Hayat Ashraf

 global institutions: 1. United Nations (UN) 2. World Bank 3. International Monetary Fund (IMF) 4. World Trade Organization (WTO) 5. International Court of Justice (ICJ) 6. World Health Organization (WHO) 7. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 8. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 9. International Labour Organization (ILO) 10. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 11. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 12. African Union (AU) 13. European Union (EU) 14. Organization of American States (OAS) 15. Asian Development Bank (ADB) 16. Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) 17. International Criminal Court (ICC) 18. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) 19. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) 20. Commonwealth of Nations 21. G20 (Group of Twenty) 22. G7 (Group of Seven) 23. Arab League 24. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 25. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) 26....

India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have been actively engaged in economic cooperation and have established various mechanisms to enhance trade, investment, and economic ties. Here are some key aspects of India-ASEAN economic cooperation: 1. ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA): In 2009, the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement was signed, which established the AIFTA. Under the agreement, tariffs have been significantly reduced or eliminated on a wide range of goods traded between India and ASEAN member countries. AIFTA aims to promote trade liberalization, enhance market access, and facilitate the flow of goods and services between India and ASEAN. 2. Trade and Investment: India and ASEAN have witnessed a steady growth in bilateral trade and investment. The trade volume between India and ASEAN reached approximately USD 90 billion in 2019. Both sides have set a target to increase bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2022. India's main exports to ASEAN include petro...

SAARC, which stands for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising eight member countries in South Asia. The member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAARC aims to promote regional cooperation and integration in various areas, including trade, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Here are some key aspects of SAARC: 1. Economic Cooperation: SAARC seeks to promote economic cooperation and regional integration among its member countries. The organization focuses on enhancing intra-regional trade, investment, and economic linkages. SAARC encourages the member countries to reduce trade barriers, facilitate trade, and promote economic cooperation through initiatives such as the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). However, progress in economic integration within SAARC has been limited due to political differences and bilateral tensions between some mem...

BIMSTEC, which stands for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is a regional organization comprising seven member countries from South Asia and Southeast Asia. The member countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. BIMSTEC aims to promote economic cooperation, connectivity, and collaboration among its member states. India plays a significant role in BIMSTEC as one of its founding members and a key driver of regional cooperation. Here are some key aspects of India's engagement with BIMSTEC: 1. Economic Cooperation: India actively participates in initiatives aimed at enhancing economic cooperation among BIMSTEC member countries. The organization focuses on promoting trade, investment, and economic integration in the Bay of Bengal region. India contributes to discussions on enhancing connectivity, removing trade barriers, and facilitating the flow of goods, services, and investment within the BIMSTEC ...

India is one of the founding members of BRICS, which is an acronym for the association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS countries represent nearly 42% of the global population and account for a substantial share of global economic growth and development. India's participation in BRICS provides the country with opportunities for economic cooperation, political coordination, and collaboration on global issues. Here are some key aspects of India's engagement with BRICS: 1. Economic Cooperation: BRICS promotes economic cooperation among its member countries. India actively engages in initiatives aimed at expanding trade, investment, and economic linkages within the group. It seeks to enhance intra-BRICS trade, explore new areas of economic cooperation, and facilitate business-to-business interactions. The BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank (NDB) are important platforms for promoting economic cooperation and...

IBSA stands for the India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum. It is a trilateral forum established in 2003 to promote cooperation and coordination among India, Brazil, and South Africa, three emerging economies from different regions of the world. The main objective of IBSA is to enhance South-South cooperation and strengthen ties among these countries in various areas, including politics, trade, economy, and culture. Key features and aspects of IBSA include: 1. Cooperation and Coordination: IBSA serves as a platform for regular dialogue and consultation among India, Brazil, and South Africa. The forum provides opportunities for high-level meetings, consultations, and exchanges of views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. It enables the three countries to coordinate their positions and promote common goals on various international forums, including the United Nations. 2. South-South Cooperation: IBSA emphasizes the importance of South-South cooperation, which refers to co...

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a multilateral export control regime aimed at preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons through the control of nuclear-related exports. It was formed in 1974 as a response to India's nuclear test, which raised concerns about the diversion of peaceful nuclear technology for military purposes. The NSG seeks to ensure that nuclear trade is conducted for peaceful purposes and in accordance with non-proliferation objectives. Key features and functions of the Nuclear Suppliers Group include: 1. Guidelines for Nuclear Transfers: The NSG has established a set of guidelines that member countries follow when exporting nuclear and nuclear-related materials, equipment, and technology. These guidelines provide criteria for the transfer of nuclear items, including dual-use technologies, and promote non-proliferation objectives. The guidelines are intended to ensure that exports are not used for nuclear weapons development or other unauthorized nuclear a...

India places significant importance on nuclear security to ensure the protection of its nuclear facilities, materials, and technologies. The country has established comprehensive measures and frameworks to address nuclear security challenges and maintain a robust nuclear security regime. Here are some key aspects of nuclear security in India: 1. Legal and Regulatory Framework: India has enacted laws and regulations to govern nuclear security. The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 provides the legal basis for regulating nuclear activities in the country. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) oversee the implementation of nuclear security measures and enforce regulatory standards. 2. Physical Protection of Nuclear Facilities: India has implemented stringent physical protection measures to safeguard its nuclear facilities. This includes the deployment of physical barriers, access control systems, intrusion detection systems, and surveillance systems t...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international financial institution that aims to promote global economic stability and sustainable growth. It was established in 1944 and currently has 190 member countries. The IMF's primary functions include surveillance of the global economy, providing financial assistance to member countries, and offering policy advice and technical assistance. Key features and functions of the International Monetary Fund include: 1. Surveillance and Monitoring: The IMF conducts surveillance of the global economy, analyzing economic and financial developments in member countries and the global economic system as a whole. It assesses economic policies, exchange rate regimes, financial stability, and global imbalances to identify potential risks and provide policy recommendations. The IMF publishes regular reports such as the World Economic Outlook and the Global Financial Stability Report. 2. Financial Assistance: The IMF provides financial assistance ...

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that deals with the global rules of trade between nations. It was established on January 1, 1995, succeeding the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) that was in place since 1948. The WTO serves as a forum for member countries to negotiate trade agreements, resolve trade disputes, and set the rules for international trade. Key features and functions of the World Trade Organization include: 1. Trade Negotiations: The WTO provides a platform for member countries to negotiate trade agreements. This includes the negotiation of tariff reductions, removal of trade barriers, and trade liberalization in various sectors. The most notable negotiation round was the Doha Development Agenda, launched in 2001 with the aim of addressing the trade needs and concerns of developing countries. 2. Dispute Settlement: The WTO has a dispute settlement mechanism to help member countries resolve trade disputes. It provides a structur...

India and the United States share a strategic partnership based on shared democratic values, economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and people-to-people ties. The bilateral relationship between India and the USA has seen significant growth and has been further strengthened in recent years. Here are some key aspects of India-US relations: 1. Strategic Partnership: India and the USA have developed a strategic partnership that encompasses various areas of cooperation. Both countries engage in regular high-level dialogues, including the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, to discuss political, defense, and security issues. The strategic partnership is aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. 2. Economic Cooperation: Economic ties between India and the USA have expanded substantially. The USA is one of India's largest trading partners, and India is among the fastest-growing sources of FDI in the USA. Bilateral trade covers diverse s...

India and the United Kingdom share a multifaceted and historically significant relationship, characterized by cultural ties, economic cooperation, political dialogue, and people-to-people connections. The bilateral relations between India and the UK have evolved over the years and continue to strengthen. Here are some key aspects of India-UK relations: 1. Historical and Cultural Ties: India and the UK share a long and intertwined history, marked by colonial ties and cultural exchanges. The historical connection forms the basis for strong people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Indian diaspora in the UK plays a vital role in fostering cultural understanding and promoting bilateral relations. 2. Economic Cooperation: Economic ties between India and the UK are substantial. The UK is one of the largest investors in India, and India is one of the fastest-growing sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UK. Bilateral trade covers various sectors, ...

India and Germany share a robust and multifaceted relationship characterized by strong economic ties, technological collaborations, cultural exchanges, and strategic partnerships. The bilateral relations between the two countries have witnessed significant growth and have been further strengthened in recent years. Here are some key aspects of India-Germany relations: 1. Economic Cooperation: Economic ties between India and Germany are a crucial aspect of their bilateral relationship. Germany is India's largest trading partner in the European Union, and India is Germany's largest trading partner in South Asia. Both countries have a strong focus on trade and investment, covering various sectors such as automobiles, engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, information technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing. German companies have made substantial investments in India, contributing to job creation and technology transfer. 2. Technological Collaboration: India and Germany co...

India and France share a strong and multifaceted relationship characterized by strategic partnerships, defense cooperation, economic ties, and cultural exchanges. The bilateral relations between the two countries have expanded significantly over the years. Here are some key aspects of India-France relations: 1. Strategic Partnership: India and France have a strategic partnership aimed at deepening cooperation in various areas. The partnership includes regular high-level exchanges, joint statements, and strategic dialogues to enhance political, defense, and security cooperation. Both countries share common values such as democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights. 2. Defense Cooperation: Defense cooperation between India and France is a significant aspect of their bilateral relationship. Both countries engage in joint military exercises, training programs, and defense technology transfers. France has been a major supplier of defense equipment to India, including submarines, fi...

India and Australia share a multifaceted relationship based on common democratic values, economic cooperation, strategic partnership, and people-to-people contacts. The bilateral ties between the two countries have witnessed significant growth and have been further strengthened in recent years. Here are some key aspects of India-Australia relations: 1. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: India and Australia elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020. The partnership covers a wide range of areas, including defense and security cooperation, trade and investment, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges. 2. Economic Cooperation: Economic ties between India and Australia have expanded, with bilateral trade steadily increasing. Both countries are committed to promoting trade and investment through various mechanisms, including the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations. Key sectors of eco...

India and Africa share a longstanding and multifaceted relationship based on historical, cultural, and economic ties. Over the years, India's engagement with Africa has evolved and expanded, encompassing various sectors and areas of cooperation. Here are some key aspects of India-Africa relations: 1. Historical and Cultural Ties: India and Africa have a long history of cultural and historical interactions. Indian traders, scholars, and religious leaders have had contacts with African civilizations for centuries, resulting in shared cultural influences and traditions. These historical ties form the foundation for cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts between India and African nations. 2. Economic Cooperation: Economic ties between India and Africa have witnessed significant growth in recent years. India is one of Africa's major trading partners, with bilateral trade volumes steadily increasing. Key areas of economic cooperation include agriculture, energy, infrastruct...

India and Vietnam enjoy a close and multifaceted relationship characterized by historical ties, strategic cooperation, economic partnership, and cultural exchanges. The bilateral relationship between the two countries has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Here are some key aspects of India-Vietnam relations: 1. Strategic Partnership: India and Vietnam share a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues. The partnership includes regular high-level visits, defense cooperation, security dialogues, and joint military exercises. Both countries have common interests in maintaining peace, stability, and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. 2. Economic Cooperation: Economic ties between India and Vietnam have expanded considerably. Bilateral trade has grown, with both countries working to achieve a bilateral trade target of $15 billion. Key sectors of economic cooperation include energy, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT serv...

India and South Korea share a multifaceted relationship that encompasses economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and strategic partnerships. The bilateral ties between the two countries have grown significantly in recent years. Here are some key aspects of India-South Korea relations: 1. Economic Cooperation: Economic relations between India and South Korea have witnessed substantial growth. South Korea is one of India's major trading partners and a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI). Bilateral trade has expanded, covering sectors such as automobiles, electronics, machinery, chemicals, and textiles. Both countries have also collaborated on joint ventures and technology transfers. 2. Strategic Partnerships: India and South Korea have developed strategic partnerships based on shared interests in regional security and stability. The two countries engage in high-level dialogues and defense cooperation, including joint military exercises, defense technology transfer...

The bilateral relationship between India and Japan is marked by strong political, economic, and strategic ties. The two countries share common democratic values, and their relationship has evolved significantly over the years. Here are some key aspects of the Indo-Japan bilateral relationship: 1. Strategic Partnership: India and Japan have established a strategic and global partnership based on shared values and mutual trust. The relationship is driven by the vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Both countries have regular high-level dialogues, including the annual India-Japan Summit, to enhance strategic cooperation on regional and global issues. 2. Economic Cooperation: Economic ties between India and Japan have grown substantially. Japan has been a key partner in India's infrastructure development, including the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), dedicated freight corridors, high-speed rail projects, and smart city initiatives. Japanese investments in...

India's relationship with Southeast Asia holds significant historical, cultural, and economic importance. The ties between India and the countries of Southeast Asia have deep roots, dating back centuries through maritime trade and cultural exchanges. Here are some key aspects of India's relationship with Southeast Asia: 1. Historical and Cultural Ties: India and Southeast Asia have a long history of cultural and religious interactions. Indian traders and scholars played a crucial role in spreading Hinduism and Buddhism to Southeast Asia, leaving a lasting impact on the region's art, architecture, and cultural traditions. Shared cultural and historical legacies serve as a foundation for cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections. 2. Economic Cooperation: India and Southeast Asian countries have been actively engaged in enhancing economic ties. Trade between India and Southeast Asia has grown significantly, with both regions becoming major markets for each other'...

The Asia-Pacific region is a geographically and culturally diverse area encompassing countries located in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It is characterized by a dynamic mix of economies, cultures, and geopolitical interests. Here are some key aspects of the Asia-Pacific region: 1. Economic Importance: The Asia-Pacific region is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies, including China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries. It serves as a major driver of global economic growth, trade, and investment. The region is known for its manufacturing prowess, technological innovation, and emerging markets. 2. Regional Organizations: Several regional organizations promote cooperation and integration in the Asia-Pacific. These include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). These organizations facilitate dialog...

India and Saudi Arabia have maintained friendly and multifaceted relations for decades, characterized by cooperation in various fields. The bilateral relationship between the two countries is based on shared economic interests, energy cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic engagement. Here are some key aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations: 1. Economic Partnership: Saudi Arabia is one of India's largest trading partners in the Gulf region. Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown significantly over the years, with a focus on sectors such as oil and gas, chemicals, fertilizers, textiles, and information technology. Saudi Arabia is an important source of crude oil for India, and the Kingdom has been supportive of India's energy security needs. 2. Energy Cooperation: Energy cooperation is a crucial aspect of India-Saudi Arabia relations. Saudi Arabia has been a reliable supplier of crude oil to India, and both countries have engaged in strategic energy partnerships...

India-Israel relations have evolved significantly since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992. Over the years, the bilateral relationship has grown across various sectors, including defense, technology, agriculture, trade, and people-to-people contacts. Here are some key aspects of India-Israel relations: 1. Defense Cooperation: Defense cooperation has been a significant pillar of India-Israel relations. The two countries engage in defense technology transfers, joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and defense equipment procurement. Israel is one of India's major defense suppliers, providing advanced military technologies and expertise. Both countries benefit from sharing best practices in counterterrorism and homeland security. 2. Agriculture and Water Management: Israel's expertise in agriculture, water management, and drip irrigation techniques has been of particular interest to India. The two countries have collaborated on agricult...

India and Iran have a long history of cultural, economic, and political ties. The bilateral relationship between the two countries has faced both challenges and opportunities over the years. Here are some key aspects of India-Iran relations: 1. Historical and Cultural Ties: India and Iran share deep historical and cultural connections that date back centuries. The ancient Silk Road and historical trade routes have fostered cultural exchanges, including language, art, architecture, and cuisine. The influence of Persian culture on Indian literature, music, and architecture is significant. 2. Economic Cooperation: India and Iran have maintained economic ties in various sectors, including energy, trade, and investment. Iran possesses vast reserves of oil and natural gas, and India has been one of its major energy customers. In the past, India imported a significant portion of its crude oil from Iran. Both countries have also explored opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as infrast...

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share a strong and multifaceted bilateral relationship characterized by economic ties, people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, and strategic cooperation. The India-UAE relationship has grown significantly in recent years, and both countries consider each other important partners in various domains. Here are some key aspects of India-UAE relations: 1. Economic Cooperation: Economic ties between India and the UAE are robust, with bilateral trade reaching billions of dollars annually. The UAE is one of India's largest trading partners, and India is one of the UAE's top trading partners. The trade mainly includes sectors such as oil and gas, textiles, precious metals, engineering goods, and agriculture. The UAE has also been an attractive destination for Indian businesses and professionals, with a large Indian diaspora contributing to the UAE's economic growth. 2. Investment and Infrastructure: The UAE has been a significant inves...

India and Mongolia have historically maintained friendly relations, with diplomatic ties dating back to 1955. The bilateral relationship between the two countries is based on shared democratic values, cultural affinities, and mutual interests. Here are some key aspects of India-Mongolia relations: 1. Diplomatic Relations: India and Mongolia have embassies in each other's capitals, New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar, respectively. Regular high-level visits and exchanges take place between the two countries to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore areas of cooperation. 2. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: India and Mongolia share cultural affinities stemming from their historical connections as Buddhist-majority nations. Buddhism spread from India to Mongolia centuries ago, and this spiritual bond forms the basis of cultural exchanges, including visits by Buddhist scholars and pilgrims. Indian films, music, and dance are also popular in Mongolia, fostering people-to-people contacts. 3...

The term CIS stands for the Commonwealth of Independent States, which is a regional intergovernmental organization consisting of former Soviet Republics. Central Asia, a region located in the heart of the Asian continent, is home to several countries that were part of the Soviet Union and are now members of the CIS. The CIS countries in Central Asia are: 1. Kazakhstan: The largest country in Central Asia and the ninth-largest country in the world. It shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. 2. Kyrgyzstan: A landlocked country bordered by Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It is known for its mountainous landscapes and nomadic traditions. 3. Tajikistan: Also landlocked, it shares borders with Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Tajikistan is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Pamir Mountains. 4. Turkmenistan: Another landlocked country, it borders Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea...