Understanding international organizations and groups is an essential part of the AFCAT Static GK section. These groups play a vital role in promoting global peace, economic cooperation, environmental sustainability, and international security. Below is a comprehensive overview of some of the most important international groups that defence aspirants must study.
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Static GK – Important International Groups
1. United Nations (UN)
- Founded: 24 October 1945
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Members: 193 countries
- Purpose: To maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, and encourage social and economic development.
- Major Organs:
- General Assembly
- Security Council
- Economic and Social Council
- International Court of Justice
- Secretariat
- Trusteeship Council (inactive)
2. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- Founded: 4 April 1949
- Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
- Members: 32 countries (as of 2025)
- Objective: Collective defence alliance to protect member nations through political and military cooperation.
- Motto: “An attack on one is an attack on all.”
3. European Union (EU)
- Founded: 1 November 1993 (Maastricht Treaty)
- Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
- Members: 27 countries
- Currency: Euro (€) used by 20 countries
- Purpose: Promote economic and political integration, free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across member nations.
4. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Founded: 8 August 1967
- Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Members: 10 countries (including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.)
- Objective: Regional stability, economic growth, and cultural development in Southeast Asia.
- India’s Relation: India is a dialogue partner of ASEAN.
5. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
- Founded: 8 December 1985
- Headquarters: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Members: 8 countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan)
- Objective: Promote regional cooperation and collective self-reliance among South Asian countries.
6. BRICS
- Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
- Founded: 2009 (South Africa joined in 2010)
- Summit 2024 Host: Russia
- Objective: Economic cooperation among emerging economies and reform of global financial institutions.
- Important Institution: New Development Bank (Headquarters – Shanghai, China)
7. G7 (Group of Seven)
- Members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States
- Formed: 1975
- Objective: Discussion of global economic governance, trade, climate, and international security.
- Note: The European Union also participates in G7 meetings.
8. G20 (Group of Twenty)
- Formed: 1999
- Members: 19 countries + European Union
- Objective: Promote international financial stability and economic growth.
- India’s Role: India hosted the G20 Summit in 2023 under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
9. Commonwealth of Nations
- Formed: 1949 (London Declaration)
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Members: 56 countries, mostly former British colonies
- Objective: Promote democracy, human rights, and development cooperation.
- Head of Commonwealth: King Charles III (as of 2025)
10. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- Founded: 2001 (Shanghai, China)
- Members: 9 countries (including India, China, Russia, Pakistan, etc.)
- Objective: Strengthen regional security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and economic collaboration in Eurasia.
- Headquarters: Beijing, China
- India joined: 2017
11. QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)
- Members: India, Japan, Australia, United States
- Objective: Promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
- Focus Areas: Maritime security, cyber cooperation, and disaster relief.
- Recent Development: Regular joint naval exercises under the Malabar Exercise.
12. AUKUS
- Members: Australia, United Kingdom, United States
- Formed: 2021
- Objective: Strengthen defence technology and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Key Feature: Support Australia in developing nuclear-powered submarines.
Conclusion
International groups and organizations form the backbone of global cooperation and governance. For AFCAT aspirants, understanding their objectives, members, and significance to India is essential. Questions in the Static GK section often test factual knowledge about their formation year, headquarters, and functions.
