AGP Executive Report

India-Iran Security Talks: India’s NSA Ajit Doval met Iran’s Supreme National Security Council official Ghadir Nezamipour in New Delhi, discussing Middle East developments and India-Iran ties as BRICS foreign ministers also convened with China’s Wang Yi in the same city. China FDI Push: China’s commerce ministry unveiled a plan with 15 measures to stabilize and optimize foreign investment, focusing on wider market access, smoother procedures, and stronger “Invest China” services. Trade War Escalation: China retaliated against US actions by adding 10 US firms to an export control list and blocking government purchases from 46 others, targeting sectors from aerospace to rare earths. ASEAN-China Partnership: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn urged a stronger ASEAN-China partnership amid fragmentation and fast-moving tech, calling for cooperation on peace, digital transformation, energy, resilience, and people-to-people links. Cybersecurity in India: India’s I4C warned of “Boss Scam” CEO impersonation fraud using malicious files and WhatsApp Web hijacks to compromise executives’ devices and accounts. Energy Shock in Qatar: A blast at QatarEnergy’s Ras Laffan LNG complex killed 13, including Indian and Pakistani workers, with exports said unaffected. China Space Milestone: China’s SMILE solar-terrestrial mission entered its planned orbit, aiming for panoramic magnetosphere imaging with a new soft X-ray approach. India Economy & Markets: Gold and silver prices jumped in India on a weaker rupee and global gains, while CBRE expects Indians to spend more on travel and experiences than physical goods by 2030.

US-India Trade Talks: USTR Jamieson Greer will visit New Delhi this week for talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as both sides move toward finalizing a bilateral trade agreement. China-US Tech Sanctions: China says it will add 10 U.S. defense-linked entities to its export control list, blocking exports of dual-use items in retaliation for U.S. curbs on Chinese tech. Semiconductors: Japan’s chip equipment makers report a first-ever drop in China sales, down 10%, as Beijing pushes homegrown production. Pacific Climate Pushback: Pacific nations and civil society groups at UN talks in Bonn warned that attempts to weaken climate science and the 1.5°C limit threaten vulnerable communities, calling science “the backbone” of climate diplomacy. Pacific Finance Meeting: Pacific finance ministers will meet in the Marshall Islands to tackle the Middle East crisis and regional economic resilience, including a new Pacific Resilience Facility. Australia Health Alert: Australia confirms two isolated H5N1 bird flu cases in Western Australia, urging vigilance while assessing whether the virus has spread in wildlife. Japan Travel Costs: Japan raises foreigner visa fees fivefold from July 1, citing inflation and a weaker yen. India Policy & Trade: India’s exports rose about 15% in April-June despite global uncertainty, while India-EU talks point to an FTA signing by December. Energy & Food: India may pause sugar exports for up to three seasons as El Niño threatens cane output and ethanol demand tightens supplies.

Japan-India Ties: Japan PM Sanae Takaichi is set to visit India in early July with a 50-company business delegation, spotlighting semiconductors, critical minerals and supply-chain security. Trade Diplomacy: India expects the India-EU free trade agreement to be signed by December, with implementation likely in early 2027, while India-US ministerial talks aim to finalise an interim trade pact ahead of a mid-July deadline. Regional Politics: India rejected Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s comments on Varanasi’s mosque notice, saying he has “no locus standi” on internal Indian matters. China Watch: Hong Kong is pitching itself as a launchpad for mainland hard-tech firms’ overseas expansion, backed by investor access and regulatory alignment. Economy & Markets: A hawkish US policy backdrop is keeping global markets cautious, with stronger US retail sales and higher inflation forecasts shaping yields and the dollar. Sports: Japan’s World Cup surge continued with a 4-0 win over Tunisia, while India’s women’s boxing campaign in China delivered one gold and multiple medals. Culture & Wellness: International Yoga Day drew massive crowds across India and abroad, with events also tied to “healthy ageing” messaging.

International Yoga Day 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led mass yoga celebrations on Kolkata’s Red Road under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” with thousands joining the Common Yoga Protocol; the UN chief also sent greetings, while India’s Isha Foundation plans nearly 1,000 free sessions nationwide and AIIMS Delhi research links a structured yoga programme to better cognition and mood in mild Alzheimer’s patients. India Politics & Courts: The Calcutta High Court refused to pause a West Bengal Speaker’s decision naming a rebel TMC legislator as Leader of Opposition, highlighting how legal timelines often lag political realities. Regional Politics: IUML formally ended its DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu and moved to work with the ruling TVK, reshaping minority politics ahead of future polls. Energy & Trade: India’s fuel-price rise stayed limited despite crude volatility, and Piyush Goyal said the India-US trade deal can’t be implemented until India secures a competitive advantage on tariffs. Tech & Industry: India’s data-centre pipeline hit 8.33 GW on AI-driven demand, while solar overtook gas across Asia as China and India expand cheaper panels. Sports & Culture: India swept Afghanistan 3-0 in ODIs; in Japan, Rakuten Eagles appointed Masato Yoshii as manager, and Michael Owen is set to visit China’s Village Super League.

BRICS Security Talks: India will host BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting on June 22-23 under Ajit Doval, focusing on non-traditional threats and how emerging tech is reshaping security. International Day of Yoga Build-up: PM Modi will lead IDY 2026 celebrations at Kolkata’s Red Road on June 21, with the Yoga Sangam portal topping 6 lakh organisations registered; UAE missions also staged pre-events ahead of tomorrow’s mass sessions. Legal Rights for Pedestrians: India’s Supreme Court said footpaths are a constitutional necessity and urged a dedicated law to protect pedestrian rights under Article 21. Energy and Trade Pressure: India’s crude import bill jumped 81.5% in May as West Asia tensions pushed up global oil prices; Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the India-US trade deal can’t move forward until India secures a competitive advantage. Water Security Watch: China has entered construction on the Medog (Motuo) hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, renewing India’s concerns over transboundary impacts and prompting acceleration of India’s Siang Upper Multipurpose plan. Sports—India’s Sweep: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 110* and Rohit Sharma’s 79* powered India to a 3-0 ODI series win over Afghanistan. Culture and Diplomacy: China-Malaysia batik exchange in Kuala Lumpur highlighted heritage cooperation, while an International Gita seminar in Tokyo underscored India-Japan cultural ties.

FATF Leadership: India’s Vivek Aggarwal was elected vice president of the global anti-money laundering watchdog FATF, a “major win” highlighted by the MEA. International Day of Yoga: Dubai will host a community IDY event on June 21, while PM Modi shared a note on yoga’s global journey; India’s Yoga Sangam portal also crossed 6 lakh registrations. Humanitarian Pressure: China urged stronger UN humanitarian action as crises outpace funding, while India’s Palestinian embassy renewed calls for urgent medical aid for Gaza’s healthcare collapse. Regional Security: The Philippines completed a West Philippine Sea maritime exercise with the coast guard and US forces amid Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal. Trade & Mobility: Indonesia deported three Chinese nationals over visa fraud, and Japan is targeting $2.3 trillion in public-private investments by 2040. Economy & Industry: India pushed BRICS MSME cooperation, and Ashwini Vaishnaw said semiconductor talent gaps create a major opportunity for India. Culture & Tourism: Hong Kong tourism leaders urged more festival-led cultural marketing, and China’s Dragon Boat Festival boosted tourism and local spending.

Philippines–Japan Tech for Disasters: The DOST formalized a partnership with JICA to expand its GATES program, aiming to unify geospatial and climate data across agencies and use AI for disaster risk analytics and better policymaking. India Public Health Push: President Droupadi Murmu said India will eradicate sickle cell anaemia well before 2047, citing early screening of millions and identification of patients and carriers through mission-mode efforts. Central Asia Disaster Planning: Kyrgyzstan will host a hybrid regional dialogue in Bishkek (June 24–26) to coordinate natural-hazard prevention and response, with countries including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India Trade Compliance: India is working on a sustainability certification framework for export-oriented products to meet tightening EU/UK environmental and social rules. Northeast Development via Aid: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said externally aided projects should help Northeast producers reach global markets and turn connectivity gaps into opportunity. China Smart Ports: China showcased automation and AI at Beibu Gulf Port’s Smart Port Innovation Centre, with remote monitoring and autonomous equipment running most operations. Markets & Energy: Gold futures in India fell over 2% amid weak global cues and uncertainty around a US-Iran peace process. Japan–Culture & Media: Japan’s presence at Annecy 2026 hit a record 25 selections, with industry bodies consolidating their market booths under one structure. Sports: India secured six medals at the World Boxing Cup 2026 Stage 2 in Guiyang.

EU-China Trade Tensions: EU leaders agreed to build stronger trade defences against a surge of Chinese exports, while still pushing for “constructive dialogue” with Beijing. Taiwan Strait Warning: Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te urged China to renounce force and halt military buildup, stressing peace and self-defence. India-US Talks: India’s foreign secretary said the interim trade agreement with the US is in the “final stages,” with a key US trade envoy visit next week. International Yoga Day: India hosted the 12th International Day of Yoga at UN headquarters in New York, with UN chief Antonio Guterres calling yoga truly universal. India Cricket: Harshit Rana was added to India’s squad for the third ODI vs Afghanistan in Chennai after completing rehab. Markets & Tech: Indian IT stocks slid sharply after Accenture trimmed guidance; Asia markets were mixed as Taiwan and South Korea hit records. Cybercrime in the Region: INTERPOL warned cybercrime is a growing share of crime across Asia-Pacific, with scam networks generating nearly $40bn a year. Pacific Focus: Pacific finance ministers meet in Majuro to push energy-fuel security and resilience under the Blue Pacific roadmap. Travel & Culture: Cambodia’s Techo International Airport and the Philippines’ Okada Manila both earned major “most beautiful” and luxury awards.

India Tech & AI Diplomacy: PM Modi told VivaTech 2026 that technology must be “democratised” and that AI should be “all inclusive,” as India pitches itself as an innovation hub. Space & Telecom: India’s Reliance Jio is reportedly evaluating a plan to launch ~1,600 satellites, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign connectivity. Energy Security: S&P Global Energy says India is managing oil and power disruptions via diversified crude routes, domestic coal, and data-centre readiness. Markets Watch: India’s gold prices stay elevated after higher import duties and a weaker rupee, even as global prices cool. India-Pakistan Tensions: Pakistan extended its airspace ban on Indian flights until July 24. China-UK Espionage: A UK border official and a former Hong Kong police officer were jailed for spying for China. BRICS Security: China’s Wang Yi will attend India-hosted BRICS NSA talks in Delhi. EV & Industry: Tata Motors plans up to a 2.5% commercial vehicle price hike from July 1; global EV sales topped 20m in 2025 with China leading. Climate & Health: A severe heatwave is driving deadly conditions across India and Pakistan.

Energy Security in Southeast Asia: The IEA warns that rising power costs and heavy fossil-fuel import dependence leave parts of Southeast Asia exposed, with the Strait of Hormuz disruption pushing 2026 energy import bills toward $185bn; Myanmar and the Philippines still lag on electricity and clean cooking access. China Tech & Industry: Urban navigation-on-autopilot is set for rapid rollout in China, while Tianjin’s carbon-fiber rocket fairings are boosting payload capacity for commercial launches; BOE’s next-gen flexible display line in Chengdu begins mass production for thinner, cheaper laptop/tablet screens. India-UK Trade: The India-UK FTA (CETA) is set to take effect July 15, with duty-free access for 99% of tariff lines, targeting sectors like textiles, leather and processed foods. India-US Talks: Modi says “significant progress” is being made on an interim trade deal with the US after Trump meeting at the G7; USTR Jamieson Greer is due to visit next week. West Asia Peace Deal: Trump and Iran sign a deal to end the war, with steps aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing market fears. Sports: India beat Germany 3-1 in the FIH Hockey Pro League, with Manpreet Singh becoming India’s most-capped player.

India-US Maritime Security: PM Narendra Modi told Donald Trump at the G7 in France that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for global trade and stressed the safety of “lakhs of Indians” working as seafarers, after recent attacks in the region. US-India Defence Signals: Trump also praised Modi as a “tough negotiator” and said Washington would help India if attacked, tying support to Modi’s leadership. China Global Governance Push: China released a white paper calling for unity and concrete action to improve global governance, promoting its Global Governance Initiative and urging broader Global South voices at the UN. Digital Yuan Expansion: China’s central bank onboarded 26 institutions into a 24/7 cross-border e-CNY payment network, a step toward wider digital yuan use. EU-India Trade Momentum: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will formally sign its free trade deal with India by year-end, with entry targeted for 2027. India Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch accused India of unlawfully expelling ethnic Bengalis to Bangladesh without due process, leaving families stranded at the border. Philippines-China Space Watch: The Philippine Space Agency warned of debris risks after China launched a Long March 12 rocket from Hainan. Nepal Business Climate: Nepal’s chamber chief urged an end to arresting businessmen on suspicion, calling for “listen first, take action after proving the crime.” Sports: India thrashed Afghanistan 402 in the 2nd ODI in Lucknow, with Shubman Gill’s 154 and multiple career milestones.

Philippines Food Security: A Philippine court blocked commercial propagation of genetically modified “golden rice,” arguing conflicting scientific views raise “severe” health and environmental safety concerns, as the country faces El Niño-driven rice yield hits, higher oil costs from geopolitical shocks, and governance gaps that keep it dependent on imports. China Global Governance Push: China released a white paper promoting its Global Governance Initiative, saying it has won support from nearly 160 countries and organizations, and China will host an inaugural Xiong’an Global Governance Forum this autumn. China Finance & Yuan Drive: China signalled tighter anti-sanctions measures in financial law and hinted at a shift toward an overnight policy rate, while also expanding tools to boost offshore and digital yuan use. Japan Politics & Security: Japan’s ruling coalition faces backlash over a plan to cut Lower House seats, and China warned Japan’s militarization threatens regional stability. Energy & Shipping Shock: With the Strait of Hormuz expected to partially reopen under a US-Iran deal, seafarers caught in the crisis see cautious relief, but the disruption’s wider costs remain. India-US at G7: Trump and Modi are set for bilateral talks in France focused on trade, technology, investment and global security. Regional Trade: China-South Asia Expo in Kunming saw deals worth 27.7 billion yuan, underscoring continued push for cross-border investment and procurement.

Philippines-Japan Drills: Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force will join a parachute drop training in the Philippines’ Batanes later this month, as part of the Kamandag exercise that also includes the U.S. and draws attention amid China’s maritime assertiveness. India Aviation: Air India introduces an optional “Basic” economy fare on select domestic routes, keeping checked and cabin baggage but dropping complimentary meals. Bangladesh-China Trade: Bangladesh’s ECNEC approved the Tk4,189 crore Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara, with loan support from China and a target of 100,000 jobs. China Health Security: China issued a revised Ebola prevention and control plan, tightening tracking, quarantine observation, and reporting timelines for medical institutions and customs. China-Myanmar Belt and Road: Xi Jinping urged steady progress on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, stressing safety and support for Myanmar’s development. Regional Tech & Payments: Standard Chartered China joined China’s CBETS cross-border e-CNY transfer services, signaling deeper yuan settlement links. Sports Spotlight: India beat Pakistan by 64 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup, setting a new attendance record for a group-stage match. Business & Culture: Warner Music APAC launched “Listen Up,” an Asia-Pacific artist accelerator aimed at scaling talent globally.

China Economy Watch: China’s retail sales fell 0.6% year-on-year in May for the first time in more than three years, while fixed-asset investment also slipped 4.1% in Jan–May, underscoring weak household demand. Tourism & Mobility: Cambodia began a four-month visa-free trial for Chinese passport holders (14 days, e-arrival required), but analysts warn results may hinge on geopolitics and air connectivity. AI & Data Sovereignty: Hong Kong and China firms are boosting AI spending, yet face rising vendor, IP and cyber risks; separately, SharonAI says it will deploy 600PB of VAST Data’s AI operating system across its Asia-Pacific sovereign AI cloud. Food Safety & Retail: China ordered Sam’s Club to fix recurring food safety problems after reports of serious contamination issues. Energy Transition: Southeast Asia hit a new high for renewable investment at US$17b in 2025, though grid buildout still lags. Defense & Security: Taiwan is urged to build layered defenses against China’s “robot wolf” systems. Markets & Trade: India’s silver imports plunged 87% in May as import curbs tightened, while Japan’s central bank is seen preparing a rate hike to a 31-year high.

Middle East Diplomacy: China welcomed the US-Iran MoU on a permanent ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, urging all sides to sign the first-phase deal on schedule and resolve differences through dialogue. Energy & Trade Watch: Analysts say Asia will get only partial relief until oil flows resume and the agreement holds, with Hormuz still a key chokepoint for global energy and maritime trade. China–US Talks: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met US Representative Lou Correa in Beijing, stressing implementation of leaders’ understandings and expanding cooperation on stable, sustainable economic ties. Indo-Pacific Security: Australia’s Lowy Institute warned China is building long-range missile capability that could pressure regional states, even as Beijing insists its defense build is not targeted at any country. India Economy: India’s retail inflation rose to 3.93% in May, driven mainly by food and fuel-linked costs, while markets tracked easing geopolitical risk. Business & Industry: Novo Nordisk will add 200 million yuan to its Tianjin production base to expand injection-pen and drug capacity for China. Sports: India’s badminton contingent gears up for the Macau Open Super 300, led by Isharani Baruah and Kiran.

US-Iran Breakthrough: Asia markets jumped after Washington and Tehran agreed to end the war framework, lift the US naval blockade and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing oil-price pressure—though officials warn recovery will take time. Indian Markets & Energy: India’s Sensex and Nifty surged on the de-escalation and falling crude, while policymakers and analysts pointed to supply-stability concerns around Hormuz. Noida Airport Opens: Noida International Airport in Jewar began commercial flights with IndiGo’s first scheduled service to Lucknow, with a farmers’ delegation among the inaugural passengers. India–France Tech Push: At the G7 in Evian and alongside PM Modi’s France visit, leaders highlighted deeper cooperation on AI, innovation, clean energy and defence. China–Australia Security Warning: An Australian think tank said China’s missile build-up could enable direct strike capability against Australia. Sports: Japan stunned the Netherlands 2-2 in the World Cup opener with Daichi Kamada’s late header; Japanese fans won praise for cleaning Dallas Stadium. Pacific Climate: Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu was named Pacific Ocean Envoy ahead of COP31, focusing on ocean protection and climate resilience.