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. Russia is the largest supplier of military equipment to India, followed by Israel and France.

Detailed explanation-2: -Indian aid to Africa is aid provided by the Government of India to African governments. India provides development assistance to Africa through lines of credit, capacity building, duty free and preferential market access, educational scholarships, and humanitarian assistance.

Detailed explanation-3: -Indian foreign aid is the aid given by the Indian government to other governments. India’s major quantum of foreign aid is given to neighbouring countries. According to India’s budget in 2021-22, it’s direct overseas aid stood at ₹18,154 crore (US$2.3 billion).

Detailed explanation-4: -Currently, India and the United States enjoy close relations and have often seen eye-to-eye on issues such as counterterrorism (including concern about Pakistan’s involvement), mutual distrust of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program, and Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.