India and Sri Lanka will hold SLINEX-26, the 2026 edition of their annual bilateral maritime exercise, announced through a Press Information Bureau release. SLINEX — the Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise — is a recurring drill conducted every year between the two navies. As a named India–Sri Lanka defence engagement in the Indian Ocean neighbourhood, it is the kind of bilateral exercise competitive exams routinely track.
New Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation to implement its free trade agreement with India. The government indicated the pact could take effect in the second half of October. On entry into force it would grant immediate duty-free access to more than half of New Zealand's exports, while opening gains for key Indian sectors, marking a step toward operationalising the bilateral trade deal.
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José Cruz/Agência Brasil · CC BY 3.0 brUnion Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the inaugural session of the BRICS Business Forum 2026, urged member nations to link their payment systems and trade more in local currencies. He said deeper BRICS cooperation could generate jobs, wealth and prosperity for a bloc that represents about half the world's population and 40% of global GDP.
The HinduIndia's Ministry of External Affairs said it is monitoring developments around a Russia sanctions bill in the U.S. Congress. The Bill, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, authorises the U.S. President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and other countries that buy oil and gas from Russia. New Delhi is tracking its progress.
The HinduJosé Cruz/Agência Brasil · CC BY 3.0 brThe BRICS grouping condemned the European Union's carbon tax. Alongside this stand, BRICS called for a significant increase in international funding to help developing countries adapt to climate change. The position places the bloc in opposition to the EU's carbon border measure while pressing for larger climate-adaptation finance for the developing world.
The Hindu
