India Revamps OCI Rules After a Decade, Introduces Global Fees and Mandatory Passport Update Norms
New Delhi, April 2026: The Government of India has introduced sweeping changes to the Overseas
Diplomacy
News articles and essays on the Indian diplomacy at work around the world.
India Submits 2031–35 Climate Targets to UN, Pledges 47% Cut in GDP Emission Intensity by 2035
The submission marks India’s third Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. NDCs are the national climate action plans that countries submit under the global climate framework, outlining how they intend to reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts and contribute to the long-term goal of limiting global warming. India’s earlier NDCs were submitted in 2015 and updated in 2022 for the 2030 target cycle.
India, Kenya Sign Customs MoU to Speed Up Cargo Clearance and Deepen Trade Ties
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the Kenya Revenue Authority for the exchange of pre-arrival information on goods moving between the two countries. The agreement was signed by CBIC Member Yogendra Garg and KRA Commissioner General Dr Lilian Nyawanda in the presence of senior officials from both sides.
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock to Visit India for Talks on Multilateral Cooperation and AI Governance
Baerbock is scheduled to be in India on April 28, 2026, where she will hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. The discussions are expected to focus on cooperation within the United Nations system, global peace and security, sustainable development, climate action, technology governance and the need for stronger international coordination in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Signed, Promises Major Boost to Exports and Investment
The agreement eliminates customs duties on 100% of Indian exports to New Zealand, providing a major boost to Indian industries, particularly labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and leather. It is expected to enhance India’s competitiveness in global markets while expanding opportunities for exporters.
Raksha Mantri to Lead Indian Delegation at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
This year’s SCO meeting is taking place in the backdrop of geopolitical turmoil being witnessed due to the situation in West Asia. The SCO, one of the largest political & economic organisations of the region, may discuss measures to reduce the impact of the ongoing conflict.
NSA Ajit Doval Meets UAE President as India and UAE Review Strategic Ties Amid West Asia Tensions
During the meeting, Doval conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE leadership. According to the Indian Embassy in the UAE, both sides discussed measures to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, along with the regional situation and other matters of common concern.
Exporters See Fresh Opportunity as India and New Zealand Prepare to Sign FTA on April 27
The pact comes after negotiations that began in March 2025 and were concluded in December 2025, making it one of India’s faster recent trade agreements. New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has described the agreement as a major opening for exporters, while New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has projected it as a gateway to India’s 1.4 billion-consumer market.
India Clears ₹30 Billion Swap Withdrawal for Maldives Under SAARC Framework
The latest drawdown comes after the Maldives settled an earlier US$400 million swap facility that it had availed in October 2024 under the US Dollar/Euro Swap Window of the bilateral arrangement between the RBI and the Maldives Monetary Authority. The Maldives Foreign Ministry said the repayment reflected the government’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations.
India–Netherlands Ties Moving Towards Stronger Strategic Partnership: Dr Jitendra Singh
The Minister highlighted that bilateral cooperation has been particularly strong in areas such as water management, agriculture and high-technology sectors. He also pointed to growing engagement in emerging fields such as semiconductors and innovation-led industries, reflecting the changing nature of India–Netherlands collaboration.