AGP Executive Report

India-Iran Security Talks at BRICS: 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 alongside BRICS foreign ministers including China’s Wang Yi. China-US Trade Retaliation: Beijing added 10 US firms to export controls and barred Chinese government procurement from 46 others, escalating the tech and defense-linked sanctions spiral. Japan PM Under Fire: Japan’s Sanae Takaichi faced backlash after saying questions about a smear-video scandal were cutting into her PM duties. Uttar Pradesh Fire Tragedy: Lucknow’s animation training centre fire killed at least 15 students, with rescue and compensation announced by Prime Minister Modi. India Cyber “Boss Scam” Warning: India’s I4C flagged CEO impersonation fraud targeting executives via malicious files and hijacked WhatsApp sessions. UAE Eyes Indian Missiles: Reuters reports early talks for UAE purchases of India’s BrahMos and Akashteer air defense systems. China Foreign Investment Push: China unveiled 15 measures to stabilize foreign investment, easing procedures and expanding market access. ASEAN STI Cooperation: ASEAN’s science and innovation council advanced regional AI and tech transfer plans at a meeting in Vientiane. Nepal Electricity Tariff Overhaul: Nepal is preparing a seasonal electricity tariff structure to shift prices between monsoon and dry periods.

US-India Trade Talks: USTR Jamieson Greer heads to New Delhi for ministerial talks with Piyush Goyal as both sides try to lock in the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement ahead of a looming US tariff deadline. EU-India Free Trade: Piyush Goyal says the India-EU deal is set to be signed by December, with implementation likely in Feb–March 2027. China-Retaliation Escalation: Beijing announces export controls on 10 US defense and rare-earth firms and procurement bans on 46 more, deepening the tech-and-security tit-for-tat after US blacklist moves. Pacific Climate Politics: Pacific civil society and small island states at Bonn’s SB64 warn attempts to weaken climate science and the 1.5°C limit risk climate justice and future planning. Pacific Governance & Youth: A forum in Fiji highlights how young people remain underrepresented in Pacific decision-making despite their demographic weight. Australia Biosecurity: Australia confirms two new H5N1 bird flu infections, with national coordination and public vigilance urged. Japan Economy & Costs: Japan’s inflation stays below target as subsidies cushion prices, while visa fees jump fivefold for foreigners. Regional Security: US Pacific Air Forces commander visits Sri Lanka to expand air and maritime awareness, cybersecurity, disaster response and regional security cooperation. Trade Disruption Watch: India signals tighter sugar availability as El Niño and ethanol demand threaten exports, while Japan’s chip equipment makers report a first-ever sales decline to China.

India-Pakistan Tensions: India’s MEA rejected Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s remarks on Kashmir and alleged threats to Muslim sites, saying he has “no locus standi” on India’s internal matters. Bangladesh Water Security: Water resources minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee told parliament the government is committed to securing a fair share of transboundary river waters, citing upstream infrastructure and climate impacts. Japan Politics & Security: A Kyodo poll put Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet approval at 55.8%, the lowest since she took office, as Strait of Hormuz reopening and West Asia uncertainty shape debate. Taiwan Readiness: Taiwan will run five-day drills from June 22-26 to repel a simulated Chinese attack, practicing rapid wartime transition. Trade Diplomacy: India’s Piyush Goyal says the India-EU free trade agreement is set to be signed by December and could take effect in Feb-March 2027; U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer visits June 23-24 for interim BTA “final touches.” Maritime & Defence: PM Modi commissioned three indigenous naval warships in Kolkata, linking West Bengal to India’s “Blue Economy.” Regional Tech & Capital: Hong Kong’s financial secretary says the city is a bridge for Chinese hard-tech firms’ overseas expansion, backed by its investor network and regulatory framework.

India–Pakistan Tensions: India’s MEA rejected Pakistan President Zardari’s remarks on minority rights and historic Muslim sites, calling them baseless interference and a “deliberate political attack.” West Asia Diplomacy: India welcomed a US–Iran understanding to end hostilities, with Qatar praised as mediator; Iran’s parliament speaker marked talks in Switzerland by invoking victims of the Minab incident. Energy Security: Three Indian-flagged crude tankers cleared the Strait of Hormuz with 8.6 lakh MT en route to India, easing supply-route anxiety. Trade & Diplomacy: Piyush Goyal said the India–US trade deal can’t be implemented until India secures a “competitive advantage,” keeping tariff issues central. Regional Politics: A Calcutta High Court refusal to stay a West Bengal LoP appointment highlights how court timelines can lag political consequences. Japan Domestic Politics: Japan’s aging society survey finds seniors rely less on friends and neighbors than peers abroad, while debate grows over SDF recruitment and constitutional revision. Digital Governance: India and South Korea discussed cooperation on digital government, AI-led services, and citizen-centric grievance systems. Cybersecurity: Google and the FBI moved against a Chinese AI-enabled scam network using Gemini to create fake sites. Tourism & Aviation: A Tokyo–Bohol charter flight boosts Japan-linked tourism hopes in the Philippines.

Myanmar Crisis: More than 130 lawmakers from 11 countries urged ASEAN to demand the immediate, unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, citing the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and warning that dialogue can’t move while detainees remain jailed. South Asia Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi to follow up on the US–Iran peace process after the Islamabad MoU, with technical talks slated in Switzerland. BRICS Security: India will host BRICS National Security Advisers’ talks on June 22-23, chaired by Ajit Doval, focusing on non-traditional threats and emerging technologies; China will be represented by its top diplomat. India-US Trade: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the FTA can’t be implemented until India secures a “competitive advantage,” especially lower duties versus rivals. India Domestic Politics: Ahead of NEET-UG re-exam, Rahul Gandhi urged the government to ensure “no glitches,” after the paper leak controversy. Energy & Security: India said three India-flagged crude tankers safely transited the Strait of Hormuz; separately, China began work on the Medog dam while India accelerates the Siang project, raising water-security concerns. Industry Under Pressure: Tata’s India iPhone component plant faces fresh health and wastewater scrutiny after new local investigations. Japan Immigration: Japan approved its first visa fee hike in nearly 50 years, raising single-entry fees fivefold from July. Regional Elections: Malaysia’s DAP named candidates for Johor’s July 11 state election, signaling Pakatan Harapan’s push to win all seats in the Kulai constituency.

Philippines–Japan–US Security: The AFP said it finished a six-day maritime drill with the Philippine Coast Guard and US forces in the West Philippine Sea, with Chinese vessels operating near Scarborough Shoal, underscoring rising maritime friction. Japan–Philippines Defense: Japan’s parliament approved an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement to share defense supplies and logistics, aiming to deepen security cooperation as China’s assertiveness grows. Japan Immigration Policy: Japan will raise single-entry visa fees fivefold to 15,000 yen from July, a cost shift tied to inflation and yen weakness. India–FATF Leadership: Vivek Aggarwal was elected FATF vice president, with India calling it a major win for its anti-terror financing push. India–Semiconductors: Ashwini Vaishnaw said India can help close a global semiconductor talent gap, pitching design and manufacturing capacity. India–Gaza Humanitarian Appeal: Palestine’s ambassador urged India to provide urgent medical aid as Gaza’s healthcare system nears collapse. India–Bangladesh Diplomacy: A “storm in a teacup” flared after India’s new high commissioner crossed into Dhaka on foot, with Bangladesh’s political factions accusing India of hegemonism. China–UN Humanitarian Stance: China called for stronger UN-backed humanitarian action while warning against politicizing aid. China–Iran Deal Warning: Beijing urged “Israel” not to obstruct the Iran–US MoU implementation and pushed for stage-two talks. India–BRICS MSME: India sought BRICS cooperation to strengthen MSMEs and support weaker sections. Japan Growth Push: Japan plans about $2.3 trillion in public-private investment by 2040 across strategic sectors.

Japan-Philippines Security: Japan’s parliament approved an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement to share defense supplies and logistics with the Philippines, a move aimed at countering China’s growing regional assertiveness. India Digital Governance: India’s Delhi High Court upheld the Telegram ban under the IT Act, after NEET-UG leak concerns, triggering a surge in VPN downloads and shifts to other messaging apps. India Trade & Industry: India is building a sustainability certification framework for export products to meet tougher EU-style environmental and social compliance rules; separately, India-UK CETA is set to enter into force on July 15. Energy & Climate: Nepal has begun larger electricity exports to India and Bangladesh as monsoon arrives; the WEF says global energy transition momentum has slipped, with energy security the only dimension worsening. Regional Resilience: PNG’s disaster minister warned El Niño conditions could worsen drought and food/water risks, while Kyrgyzstan will host a Central Asia dialogue on coordinated disaster prevention and response. Tech & Geopolitics: The US raised concerns with ASML that a top chipmaking machine may have reached China, though ASML denies any EUV exports. Politics: A split within India’s INDIA bloc surfaced in Jharkhand Rajya Sabha voting, costing Congress a second seat.

EU–China Trade Fight: EU leaders agreed to build tougher trade defences against a surge of Chinese exports, while still calling for “constructive dialogue” with Beijing as the bloc wrestles with a massive goods deficit and rare-earth dependence. Japan Currency & Inflation: Japan’s finance minister warned of “decisive” action against currency speculation as the yen slid near multi-decade lows, even as core prices rose 1.4% in May with fuel subsidies tempering energy-driven inflation. India–US Trade: India’s foreign secretary said the interim India-US trade agreement is in “final stages,” with US trade representative Jamieson Greer set to visit next week. ASEAN–Russia Roadmap: ASEAN adopted a new Kazan Declaration 2026 and plans for 2026–2030 cooperation with Russia, with Marcos and Putin stressing practical political-security, cultural, and energy steps. Cybercrime & Scams: INTERPOL warned cybercrime is expanding across Asia-Pacific, with industrialized scam networks generating nearly $40bn annually. UK–China Espionage: Two men, including a former UK Border Force officer, were jailed for spying for China targeting pro-democracy dissidents. India Domestic Politics: Congress attacked Modi over the G7 meeting with Trump, while Karnataka’s Congress swept all five Legislative Council seats it contested. Regional Security & Economy: Japan’s defense chief signaled deeper NATO-linked engagement, and markets rallied in Japan and South Korea as oil prices eased after the Strait of Hormuz reopened.

ASEAN-Russia Summit: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used the ASEAN-Russia commemorative meeting in Kazan to push a roadmap focused on peace, maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber resilience, and deeper trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. UK-China Espionage: A former UK border officer and a retired Hong Kong police official were jailed for spying on Hong Kong dissidents and critics of Beijing, in a landmark case under Britain’s National Security Act. Nepal-India Tea Dispute: Nepal’s tea sector says export barriers are paralyzing shipments to India, with factories and gardens shutting after claims of “diplomatic efforts” were made in parliament. India Tech Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi pitched “All Inclusive” AI and democratised technology at VivaTech in Paris, inviting global firms to partner with India’s digital public infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. BRICS Security Track: China’s Wang Yi is set to visit India for the BRICS national security advisers meeting in New Delhi, signaling high-level security dialogue ahead of the September summit. Japan Disaster Response Mental Health: A Japanese court ruling spotlighted psychological strain on staff dispatched to disaster recovery, renewing calls for better mental health support for responders.

India-UK Trade Deal: The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will take effect on 15 July, giving India duty-free access on 99% of tariff lines and cutting levies on key exports like textiles, marine products, engineering goods and chemicals. US-India Trade Talks: At the G7 in Evian, PM Modi said “significant progress” has been made on an interim US-India trade deal; Trump called the sides “very close” and USTR Jamieson Greer is set to visit next week. West Asia Peace: Trump and Iran’s president signed a deal to end the West Asia war, with Iran agreeing to reduce enriched uranium and the US promising major economic relief, easing pressure on oil prices and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Japan-Taiwan Tensions & Tourism: Japan reported foreign visitor arrivals down 3.6% in May, with Chinese arrivals plunging 60.4% amid deteriorating diplomacy. Japan Currency Watch: The yen hit its weakest level since July 2024, raising intervention risk as markets price further Bank of Japan tightening. Pacific Climate Prep: Papua New Guinea’s Government House received water tanks ahead of an expected El Niño dry spell. Nepal Foreign Policy: Nepal’s FM says the government wants stronger ties with both India and China after high-level talks in Beijing. New Zealand Politics: New Zealand’s Fisheries Amendment Bill was delayed until after the election after public backlash.

ASEAN-Russia Summit: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Kazan for the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit, with leaders expected to adopt the Kazan Declaration 2026 and discuss food/energy security, trade, and cooperation. India–US Security: At the G7 in France, Donald Trump told reporters the US would “be there to help” if India is attacked, tying the pledge to PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. India–UK Trade: Modi said the India–UK free trade deal will enter into force on July 15, with EU/UK implementation momentum and a digital trade chapter also highlighted in related coverage. Telegram vs India’s NEET: Telegram challenged India’s temporary ban in Delhi High Court, arguing it’s unconstitutional and disproportionate after exam-fraud concerns; India’s NTA said the restriction ends June 22. China–Iran Diplomacy: China’s FM Wang Yi backed Iran’s “reasonable and legitimate claims” and supported the Iran–US MoU, offering to help implement it. China–Myanmar Detention: US citizen and Myanmar activist Min Zin was detained in China on espionage suspicions, raising concern among US officials and rights groups. Japan–US Base Politics: Japan began landfill work off Okinawa for the long-delayed US base relocation, renewing local opposition. EU–China Trade Tensions: EU-China deficit concerns are driving protective measures and fears of a trade war as Brussels weighs next steps. Indo-Pacific Military Posture: Australia’s defence minister said US Marine crisis-ready stockpiles are part of a growing US footprint, while the US restored the Pacific Command name from Indo-Pacific. Border Flashpoints (South Asia): Bangladesh’s home minister said BSF push attempts since 2024 were foiled, while HRW alleged unlawful expulsions of ethnic Bengalis.

India-US G7 diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are set for talks in France focused on trade, technology, investment and West Asia security, with energy and the Strait of Hormuz high on the agenda. Japan energy security: Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi unveiled “POWERR Asia” at the G7, pushing stronger oil stockpiles via the IEA and supply-chain resilience. Japan electoral reform fight: Japan’s ruling coalition plans to cut 45 House of Representatives seats, sparking opposition backlash over proportional-representation impacts. Japan economy/BOJ: The Bank of Japan raised rates to 1.0%, testing inflation control as oil-price pressures feed into costs. Philippines cyberattacks: Government websites were hit again, with the NBI site defaced after earlier Senate and House breaches. India Telegram crackdown: India blocked Telegram until June 22 ahead of NEET UG 2026 re-exam, citing organized exam fraud; users report uneven enforcement. China yuan push: China expanded offshore yuan access and tools for overseas yuan liquidity, alongside vows to counter “unilateral sanctions.” China governance messaging: Beijing released a global governance white paper touting the Global Governance Initiative and UN-centered multilateralism. US missile drills in Japan: The US will deploy Typhon missile systems to southern Japan for upcoming exercises. Nepal-China balancing: Nepal’s FM Shishir Khanal visited Beijing to reassure China on commitments and deepen ties as Kathmandu also engages the West.

India–Bangladesh ties: Bangladesh’s adviser on policy and strategy, Zahed Ur Rahman, returned from New Delhi in an “instant protest” after alleging mistreatment, while Dhaka signalled it still wants improved trade and commerce with India. South Asia politics: In Jharkhand ahead of Rajya Sabha elections, the NDA moved opposition MLAs to a Ranchi hotel as parties plan strategy for June 18 voting. India governance & rights: India’s Supreme Court sought responses on a plea challenging Aadhaar being used as proof of citizenship and age, despite the Aadhaar Act’s limits. India exam crackdown: India temporarily blocked Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-test, citing organised cheating and fake paper-leak channels, and also ordered limits on message editing. Bangladesh–China economic push: Bangladesh approved the Tk4,189 crore Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara, with PM directives tying the project to waste management and renewable energy integration. Japan–regional policy: Japan approved a first nationwide rollout of LGBTQ+ education resources across schools, workplaces, universities and homes. Central Europe diplomacy: India and Slovakia elevated ties to a comprehensive partnership during Modi’s visit, with cooperation spanning defence, cybersecurity, jobs, education and technology. Japan monetary policy: The Bank of Japan raised its key rate to 1.0%, warning West Asia-driven oil and weak-yen risks could lift inflation. China–Myanmar: Xi Jinping urged steady progress on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and reiterated support for Myanmar’s sovereignty.

ASEAN-Russia Diplomacy: Cambodia PM Hun Manet will join the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on June 17-18, with Phnom Penh signaling deeper cooperation as the dialogue marks 35 years. Tourism Policy: Cambodia launches a four-month visa-free trial for Chinese tourists (June 15-Oct 15), aiming to lift arrivals and restore pre-pandemic momentum. Pacific Governance: Palau’s National Congress takes ownership of a new joint parliamentary website for the Senate and House, backed by Japan-funded UNDP support to boost transparency. AI and Data Infrastructure: Australia’s SharonAI expands its partnership with VAST Data, deploying 600PB of sovereign AI infrastructure across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. China Domestic Regulation: China issues an updated Good Clinical Practice for Drugs guideline, tightening data governance and trial accountability ahead of a Sept 1 start. China Retail Oversight: Regulators order Walmart’s Sam’s Club to fix recurring food safety problems as the chain expands in China. Regional Security and Tech: Taiwan is urged to build layered defenses against China’s “robot wolf” systems, combining detection, electronic warfare and counter-robot training. Climate and Cost Pressure: Pacific households face an insurance squeeze as climate risk and rising costs collide. India Politics: Jharkhand’s ruling INDIA bloc claims all MLAs will vote “according to conscience” in the June 18 Rajya Sabha election, setting up a tight contest.

Indo-Pacific Security: Australia’s Lowy Institute warns China is building long-range missile capability that could hit Australia and still pressure the region economically in a wider US-China war, with Taiwan the PLA’s top priority. EU-China Tensions: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says the bloc has verified reports China trained Russian troops for Ukraine and is weighing sanctions; separately, the EU’s trade deficit with China hits a record €1bn a day, raising alarm over Europe’s industrial base. West Philippine Sea: Philippine generals and flag officers demand China remove a floating platform at Scarborough Shoal, calling it a sovereignty infringement; Manila also pushes back after Beijing sanctions Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro. Japan-Italy Defense & Minerals: Japan’s PM Takaichi and Italy’s Meloni agree to accelerate the trilateral next-gen fighter jet effort with Britain and deepen critical-minerals supply-chain cooperation, while both welcome a US-Iran interim deal. India-US Trade: USTR Jamieson Greer heads to India for June 23-24 talks to finalize an interim trade framework and move toward the first phase of a broader bilateral trade deal. India Economy: Retail inflation rises to 3.93% in May (food and fuel-led), while wholesale inflation jumps to 9.68%; unemployment edges up to 5.5%. India-Slovakia Pivot: Modi signs Slovakia MoUs on defence, digitization, nuclear and space ahead of G7, positioning Bratislava as a gateway to the EU. Energy Shock Watch: India’s government and analysts focus on whether Strait of Hormuz reopening after the US-Iran deal will ease oil and inflation pressures. Pacific Security: Fiji’s Tikoduadua warns Pacific leaders that drug trafficking and organised crime are multiplying alongside climate, food insecurity and housing pressures.

India–France Strategic Push: Modi and Macron used Bharat Innovates 2026 to roll out an India–France Innovation Roadmap 2030, a joint AI working group, and a plan to double trade over five years, with UPI expansion and new skilling and research links among the 13 outcomes. West Asia Shipping Shock: India’s protests over US strikes that killed three Indian mariners feed into a wider Hormuz story as a tentative US-Iran truce lifts oil prices and raises hopes of reopening the Strait—while shipowners still want details and mine-clearance assurances. US AI Controls Hit India: The US move to block foreign access to Anthropic’s frontier models has reignited India’s push for sovereign AI infrastructure, with officials and investors calling for a “version 2.0” style expansion of the AI Mission. China’s Growing Military Reach: Australia’s Lowy Institute warns China’s ability to strike Australia will grow over the decade, alongside cyber and undersea-cable risks. Economic Security in Asia: Japan and the UK launched a joint economic security declaration targeting China-linked rare-earth export curbs, aiming to stabilize critical-mineral supply chains. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Fiji’s Seruiratu named Pacific Ocean Envoy ahead of COP31, focusing on ocean protection and climate finance priorities. Regional Politics: Philippines’ National Maritime Council backed Defense chief Teodoro against China’s sanctions, citing sovereignty and the 2016 arbitral award. Energy/Industry Watch: India’s parliamentary panels will review West Asia impacts on roads and the coal block auction process.