International Relations Current Affairs 2026
Updated by Ketan on 28 October 2026
India's agreements with other countries, visits of leaders, military exercises and membership of groups like the UN, BRICS and the G20 are collected on this page for quick revision.
Saudi Arabia resumes some India‑bound flights from Riyadh
28 October 2026
On 28 October 2026, the Saudi embassy announced that Saudi Arabia has started operating a limited number of flights from Riyadh to India again. The move comes after a period of suspension, and the flights are expected to carry passengers travelling for work, study and tourism. The resumption aims to restore normal air connectivity between the two countries and support people-to-people contact.
How an exam may ask it
Questions may ask which country resumed India‑bound flights from Riyadh in October 2026, the city involved, and the significance for India‑Saudi relations.
India expresses solidarity with Jordan after church attack
25 October 2026
On 25 October 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India stood in solidarity with Jordan following a tragic attack on a church. The incident resulted in the death of seven people. The statement highlighted India's concern and support for Jordan in the wake of this violence, reflecting the close ties between the two countries.
How an exam may ask it
Possible questions may ask about India's response to the church attack in Jordan, the number of casualties, or the significance of such diplomatic solidarity in international relations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits India, hints at imminent trade deal
21 October 2026
On 21 October 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India for a series of bilateral talks with Indian officials. During the meetings, Rubio announced that a distinctive bilateral trade agreement between the United States and India is only weeks away from being finalised. The visit underscores the growing diplomatic engagement between the two nations and signals a potential boost in trade relations, reflecting both countries' interest in deepening economic ties.
How an exam may ask it
Questions may ask about the significance of Marco Rubio's visit, the expected bilateral trade deal, and its potential impact on India‑US economic relations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Meet United States Official Marco Rubio in Mumbai
19 October 2026
On 19 October 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made arrangements to hold bilateral talks with Marco Rubio, an official representing the United States. The planned diplomatic dialogue between the two leaders is set to take place in Mumbai. This bilateral meeting aims to facilitate high-level discussions between the representatives of India and the United States on key matters of mutual concern.
How an exam may ask it
Candidates should note the participating dignitaries, specifically External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and United States official Marco Rubio, along with the location of the bilateral talks in Mumbai.
India approves accession to Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement
17 October 2026
In October 2026 the Government of India gave its nod to join the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement. This move allows Indian fishing vessels to operate in the high‑seas zones covered by the pact and harvest marine resources there. The decision was taken at the central level and will enable Indian fishers to access richer fishing grounds beyond the exclusive economic zone, potentially boosting the country's seafood output.
How an exam may ask it
Possible questions may ask which agreement India joined in October 2026 to allow high‑seas fishing, or the significance of accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement for Indian fisheries.
Trump waives sanctions and Russia energy tariffs under Graham law
17 October 2026
On 17 October 2026, US President Trump announced that sanctions and Russia energy tariffs would be lifted. This move was taken under the Graham law, which earlier gave the authority to levy a 100% tariff on India. The decision removes the punitive measures that were in place, signalling a shift in US‑India trade dynamics and affecting energy trade relations with Russia.
How an exam may ask it
Questions may ask about the role of the Graham law, the 100% tariff authority on India, and the impact of Trump’s waiver on US‑India and US‑Russia relations.
Union government sets up temporary immigration post for Bhutan event
16 October 2026
On 16 October 2026 the Union government established a short‑term immigration post to handle the influx of visitors for a Bhutan‑related event. The post will operate at the designated border point, ensuring smooth entry and exit procedures for participants and officials. This temporary setup aims to manage crowd flow and security efficiently during the event period.
How an exam may ask it
Questions may ask why the government set up a temporary immigration post, the purpose of the post, and its relevance to India‑Bhutan relations.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin completes state visit, attends 2nd India‑EFTA Prosperity Summit
13 October 2026
On 13 October 2026, Swiss President Guy Parmelin wrapped up a three‑day state visit to India. The visit included his participation in the 2nd India‑EFTA Prosperity Summit held in New Delhi. During the trip, Parmelin met Indian leaders, discussed trade and investment opportunities, and highlighted cooperation between Switzerland and the European Free Trade Association member countries and India.
How an exam may ask it
Questions may ask about the purpose of the 2nd India‑EFTA Prosperity Summit, the countries involved, or the significance of the Swiss President's state visit to India in 2026.
Inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting held in New Delhi
13 October 2026
On 13 October 2026, the first ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting took place in New Delhi. Ministers from the eight BIMSTEC member countries gathered for this historic gathering and approved a new joint declaration outlining their shared priorities and cooperation framework. The meeting marked the launch of a regular ministerial dialogue at the home affairs level within the BIMSTEC grouping.
How an exam may ask it
Questions may ask about the venue, date and significance of the inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting and the main outcome of adopting a joint declaration.
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar addresses UN General Assembly high‑level session
8 October 2026
On 26 September 2026, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar spoke at the high‑level segment of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He highlighted India’s commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development and global peace, and outlined the country’s stance on climate action, digital cooperation and reform of international institutions. The address underscored India’s role as a responsible global player and its support for developing nations in the UN forum.
How an exam may ask it
Questions may ask about the date and venue of Dr Jaishankar’s UNGA address, the key themes he emphasized, and how this reflects India’s foreign‑policy goals.
India backs Afghanistan’s sovereignty in Moscow talks
7 October 2026
On 7 October 2026, India reiterated its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty while attending talks in Moscow. The meeting took place against the backdrop of a clash between the Taliban and Pakistan. India’s statement emphasized respect for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and its right to decide its own future. The diplomatic exchange highlighted India’s continued interest in the stability of its neighbour and the broader region.
How an exam may ask it
Possible questions may ask about India’s position on Afghanistan’s sovereignty, the venue of the talks, or the date when India made this statement.