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News & Analysis · International Relations

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21 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis21 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Five years after Taliban takeover, life in Afghanistan marred by many struggles

Five years after the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, the country faces a complex situation. While nationwide armed conflict has reduced, security threats from groups like ISKP persist, and tensions with Pakistan have escalated. The Taliban regime has imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, impacting education, employment, and public life. Economically, Afghanistan has achieved some stability by increasing domestic revenue and trade, but widespread poverty and unemployment remain, exacerbated by the return of Afghan refugees. The Taliban lack widespread international recognition, though countries like Russia, China, UAE, and India have adopted pragmatic engagement strategies, with India reopening its mission and providing humanitarian aid, and senior Taliban officials visiting New Delhi.

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20 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis20 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Trump threatens economic punishment on ‘any country’ helping Iran

US President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented economic pressure campaign against Iran, threatening severe economic consequences for any country, its financial institutions, or businesses that provide a 'lifeline' to Iran. This move comes amidst an ongoing conflict, collapsed deals regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and domestic political scrutiny for Trump. The US Treasury Secretary also indicated a plan for 'economic isolation' of Iran.

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GS-2News & Analysis20 Aug 2026indianexpress.com

Sergio Gor’s remark, Pakistan’s protest, and the changing US stance on Kashmir

The article traces the historical evolution of the United States' stance on Jammu & Kashmir, triggered by a recent remark from the US Ambassador to India. It details how Washington's position shifted from initially favoring UN involvement and supporting Pakistan during the Cold War due to strategic interests, to gradually accepting a bilateral resolution post-1972 Simla Agreement. The analysis covers key periods including the Cold War, post-Cold War era, and recent times under the Trump administration, highlighting how US foreign policy on Kashmir has consistently been shaped by its broader geopolitical objectives in South Asia.

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GS-2News & Analysis20 Aug 2026indianexpress.com

Post-Operation Sindoor chill, Gor message underlines Delhi stand, signal to Pakistan too

The article reports on US Ambassador Sergio Gor's statement from Srinagar, affirming Jammu and Kashmir as "an important part of India." This declaration is interpreted as a public endorsement of New Delhi's long-standing position and a strategic message to Pakistan and China, especially following recent regional events. The article details the evolution of the US stance on J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, noting a shift towards viewing it as India's "internal matter." It highlights previous US diplomatic engagements in the region, including a G20 working group meeting in 2023, and recalls Russia's early support for India's constitutional changes regarding J&K.

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19 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis19 Aug 2026thehindu.com

U.S. sanctions ICC chief Tomoko Akane of Japan

The United States has imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane and another senior official, accusing the court of being "politicized" and exceeding its mandate. This move is largely in response to ICC investigations targeting U.S. allies like Israel (e.g., an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) and Russia (e.g., an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin). The U.S., which signed but never ratified the Rome Statute establishing the ICC, views the court's actions as an "assault on state sovereignty." The ICC and countries like the Netherlands have condemned the sanctions, asserting they undermine the rule of law and the international legal order. Chad and Venezuela have also announced their intent to withdraw from the ICC.

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18 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis18 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Trump’s envoy says Hamas disarmament could begin within 30 days

The article details a US-led initiative for a Gaza peace plan, focusing on the disarmament of Hamas. US envoy Jared Kushner met with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas officials to discuss the decommissioning of weapons under the supervision of an American general. The plan aims to end the Gaza war, with Israel insisting on disarmament before any pullout or reconstruction. Hamas has reportedly committed to the plan, which includes handing over weapons to a new Palestinian governing body, though Israel retains the right to self-defense if Hamas re-arms.

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GS-2News & Analysis18 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Indian sailors’ SOS: ‘Company asking us to risk lives, cross Strait of Hormuz’

Indian sailors aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel AM Pioneer have issued an SOS, alleging their Mumbai-based employer is forcing them to transit the high-risk Strait of Hormuz despite escalating US-Iran tensions. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has highlighted the crew's refusal to sail under dangerous conditions, emphasizing the threat to their lives due to the geopolitical conflict impacting this critical maritime chokepoint.

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17 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis17 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Kushner has rare meeting with Hamas chief on Gaza road map; to meet Netanyahu next

The article details a diplomatic push by U.S. negotiator Jared Kushner, including a rare meeting with Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya, to advance a stalled Gaza ceasefire and a U.S.-backed 15-point road map. The plan involves Hamas disarming and Israel withdrawing from Palestinian territory. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the plan, facing pressure from regional powers and an upcoming election. Mediating countries like Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are also involved, while several regional powers accuse Israel of obstructing peace efforts.

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GS-2News & Analysis17 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Trump orders Pentagon to scale back joint exercises with South Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce planned joint military exercises with South Korea. The stated reasons included South Korea's refusal to aid in Iran's denuclearization, the high cost of the drills, and the perception that they send an 'inappropriate and hostile' signal to North Korea. This decision aligns with Trump's previous stance during his first term, where he also sought to scale back such exercises amidst diplomatic engagements with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

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GS-2News & Analysis17 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Army Chief Dhiraj Seth visits Nepal to strengthen military ties

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth visited Nepal to strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties. During his visit, he received a Guard of Honour, held talks with Nepali military leadership, and was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army, continuing a unique tradition. He also addressed student officers and interacted with Indian Army veterans. The visit underscored the deep-rooted historical, social, and cultural 'Roti Beti Ka Rishta' between India and Nepal, including civilisational links like Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodhgaya.

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15 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis15 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Defence Attachés to undergo language proficiency evaluation

The Ministry of Defence is streamlining the role of Defence Attachés (DAs) posted at Indian embassies and High Commissions abroad, mandating language proficiency evaluation. This initiative aims to enhance military diplomacy, significantly boost defence exports (which have grown from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26, with a target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029), and strengthen military partnerships. India is expanding its defence representation globally, increasing defence wings and deploying DAs to new strategic locations, including African countries, the Philippines, and Armenia, to respond to a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.

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14 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis14 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Analysis: Nepal cancels conference on Tibetan studies amid China pressure debate

Nepal cancelled a conference on Tibetan studies, sparking debate over whether it succumbed to Chinese pressure or acted proactively to avoid offending Beijing, given China's sensitivities regarding Tibet and Nepal's 'One-China' policy. The incident highlights Nepal's complex geopolitical balancing act between India and China, and raises questions about academic freedom and strategic autonomy in the face of external influence.

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