AGP Executive Report

India–China Reset at BRICS: PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held an in-depth bilateral on Sept. 12, agreeing India and China should be “partners, not rivals,” with border peace and a “fair, reasonable” boundary resolution at the core, while also reviewing trade and supply-chain frictions and stressing a strategic, long-term approach. BRICS Diplomacy: BRICS adopted the New Delhi Declaration by consensus, with India credited for bridging West Asia differences as Iran-UAE tensions loomed; leaders also pushed dialogue and de-escalation. China’s BRICS Signaling: Xi skipped Modi’s gala dinner, though he attended the summit and met Modi, underscoring the careful choreography around the India-China thaw. West Asia De-escalation Track: Iran’s President Pezeshkian met India’s President Murmu and also held talks with Abu Dhabi’s crown prince on easing tensions amid ongoing conflict. Domestic Governance in Asia: Fiji proposed a Sept. 22 special Parliament sitting to table its Constitutional Review Commission report, while Nairobi barred large political rallies in the CBD ahead of planned demonstrations.

BRICS Summit in Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, his first visit since 2019, with Modi talks expected to focus on border “early and substantial harvest,” trade and stabilising ties after the Galwan clash. Global South diplomacy: Modi used the BRICS Business Forum to push removal of the bloc’s top 10 trade barriers and expand startup and partnership links, while Iran’s Pezeshkian argued for more national-currency settlement to reduce financial vulnerability. Geopolitical pressure points: China warned it may cancel a Xi–Trump meeting if the US approves new arms sales to Taiwan, as the summit is shadowed by the US-Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars. India’s economic backdrop: India became the world’s fourth-largest forex reserve holder at a record $785.7bn, alongside RBI moves to manage liquidity. Regional ASEAN angle: Malaysia’s PM Anwar met Modi ahead of BRICS, with both sides reviewing defence, semiconductors, digital economy and energy cooperation. Domestic governance in India: Uttarakhand shut more madrasas under a new minority education regulatory framework, drawing fresh rights concerns.

BRICS Summit diplomacy: India is lining up high-level meetings as Xi Jinping is expected in New Delhi after seven years, with Modi-Xi talks being arranged on the BRICS sidelines while Putin arrives for talks focused on energy, trade, defence and cross-border payments. Trade & investment: The EU has moved the India-EU Free Trade Agreement to the Council for approval, aiming to cut tariffs on most EU goods and unlock new market access. Tech & security: NASA says it has given Artemis partners a lunar data-sharing reference architecture that excludes China and Russia, while China’s EV autonomy policy would shift legal responsibility to automakers in fully autonomous mode. Industrial policy & labour: Sri Lanka is reviewing wage-setting institutions with the ILO to keep pay systems responsive to labour-market change. Regional politics: In Canada’s B.C., Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat has joined a new party, boosting its legislature seats to six. US-Asia economic friction: The US finalized steep anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia and Laos. Health policy: India’s HPV vaccination drive has crossed 80 lakh doses, with several states hitting full coverage.

BRICS Summit Watch: India’s BRICS Business Forum set the tone for the Sept. 12-13 New Delhi summit, with EAM Jaishankar stressing India’s “large and growing market” and a push for a clearer business agenda for the next phase of cooperation. Russia-India Ties: Vladimir Putin arrived in India for a three-day visit ahead of BRICS, with Modi-Putin talks expected to focus on trade, energy, defence and technology. China-India Reset: China said it will handle bilateral relations “from a strategic and long-term perspective” as Xi Jinping heads to India for BRICS and expected talks with Modi. Taiwan-China Friction: Taiwan’s vice president made a rare Europe trip that Beijing condemned as “despicable,” while Taiwan’s NSC adviser urged caution on travel to China under new entry-exit rules. ASEAN Health Diplomacy: ASEAN and South Korea moved to deepen AI and digital health cooperation, while ASEAN and China also advanced health collaboration plans. Tech & Security: A researcher claimed sensitive credentials were exposed in logs tied to a Chinese AI “router,” raising supply-chain risk concerns. Japan Domestic Politics: A Japanese survey found over 30% of unmarried people aged 18-34 don’t want children, the highest since 2002.

BRICS Diplomacy: India’s 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi is set to spotlight long-term trade and investment ties as Modi meets Putin and Pezeshkian amid West Asia escalation and Ukraine peace pushes; Lula will skip the leaders’ meeting for Brazil’s election campaign, while India also presses for CBDC Interoperability across BRICS to speed cross-border payments. Energy & Security: Oil markets stay jittery as Iran-linked shipping risks lift crude above $100, while Russia, China and Iran reject an IAEA draft resolution aimed at escalating Iran’s nuclear file to the UN Security Council. India-Russia Economic Push: Goyal is urging Russian firms to manufacture in India and fast-track deals, including a push toward $100bn bilateral trade by 2030. China-India Thaw, Cautious: Xi’s return to India after years of hostility is framed as a “managed rivalry” reset, but border mistrust remains central. Regional Governance & Health: In Southeast Asia, Baguio City won ASEAN smoke-free awards, and Malaysia is stepping up security cooperation with China to tackle transnational crime. Japan Territorial Friction: Japan demanded changes to a UN-backed world map after the Kuril Islands were shown in Russia’s color.

BRICS Diplomacy: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will become the first Philippine leader to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi, using Manila’s 2026 ASEAN chair role to engage the bloc’s expanding membership. India-China Business Gap: Xi Jinping’s expected India visit after seven years may ease political friction, but Reuters reports firms still face visa delays, regulatory hurdles and equipment import bans. India Politics at BRICS: Congress leader P Chidambaram questioned what India gains from BRICS, drawing a BJP rebuttal that framed the dispute as a clash over how to view diplomacy. ASEAN Health & Digital Policy: Malaysia launched ASHA 2026-2030 to strengthen ASEAN health systems, while Malaysia also pushed for ASEAN digital growth that goes beyond connectivity into public services and local value. Japan Security & Defense Education: Japan will mobilise about 10,000 police for Asian Games opening security, and published rules for foreign entry to its National Defense Academy. US-China AI Fight: The US alleges Chinese AI firms used industrial-scale distillation to extract US model capabilities; China’s commerce ministry calls it groundless. Energy & Markets: Oil above $100 is weighing on Asian stocks as Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz keep inflation risks elevated.

ASEAN–India Agriculture Ties: Malaysia’s agriculture minister joined the 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry in New Delhi, pushing deeper cooperation on R&D, technology transfer, investment and value chains to bolster regional food security. ASEAN Medical Regulation: Malaysia backed a plan to make it easier for ASEAN countries to share medical-device pre-market submissions, with Malaysia proposed as the coordinating entry point while each state keeps final registration authority. Disaster Politics in Nepal: In Kathmandu, a parliamentary committee sharply criticized the government’s flood preparedness and relief distribution after the Bhote Koshi disaster, alleging weak on-the-ground response and unsafe temporary camps. China–US AI Clash: China’s commerce ministry rejected U.S. claims of “industrial-scale” AI distillation, warning of countermeasures and calling the accusations politicized and legally baseless. Global Public Security Forum: China urged broader international cooperation on public security governance at a forum in Lianyungang, spanning cybercrime, fraud, counter-narcotics and police education. India–Bangladesh Defence Talks: India and Bangladesh discussed deepening defence cooperation and armed-forces engagement in Dhaka. Nepal Flood Response: India sent its 8th IAF relief flight to flood-hit Nepal as the death toll rose to 1,369 with thousands still missing.

Digital Trust & Anti-Scam Cooperation: Malaysia’s Axiata CTO Thomas Hundt urged ASEAN to set up a regional anti-scam intelligence exchange linking regulators, banks, telcos, enforcement and platforms to share signals fast and disrupt fraud. Disaster Response & Public Safety: Japan is ramping support for stranded commuters after extreme rain, including evacuations around Nagoya and shelter openings as rail and transit disruptions mount. Racism Probe in Singapore: Singapore police questioned five people over online racist remarks tied to Nepal flood coverage and debate over Singapore Airlines’ Air India investment, with platforms being asked to remove rule-breaking posts. UK-China Diplomacy: UK PM Andy Burnham told Xi Jinping he will engage “frankly and constructively” with China while raising flood rescue, Hong Kong and human rights concerns. India-Sri Lanka Defence Ties: Sri Lanka says Rajnath Singh’s visit will see exchanges of agreements on cadet corps cooperation, defence education and air-defence equipment maintenance. US-China Auto & Trade Friction: China’s embassy hit back at US pressure on Ford, warning Washington is politicizing trade. ASEAN/Asia Tech & Connectivity: India’s satcom spectrum pricing and allocation steps moved forward, clearing a path toward commercial satellite internet services. EV Transition in India: FADA data shows record EV retail sales in July and strong August momentum as the focus shifts to affordability and reliable ownership at scale.

China-UK Diplomacy: Xi Jinping spoke by phone with UK PM Andy Burnham, urging both sides to “seek common ground” and expand cooperation in tech, education, healthcare and finance, while Burnham raised Hong Kong, human rights and Ukraine. Border Tensions: India and China held two senior flag meetings in Arunachal Pradesh in two days to maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC. US-China AI Clash: The US accused Chinese AI firms of “malicious” copying of American AI technology via distillation, as Washington prepares for Xi’s late-September visit and AI safety talks. Hong Kong Legacy: Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first leader under Chinese rule, died at 89, remembered for the Article 23 security push and its political fallout. Trade & Access: South Africa’s agriculture minister signed a protocol in Beijing granting China market access for South African cherries. India-China Business Visas: India raised Chinese business visa difficulties with Beijing, citing impacts on people-to-people ties and supply chains. Regional Security: Philippines defense chief Gilberto Teodoro publicly rebuked China over a South China Sea note during the Seoul Defense Dialogue. Pakistan Finance: Punjab’s Bank of Punjab shareholders approved up to Rs30bn in government equity injection. Nepal Relief: China delivered a new batch of disaster supplies to Nepal after a transboundary glacier disaster.

Nepal Anniversary Politics: Nepal marked the first anniversary of the 2025 youth-led anti-corruption protests that toppled the KP Sharma Oli government, with survivors and families gathering at the burnt parliament site as the country also reels from recent floods and ongoing political promises. ASEAN Haze Governance: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim urged ASEAN to overhaul transboundary haze mechanisms after hazardous air in Serian, calling for better investigation of open burning and clearer regional accountability. China–Pacific Influence: A Palau-linked information operation—claiming Taiwan cash gifts to lawmakers—has sparked distrust and phone calls, highlighting how Beijing’s narrative tactics target political fault lines. Philippines–China Tensions: At the Seoul Defense Dialogue, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. directly challenged China’s South China Sea stance, underscoring sovereignty and UNCLOS while a note from the audience referenced Beijing’s rejection of the 2016 arbitration. Singapore–India Aviation Politics: Singapore’s transport minister defended Singapore Airlines’ Air India stake in parliament, saying the investment is funded from SIA’s own balance sheet and has not impaired service to Singaporeans. Indonesia Broadcasting Law: Indonesia’s parliament advanced a revised broadcasting bill, including expanding the broadcasting commission and setting rules for OTT platforms. China Trade & Finance: China’s August exports jumped 25% on AI-linked demand, while Beijing injected about $54bn into state banks and insurers to cushion growth strain. India Judicial Process: A former union law minister said state views on high court judge appointments are not binding on the Union government, after Punjab objected to a chief justice appointment. Japan–India Cricket Diplomacy: Japan named a squad for a historic one-off T20I vs India on Sept 22, framed as part of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

India-West Asia Diplomacy: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told a consultative meeting in New Delhi that India’s ties with the Gulf and WANA span trade, investment, energy, maritime links and people-to-people cooperation, while stressing welfare for 10 million Indians and energy/fertiliser security amid conflict. India-China Border Talks: India and China held first corps commander-level talks in Arunachal’s eastern sector, part of a broader push to normalise ties after the 2020 LAC crisis, with new hotlines and commander-meeting mechanisms discussed. China Military Robotics: A Reuters review says China is moving humanoid robots from showpieces to military training and battlefield testing, accelerating “combatant” research as China dominates global humanoid shipments. China Financial Stability Push: China plans 300 billion yuan in special treasury bonds to recapitalise state lenders and insurers, signalling Beijing’s focus on risk resistance as growth slows. Nepal Flood Response: India’s technical and forensic teams are aiding Nepal’s Chilime tunnel rescue and DNA identification as the death toll rises to 1,356 and nearly 5,000 remain missing. EU-ASEAN Tech Cooperation: Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong said Luxembourg’s partnership could strengthen ASEAN-EU ties next year, including cooperation in AI, quantum and space. UK Sanctions/Trade Scrutiny: Maldives is reviewing allegations it helped move restricted goods linked to Russia through cargo operations, coordinating with security agencies.

Aviation Safety & Regulation: Air India Express IX 415 turned back to Kochi after a rapid drop in Engine 1 oil quantity at 36,000 ft, with the crew running emergency checklists and shutting down the engine before a safe single-engine landing—another test for India’s DGCA oversight as an FAA IASA review is due later this year. Disaster Response & Regional Ties: South Korea’s disaster relief team rescued a Chinese flood survivor from a tunnel at Nepal’s Upper Trishuli hydropower site, continuing searches for missing South Koreans. Public Health & Digital Governance: Japan’s first-year vaccine digitisation rollout is limited to 21 municipalities, aiming for nationwide coverage by April 2028, as systems and frontline workflows adapt. India Politics & Opposition Narrative: Congress marked the fourth anniversary of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, framing it as a “turning point” focused on “Janta ki Chinta.” Security & Diplomacy: Two Japanese lawmakers’ delegations are visiting Taiwan for security talks, underscoring ongoing Japan-Taiwan defense engagement. Regional Security Architecture Debate: A new analysis contrasts SCO-style regionalism with a Pacific Islands Forum summit sidelined by external geopolitical pressure. China Economy & Policy Signals: China is rolling out unprecedented home-purchase subsidies and injecting capital into banks/insurers to stabilise growth amid a broader slowdown.

India–Sri Lanka Defence Ties: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set for a three-day visit to Colombo (Sept 8-10), aiming to deepen cooperation on defence, maritime security, trade and military exchanges, with a formal framework now in place after last year’s MoU. India–France Partnership: PM Modi, virtually inaugurating a Swaminarayan temple in Paris, said relations with France are at “unprecedented heights,” spanning technology, defence, space and climate, and flagged 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation. India Politics 2029: Congress leader KC Venugopal said Rahul Gandhi will be the “face” of the INDIA bloc in 2029, amid TVK’s “Vijay for PM” pitch and continued opposition attacks over student protests. Drug Crackdown Push: Home Minister Amit Shah urged all parties and states to unite against narcotics and warned against politicising seizures, while reiterating a roadmap to make India drug-free by 2029. Space Governance: ISRO rejected privatisation rumours, saying it will remain central to India’s space programme while private firms expand mature technologies. Disaster Diplomacy & Rescue: UN officials appealed for aid after Nepal’s Aug 26 Himalayan floods, while China said it shares daily disaster monitoring data with Nepal; meanwhile, India’s Delhi saw a building collapse with multiple casualties and rescues underway. China–Egypt Military Outreach: China’s PLA Air Force will return to the Egypt Airshow (Sept 8-10) with fighters, early warning, tankers and helicopters, underscoring deepening military cooperation. EU–China Industrial Tension: Eurometal warned Brussels could face 300,000 EU manufacturing job losses by end-2026 if it doesn’t curb “colonisation” of component supply chains by Chinese firms.

India–Pakistan Security Outlook: Retired CDS Anil Chauhan warned Pakistan will remain a long-term security concern for India, arguing terrorism and proxy wars will persist even after recent operations. UN Cartography Row: India backed a UNGA push for equal-area world maps but insisted Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh must be shown strictly per India’s official map, calling any “inaccurate” depiction unacceptable. Nepal–Tibet Disaster Fallout: Nepal’s flood and landslide death toll rose to about 1,331–1,344 as rescue teams kept working, including Indian teams clearing the Chilime tunnel; a Chinese customs officer was also reported killed. China Hydropower Pressure: China is proceeding with the Brahmaputra/Yarlung Tsangpo mega-dam despite environmental and seismic concerns raised by India. Japan–Indonesia Maritime Cooperation: Japan plans ODA to upgrade Indonesian fishing ports and support coast-guard patrol stops, aiming to strengthen maritime surveillance amid illegal fishing and smuggling. India Domestic Politics & Democracy: Former CEC SY Quraishi attacked India’s Special Intensive Revision for excluding about 15% of voters, while Rahul Gandhi backed Maharashtra student protests over alleged recruitment exam irregularities. Digital Inclusion Pitch: AAP MP Raghav Chadha used an IPU forum in Uzbekistan to promote UPI–UZCARD interoperability as a model for digital rights and safeguards. Border Development: India’s Vibrant Villages Programme earmarks ₹11,639 crore to upgrade border communities with infrastructure and services tied to national security. Singapore–Air India Deal: Singapore’s senior minister said the government won’t interfere in SIA’s Air India investment decisions, warning against politicising commercial choices. Japan Bear Spray Rules: Japan issued guidance on bear repellent specs and use, citing record-high bear encounters and warning against ineffective products.

US-China Diplomacy: Xi Jinping is preparing to travel to Washington on Sept. 24 with an unusually large CEO delegation, a bid to signal commercial momentum despite US scrutiny of Chinese investment. Trade & Tech: Japan says the next tranche of its $550B US investment pact will heavily weight AI and semiconductors, after earlier rounds focused on energy and minerals. Regional Security: India’s former CDS Anil Chauhan says ties with China can’t be held hostage to the boundary dispute alone, while calling for vigilance, credible capabilities, and clearer agreements. South Asia Energy Shock: Bangladesh faces a power squeeze as India’s coal-delivery disruptions cut supply from Adani’s plant and Nepal’s flood damage has halted hydropower exports. Humanitarian/Border Returns: Nine Bangladeshis returned from India after serving up to two years in jail for illegal entry, coordinated through embassy channels. UN Social Policy: The UNGA approved Nov. 27 as the International Day to Eliminate Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with India backing the resolution. China-Asia Business Links: Kazakhstan’s grain firms are joining China’s online grain trading platform, aiming for faster, more transparent deals. Nepal Flood Response: India and Nepal teams continue rescue work at the Chilime tunnel, including debris clearing and forensic support.

Pacific Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a joint rebuke over China’s July ICBM test, urging at least 24-hour advance notice and transparency, with Nauru the lone dissenter. Nepal Floods: Nepal raised the death toll to 1,344 and put missing at 4,886, while China reported at least 31 dead and 531 missing on its side—keeping the combined toll near 1,375 dead and 5,400+ missing. Indonesia Haze: Smog from Borneo and Sumatra fires is worsening across Indonesia and drifting to Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, with emissions compared to past strong El Niño years. Kyrgyzstan Rights: A new IPHR/CIVICUS Monitor report says pressure on journalists, bloggers and activists remains high, with criminal cases continuing despite court review. India Education & Jobs: NITI Aayog highlights a skills mismatch: only about 8.25% of graduates land jobs matching their qualifications. India Biotech Funding: India launched BIO-NIVESH to pull more private money into biotech startups and speed commercialization. India-ASEAN/Regional Governance: Karnataka HC issued notice to the Election Commission over a PIL challenging Anganwadi workers being assigned as booth-level officers. India-Japan Defence: Japanese Air Self-Defense Force aircraft arrived in Jodhpur for Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, aimed at deeper interoperability. India UN Cartography: India backed a UN resolution to correct world map distortions, arguing maps shape how societies perceive global scale.