How Trump's trade policy is handing Asia to Beijing Usually, U.S. statecraft is designed to help American companies succeed abroad. President Donald Trump’s trade program is having the reverse effect. Fortune · 16h ago
2026 was meant to be the Philippines’ year—yet the country remains stuck in an ‘recurring cycle of underachievement’ What was meant to be a breakout year, highlighted by the Philippines’ turn as ASEAN chair, has instead become a case study in how it keeps falling short. Fortune · Nov 1
How Southeast Asia can realize its commercial promise amid geopolitical rivalry Countries have a shared interest in defending international law—even when doing so may create friction with the country violating it. Fortune · Oct 31
India's pharma exports rise 4.9% to USD 16.14 bn in H1; shipments to Europe up nearly 10%: Pharmexcil India's pharmaceutical exports increased nearly 5 percent, reaching USD 16.13 billion in the first half of the fiscal year. Growth was driven by strong demand from Europe, ASEAN, and Latin America. Shipments included drug formulations, biologicals, bulk drugs, and surgical products. Exports to key regions, particularly Europe and ASEAN, rose… The Economic Times · Oct 29
Can Southeast Asia pitch itself as an ‘all-in-one’ chip hub? “Cultivation of semiconductor supply chains has put the region in the right place at the right time." Fortune · Oct 29
JAI - Japan, Australia, India: Rajnath Singh reaffirms close ties with Japan, Australia at meeting with counterparts Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared a picture with his Japanese and Australian counterparts, Shinjirō Koizumi and Richard Marles, with the caption “JAI: Japan, Australia, India”, underscoring cooperation among the three Indo-Pacific partners. On the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, Singh held bilateral talks with both… The Economic Times · Oct 29
"India's counter-terrorism strategies battle-tested": Rajnath Singh cites Operation Sindoor in ADMM-Plus Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed state-sponsored terrorism and India’s commitment to regional security during the ADMM-Plus forum. He emphasised the need for sharing practical counter-terrorism experience with partners to strengthen collective capabilities. The Economic Times · Oct 29
US and Japan to establish a Japanese facility for joint missile production The United States and Japan have decided to establish a facility for joint missile production in a strategic partnership. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi highlighted the importance of this venture in addressing regional security concerns. Both nations aim to enhance their defense cooperation against rising threats, particularly regarding China's assertiveness… The Economic Times · Oct 29
US and Japan, long alarmed by China's aggression, agree to establish missile-production facility The United States and Japan have agreed to establish a Japanese facility for the joint production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, the Japanese defense chief said The Independent UK · Oct 29
The Philippines' top diplomat leads a humanitarian mission to Myanmar The Philippines' foreign secretary has arrived in Myanmar to oversee humanitarian aid distribution The Independent UK · Oct 28
Rajnath Singh meets US Secy of War Hegseth on sidelines of ASEAN defence ministers' meeting in Philippines Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met US War Secretary Pete Hegseth in Cebu during the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. They celebrated the one-year anniversary of their Major Defense Partnership framework and discussed strengthening cooperation. Singh is also set to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from several countries, including Japan, Australia,… The Economic Times · Oct 28
Hegseth likely to face questions on US role in Indo-Pacific at ASEAN summit US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to meet with Southeast Asian counterparts in the Philippines soon. Discussions will focus on US commitments in the Indo-Pacific region amid ongoing tensions from the Iran war. Southeast Asian leaders seek clarity regarding the impact of the Iran conflict on US military readiness… The Economic Times · Oct 28
We will see India becoming major exporter of goods and services to China: Piyush Goyal Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised India's willingness to engage with Chinese suppliers. He highlighted the importance of fair play and judicial processes regarding pricing discrepancies. India aims to enhance exports to China and the ASEAN region over the coming years. Recent trade data shows a significant increase in… The Economic Times · Oct 27
"Explore new avenues to strengthen strategic partnerships": Rajnath Singh leaves for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Philippines Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has departed for Cebu, Philippines, to attend the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. He will address regional and international security topics during the event on October 28 and 29. Singh plans to hold bilateral discussions with defence ministers from various countries to enhance strategic partnerships. India… The Economic Times · Oct 27
The Independent UK · Oct 26 Indonesia cuts gas exports to Singapore amid row over haze The cut follows a week of warnings from Jakarta
The Independent UK · Oct 23 Myanmar campaigners accuse Burnham of ‘quietly’ softening stance towards military regime UK government criticised for handing ‘propaganda opportunity’ to Myanmar’s military junta
Motor1 · Oct 22 Honda's Mitsubishi-Based Truck Is Official, Coming In 2028 Honda and Mitsubishi will supply vehicles for each other’s lineups, starting with a Triton-based pickup.
The Guardian - AU · Oct 20 Myanmar’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi seen in rare photos after receiving gift from King Charles Critics said images of detained former leader were a stunt by the military to end country’s diplomatic isolation
The Independent UK · Oct 19 Singapore threatens lawsuit over Indonesian wildfire haze – as oxygen tank and air purifier sales surge ‘We are looking into which companies may be responsible for the fires,’ PM of Singapore says
The Economic Times · Oct 18 India's exports rise across geographies; Africa, ASEAN lead growth in Apr-Aug India's merchandise exports increased significantly across different regions from April to August this fiscal year. Exports to Africa saw a notable rise of 47 percent, reaching USD 26.19 billion. The ASEAN region also experienced a substantial growth of 56 percent in exports, totaling USD 23.08 billion. Furthermore, shipments to North-East…
France 24 · Oct 18 Months-long Indonesia wildfires spew toxic haze across Southeast Asia Parts of southern Southeast Asia have been put under the highest-level haze alert as wildfires that have swept Indonesia for months continue to belch toxic smoke across the region. The seasonal wildfires are worse this year due to the drought conditions caused by a severe "super-El Nino" effect.
The Economic Times · Oct 16 India wants to promote rupee trade settlement to help partner facing hard currency shortage: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India is promoting rupee and local-currency trade settlements to help countries facing hard-currency shortages continue importing essential goods. She said geopolitical tensions and economic downturns have pushed several nations into debt and balance-of-payments crises.
Latin Times · Oct 16 The Untested ICBM on Permanent Display: What Kim Jong Un Wants Washington to Know Before Any Summit Kim Jong Un opened a defense museum featuring the untested Hwasong-20 ICBM as Trump signals a possible fourth summit at the November APEC gathering in Shenzhen.
The Economic Times · Oct 14 "India stands ready to work with ASEAN as reliable, equal partner": Rajnath Singh Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called for stronger defence cooperation between India and ASEAN countries, including joint research on maritime security, counter-drone systems, cyber defence and disaster response, stressing that regional challenges require collective action and practical solutions.
International Business Times · Oct 13 Rising Tariffs and a Declining U.S. Mean Canada Must Diversify Its Partnerships Canada must reduce its dependence on the U.S. amid escalating trade tensions by diversifying global partnerships with India, China, Southeast Asia, Europe and emerging markets.