India–US Trade Talks: India says it is “very close” to a deal with the US as negotiators review progress and push for an interim agreement before a July 24 deadline, with key issues still unresolved. Big Tech Investment: Amazon announced a record $48 billion investment in India through 2030 after CEO Andy Jassy met PM Narendra Modi, with a major push into AI, cloud, logistics and digital services. Trade & Rights Diplomacy: India and the EU held the 12th Human Rights Dialogue in New Delhi, reaffirming shared democratic values. Regional Security Web: Southeast Asia is building a looser security network through access deals, missile sales and coast-guard cooperation, with India’s BrahMos deal for Vietnam and upgraded Philippines–Vietnam defense ties highlighted. Philippines Growth Warning: S&P cut its Philippines growth forecast sharply to 4.1% for 2026, citing stalled infrastructure spending and energy shocks. Climate & Haze Risk: Singapore faces a red-alert haze risk in the second half of 2026 as El Niño returns and deforestation linked to biofuel demand rises. Aviation Connectivity: Air India Express launched plans for direct flights from Northeast India to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, boosting links to the Middle East. China–Bangladesh Ties: Bangladesh and China signed 13 MoUs during PM Tarique Rahman’s Beijing visit, including cooperation on a China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital and Rohingya engagement. China–Taiwan Maritime Tensions: China defended coast guard patrols east of Taiwan after European concerns, saying the moves protect maritime order.