24 January 2026: MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS

MAINS Current Affairs includes India, EU to Sign New Defence and Security Agreement & The ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza: India’s Stance

International Relations

1. India, EU to Sign New Defence and Security Agreement

Context

According to a senior EU diplomat, India and the European Union have agreed to finalize a fresh Security and Defence Partnership that will encompass cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.

About

The pact will be formalised during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, who will attend India’s Republic Day as chief guests.
Both leaders will jointly preside over the 16th India–EU Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India and the EU also intend to sign an MoU on a wide-ranging mobility framework to enable smoother movement of students, researchers, seasonal workers, and highly skilled professionals, and to advance research and innovation.
The visit is expected to centre around progress on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is still under negotiation.

India–EU Relations

Political Cooperation

India and the EU have been partners since the early 1960s, with the 1994 Cooperation Agreement deepening ties beyond trade to broader political and economic engagement.
The inaugural India–EU Summit in 2000 marked a significant shift, and at the 5th Summit in 2004 (The Hague), the relationship was designated a ‘Strategic Partnership.’

Economic Cooperation

In 2023–24, bilateral trade in goods between India and the EU reached USD 137.41 billion, making the EU India’s single-largest partner for goods.
The EU accounts for 17% of India’s exports, while 9% of EU’s exports are directed to India.

India–EU FTA Negotiations

The goal is to finalize a wide-ranging agreement addressing goods, services, investments, and geographical indications.
Both sides are aiming to announce progress on the FTA during the EU leaders’ Republic Day visit.

Other Areas of Collaboration

The India–EU Water Partnership (IEWP), established in 2016, promotes enhanced policy, scientific, and technological cooperation in water management.
- In 2020, India and the European Atomic Energy Community signed an agreement on peaceful nuclear energy research.
In 2023, the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was formed to strengthen cooperation on trade, technology, and security.
India’s Two-Tier Engagement Approach
- With the EU as a bloc: Regular summits, strategic dialogues on security, foreign policy, trade, and technology.
- With individual EU nations: Growing cooperation with France, Germany, Nordic states, and Eastern European countries.

Key Drivers in India–Europe Relations

Geopolitical Reorientation & Strategic Autonomy

The Russia–Ukraine conflict and weakening multilateralism have prompted Europe to rethink security reliance on the U.S.
Europe seeks more strategic autonomy post-Trump, while India aims for a multipolar world and diversification of ties beyond the U.S., Russia, and China.

U.S. Uncertainty

The unpredictability of the Trump administration’s European security commitments pushed Europe to search for new partners.
India, with its stable democratic profile, is becoming a dependable partner.

Shaping Global Trade Rules

Together, India and the EU represent nearly 2 billion people and more than 25% of global GDP, giving them significant influence over international trade standards.

Trade & Economic Links

The EU remains one of India’s top trade and investment partners.
Both sides are focused on finalising the India–EU FTA and the Investment Agreement.
The India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC) offers new possibilities for connectivity and trade.

Technology & Digital Sovereignty

Both partners want to advance digital public goods.
India can gain from Europe’s capabilities in semiconductors, deep tech, and high-end manufacturing.

Defence & Strategic Collaboration

Europe is a major defence supplier for India.
India seeks technology transfer, co-production, and joint development as part of its Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda.
Europe itself is expanding defence capability due to the Ukraine war.

Indo-Pacific Priorities

Europe increasingly views the Indo-Pacific as strategically critical.
India works with France, Germany, and others to uphold a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Challenges in India–EU Relations

India’s Ukraine Position: Europe wants India to take a firmer stance against Russia; India maintains neutral strategic autonomy.
EU’s Approach to Pakistan: India expects stronger EU accountability on Pakistan-backed terrorism.
Slow FTA Progress: Negotiations have stalled multiple times.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Creates new trade hurdles for Indian exporters.
Human Rights Scrutiny: EU commentary on India’s domestic issues causes friction.
Regulatory Barriers: EU’s stringent rules on digital taxes, environmental norms, data protection, and labour laws challenge Indian businesses.
Public Perceptions: Media stereotypes and limited awareness hinder people-to-people engagement.

Way Ahead

Accelerate Trade & Investment Deals: Conclude the long-pending FTA and Investment Protection Agreement.
Strengthen Defence Collaboration: Move towards joint research, co-production, and shared technology development.
Enhance Mobility & Education: Finalise the mobility framework for skilled workers, students, and researchers.
Build Resilient Supply Chains: Reduce dependence on China and promote secure supply chains supported by IMEC.
Boost Cultural & Social Links: Encourage tourism, cultural programs, and media outreach to enhance mutual understanding.

Conclusion

The External Affairs Minister’s first foreign visit of 2026 to Europe signals India’s deliberate effort to elevate Europe from a secondary partner to a central pillar of its foreign policy strategy.

A concluded FTA would pave the way for integrated trade routes, deeper defence cooperation, and stronger technology linkages.

At a time when the global rules-based order faces unprecedented strain from wars, coercive policies, and economic fragmentation, India and the EU are moving closer to reinforce a stable, balanced international system.

International Relations

2. The ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza: India’s Stance

Context

The U.S. President has recently invited several nations, including India, to join the Board of Peace for Gaza, a proposed mechanism intended to establish a long-term framework for peace, stability, and reconstruction in Gaza and the broader West Asian region.

India is expected to take a decision only after carefully assessing both the strategic benefits and potential risks.

About the Board of Peace for Gaza

The Board is a planned international administrative and reconstruction body reportedly developed under President Donald Trump’s 20-point Roadmap for Gaza, unveiled in early 2026.
It has received in-principle approval from the UN Security Council, though China and Russia abstained, indicating concerns about its mandate and structure.
India — which consistently supports a two-state solution and the unconditional release of hostages — previously termed the roadmap a feasible route to lasting peace in the region.

Purpose and Vision

The Board of Peace for Gaza is designed as a multinational coordination platform to:

Supervise post-conflict rebuilding and rehabilitation in Gaza;
Facilitate political dialogue between Israel and Palestine;
Promote durable peace, development, and security in Gaza and the wider West Asian region;
Manage humanitarian support, reconstruction of infrastructure, governance assistance, and aid delivery.
Trump has positioned it as the main implementing agency of his broader 20-point Gaza stabilisation plan.

Structure and Membership

The Board reportedly involves 50–60 invited global leaders, representing major world powers, regional states, and development partners. It consists of three layers:

Founding Executive Council – chaired by Donald Trump with veto authority;
Main Board of Peace – comprising invited heads of government, including India;
Gaza Executive Board – carrying out operational, on-ground functions and coordinating with humanitarian bodies.

Membership is tied to financial contributions; countries pledging US$1 billion gain “permanent membership” in the Board’s trust fund.

Funding Mechanism

The Board is intended to operate similarly to an international reconstruction consortium:

The initial corpus is expected to surpass US$50 billion, contributed by participating nations, Gulf states, and private donors.
Nations contributing US$1 billion or more will retain permanent seats beyond the initial three-year term.
Russia is reportedly considering using frozen Russian assets for its contribution.
However, the funding model risks merging humanitarian goals with political leverage, effectively allowing major powers to purchase influence.

Global Participation

Supportive Countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and several Central Asian states.
Countries Declining or Expressing Doubts: France, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden.
Undecided: China and Russia; India is also still reviewing.
Israel’s Stand: Approved participation after objections about Turkey and Qatar were resolved.

Why India Might Consider Joining the Board

Enhancing India’s Global Diplomatic Profile

Participation would highlight India’s emergence as a balancing power and reinforce its reputation as a responsible advocate for peace and stability.
It aligns with India’s long-standing backing of a two-state solution and humanitarian engagement.
It mirrors India’s expanding leadership role seen in the G20, BRICS, and SCO.

Shaping Gaza’s Reconstruction Strategy

Membership would give India influence over reconstruction priorities; enable Indian firms (construction, green energy, technology, pharmaceuticals) to compete for major contracts; and deepen India’s developmental presence in West Asia.

Greater Strategic Leverage in West Asia

With Gulf players like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain on board, India’s involvement could:
Strengthen ties with these key partners;
Increase synergy under the I2U2 grouping;
Counter China’s expanding footprint via the BRI and GDI.
India’s engagement would benefit its energy security, diaspora interests (8+ million Indians in the Gulf), and trade relations.

Strengthening India–US Relations

The invitation symbolizes U.S. recognition of India’s rising stature.

Joining could:

Rebuild diplomatic momentum with Washington,
Help advance stalled trade and tech negotiations,
Improve India’s profile in future U.S.-led economic or strategic initiatives.

Humanitarian Leadership & Global South Alignment

Membership would reaffirm India’s commitment to the Global South by promoting equitable reconstruction, education, healthcare, and governance reforms in Gaza.
India could push for transparent aid distribution and capacity-building initiatives based on its G20 experiences.

Balancing Big-Power Rivalries

By participating with safeguards, India could act as a mediator between:
A U.S.-led coalition backing the Board; and
A Russia–China bloc wary of U.S. leadership.
India could insist on greater UN coordination, ensuring multilateral legitimacy and preventing excessive U.S. dominance.

Precedent for Future Peacekeeping Roles

Participation aligns with India’s legacy of peace diplomacy — such as its roles in Korea, Vietnam, and Gaza (2014).

Flexible Participation & Exit Options

The Board allows representation at high-official levels (not necessarily the PM) and includes an exit clause after three years, minimizing long-term commitments.

Why India May Choose Not to Join

Undermining Palestinian Self-Determination

A peace mechanism imposed without Palestinian consent risks appearing like an externally engineered trusteeship.
For India — with its anti-colonial roots — joining such an arrangement could undermine its moral credibility.

Weakening Strategic Autonomy

India’s foreign policy hinges on maintaining independent judgment and avoiding entanglement in power-driven coalitions.
Joining a U.S.-designed framework tied to financial commitments may compromise that autonomy.

Credibility Risks in the Global South

India enjoys strong trust across the developing world as a principled supporter of sovereignty and justice.
Participation in a mechanism seen as legitimizing a post-conflict arrangement without accountability may hurt India’s standing.

Conclusion & Way Forward

India can meaningfully support Gaza without formally joining the Board by:

Providing humanitarian assistance through UNRWA and other UN bodies;
Backing reconstruction efforts that prioritise Palestinian ownership;
Advocating accountability and restraint in international forums;
Encouraging a genuine political process rooted in justice rather than externally imposed management.
India will decide after fully weighing its strategic interests and the Board’s alignment with India’s principles of multilateralism, strategic autonomy, and UN-centric peacebuilding.
The presence of flexible participation and exit provisions offers India room to engage cautiously while keeping long-term options open.