AGP Executive Report

India-UK Security & Minerals: India and the UK launched a Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory and agreed a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence, as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar. India-Venezuela Energy Push: PM Modi met Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez to expand cooperation in energy, critical minerals, tech and agriculture; MEA says “perfect complementarity” spans upstream and downstream oil work, with a technical team visit planned. China-North Korea Ties: Xi Jinping will visit North Korea next week in his first trip since 2019, as both countries seek to reinforce influence amid Pyongyang’s closer Russia links. South Asia Water Tensions: Pakistan objected to India’s reported Chenab-Beas river-link plan, calling it a violation of the Indus Waters Treaty. Trade & Investment: A report urges India to reassess FTAs and modernise investment screening; IndiGo will suspend flights to six international destinations citing a tough cost environment. Climate & Food Risks: Asia braces for El Niño-driven dryness that threatens crops and could lift food prices. Public Health: Pune airport says Ebola preparedness measures are fully operational. Aviation Services: Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhat lounge ROSE won “Best Lounge in Asia.”

Indo-Pacific Security: The Philippines sent off BRP Miguel Malvar and its Navy task group for RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii, signaling a push to deepen interoperability and a “free and open” Indo-Pacific. South Asia Politics: India’s INDIA bloc rift widens as DMK gets approval to sit separately in Lok Sabha and says it will skip the June 8 opposition meeting, blaming Congress’s shift toward the TVK-led government. China–Taiwan Tensions: China imposed a one-year travel ban on New Zealand lawmakers over a Taiwan trip, demanding an apology—raising diplomatic friction with Wellington. China–Espionage Warnings: The FBI and Five Eyes partners say Chinese intelligence is using job and networking sites like LinkedIn to lure Western officials into sharing sensitive information. Regional Markets: Asia equities slipped as oil prices eased, with investors weighing Middle East tensions against softer crude moves. Sports: India’s one-off Test vs Afghanistan begins June 6, with selection talk focused on spin options in Jadeja’s absence; meanwhile KS Bharat and Srikar Bharat both announced international retirement at 32. Weather Disruption: Japan’s severe tropical storm Jangmi cut power to tens of thousands and disrupted transport, with evacuations across multiple prefectures.

Women’s Football: China and Russia faced off at the CFA Team China International Women’s Football Competition in Wuhan, with match action highlighted in Xinhua photos. South China Sea & Diplomacy: A quiet realignment is taking shape as maritime Asia adjusts to Beijing’s growing power, with the Philippines drawing closer to Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam to deter China. China–Pacific Politics: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says he’s surprised by China’s one-year travel bans on four MPs after Taiwan visits, and has asked officials to raise concerns with Chinese counterparts. Security & Espionage: Five Eyes partners warn Chinese spies are using LinkedIn and job boards to recruit civil servants and defence-linked personnel for sensitive information. Trade & Inclusion: The Pacific Islands Forum says aid-for-trade must deliver benefits for women and vulnerable groups, not just GDP growth. Energy & Markets: Oil jumped after Iran ballistic missile strikes toward Kuwait and Bahrain, while OECD warns Middle East conflict could hit global growth and inflation. India–Energy: India’s LPG imports shifted in May, with the US and Iran together supplying nearly two-thirds. Tech & Industry: China opened parts of its value-added telecom sector to foreign firms, approving 166 overseas-funded enterprises. Business: JBM Auto shares rose after it claimed a 49% market share in India’s electric bus segment.

Middle East Security: India condemned the Kuwait International Airport attack that killed one Indian national and injured dozens, saying civilian targets are unacceptable and urging an end to such attacks. Aviation Costs: India approved a $1bn support package for airlines to offset soaring jet fuel prices after the Iran war, with interest-free advances to oil marketing firms as ATF prices more than doubled since March. Global Economy: The OECD cut its growth outlook, warning the US-Iran conflict could keep energy disruptions and inflation pressure elevated, with recession risks rising if the Strait of Hormuz disruption drags on. Trade Tensions: The US proposed additional 12.5% tariffs on 54 countries, including India, over forced-labour import concerns, adding pressure to already tense trade talks. India Economy & Markets: RBI deputy governor said India’s economy remains resilient amid geopolitics and supply shocks, while India is also weighing tax and bond-access tweaks to attract more foreign investment. China Opening Up: China approved 166 foreign-invested firms for pilot value-added telecom services, signaling continued market liberalisation. Business & Tech: Coralogix is expanding in India as AI security demand rises; and Fortegra’s acquisition by DB Insurance aims to deepen its global speciality insurance footprint. Sports & Culture: Stephen Curry signed a long-term deal with China’s Li-Ning, while Taiwan urged Japan and the Philippines to consider Taiwan’s interests in planned maritime boundary talks.

Philippines-ASEAN Diplomacy: President Marcos returned from a constructive Japan visit with P266.3bn in investment pledges, then Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm followed with 15 signed agreements—both moves framed as alliance-building amid South China Sea tensions and Middle East-driven economic stress. US-China-Iran Watch: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has found no proof China aided Iran militarily, while urging Beijing to back efforts to keep Strait of Hormuz maritime traffic flowing. Energy & Trade Security: China says it’s building an “energy powerhouse” via green, resilient supply; South Korea’s trade with China swung to surplus on booming memory-chip demand. China’s Western Push: A report says Beijing is turning Xinjiang and Tibet into strategic hubs through transport, renewables, manufacturing and tourism. India Bio-Economy Push: DCPC Secretary Tejveer Singh says India has the science and biodiversity to lead bio-based agriculture inputs, highlighting BIOPSF 2026. South Pacific Pivot: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he’ll review a secretive 2022 security pact with China after Canberra and Washington raised concerns. India-Myanmar Connectivity: India and Myanmar agreed to boost trade via Rupee-Kyat and deepen cooperation in agro-processing, energy and mining. India-Oman CEPA: The CEPA took effect June 1, positioned as a stabilising Gulf trade corridor amid Hormuz risk. Sports & Society: India’s cricket tour of New Zealand is set for a 12-match all-format run; meanwhile, India faces renewed scrutiny over doping and education cheating scandals.

China–US Trade Talks: China says recent economic and trade consultations with the US in multiple cities produced a trade council and investment council, tariff cuts on some products, and progress on non-tariff barriers and market access. Aviation & Safety: China and the US held “candid and constructive” air and maritime safety talks in Hawaii to reduce miscalculations. China–Germany Connectivity: Xinjiang’s Urumqi–Frankfurt direct route launched June 1, cutting flight time and boosting international traffic. China–Laos Trade: China and Laos marked 65 years of ties as bilateral trade hit $9.82bn in 2025, up 19.3%. India–Nepal Border: India rejected Nepal PM Balendra Shah’s boundary remarks, stressing “no role for any third party.” Ebola Aid: India’s IAF C17 delivered the second tranche of medical supplies to Africa CDC in Uganda. India–Cambodia Payments: UPI-linked Indian tourists can pay in Cambodia via KHQR at 4.5m merchants. Markets: RBI projected 6.9% growth for FY26-27 while flagging rising fraud and global risks. Weather Disruption: Typhoon Jangmi hit Japan’s south, with power outages and hundreds of flight cancellations. Sports Media: FIFA struck a last-minute World Cup broadcast deal with Zee for India.

Pacific Climate Accountability: Pacific youth in Suva launched a three-part “talanoa” series, saying they won’t wait for outside direction as they prepare a unified push for COP31 loss-and-damage accountability. China-Taiwan Maritime Tensions: China’s Coast Guard carried out “law enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan, citing Japan-Philippines plans to delimit maritime boundaries. Pacific Fisheries Protection: Samoa’s Stella Sahara Tuuau is among officers backing Operation Tui Moana 2026, a major regional fisheries surveillance effort. US Immigration Crackdown: Operation Checkmate in Arizona led to 52 arrests, including 36 commercial truck drivers—30 from India—who face deportation. US-China Quad Reset: A US-China “strategic stability” shift is reshaping the Quad’s role toward practical areas like minerals, energy and maritime surveillance. Middle East Shipping Shock: War-risk premiums and insurance costs are surging as Strait of Hormuz disruptions reshape East Asia’s energy and trade outlook. China Low-Carbon Push: China is accelerating its green transition via green energy development and stricter carbon controls. India-US Trade Talks: India and the US are in final rounds on an interim trade deal, with tariff relief and Section 301 issues still in play. Sports & Culture: Stephen Curry signed a 10-year shoe and apparel deal with China’s Li-Ning, while Japan’s NPOs and firms team up to close opportunity gaps for young children. Aviation & Business: Hong Kong opened Terminal 2 in phases, and Mynt signed Japan deals to expand GCash-style financial inclusion in the Philippines.

West Asia Security: Kuwait says its air defences are intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks, urging residents to follow safety instructions as regional tensions keep spilling over. Philippines–Vietnam Defense: Manila and Hanoi upgraded defense cooperation and reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, stressing UNCLOS, freedom of navigation, and self-restraint amid a harsher regional environment. US–China Cyber Tensions: The US, EU, NATO, UK, Australia and Japan blame China-linked hackers for attacks on Microsoft Exchange servers, warning of major economic and security fallout. India–US Trade Talks: India and the US moved toward finalising an interim trade agreement, with negotiators focusing on market access, non-tariff measures, customs facilitation, and tariff relief. India Economy & Food: India’s seafood exports hit record levels in FY25-26, while the government says foodgrain stocks and fertiliser availability remain adequate despite West Asia-linked risks. China–Japan Friction: China warns Japan against “new Japanese militarism” tied to NATO-linked Ukraine support, as Tokyo expands its security footprint. Tech & Business: India’s digital economy is ranked among the world’s top, and Pakistan’s market is buoyed by deeper China ties and expectations of stability.

West Asia Security: Kuwait says its air defences are confronting hostile missile and drone attacks as regional tensions simmer amid US-Iran diplomacy. Indo-Pacific Defence: Japan moves to reshape intelligence with a new National Intelligence Council and Bureau, signaling a shift from “pacifist bystander” toward deeper security cooperation with ASEAN. India Politics & Economy: DK Shivakumar is set to be sworn in as Karnataka CM on June 3, with reports he could become India’s richest CM by declared assets; meanwhile the rupee and bonds look set to react to RBI’s policy decision as Iran-war energy risks feed inflation worries. Markets & Tech: Coinbase launches direct INR deposits and withdrawals in India via IMPS, while the US clamps down on a loophole that may have let Chinese firms access Nvidia’s top AI chips outside China. Energy & Costs: Commercial LPG prices in Delhi rise by ₹42 to ₹3,113.50 from June 1, adding pressure to small businesses and hospitality. Climate & Society: UN-linked projections warn global temperatures are likely to stay near record highs over the next five years; India’s obesity rates rise sharply in NFHS-6, especially in urban areas. Business & Trade: Memphasys signs its first South-East Asia commercial deal for its Felix sperm separation system in Vietnam; ESR and Mitsubishi Estate Asia announce a Western Sydney logistics estate partnership worth about A$700m. Sports & Culture: China’s women’s cricket team qualifies for the Asian Games after a 12-year gap; China also sets Guinness records with a 33,615-drone light show in Sichuan.

Philippines–Japan Naval Ties: A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship, JS Ikazuchi, docked in Davao City for three days, with Philippine and Japanese vessels running communication and interoperability drills in Davao Gulf—signaling deeper maritime cooperation. South China Sea Politics: Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said any better ties with China hinge on Beijing’s government being “trustworthy” to the international community, while stressing Manila has no issue with the Chinese people. Hormuz Fuel Shock Warning: The IMF, World Bank and IEA warned of possible summer fuel shortages if Strait of Hormuz shipping doesn’t normalize, as inventories are being depleted fast amid West Asia conflict. US–China–Iran Security Fallout: US investigators are assessing whether a Chinese-made MANPADS helped shoot down an F-15E over Iran, raising questions about China’s support to Tehran. China’s Naval Push: Japan says China deployed a Type 054B frigate with the carrier Liaoning in the Western Pacific, a step toward sustained far-seas operations. AUKUS Undersea Drones: The US, Australia and UK plan unmanned undersea vehicles under AUKUS starting next year, despite Beijing warning of an arms race. India Energy Transition: India’s green hydrogen push is shifting from production to building a full ecosystem—storage, transport, industrial use and export infrastructure. Malaysia Tourism to China: Malaysia is targeting high-end, youth and education travel segments in China, pushing “tourism plus X” packages beyond standard sightseeing. Sports & Culture: India’s women wrestlers won two golds at the U17 Asian Championships; Hong Kong Comic Con drew big crowds with global vendors and major pop-culture stars.

Myanmar-India Ties: Myanmar’s junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing will visit India for talks with PM Narendra Modi, signaling a cautious regional re-engagement after neighbors shunned the military leadership; analysts say India wants to curb China’s sway and secure access to rare earths while improving border security. China-EU Trade Tension: China warned it will take “necessary” measures after the EU discussed shielding industry from Chinese competition, with Beijing calling the move protectionist. Asia-Pacific Security Debate: At Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said no country—including China—should dominate Asia-Pacific, while veteran diplomat Cui Tiankai said he’d raise major questions to the US, Japan and Europe. India Health Gains: India’s NFHS-6 reports big improvements in maternal and child health, immunisation and financial protection, including higher institutional deliveries and antenatal care. Aviation Weather Tech: India launched its first “SkyCast” fog monitoring system at IGI Airport under Mission Mausam to cut delays and improve safety. Local Business Boost: Oakland Chinatown rolled out $2 evening parking to draw shoppers back after foot traffic drops post-4 p.m. Tech & Industry: China’s 3D printing market is expanding fast, while JA Solar claims a new 28.2% solar cell efficiency milestone.

Indo-Pacific Security: Vietnam’s President To Lam warned at Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue that three crises—international order, development models and strategic trust—are converging, making the Asia-Pacific both a growth engine and a high-risk maritime theatre. Japan-Philippines Tensions: China called Japan-Philippines maritime delimitation talks “illegal and void,” saying they violate UNCLOS and China’s rights around Taiwan. Japan Security Shift: Japan’s parliament passed a law to create a national intelligence council chaired by the prime minister, drawing concern over weaker democratic oversight. Australia-India Defence: Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles heads to the Shangri-La Dialogue then New Delhi for talks with India’s defence leadership, calling both countries “top-tier security partners.” Energy Resilience: India’s petroleum ministry asked state fuel retailers to build 30-day LPG reserves amid West Asia supply worries, while Japan pledged support for APEC energy efficiency and low-carbon resilience. China-Global Links: CICC’s London forum highlighted China-Britain wealth management cooperation, and China launched a global poverty-alleviation partnership platform. Business & Tech: China showcased embodied AI at a Hangzhou pilot base with 130+ robots across real-world scenarios. Regional Politics: In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. blamed “obstructionists” for political noise, insisting he has focused on governing.

Philippines–Japan Security Boost: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met former PM Fumio Kishida in Tokyo and, with PM Sanae Takaichi, announced talks to share classified military information, delimit maritime borders, and transfer Abukuma-class destroyers—plus a double-tax deal—under a push for “open, secure, governed by rules” seas. Energy Cooperation: The leaders also discussed Japan’s $10bn Powerr Asia plan to back renewable energy and long-term energy resilience as Middle East supply worries grow. EU Crackdown on Temu: The European Commission fined Chinese-owned Temu €200m over illegal and unsafe products, warning it failed to assess systemic risks properly. China Finance & Climate: China launched its first green sovereign bond sale in Hong Kong, raising $886m, as Beijing expands offshore yuan green funding. India Currency Upgrade: RBI is reportedly preparing polymer rupee notes aimed at longer life and lower maintenance costs. Asia Security Summit: The Shangri-La Dialogue opened with concerns over China’s military modernization and doubts about US priorities amid Iran and Ukraine tensions. Japan Demographics: Japan’s population fell to 123.05m in 2025, the steepest drop on record, underscoring aging pressures. Trade Disruption: Japan halted fresh mango imports from India over quarantine fumigation/disinfection concerns, hitting exporters ahead of peak season.

Philippines–Japan Security Talks: Manila and Tokyo agreed to begin formal negotiations on an intelligence-sharing pact, upgrading ties as China’s maritime pressure grows in the region. India Cybersecurity: India’s CERT-In warned that AI-assisted attacks are speeding up phishing and vulnerability exploitation, urging faster defenses—especially for digitised financial firms. China–South China Sea Tensions: China accused a Dutch warship and helicopter activity near the Paracels/Xisha of violating sovereignty, as more countries push back on Beijing’s claims. China–Serbia Investment: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said new Chinese investments in Serbia could reach hundreds of millions of euros after meetings with dozens of firms. Trade & Logistics: Maersk launched a new weekly China–India ocean service (FI2) linking Shanghai to Pipavav with rail integration via the Dedicated Freight Corridor. EU Consumer Safety: The EU fined Temu €200m over alleged dangerous products and systemic risk controls. Sports & Culture: Japan and the Philippines also moved on broader cooperation, while Australia’s Albanese praised deepening India ties ahead of Modi’s next visit.

Philippines–Japan Ties: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the Philippines is moving into its “highest tier” partnership with Japan as he meets Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, while also securing about $3.4bn in Japanese investment pledges for jobs and industry. Government Continuity: Marcos names a caretaker panel—Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Education Sec. Sonny Angara and Agrarian Reform Sec. Conrado Estrella III—during his Japan trip. Aviation Pressure: Air India will cut or reduce some domestic routes as Middle East war-linked fuel costs bite; Air India Express runs a 5m-seat “Xpress Sale.” China–India Pilgrimage Limits: China caps Indian Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims via Nepal at 24,000, with operators expecting demand to keep rising. Pacific Climate Finance: Tuvalu’s climate trust fund is under review after AFP found it invested in fossil fuels. Security & Nuclear Risk: A study warns any Taiwan conflict could trigger US–China nuclear escalation, with IISS flagging a new arms-race risk at Shangri-La Dialogue. Trade Tensions: China suspends imports from three Brazilian beef plants over banned hormone residues. Regulation Watch: China tightens rules on online prescription-drug sales; Japan passes legislation to centralize intelligence, drawing criticism.

Philippines–Japan Economic Ties: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Tokyo visit could see a new Philippines–Japan double taxation convention signed by May 29, aiming to replace the 1980 framework and boost cross-border investment. Philippines–Japan Investment Push: A business roundtable in Tokyo secured about $3.4 billion in Japanese investment pledges, with expectations for jobs and supply-chain upgrades. China–South Korea Rights Flashpoint: Chinese dissident Dong Guangping was detained in South Korea after a 30-hour sea escape by rubber boat, after repeated failed attempts to reach Canada. India Aviation Hit by Fuel Costs: Air India and IndiGo are cutting June–July domestic flights as jet fuel prices rise amid the Iran war, with passengers offered rebooking or refunds. PhilSA Space Safety Alert: The Philippine Space Agency warned of possible debris drop zones from China’s Long March 7A rocket within the country’s EEZ off Northern Luzon. Southeast Asia Tech Investment: Amazon plans to invest $33B+ in cloud and AI infrastructure across Southeast Asia through 2039, supporting jobs and digital growth. Uzbekistan Tourism via China: Uzbekistan is promoting tourism at ITB China Shanghai, leaning on digital platforms like Fliggy as interest from Chinese travelers rises. China–Serbia Diplomacy: Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic highlighted expanding cooperation and signed multiple documents during Vucic’s China visit. India Ebola Watch: India says there’s no confirmed Ebola case while monitoring suspected travel-related symptoms. Gold Moves in India: Gold prices in Delhi fell by Rs 1,100 as US-Iran tensions and dollar demand sway markets.