AGP Executive Report

Philippines–China Tensions: Metro Manila saw five caskets with anti-China, anti-CPP messages, prompting a police probe after the DFA condemned the act while stressing freedom of expression has limits; the Chinese Embassy demanded protection for its diplomats and urged prosecution, and police later identified a van driver allegedly used for deliveries. India–China Border Signaling: India formally marked 27 Arunachal locations on official Survey of India maps, citing the need for accurate identification amid China’s repeated renaming attempts, including areas near the LAC. India–Bangladesh Diplomatic Friction: India reiterated it had no role in Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi media interaction and does not endorse her remarks, as Bangladesh’s government condemned the event. Parliament Politics: PM Modi hosted NDA MPs over breakfast, warning that repeated disruptions are blocking the public from hearing new lawmakers. Housing/Real Estate: MahaRERA granted a four-month extension to eligible housing projects affected by West Asia conditions, treating the situation as force majeure. Energy & Economy: India’s forex reserves rose by $10.5bn to $692.9bn; petroleum minister said U.S. now supplies about 67% of India’s LPG imports after diversification. Pacific Security: Japan called Fiji an “anchor” of Pacific stability, pledging deeper defense cooperation as regional competition rises.

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying some members were influenced by outside wishes; the issue now heads to leaders in Palau. Japan Immigration Politics: A Japan poll found support for admitting more foreign workers has fallen to 58.2%, as fears grow over safety, illegal overstays, welfare costs and social cohesion. India Elections & Courts: India’s Supreme Court dismissed ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel’s bid to reject an election petition over a claimed 48-hour silence violation, letting objections be raised at the High Court trial. India Foreign Funding Law: Opposition parties debate whether to participate in Parliament’s FCRA amendments after Amit Shah’s assurance the bill won’t apply retrospectively, but critics say other powers remain “draconian.” Tech & Industry: Microsoft launched its fourth Azure data centre region in Hyderabad as part of a $20.5bn India push for cloud and AI; South Korea’s industry minister urged reconsidering the 52-hour workweek to stay competitive with China. Energy & Health Policy: India approved a $2.5bn biogas scheme and is drafting a new Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Bill to modernise pharma regulation.

Trade Remedies in Malaysia: Malaysia’s MITI has opened an anti-dumping duty investigation on flat rolled aluminium-zinc coated steel imports from China, Taiwan and Vietnam, after a local producer petition alleged “dumped” pricing and injury to domestic industry. Trade Remedies Review: MITI also started an expiry review of anti-dumping duties on prepainted/painted/colour-coated steel coils from China and Vietnam, with submissions due Aug 17 and a decision expected within 180 days. Japan Politics & Tourism: Foreign visitors to Japan’s Diet building hit 13,697 in 2025, a record since 1993, as inbound travel surges. Philippines–China Tensions: Vice President Sara Duterte demanded Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro name officials accused of defending China in the West Philippine Sea, warning against vague accusations. India Parliament Deadlock: India’s government is holding talks with opposition parties, including Rahul Gandhi, to break the logjam over the Delimitation Bill tied to women’s reservation. India Justice: India’s court sentenced former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal to 10 years for rape of a junior colleague, overturning an earlier acquittal. Japan–China Nuclear Row: China urged Japan to repent and step back from remilitarization and nuclear policy shifts ahead of Hiroshima’s 81st anniversary. Taiwan Drills: Taiwan’s Han Kuang exercises stress civilian resilience as the “invasion window” closes, with drills running through Aug 14.

Bangladesh-India Rift: Dhaka hit back hard after Sheikh Hasina was allowed a live media interaction in New Delhi, calling it an affront to sovereignty and warning it harms a fragile diplomatic reset. South Asia Politics: India rejected Pakistan’s “Youm-e-Istehsal” observance over Article 370, reiterating Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. Parliamentary Fight: Opposition MPs staged protests in India’s Parliament over the Ram temple donation row and alleged police excesses against student demonstrators. Tech & Governance: AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said Meta restricted his account in India and demanded an explanation, while Meta’s apology over Modi-related content drew political reactions. Japan Security & Nuclear Debate: Japan marked Hiroshima’s 81st anniversary as PM Sanae Takaichi avoided a clear pledge on maintaining nonnuclear principles amid defense-policy revisions. Pacific Regionalism: Pacific youth leaders backed a 2027–2036 youth framework, and Australia’s FM Penny Wong heads to Fiji for Pacific foreign ministers talks. Myanmar Diplomacy: Myanmar’s ex-junta leader Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Bangkok as Thailand and ASEAN push for normalization.

Taiwan Strait Tensions: Taiwan kicked off its biggest annual “Han Kuang” drills, with reservists firing on a beach scenario and civilians facing air-raid drills and even temporary mobile internet slowdowns as China ramps up pressure. India’s Domestic Resilience: Kerala’s rain disaster toll rose to 26 dead, with thousands displaced and hundreds of relief camps running as India’s weather service issued alerts for more heavy rain. Monsoon Politics in Parliament: India’s monsoon session stayed paralysed for a 13th day as opposition protests over alleged police excesses against student demonstrators kept forcing adjournments. RBI Watch: The Reserve Bank of India held rates at 5.25% while flagging oil-price risks to inflation. Bangladesh Return Drama: Sheikh Hasina said she plans to return from exile in December despite a death sentence, while her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy warned Bangladesh is becoming “another Pakistan” for India’s eastern flank. Tech & Security: China retaliated against US restrictions with tighter drone export controls and sanctions on US entities, as the US-China tech fight intensifies. Aviation & Trade: Air India named Ethiopian Airlines’ Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO, and India condemned a Red Sea attack that sank an Indian-flagged vessel, with all crew rescued. Creative Economy: Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met PM Modi and launched a “Netflix India Storytelling Initiative” to train talent across AVGC. Regional Diplomacy: Japan-Philippines ties got a boost in Manila as the House recognized 70 years of normal diplomatic relations.

Parliament Showdown (India): Opposition MPs marched inside New Delhi’s Parliament complex demanding Home Minister Amit Shah answer on alleged police excesses against student protesters, plus Ram temple donation “misappropriation” and Jammu & Kashmir statehood. Governance Scrutiny (Nepal): Four and a half months into Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s term, critics say decisions are being pushed through social media and have breached parliamentary decorum, raising transparency and constitutional-process questions. Election Court Ruling (India): Telangana High Court dismissed a petition challenging BRS leader KTR’s Sircilla win, saying election petitions can’t be entertained just over alleged qualification gaps. UPI Policy Shift (India): The Centre is considering allowing merchant charges via MDR on UPI payments above ₹2,000, while keeping person-to-person transfers free. Monetary Policy (India): RBI held the repo rate at 5.25% for a third straight meeting, citing West Asia uncertainty and volatile inflation risks. Tech & Trade Friction (US-China): Reports say the US is drafting tighter curbs on Chinese data-center components and considering polysilicon-related measures, raising supply-chain and cost concerns. Taiwan Security (Taiwan): Taipei says it will tighten oversight and train schools on “united front” risks tied to China exchanges. Regional Economy (Pacific): New Stats NZ data shows Pacific workers facing mounting pressure, with unemployment and underutilisation rising.

Philippines–Japan Health Deal: Manila signed notes for a ¥30bn (about P11.54bn) JICA loan to fund the third phase of its Universal Health Care reforms, targeting sustainable financing, strategic purchasing, service delivery and stronger information/performance accountability. India–Bangladesh Diplomatic Row: India says it invited Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman for BRICS outreach but has no role in Sheikh Hasina’s planned “private” virtual press event, as Dhaka presses for clarification. Meta vs Modi Video: India’s parliamentary panel demanded Zuckerberg’s apology after Meta removed and later restored PM Modi’s Facebook video, warning safe-harbour protections could be reviewed. India Parliament Law Change: Both houses passed a bill tightening delayed birth/death registration, requiring judicial magistrate approval for cases reported over two years late. ASEAN Vision from Thailand: Thai PM Anutin set out a three-part ASEAN agenda—stronger regionalism, resilience, and people-centred delivery—urging more flexible consensus and better supply-chain, food/energy and digital cooperation. Japan Security Posture: Japan’s defence minister called for a “sense of urgency and crisis” in the face of China, North Korea and Russia, as the annual white paper flags rising regional risks. India Energy Push: A report says India’s distributed renewables hit 31.5 GW in FY2026, led by rooftop solar, while distributed solar potential remains far larger. Maritime Flashpoint: India condemned the sinking of the MSV Faize Noore Oliya in the Red Sea after a projectile attack; all crew were rescued. Tamil Nadu Political Tension: Udhayanidhi Stalin was released after police questioning over alleged offensive remarks tied to a film actor, with DMK and TVK trading accusations. Monsoon Disaster: Kerala floods killed at least 25, with thousands displaced and relief operations intensifying. Tesla China Complication: Reporting highlights Tesla’s China output surge but weaker local sales, with analysts noting any China business separation for a potential SpaceX merger could be legally and politically thorny.

ASEAN Child Protection: Malaysia’s Nancy Shukri urged ASEAN to put children first in policymaking, warning that violence now includes cyberbullying and online exploitation, as the region counts about 200 million children under 18. Japan Earthquake Response: After a 7.1 quake in Kumamoto, 8,000+ people remain in shelters amid heat and water outages; the government is designating the disaster as “extreme severity” to unlock higher reconstruction subsidies. Japan–US Yen Intervention: Japan’s defense white paper stresses a “sense of urgency and crisis,” while markets watch currency activism: US and Japan coordinated yen-buying again, with officials hinting further action if the yen slides. India Energy Security: India approved “Samudra Manthan,” a ₹84,084-crore offshore exploration push to cut import dependence and expand domestic oil and gas output. India Parliament Tensions: Opposition MPs staged protests over alleged Ram temple donation theft and “police excesses” against students, as the Monsoon Session heads into its final stretch. Tamil Nadu Governance Clash: Cauvery water politics continues: Sengottaiyan says surplus should reach Mettur soon, while HR&CE’s Ramesh promises a white paper on alleged DMK-era temple scams. Bangladesh–India Row: Dhaka demanded India clarify its stance on Sheikh Hasina’s planned Delhi video address, warning it could affect bilateral progress. China-Linked Corruption Scrutiny Abroad: Colombia probes alleged cash-for-invoice demands tied to a Chinese state-linked Bogotá metro contractor, while Malaysia’s Forest City faces fallout after a scam raid.

US-Japan Yen Intervention: The US joined Japan in a rare coordinated move to buy yen for the first time since 1998, aiming to curb volatility after the currency hit multi-decade lows and raising pressure on the Bank of Japan to tighten policy. Japan Economy Outlook: The BOJ expects moderate growth in FY27 with inflation likely to move clearly above 2% later in the year, supported by policy measures and AI-driven demand. China Industrial Policy: Beijing launched its first “carbon-efficiency leaders” program for key heavy industries, while also defending its export-led model ahead of looming US-EU trade talks. China Trade Narrative: China pushed back on “overcapacity” claims, arguing Western accusations ignore how scale and demand link to production. India Trade Numbers: India reported FY25-26 trade rising to $1.84 trillion and a narrower deficit, alongside export-focused policy tools and manufacturing support. India Fuel Windfall Taxes: India raised windfall taxes on petrol, diesel and aviation fuel amid volatile oil prices. Bangladesh-India Tensions: Dhaka warned that continued political activity by Sheikh Hasina from Indian territory could harm bilateral relations and sought India’s position ahead of a planned media event. ASEAN Security Push: Indonesia and Thailand pledged to strengthen ASEAN resilience and back Myanmar’s Five-Point Consensus. Tech & Business: CXMT, after a blockbuster IPO, is considering a second Beijing memory-chip plant; Bitget is exiting Japan’s market as crypto rules tighten. Energy & Trade Deals: The first tariff-free Scottish salmon shipment reached India under the UK-India FTA.

Rare FX intervention: Japan and the US confirmed a rare coordinated yen-buying operation after the currency hit fresh 40-year lows, warning they “will not hesitate” to act again as volatility threatens markets and inflation. Indo-Pacific security framing: Malaysia’s defence minister and ASEAN chief stressed ASEAN centrality, strategic neutrality and the “Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality” idea, arguing external powers must engage through ASEAN frameworks. West Philippine Sea politics: Manila’s Palace backed Defence Sec. Gibo Teodoro’s push for officials to resign if they won’t uphold the WPS position, while critics accused him of “demonizing” China. India sports policy: India’s Cabinet approved a major Khelo India expansion (₹36,441 crore) to build a talent pipeline, as officials celebrated Commonwealth Games success. Monsoon disaster: Floods and landslides in southern India killed at least 11 and displaced thousands in Kerala, with Karnataka also hit. Labour & skills: Indonesia urged stronger vocational and language training for overseas work, citing destination-country language requirements. Malaysia rare earths: Malaysia is considering limited exports of unprocessed rare earths under strict conditions to balance processing goals with investor pressure.

Bangladesh Politics: Exiled former PM Sheikh Hasina is set for her first public appearance from India on Aug 5, likely via a virtual address at FCC South Asia in New Delhi, where she is expected to outline future plans and a possible return to Bangladesh, with panelists including her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy. India Energy & Industry: India’s solar boom hit a new milestone, with installed solar capacity rising from 3 GW in 2014 to 162.15 GW by June 30, 2026, and 2025 additions of 37 GW helping India surpass the US; coal remains central to power security as coal production rose 7.51% in July while renewables hit record output and cut coal’s share in the generation mix. India Foreign Policy: MEA Secretary Sibi George hosted a UN delegation and reiterated India’s push for a more representative, effective multilateral order ahead of its UNSC bid. Japan-US Currency: Japan and the US carried out coordinated yen support, the first joint intervention since 2011, as Tokyo prepares to announce the action. China Governance & Trade: China defended its economic model favoring advanced industries over consumption ahead of EU/US trade talks, signaling confidence while rejecting “industrial overcapacity” claims. India Domestic Politics & Society: PM Modi launched the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” 100-week drug-free campaign, while India also moved to make reciting Vande Mataram mandatory before the national anthem. Regional Security: PoJK’s second election phase saw chaos and polling delays amid protests and disruptions.

South China Sea Baselines: The Philippines deposited its official chart for Bajo de Masinloc/Scarborough Shoal with the UN, while China warned it would “respond resolutely” if Manila continues “provocations,” keeping the Huangyan Dao dispute front and centre. Malaysia State Politics: Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional won control of Negeri Sembilan, unseating Pakatan Harapan figures including DAP’s Anthony Loke, in a result BN framed as a mandate for stability and moderation. Japan Disaster Response: Japan ended the rescue operation at a quake-hit mall in Kumamoto after the death toll rose to 36, with heat-stroke risks complicating shelters. India Protest Fallout: India’s student protests over alleged exam paper leaks continued to spark political blame games, with officials alleging infiltration by “vested interests” and religious leaders urging dissent without abuse or damage. India Tech & Industry: India said it has 12 semiconductor units with about $20bn investment as Semicon 2.0 begins; a separate report flagged data-centre capacity could reach ~3–3.6 GW by 2030, constrained by execution and supply chains. Regional Digital Finance: India and the Maldives went live on the Favara-UPI corridor for instant cross-border transfers. Pacific Diplomacy: Australia’s new Pacific pacts put First Nations ties at the core, including a landmark alliance with Fiji.

Middle East Security: The US urged Americans to consider leaving West Asia and warned of “fluid” escalation risks tied to Iran, including possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. South China Sea & Maritime Risk: The Philippines told ships to avoid a Philippine EEZ area on Aug. 5 during China’s Jielong-3 rocket launch, while China also tightened shoal control rules. India Energy Security: India approved an $8.81b offshore oil and gas exploration plan and the ₹84,084 crore “Samudra Manthan” scheme aimed at cutting import dependence. China’s Regional Footprint: China’s role in Bangladesh is deepening beyond construction into industrial investment, while Beijing also rolled out a five-year plan to upgrade rural supply-and-marketing cooperatives. India Politics & Courts: DMK moved the Supreme Court to press Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu; Delhi High Court transferred judges to new Special Exclusive NIA courts at Rouse Avenue. ASEAN-China Housing: Malaysia finalized the Ipoh Accord under an ASEAN-China housing roundtable to push sustainable cities and quality housing. Public Safety & Governance: India advanced social security for gig workers via labour codes, and Japan faced extreme heat warnings after a major quake response ended.

India Youth Protest Fallout: PM Narendra Modi said he wants to “forgive” students who abused him during protests over exam paper leaks, arguing punishment and repeated court appearances won’t fix the crisis. Education & Accountability: The protests followed the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and renewed scrutiny of exam integrity, with police cases and social media takedown requests adding to the political heat. Economic Policy: India’s central bank says its June capital-flow measures have pulled in about $41B in foreign currency inflows in two months, led by FCNR(B) deposits, as the rupee steadies. Jobs & Social Security: India completed the first year of PM-VBRY, targeting formal employment and EPFO-linked benefits for first-time workers. Energy Transition: Cabinet approved PM Surya Sarovar Yojana for 5,000 MW floating solar with at least two hours of storage per project. Japan Disaster & Markets: Japan faced a 5.8 quake off Aomori as it also intervened to support the yen near 157 per dollar. Japan Governance: Tokyo launched a new centralized intelligence agency amid counter-espionage concerns. Philippines Governance Watch: The Philippines ranked 65th in the 2026 Atlas of Impunity, highlighting weak accountability. Taiwan Security: US lawmakers urged Taiwan to speed up drone funding legislation amid China-linked pressure. China-UK Diplomacy: A UK High Court cleared plans for China’s “super embassy” near the Tower of London after a resident challenge.

India-UK Strategic Partnership: PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Andy Burnham pledged to lift the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership “to new heights,” including deeper tech, defence, clean energy and trade under the recently operationalised CETA. India Domestic Politics & Governance: India’s monsoon session spotlighted election integrity and parliamentary disruption, with fresh debate around exam-paper leak reforms and accountability. NEET Protest Fallout: Cybercrime police in Hyderabad registered cases against Meta India head Arun Srinivas and social media accounts over morphed/AI-generated content targeting PM Modi during the NEET agitation. Sports & National Pride: Modi hailed India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games judo double gold, with Harsh Singh and Asmita Dey delivering 19 medals for India in Glasgow. Energy & Climate Resilience: Japan moved ahead on nuclear reactor replacement plans, but a worker shortage threatens delivery; in India, flood relief measures in Assam and rooftop solar progress in Tripura underline the push for resilience and decentralised power. China Security Posture: Xi Jinping urged deeper anti-graft in the military and faster defence modernisation, with emphasis on unmanned and cyber capabilities. ASEAN Maritime Insurance: ASEAN shipowners are working on the region’s first P&I insurance club to cut premiums and share risk. Japan Disaster Update: After a major earthquake in Kumamoto, the death toll rose to 35 as rescuers completed searches with sniffer dogs.

Japan Security Overhaul: Japan launched a new National Intelligence Bureau, set up under a May law, to coordinate counter-espionage work ahead of further legislation. Currency & Policy: The yen briefly jumped past 158 per dollar amid speculation of intervention, while the Bank of Japan kept rates steady and slightly lifted its inflation outlook. Disaster Response: A 7.1 quake in Kyushu left at least 34 dead as crews searched wreckage including an Aeon mall and a damaged paper factory. India Exam Crackdown: India’s parliament passed tougher anti-paper-leak measures after student protests; opposition MPs staged walkouts and demanded answers on police action. Meta Under Scrutiny: Hyderabad cybercrime police booked Meta’s India head Arun Srinivas and others over alleged AI-morphed posts targeting PM Modi during the NEET agitation. China-US Trade Talks: Xinhua said Chinese and US officials agreed to expand economic and trade cooperation, with rare-earth and agricultural commitments back on the agenda. China Economy Watch: China’s factory activity slipped into contraction in July as domestic demand stayed weak, raising pressure for more spending. Tech & Industry: Marvell announced a $250m India investment to expand AI/data-infrastructure semiconductor R&D and hiring. Energy Diplomacy: PM Modi chaired a CCS meeting on West Asia’s impact on India’s energy and fertiliser supplies and the safety of Indians abroad.