International

A groundbreaking ceasefire deal in Gaza, mediated by the US at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, has led to the release of all surviving Israeli hostages by Hamas and thousands of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. US President Donald Trump declared it the end of a "long nightmare," India praised his efforts for peace, and the UN highlighted "real progress" in aid delivery. This marks a potential breakthrough after two years of conflict that caused massive casualties and destruction, testing Trump's peace plan for lasting stability in the Middle East amid international optimism.

India and Canada have taken significant steps to restore their strained bilateral relations through high-level talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in New Delhi. The discussions resulted in a joint statement outlining measures to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, AI, and critical minerals, signaling a reset after tensions over the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and subsequent diplomatic expulsions. This move comes amid global economic uncertainty and aims to rebuild trust for mutual benefit.

Youth-led protests, often called Gen Z movements, have recently erupted in Morocco and Madagascar, joining a global wave seen in countries like Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Kenya. In Morocco, demonstrations started in late September 2025 over inadequate public services like healthcare, contrasting with heavy government spending on the 2030 FIFA World Cup infrastructure. In Madagascar, protests began in September 2025 due to frequent power and water shortages, escalating into demands for President Andry Rajoelina's resignation after violent crackdowns. These events highlight young people's growing frustration with economic inequality, joblessness, and elite dominance, amplified by social media, in middle-income countries facing slow growth and unfulfilled promises.

India has taken a major step to normalize relations with the Taliban government in Afghanistan by upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy after four years, following a key meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi. This move comes amid shifting regional dynamics, including tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan, and aims to boost cooperation on security, trade, and humanitarian aid while addressing shared concerns like terrorism.

On October 9, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his proposed peace plan for Gaza, marking a potential breakthrough after two years of devastating conflict. Israel's Cabinet approved the deal early on October 10, enabling an immediate ceasefire, the release of remaining hostages, and a phased troop withdrawal, with international monitoring including US troops. This development, brokered through indirect talks in Egypt, has been hailed globally, including by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as a step toward ending the war that began on October 7, 2023, and restoring humanitarian access to Gaza.

On October 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai during Starmer's first official visit to India since assuming office in July. The meeting focused on accelerating the implementation of the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), enhancing defense and security collaborations, and expanding educational and cultural links, amid global challenges like geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, highlighting the partnership's role in fostering stability.

India, during its presidency of the Brussels-based International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), has advanced a proposal for research on a new international governance index. This initiative, highlighted as part of the achievements after 100 days of India's three-year term (2025-2028), aims to challenge Western-dominated indices like the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) and Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) reports, which have ranked India poorly in areas such as political stability and democracy. The move reflects India's ongoing efforts to promote fairer, context-aware global assessments, drawing from criticisms by government bodies like the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) and aligns with broader calls for transparency in international rankings that influence credit ratings and global perceptions.

US President Donald Trump's 20-point Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, unveiled on September 29, 2025, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has ignited fresh diplomatic momentum amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, now entering its third year since the October 7, 2023, attacks. With indirect talks underway in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the US, Hamas has conditionally accepted key elements like hostage releases and transitional governance, while Israel insists on security guarantees. This development, coinciding with the war's grim anniversary marking over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and 1,200 Israeli fatalities, draws global attention, including from India, which welcomes the initiative for its potential to stabilize West Asia, safeguard its diaspora, and advance projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

On October 2, 2025, during a Vijayadashami event in Bhuj, Gujarat, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan against any aggression in the Sir Creek region, stating that the "road to Karachi goes through Sir Creek" and any misadventure could change "history and geography." This statement comes amid reports of Pakistan's military buildup in the area, escalating tensions following Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where Pakistan attempted drone attacks on Indian sites, including Sir Creek, highlighting the ongoing unresolved border issue.

Pakistan has proposed developing a port in the coastal town of Pasni on the Arabian Sea to the United States, positioning it as a key terminal for exporting the country's rich mineral resources. This offer, made by advisers to Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir, comes amid warming US-Pakistan ties following a recent ceasefire in India-Pakistan tensions and aims to attract American investment in mining and infrastructure. The proposal includes building a rail link to mineral-rich areas like Reko Diq, highlighting Pakistan's push to integrate into global supply chains for critical minerals amid rising global demand.

US President Donald Trump's 20-point Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, released on September 29, 2025, has gained traction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's endorsement and Hamas's conditional acceptance for releasing hostages and ceding governance. Amid indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, facilitated by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, the plan proposes an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza's security and reconstruction. However, discrepancies over Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and the force's composition highlight implementation hurdles, drawing global attention as it coincides with the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis and led to over 67,000 Palestinian deaths. This development is crucial for India's interests in West Asian stability, affecting energy security, diaspora welfare, and projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on October 8, 2025, for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to India since taking office in July 2024. This reciprocal engagement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK in July 2025, where the two nations signed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Accompanied by a delegation of over 125 business leaders, entrepreneurs, university vice-chancellors, and industry representatives from organizations like Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, London Stock Exchange, and British Airways, the visit aims to implement the FTA, boost trade and investments, and deepen cooperation in technology, defence, education, and culture. Starmer and Modi will hold bilateral talks, address the Global Fintech Fest, and review the India-UK Vision 2035 roadmap, emphasizing reliable partnerships amid global uncertainties like US tariffs under President Donald Trump and ongoing geopolitical tensions.