International

The High-Level Debate of the 80th UNGA session began on 23 Sept 2025 in New York.

Theme: “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights”.

Focus Issues: Ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and increasing Western recognition of Palestinian statehood.

India’s Representation: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Speaking Order:

• Brazil opened the debate (tradition).
• United States followed as host nation, with President Trump delivering the keynote.
• Palestine’s Mahmoud Abbas addressed via video conference.
• Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu to speak on Friday.
• Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky to take part in debate & bilateral talks.
• Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the Assembly — first Syrian head of state to do so since 1967.

On 21 September 2025, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia formally recognized the State of Palestine, marking a historic diplomatic shift. Canada became the first G7 nation to do so, followed by the UK and Australia.

Leaders emphasized the move as a step toward reviving hope for a two-state solution, strengthening peaceful Palestinian leadership, and promoting stability in the Middle East. France, Belgium, and other nations are also expected to follow during the upcoming UN General Assembly.

On September 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation introducing a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions filed from outside the United States.

Key Points

• Effective from: September 21, 2025, 12:01 AM EDT.
• Applies to: Only new H-1B petitions from outside the U.S.
• Exemptions: Existing holders, renewals, and cases deemed in national interest.
• Rationale: To curb system abuse and attract only “extraordinary talent.”

Impact

• Employers: Sharp rise in costs → shift toward local hiring.
• Workers: Entry barrier for junior/mid-level professionals; travel concerns for dependents.
• Indian IT firms: Nasscom warns of disruption; firms may accelerate local recruitment.

Historic Appointment: Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister on 12 Sept 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the post. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath at Sheetal Niwas, Kathmandu.

She replaces KP Sharma Oli, who resigned amid Gen Z-led protests against corruption and poor governance. Karki was chosen through a youth-driven online vote on Discord, gaining support from both activists and political parties.

Mauritius PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam paid an eight-day state visit to India (Sept 9–16, 2025), his first overseas bilateral engagement.

• Talks with PM Modi in Varanasi: Focus on MAHASAGAR Vision & Neighbourhood First Policy.
• Agreements: MoUs in science & tech, oceanography, power; plans for a space research station and floating solar project.
• Economic Package: India pledged support for infrastructure, healthcare, and jobs in Mauritius.
• Cultural Roots: Visits to Ayodhya, Tirupati, Varanasi; reconnected with ancestral village in Bihar.
• Significance: Strengthened ties, diaspora bonds, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean & Global South.

On 9 Sept 2025, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after violent Gen Z–led protests over the government’s social media ban. Demonstrators stormed his office, set his Balkot residence on fire, and attacked the homes of several leaders, including ministers Prithvi Subba Gurung and Bishnu Paudel.

Despite curfews in Kathmandu Valley and other districts, youths continued protests by burning tyres, blocking roads, and clashing with police. Violence also spread to Rautahat district, where protesters torched a police vehicle. Authorities restricted movement but allowed essential services during the unrest.

On 8 Sept 2025, the Nepal government withdrew its decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and X, after massive youth-led protests turned violent, leaving at least 19 people dead and over 300 injured. Minister for Communication and Information Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the rollback after an emergency Cabinet meeting, saying agencies had been ordered to resume social media services as demanded by ‘Gen Z’ protesters in Kathmandu. The demonstrations had escalated after some protesters stormed the Parliament complex, forcing police to use water cannons, tear gas, and even live rounds.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli promised an investigation into the deadly crackdown, announcing relief for victims’ families and free treatment for the injured. Curfews had earlier been imposed in several major cities to contain unrest. Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on moral grounds amid widespread criticism over the handling of what is being called one of Nepal’s deadliest protests in recent years.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, 68, announced his resignation after just 11 months in office, citing responsibility for the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) electoral defeats.

The resignation follows the LDP-Komeito coalition’s loss of majority in Upper House elections. An emergency LDP leadership contest will now take place, with contenders including Sanae Takaichi (a critic of BoJ’s rate hikes) and Shinjiro Koizumi (Farm Minister and rising political figure).

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid a three-day official visit to India (September 2–4, 2025), marking his first trip as PM and celebrating 60 years of India–Singapore diplomatic relations.

He held talks with PM Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and key Indian ministers on strengthening cooperation in digital innovation, fintech, green energy, advanced manufacturing, skill development, healthcare, and education.

The 21st edition of the India–US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 is being held from 1–14 September 2025 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The Indian Army’s Madras Regiment is participating alongside the US 5th Infantry Regiment (Arctic Wolves Brigade, 11th Airborne Division).

Over two weeks, both sides will practice heliborne operations, mountain warfare, UAS/Counter-UAS tactics, artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare. Experts will also conduct sessions on information warfare, communications, and logistics. The exercise will conclude with joint tactical manoeuvres, live-fire drills, and high-altitude warfare training, focusing on UN peacekeeping operations and enhancing readiness for multi-domain challenges.

25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin from 31 Aug – 1 Sep 2025, the largest in history with leaders from 20+ countries and 10 international organizations.

🔹 Key Highlights

• PM Narendra Modi attends; speaks at plenary session on India’s regional vision.
• Modi–Xi Jinping talks: focus on border issues, trade, and connectivity.
• Meeting with Vladimir Putin amid global tensions and trade disputes.
• Main focus: regional security, economic frameworks, Global South’s voice.
• China (rotating chair) hosted 100+ events before summit, driving reform & innovation.

Members

• 10 full members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran (2023), Belarus (2024).
• Also has observer states (e.g., Afghanistan, Mongolia) and dialogue partners (e.g., Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia).