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Editorials · 23 May 2026 · International Relations

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23 May 2026

GS-2Editorials23 May 2026thehindu.com

​Home and abroad: on the Prime Minister’s five-nation diplomatic tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-nation diplomatic tour to the UAE and Europe (Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy) aimed to strengthen India-Europe ties, diversify supply chains, and enhance cooperation on energy security (Strategic Petroleum Reserves, Green Strategic Partnerships), AI governance, critical minerals, and maritime collaboration in the Arctic. The visit occurred amidst global concerns over superpower behavior and challenges to the international rules-based order. While the tour yielded few concrete trade deals, it underscored a shared desire for deeper collaboration, reflected in the India-EFTA trade agreement (in force) and the upcoming India-EU FTA. The article also noted controversy regarding PM Modi's refusal to hold press conferences during the tour, contrasting with European norms and raising questions about transparency and accountability.

International Relations
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GS-2Editorials23 May 2026thehindu.com

Cyber warfare is outpacing global legal accountability

The article highlights the increasing integration of cyber operations into modern conflicts, as seen in recent tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. It discusses the significant challenges in applying existing international law to cyber warfare, primarily due to difficulties in attributing attacks to states, establishing a legal threshold for the 'use of force' in cyberspace, the absence of appropriate international judicial forums, issues of sovereign immunity, and the complexity of technical evidence. The piece argues that despite the applicability of principles like the prohibition on the use of force under the UN Charter and state responsibility, practical hurdles lead to a widening gap between the occurrence of damaging cyber incidents and legal accountability. It concludes by emphasizing India's growing vulnerability and stake in actively shaping international norms and regulations for responsible behavior in cyberspace.

International RelationsScience & Technology
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