India's Foreign Relations (2025-2026)
Subject: Current Affairs | Time Window: Jan 2025 — Mar 2026 Exam: AP Group 2 (APPSC)
Overview
India's bilateral relations experienced major shifts in 2025-2026: the India-Pakistan conflict, India-China normalization, elevation of India-Israel ties, and a wave of FTAs with EU, UK, and EFTA nations.
Key Events (Chronological — Most Recent First)
| # | Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 2026 | PM Modi visits Israel | Elevated to "Special Strategic Partnership" |
| 2 | Jan 2026 | India-EU FTA concluded | Biggest trade deal after 20 years |
| 3 | Dec 2025 | Putin visits India | Economic cooperation; no major defence deals |
| 4 | Dec 2025 | India-Oman CEPA | Gulf trade expansion |
| 5 | Jul 2025 | India-UK CETA signed | $34 billion trade boost projected |
| 6 | May 2025 | India-Pakistan conflict | Operation Sindoor → Ceasefire May 10 |
| 7 | 2025 | India-China normalization | Border calm after 4 years; LAC normalization |
| 8 | 2025 | India-Afghanistan | Embassy reopened in Kabul; Taliban engagement |
Bilateral Relations Dashboard (2025-2026)
| Country/Region | Status | Key Development |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Strained → recalibrating | Trade framework Feb 2026 |
| EU | Strengthening | FTA Jan 2026; EU leaders at Republic Day |
| UK | Positive | CETA signed Jul 2025 |
| China | Improving cautiously | Border normalization; PM at SCO Tianjin |
| Pakistan | Adversarial | Pahalgam attack → Operation Sindoor → ceasefire |
| Russia | Stable | Putin visit Dec 2025 |
| Israel | Elevated | Special Strategic Partnership Feb 2026 |
| Bangladesh | Worsened | Tensions in 2025 |
Likely Exam Questions
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India elevated relations with which country to "Special Strategic Partnership" in Feb 2026? Ans: Israel
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India's FTA network covers how many countries? Ans: 38 countries across 9 agreements
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India-UK CETA projects trade boost of: Ans: $34 billion annually
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India-China border normalization began in: Ans: 2025 (after 4 years of LAC friction)
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The ceasefire was agreed through: Ans: DGMO hotline
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India reopened its embassy in Kabul engaging with: Ans: The Taliban regime
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EU leaders at Republic Day 2026: Ans: Ursula Von der Leyen and Antonio Costa
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India-EU FTA negotiations lasted approximately: Ans: 20 years
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Which South Asian neighbour's relations worsened in 2025? Ans: Pakistan and Bangladesh
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PM Modi attended SCO summit at: Ans: Tianjin, China