforms
Strategic Autonomy: Balancing bilateral ties with France and the U.S. amidst global shifts
Resource Security: Addressing systemic vulnerabilities in global food and fuel supply chains
Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Global Governance · Multilateralism · Energy Security · Global South
Why in news: India delivered 38,000 metric tonnes of petroleum to Sri Lanka to ensure fuel supply continuity following disruptions caused by the war in West Asia.
India delivered 38,000 metric tonnes of diesel and petrol to Sri Lanka. The delivery was facilitated through Sri Lanka IOC to mitigate supply disruptions caused by the West Asian war.
Prelims pointers (4)
FactIndia delivered 38,000 metric tonnes of petroleum (diesel and petrol) to Sri Lanka.
PlaceThe fuel supply disruption was caused by the ongoing war in West Asia.
BodySri Lanka IOC is the entity facilitating the fuel supply continuity.
PostExternal Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath discussed energy cooperation on March 23, 2026.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of India's energy diplomacy in South Asia as a tool for regional stability and neighborhood first policy.
Energy security: Mitigating external supply shocks through bilateral cooperation
Geopolitical leverage: Strengthening India's role as a first responder in the neighborhood
Strategic autonomy: Reducing regional dependence on West Asian energy corridors
Keywords: Energy Diplomacy · Neighborhood First · Strategic Autonomy · Regional Stability · Supply Chain Resilience
Why in news: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) reaffirmed its commitment to the Artemis program and collaboration with NASA despite NASA's decision to pause the Lunar Gateway project.
NASA has paused the Lunar Gateway project to shift focus toward establishing a permanent lunar base. The UAE's MBRSC intends to remain a key player in deep space exploration and international collaboration.
Prelims pointers (4)
S&TLunar Gateway: A planned space station in orbit around the Moon.
S&TArtemis program: A NASA-led international human lunar exploration program.
BodyMBRSC: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, the UAE's space agency.
FactNASA's strategic shift: From Lunar Gateway to a permanent lunar base.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of international space cooperation in fostering technological advancement and establishing global norms for lunar exploration.
Geopolitical competition: Balancing national space ambitions with multilateral cooperation frameworks
Resource governance: Establishing legal frameworks for lunar mining and permanent base habitation
Technological synergy: Leveraging multi-national expertise to mitigate high-risk deep space exploration costs
Why in news: The Indian Navy completed the Harbour Training Phase of the IOS SAGAR initiative at Kochi, involving multinational crews to enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The training took place at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi and lasted two weeks. It included modules on seamanship, navigation, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations using advanced simulators.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyIOS SAGAR: An Indian Navy initiative for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region
FactVBSS: Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure operations were a key module in the training
FactThe program involves multinational crews from partner nations
Mains angle
Q. Examine how maritime security cooperation initiatives like IOS SAGAR contribute to India's objective of maintaining a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific'.