CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Countries considered India’s closest include the United Arab Emirates, Russian Federation, Israel, Afghanistan, France, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the United States.

Detailed explanation-2: -When states recognize one another as sovereign states and agree to diplomatic relations, they create a bilateral relationship. States with bilateral ties will exchange diplomatic agents such as ambassadors to facilitate dialogues and cooperations.

Detailed explanation-3: -Building mutual trust, understanding and collaboration through cultural and educational programmes can help cultivate popular support for the wider relationship in both countries.

Detailed explanation-4: -USA is the largest trading partner of India with respect to merchandise trade, with bilateral merchandise trade of US$ 67.41 billion, accounting for 11.98% of India’s total merchandise trade. As per U.S. Census data, India-US merchandise trade in calendar year 2021 (Jan-December) reached around $113 billion.