GS Paper II · Global Relations
West Asia & Gulf Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper II)
From the syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests; effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests; Indian diaspora; important international institutions
Why it matters: Energy security, diaspora welfare, and regional conflict management are primary angles examiners use to test your comprehension of crucial trade corridors.
In the news
October 2026
13 Oct 2026
Escalation in Strait of Hormuz as Tanker Attacked Amid Regional TensionsIran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for striking a commercial supertanker navigating the Strait of Hormuz, causing an on-board fire. The maritime strike coincides with escalating clashes in Yemen and...
11 Oct 2026
Riyadh Airport Struck by Missile Amid Regional TensionsA missile struck a civilian passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, injuring multiple individuals and aggravating security tensions across the Arabian Peninsula. The incident has raised fresh concerns...
09 Oct 2026
Strait of Hormuz transits fall to two-month lowShipping data shows that commodity vessel transits through the critical Strait of Hormuz dropped to their lowest levels in over two months following regional security threats and attacks. Only seven major commodity vessels passed...
06 Oct 2026
India Condemns Projectile Attack on Vessel in Strait of HormuzIndia has strongly condemned a projectile attack on the Panama-flagged merchant vessel MT On Peace in the Strait of Hormuz, which left eleven Indian crew members injured. The incident has raised serious international concerns over the...
05 Oct 2026
US Completes Troop Withdrawal from Iraq after DecadesThe United States military has officially completed its withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Iran-backed Shia armed organizations, known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, have hailed this exit as a historic victory for their axis of...
September 2026
30 Sep 2026
UAE Signals Additional 25 Billion Dollar Investment in IndiaThe United Arab Emirates has indicated plans to invest an additional 25 billion dollars in India, focusing on critical infrastructure including ports, energy, and space sectors. This comes as both nations target a doubling of their...
30 Sep 2026
United States Completes Military Withdrawal from IraqThe United States military has announced the complete withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, ending a security presence that began with the 2003 invasion. The geopolitical vacuum is expected to be filled by Iran-backed groups, which have...
25 Sep 2026
Turkiye and Iraq Reach Strategic Base Handover AgreementTurkiye and Iraq have agreed on a phased withdrawal and transfer of a strategic military base in northern Iraq back to Iraqi control. The agreement also outlines mutual cooperation to reassert full Iraqi state authority in the Sinjar...
24 Sep 2026
Iranian advisers help Houthis seize Red Sea portsReports indicate that Iranian advisers assisted Houthi rebels in seizing Yemen's critical Red Sea coast, including the strategic port city of Mokha, in under 48 hours. The rapid takeover of these coastal areas and nearby islands has...
16 Sep 2026
Escalation in West Asian Maritime and Infrastructure SecuritySaudi Arabia warned that recent Houthi drone and missile strikes targeting critical infrastructure, including energy pipelines and sacred regions, represent a strategic red line. The ongoing hostility has disrupted key commercial...
16 Sep 2026
Strait of Hormuz Tanker Attack Highlights 'Dark Mode' Vessel RisksThe oil tanker El Gaia, which carried 14 Indian and 11 Pakistani crew members, was attacked in the strategic Strait of Hormuz while operating in dark mode. Dark mode refers to commercial vessels turning off their Automatic...
14 Sep 2026
Escalation in West Asia Triggers Sharp Crude Oil Price HikeCrude oil prices climbed significantly past 108 dollars per barrel following military strikes in the Middle East and rising tension around the Strait of Hormuz. The supply disruptions threaten global energy security and could worsen...
14 Sep 2026
Iran Criticizes Access Restrictions at Global IAEA ConferenceIran criticized the denial of access to senior officials attending the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference. Iranian representatives warned that restricting delegate access undermines global multilateralism and...
13 Sep 2026
Red Sea Security Crisis Escalates Amid Houthi Attacks and Counter-BlockadesMaritime security along the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb chokepoint continues to face severe strain as Houthi forces launched fresh cross-border strikes, leading to rerouting of international commercial vessels. The persistent instability...
12 Sep 2026
Bab al-Mandeb Strait Conflict Threatens Global Energy SecurityHouthi fighters in Yemen captured a strategic island near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, leading Saudi Arabia to shut down a major oil pipeline. The conflict has escalated significantly near vital Red Sea shipping lanes, threatening global...
11 Sep 2026
Houthi Rebels Take Control of Strategic Mokha Port Near Bab el-MandebHouthi insurgents have seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha in Yemen, situated approximately 80 kilometres from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The strait serves as a vital global shipping lane connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf...
10 Sep 2026
Brent Crude Soars Past $100 Amid Strait of Hormuz TensionsGlobal oil prices spiked past 100 dollars per barrel following military exchanges between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military targeted several Iranian oil tankers, and retaliatory actions by Iranian...
09 Sep 2026
UK, France, and Canada Ban Trade with Illegal Settlements in Occupied TerritoriesThe United Kingdom, France, and Canada have collectively enacted a trade ban on goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in occupied territories. The move aims to align foreign trade policies with international law,...
08 Sep 2026
UK Bans Trade with West Bank Settlements to Support Two-State SolutionThe United Kingdom announced a ban on trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank to reinforce its diplomatic commitment to a viable two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. The move reflects mounting global regulatory...
05 Sep 2026
Strategic Importance of Kharg Island amid Persian Gulf TensionsRecent missile strikes on commercial tankers near Iran's Kharg Island have heightened security concerns along critical West Asian maritime transit corridors. Kharg Island serves as Iran's primary crude oil export terminal, handling more...
05 Sep 2026
Escalating Clashes in Yemen Threaten the Bab al-Mandab StraitHeavy clashes between Houthi forces and rival combatants near Yemen's southwestern coast have left over 120 people dead, marking a sharp escalation in the conflict. The violence threatens the stability of the Bab al-Mandab strait, a...
02 Sep 2026
Escalation Near Strait of Hormuz Threatens Global Maritime TradeMilitary strikes targeting positions near the Strait of Hormuz have heightened security concerns along one of the world's vital maritime choke points. The conflict has raised risks for international commercial shipping, triggering...
August 2026
27 Aug 2026
Four Indian firms face US sanctions under Operation Economic OutcastThe United States Treasury Department has imposed secondary sanctions on four India-based companies as part of Operation Economic Outcast. The operation targeting international networks aims to squeeze Iranian state revenue by blocking...
26 Aug 2026
Syria removed from US terror list amid regional shiftsSyrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced that Syria has been officially removed from the United States terrorism list, marking a major shift in its foreign relations and paving the way for economic rebuilding. However, regional...
21 Aug 2026
United States Demands Economic Isolation of IranTensions in West Asia escalated as the United States called on international partners to join a renewed campaign aimed at isolating the Iranian economy. Iran dismissed the threats of crushing economic measures, while other global powers...
Show 21 older stories
August 2026
21 Aug 2026
West Asian Volatility Escalates India's Crude Import BillIndia's crude oil import bill surged by 41% year on year in July 2026, driven by volatile global prices amid heightened geopolitical friction in West Asia. Total import volumes also expanded by 13%, reflecting strong domestic energy...
19 Aug 2026
Shifting Security Paradigms and Strategic Hedging in West AsiaGeopolitical developments across West Asia reflect a shift in how regional nations manage security interests. Faced with escalating regional conflicts and shifting global power dynamics, several Arab states are diversifying their...
19 Aug 2026
West Asia Escalation Drives Up India's Oil Import BillFresh military escalations in West Asia, including drone strikes on energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and missile alerts in the Gulf, have stoked energy price volatility. India's crude import bill surged by 41% year-on-year in July,...
July 2026
30 Jul 2026
Yemen's Houthis Plan Transit Fees on Red Sea Maritime RoutesThe government of Yemen has warned that Houthi rebels are planning to impose transit fees on commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea. The Red Sea is a critical international maritime artery used for transporting massive quantities of...
28 Jul 2026
Gulf Nations Account for Over 70 Percent of Overseas Indian SuicidesData from the Ministry of External Affairs reveals that Gulf nations account for more than 70 percent of suicides committed by Indian citizens residing abroad. This highlight points to severe socio-economic distress, harsh working...
27 Jul 2026
Iran and Oman Discuss Joint Management of the Strait of HormuzIran and Oman have held advanced deputy-ministerial talks in Tehran to discuss the joint management and security of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The discussions come amid rising maritime tensions and reports of shipping disruptions...
24 Jul 2026
US Signs Civil Nuclear Cooperation Deal with Saudi ArabiaThe United States has signed a landmark civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, a move that is expected to significantly reshape the geopolitical landscape of West Asia. This deal establishes a framework for cooperation on peaceful...
22 Jul 2026
US-Iran Geopolitical Conflict Casts Shadow Over Chabahar PortEscalating military tensions and exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran have thrown India's strategic investment plans for Iran's Chabahar Port into deep uncertainty. Recent hostile actions in the Strait of Hormuz and...
20 Jul 2026
Escalating West Asia Conflict Threatens Global Energy SecurityTensions in West Asia have escalated further as reports indicate Iranian missile strikes targeting areas near Jordan's Aqaba Airport and US bases in the region. This regional conflict threatens global maritime trade routes, particularly...
16 Jul 2026
US-Iran Escalation and Security in the Strait of HormuzFollowing US airstrikes on Greater Tunb Island, a strategic point in the Strait of Hormuz, maritime tensions have surged significantly. In response to the escalating naval blockade and hostilities, the Government of India has issued an...
15 Jul 2026
Escalating US-Iran War Strains Global Energy and Indian DiasporaThe escalation of the US-Iran conflict, marked by US airstrikes on Iranian bases and the reimposition of an energy blockade, has pushed global crude prices to 86 dollars per barrel. For India, the conflict is double-edged, resulting in...
14 Jul 2026
India reiterates support for Palestine's UN membershipDuring a ministerial meeting of the Palestine Donor Group in Brussels, India officially restated its support for Palestine's full membership in the United Nations. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized stability in West Asia and a...
13 Jul 2026
Security crisis intensifies as Iran targets military assets in Gulf countriesTensions have escalated in West Asia as Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched strikes against radar systems in Oman and targeted US military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. These strikes follow direct US military operations...
13 Jul 2026
Escalating geopolitical clashes impact shipping in the Strait of HormuzTensions in West Asia have escalated following projectile strikes on Iran's strategic Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. The incident triggered mutual accusations between United States-allied forces and Iran over maritime security in the...
12 Jul 2026
Shipping Risks Escalate Amid West Asia ConflictsFollowing an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, India has successfully rescued 10 Indian crew members while searching for one missing mariner. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the persistent...
09 Jul 2026
US Air Strikes on Iran Rile Global Oil MarketsThe United States military has conducted fresh strikes on Iran following escalating regional tensions, with President Donald Trump warning of hitting Iranian assets hard. This military flare-up has put the strategic Strait of Hormuz on...
08 Jul 2026
Geopolitical Friction in West Asia Pressures Indian Energy SecurityRenewed tensions in West Asia and recent shipping disruptions have triggered an upward spike in international crude oil prices. This volatility has led to a deprecation of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar, highlighting India's...
07 Jul 2026
Hamas Dissolves Gaza Government to Hand Power to UN-Backed CommitteeHamas has announced the dissolution of its government in the Gaza Strip, expressing intent to hand over administrative power to a UN-backed technical committee. The Hamas-run Government Media Office confirmed that only technical and...
06 Jul 2026
Netanyahu Highlights India as a Major Strategic AllyIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu countered statements about limited global support by highlighting India as a significant friend. He noted that India, with its 1.4 billion people, provides tremendous support to Israel,...
05 Jul 2026
Middle East Conflicts Threaten Historic Heritage SitesEscalating armed conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran are causing irreversible damage to ancient cultural and archaeological heritage sites. Historians and conservationists warn that ongoing airstrikes and military operations threaten...
03 Jul 2026
Geopolitical Friction: Persistent US-Iran Hostility and Energy CorridorsDespite back-channel engagements, geopolitical experts point out that the United States and Iran continue to trade blows through secondary economic sanctions and regional proxy maneuvers. This persistent friction remains a key risk...
Practise West Asia & Gulf
10 of our latest questions on this topic (out of 42).
Question 1 of 10
Following the complete withdrawal of US military forces, which group within Iraq has cast this exit as a historic victory for their alliance?
Mains practice
Evaluate how global external shocks, such as geopolitical conflicts in West Asia and shifting multinational corporate governance strategies, impact India's domestic economic stability and social equity goals. Suggest policy measures to build resilience against these vulnerabilities.
15 marks
Sustained national growth requires balancing external economic vulnerabilities with robust internal administrative and health governance. Discuss this statement in light of recent West Asian geopolitical tensions, energy import dependencies, and the need for administrative transparency in public service delivery.
15 marks
In light of rising West Asian tensions and fluctuating global oil prices, evaluate the significance of Phase 2 of India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) program. What structural and economic challenges does the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model face in establishing critical energy infrastructure?
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.