Defence Current Affairs 28 January 2026

In Current Affairs for 28 January 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

In Current Affairs for 28 January 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news.  These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.

Defence Current Affairs 28 January 2026

India–EU Relations Enter a New Strategic Phase

India and the European Union have taken a significant step forward in their bilateral relationship by signing a new Security and Defence Partnership, alongside concluding a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the 16th India-EU Summit. These developments reflect a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and global economic realignments.

New India–EU Security and Defence Partnership

The newly signed security and defence pact aims to deepen cooperation between India and the EU in critical areas such as maritime security, Indo-Pacific stability, and defence industrial collaboration. A major outcome of the agreement is the decision to establish an industry-led India–EU Defence Industry Forum, where official representatives will participate as observers along with EU member states.

This forum is expected to promote joint ventures, technology sharing, and market access for defence manufacturers on both sides. In addition, both partners have agreed to hold a dedicated annual EU-India Security and Defence Dialogue, providing a structured platform for regular engagement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that India’s defence sector could play a meaningful role in the EU’s ReArm initiative, especially as Europe seeks to diversify defence suppliers and reduce strategic dependencies.

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“Mother of All Deals”: India–EU Free Trade Agreement

At the 16th India-EU Summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the newly concluded Free Trade Agreement as the “mother of all trade deals.” The summit, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was attended by top EU leadership, including European Council President Antonio Costa.

The long-awaited FTA is expected to bring a qualitative transformation in India-EU ties by expanding cooperation across sectors such as trade, defence, climate action, critical technologies, and global governance. A broader strategic agenda and a defence framework pact are also set to be unveiled as part of this enhanced partnership.

The agreement comes at a time when Europe is actively working to reduce its economic dependence on the United States and China, while India is emerging as a trusted strategic and economic partner.

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Trade Impact and Textile Sector Boost

Indian traders and exporters have welcomed the FTA. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) termed it a historic breakthrough capable of reshaping India’s trade ecosystem. One of the biggest beneficiaries is expected to be the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

India is projected to increase its share in EU garment imports from 5% to nearly 8–9%, potentially generating an additional $4–4.5 billion in annual exports over the medium term. The EU remains the world’s largest RMG market, with imports valued at around $84 billion in 2024. Currently, India exports approximately $4.5–5 billion worth of garments to the EU, while competing nations enjoy duty-free access.

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Adani–Embraer Strategic Aviation Partnership

In another major development, Adani Defence and Aerospace signed an MoU with Brazil-based aircraft manufacturer Embraer to establish a regional transport aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in India. This marks the first time Embraer’s regional jets will be assembled locally.

Under the agreement, a final assembly line (FAL) will be set up in India, with locations currently under evaluation. While details on investment and timelines are awaited, the partnership positions India as a potential player in the global regional jet market. This initiative aligns with India’s goal of self-reliance in aerospace and strategic technologies.

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Ashok Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including the prestigious Ashok Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, marking a historic achievement in India’s aerospace journey.

The Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, recognises acts of exceptional courage and leadership beyond the call of duty. Along with the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, it forms part of India’s peacetime gallantry honours.

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India Calls for Urgent UNSC Reforms

India has once again strongly advocated for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at a UNSC Open Debate in New York, India’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni stated that the Council’s current structure reflects a geopolitical reality of the past, weakening its credibility and effectiveness.

He emphasised that while the rule of law underpins the UNSC’s mandate, it remains ineffective without timely enforcement. Highlighting the growing strain on multilateralism, the envoy pointed to the Council’s inability to resolve conflicts and adapt to rapid political, economic, and technological changes. Without reform, he warned, global institutions risk becoming obsolete in addressing modern challenges.

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Review Questions

  1. What is the primary objective of the new India–EU Security and Defence
    Partnership?
    A. Joint nuclear disarmament
    B. Military alliance formation
    C. Cooperation in maritime security and defence industry
    D. Deployment of joint armed forces
    Answer: C
  2. Which platform has been proposed to enhance defence industrial cooperation
    between India and the EU?
    A. Indo-EU Strategic Council
    B. India–EU Defence Industry Forum
    C. European Defence Export Board
    D. Indo-Pacific Security Council
    Answer: B
  3. The India–EU Free Trade Agreement was described as the “mother of all deals” by:
    A. Emmanuel Macron
    B. Antonio Costa
    C. Narendra Modi
    D. Ursula von der Leyen
    Answer: D
  4. The 16th India–EU Summit primarily focused on which of the following areas?
    A. Agriculture and rural development
    B. Trade, defence, climate change, and critical technologies
    C. Space exploration only
    D. Cultural and tourism exchanges
    Answer: B
  5. Which Indian industry is expected to gain significantly from the India–EU Free
    Trade Agreement?
    A. Steel manufacturing
    B. Automobile exports
    C. Ready-made garment (RMG) sector
    D. Pharmaceutical retail
    Answer: C
  6. What is India’s current approximate share in the European Union’s ready-made
    garment market?
    A. 2%
    B. 5%
    C. 10%
    D. 15%
    Answer: B
  7. Adani Defence and Aerospace signed a strategic partnership with which company
    to manufacture regional aircraft in India?
    A. Airbus
    B. Boeing
    C. Lockheed Martin
    D. Embraer
    Answer: D
  8. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashok Chakra for:
    A. Leading a counter-terror operation
    B. Developing indigenous missile technology
    C. Becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station
    D. Commanding a UN peacekeeping mission
    Answer: C
  9. Which of the following is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award?
    A. Param Vir Chakra
    B. Kirti Chakra
    C. Shaurya Chakra
    D. Ashok Chakra
    Answer: D
  10. India’s demand for urgent UNSC reforms is based on the argument that:
    A. The UNSC lacks financial resources
    B. The Council reflects outdated geopolitical realities
    C. The UN has excessive membership
    D. Peacekeeping missions are ineffective
    Answer: B
  11. Duncan Passage separates: –
    A. Rutland Island and Little Andaman
    B. Andaman and Nicobar
    C. North and South Andaman
    D. South Andaman and little Andaman
    ANSWER: A
  12. Speed of K-15 Sagarika Is
    A. Mach 5.5
    B. Mach 6.5
    C. Mach 7.5
    D. Mach 8.5
    ANSWER: C
  13. Mundra Port Is In
    A. M.H.
    B. Kerala
    C. UP
    D. Gujrat
    ANSWER: D
  14. Air India One Aircraft Using By
    A. Indian President, Vice President and PM
    B. Indian President, Vice President and NSA
    C. Indian President, Vice President and Defence Minister
    D. None
    ANSWER: A
  15. Bamako Is the Capital Of
    A. Oman
    B. Qatar
    C. UAE
    D. Mali
    ANSWER: D
  16. “A Better India: A Better World” Book Is Written By
    A. Narayana Murthy
    B. Sitaram Yechuri
    C. Hew Strachan
    D. APJ Abdul Kalam
    ANSWER: A
  17. Motto of THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENT
    A. Parakramo Vijayate
    B. Assam Vikram
    C. Yudhaya Krit Nishchaya
    D. Duty, Honour, courage
    ANSWER: D
  18. SIMBEX Exercise Held B/W India And___?
    A. USA
    B. South Korea
    C. Sri Lanka
    D. Singapore
    ANSWER: D
  19. World Parakram Diwas Celebrated Every Year On
    A. 23rd January
    B. 15th July
    C. 16th June
    D. 17th June
    ANSWER: A
  20. Joint Exercises B/w The India and Bangladesh Is Called:
    A. Table-Top Ex
    B. SLINEX
    C. Indra
    D. Yudha Abhyas
    ANSWER: A

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Divyanshu Pandey

Senior Lecturer General Studies, SSBCrackExams, Cleared CDS 4 times, NDA 2 times, Ex- N.C.C. cadet, SSB Expert. Passionate Teacher, Trained defence aspirants for their SSB Interview, BSc in PCM expertise in Geography, Indian Polity, Current Affairs and Defence affairs. Writing Article and Travelling solo.