28 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. India Trying for U.S. Trade Deal by July 8 Deadline

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 10, June 28, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Economy (External Sector)

Context

India is in final negotiations with the U.S. for a “mini trade deal” before July 8, 2025, to avoid 26% reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports starting July 9.

Content: 

• The talks focus on key contentious issues:

  • U.S. push for market access for genetically modified (GM) crops and cow milk.

  • India’s request for waiver of U.S. “Liberation Day” tariffs on items like steel and aluminium.

• Significance of the Deal:

  • Critical for safeguarding India’s labour-intensive export sectors like textiles, gems and jewellery.

  • Could improve bilateral economic relations.

• Challenges:

  • India’s long-standing resistance to GM crops and foreign dairy due to farmer and food safety concerns.

  • Domestic political criticism for lack of transparency.

• Way Forward:
  India must balance its trade strategy with strategic autonomy and domestic interests while ensuring diplomatic transparency.

Practice Question:

Discuss the strategic and economic implications of the ongoing India-U.S. trade negotiations in the backdrop of rising protectionism and global trade fragmentation.  (250 words / 15 marks)

2. India, China to Continue Dialogue on Border Issues

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, June 28 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Internal Security

Context

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart at the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao to reiterate India’s concerns over border issues and terrorism.

Content:

• India highlighted:

  • Cross-border terrorism (Pahalgam attack).

  • Trust deficit post-2020 standoff.

  • Resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as a symbolic milestone.

• No joint communiqué was issued due to divergence over terrorism references.

• Editorial critiques:

  • China’s unhelpful role despite recent thaw.

  • India’s low engagement with SCO member states post-Operation Sindoor.

Way Forward:
India should proactively leverage platforms like SCO to counter cross-border terrorism and regional instability narratives pushed by China-Pakistan.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine India’s strategic engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) amidst rising regional security concerns.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. India Rejects Supplemental Award on Indus Treaty Projects

Source: The Hindu, Page 12, June 28, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Environment (Water Resources)

Context

India rejected the supplemental award by the Court of Arbitration under the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it illegal and unilateral.

Content:

• The dispute involves Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects challenged by Pakistan.

• India placed the Treaty in abeyance post-Pahalgam attack citing Pakistan’s terrorism support.

Analysis:

• Shows increasing securitisation of water-sharing treaties.

• Reflects geopolitical shifts influencing technical treaty mechanisms.

Way Forward:
India must strengthen legal, environmental, and diplomatic frameworks to handle such international water disputes.

Practice Question:

Evaluate India’s response to the arbitration proceedings on the Indus Waters Treaty in light of emerging regional geopolitical dynamics. (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. India Trying for U.S. Trade Deal by July 8 Deadline

Source: Page 1 & 10, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Economy (Trade)

Context

India is negotiating a mini trade deal with the U.S. before July 8 to avoid 26% reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports.

Analysis of the news:

• “Mini trade deal” in final stages of negotiation between India and the U.S.

• July 8, 2025 – deadline before U.S. tariffs take effect.

• U.S. tariffs to be imposed under the “Liberation Day” provision: 26% on Indian exports.

• Major sticking points:

  • U.S. demands for entry of genetically modified (GM) crops into India.

  • U.S. push for cow milk exports to India.

  • India wants the removal of reciprocal tariffs on its steel, aluminium, and other products.

• Lead negotiators: Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

• Domestic concerns: Congress and opposition question lack of transparency in deal terms.

2. India, China to Continue Dialogue on Border Issues

Source: Page 1 & 8, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Internal Security

Context

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun during the SCO Defence Ministers’ meet to discuss border disengagement.

Analysis of the news:

• Bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers’ meet in Qingdao, China.

• Key discussion areas:

  • Cross-border terrorism concerns (Pahalgam attack).

  • Trust deficit post-2020 Galwan standoff.

  • Border disengagement, de-escalation, and delimitation.

• India’s stand: Emphasized permanent solutions to border management through existing mechanisms.

• 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations marked.

• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes after 5-year gap.

• Operation Sindoor – India’s counter-terror operation mentioned during talks.

• Editorial highlights:

  • No joint SCO declaration due to lack of consensus on terrorism.

  • China’s role seen as ambiguous despite thawing relations.

Check more: 27 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs