Global Horizons

This issue opens with coverage of the UNGA’s high-level segment held during the month, which ironically reminded the international community, especially the US, of the UN’s potential for contributing towards world peace and security, if only it is allowed to do so. President Trump’s intemperate speech to the UNGA underscored that the US has largely distanced itself from the organisation.

Meanwhile, conflicts and war continued in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

As President Trump made it increasingly clear that ending the Ukraine conflict was a task essentially for the Europeans, the EU contemplated controversial measures to seize Russian state assets with major ramifications for the international financial system. The situation in Europe turned ever more dangerous for world peace and stability.

President Trump announced a 20 point proposal for peace in Gaza, but the overall situation in the Middle East deteriorated following Israel’s bombing of a Hamas office in Qatar. The West’s strategic squeeze of Iran over its nuclear programme continued.

The month also saw China grandstanding its commitment to the UN, better to serve Chinese interests, including through a new Global Governance Initiative.

The US and China moved towards a Trump-Xi meeting in October, but with distinctly different perceptions and expectations.

The European Commission announced a new EU-India strategy to diversify its partnerships and strengthen economic security. Several accords are contemplated before a EU-India summit in early 2026.

Indian foreign policy was confronted with new challenges following popular unrest in Nepal which led to the collapse of its government.

The signing of a mutual defence agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan raised concerns in India, even as there was no sign of an end to the increasingly strained US-India relationship.

India hosted important visits from the leaders of Singapore and Mauritius, further strengthening strategic ties with these two countries.

The author concludes that the US administration needs to make up its mind whether it counts India as a genuine but independent long-term partner. In the meantime, India must continue to develop multipolar relationships and seek reformed multilateralism.

To read this issue of Global Horizons, Vol. III, Issue 9, please see the PDF attached.