AGP Executive Report

India-Pak Dialogue Debate: A letter signed by about 60 Indian figures urges Modi and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to restart “structured dialogue,” including revisiting a 2004-07 Kashmir framework—sparking alarm amid renewed cross-border terror concerns. Digital Governance & Cybercrime: India is tightening VPN rules, demanding local offices and compliance officers, and has asked Meta to pause WhatsApp username rollout over fraud and impersonation risks; India also issued notices to Telegram and Signal on similar safeguards. India-Japan Strategic Push: Modi and Japan PM Sanae Takaichi signed pacts on AI, metals, energy and defence, plus a roadmap for economic security; a major summit push also points to local-currency trade settlement in yen-rupee. NGO Scrutiny in India: Karnataka High Court refused to quash a UAPA case tied to US-based evangelical group The Timothy Initiative, amid allegations of foreign funding and FCRA-linked issues. Japan Social Policy: Japan is expanding support for elderly people without family under a revised Social Welfare Act, aiming to reduce reliance on costly private services. Taiwan Security: Taiwan reported frequent Chinese aircraft and naval activity around its waters, while a separate Reuters report describes a Taiwan resilience drill simulating blockade, sabotage and invasion scenarios. China Liquidity Move: China’s central bank injected net 10 billion yuan via open-market bond operations in June.

Cross-Strait Tensions: Taiwan condemned China for deploying government vessels around the island, accusing Beijing of “cognitive warfare” to treat the Taiwan Strait as internal waters. South China Sea Access: Malaysia told Belgium it will keep ASEAN’s South China Sea access open, stressing no blockades and urging calm amid shipping disruption fears. India-Japan Strategic Push: PM Modi and Japan PM Sanae Takaichi advanced a wide agenda on semiconductors, defence and energy, with Modi saying India wants 10 trillion yen in Japanese investment and more Japanese firms in India. Odisha Industrial Deal: Odisha’s government backed a major greenfield aluminium project with IHC and Adani, valued around ₹1.08 lakh crore, spanning refining, smelting, power and jobs. Pakistan Energy Talks: Pakistan’s petroleum minister met China’s Shandong Xinxu to discuss long-term investment across oil, refinery upgrades, offshore work and energy equipment manufacturing. Fuel and Trade Shifts: India began exporting gasoline to Russia as refinery damage from Ukraine strikes deepened shortages. Digital Governance: India halted WhatsApp username rollout over fraud and impersonation risks, seeking Meta’s response. Education Delivery Gap: Despite high education spending, rural literacy remains weak, with about half of Class 5 students unable to read a simple Class 2 text. Power Sector Oversight: Delhi ordered a CAG audit of power discoms over regulatory assets worth ₹38,500 crore.

China Economy Watch: Caixin’s BBD New Economy Index rose to 34.1 in June, with gains driven by capital, tech and labor in emerging industries. Japan-India Supply Chains: Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi meets Modi in New Delhi to push a “post-China” shift on semiconductors, AI, biogas, rail and energy security, with about 2 trillion yen in private projects flagged. Yen Volatility: Japan is reportedly moving from broad intervention hints to more targeted steps to squeeze yen speculators, raising risks for US Treasury markets. India Social Policy & Welfare: India’s SDG progress report says social protection coverage has surged to 65.3%, while West Bengal’s decision to drop eggs from school meals after ISKCON takes charge sparks a nutrition debate. India Economy & Industry: India’s industrial output grew 5.1% in May, and the government is modernising the IIP methodology with Output PPI. Digital Governance: India orders WhatsApp to pause “usernames” rollout and explain fraud risks within three days. Trade & Diplomacy: India and the EU reaffirm ship-recycling cooperation as India targets recycling 16,000 vessels in 10 years. Regional Food Risks: A possible “Godzilla” El Niño could pressure Asean food prices via monsoon disruption plus energy and fertiliser shocks. Humanitarian: India reiterates support for Venezuela under “Operation Amistad” after twin quakes. Rights & Security: Tibetan activists protest China’s new “Ethnic Unity Law,” while Japan faces renewed scrutiny over immigration detention restraints after a court-ordered compensation case.

ASEAN Diplomacy: The Philippines renewed its call for Myanmar to release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners after reports said the junta rejected an ASEAN chair envoy’s request to meet her, with Manila stressing continued push for the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus. Japan Immigration & Tourism: Japan’s tighter visa rules for business managers are already forcing foreign residents out, while higher visa fees and a higher departure tax aim to curb overtourism and land-price pressure. India-Pakistan Consular Talks: Pakistan and India exchanged prisoner lists under the 2008 consular access deal, with Islamabad urging repatriation of 97 Pakistani prisoners who have completed sentences. China-Japan Trade Tensions: China imposed export restrictions on 40 Japanese firms tied to alleged support for Japan’s military expansion, prompting a Japanese protest. China Outbound Investment Rules: China’s new “national security” regulation on outbound investment took effect, expanding government review powers over cross-border capital and tech transfers. India Digital Governance: India issued Meta a notice over WhatsApp’s planned username feature, asking for an explanation and directing it not to launch until consultations finish. Japan-India Energy Security: India and Japan are set to sign an LNG supply-security pact, including a joint task force on stockpiling and information-sharing. China Ethnic Unity Law: China’s new ethnic unity law took effect, requiring integration measures in schools and extending legal consequences to overseas actors accused of undermining unity. Japan Disaster Response: Japan reinforced technical and medical teams in Venezuela after the double earthquake, expanding its humanitarian support.

Outbound Investment Oversight: China’s State Council rolled out a new regulation on outbound investment, aiming to standardize reviews and protect national interests as foreign tech and trade barriers tighten. Regional Security: Taiwan reported 13 Chinese military sorties and multiple naval/official vessels around the island, with aircraft crossing the median line and entering parts of its ADIZ. Hong Kong Governance: Hong Kong marked the 29th anniversary of its return to China with a flag-raising ceremony led by Chief Executive John Lee. Japan Migration Policy: Japan’s tighter business manager visa rules are pushing some foreign owners toward expulsion, even as Japan faces labour shortages. Japan Economy & Markets: Weak yen pressures lifted Japanese bond yields, while land prices rose 2.9% nationwide on redevelopment and tourism demand. India Energy Policy: India revised export duties on petrol, diesel and ATF from July 1, while easing windfall taxes on diesel/ATF as oil prices soften. India Tech & Skills: India’s semiconductor push highlights a looming shortage of skilled engineers, even as ISM 2.0 funding and talent hubs expand. Pacific Climate & Fisheries: Pacific leaders met in Fiji for Troika talks, while fisheries ministers gathered in New Zealand and a Pacific climate finance taxonomy was proposed to improve tracking and transparency. NGO Oversight in India: India’s proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 is sparking concern among foreign-funded NGOs over tighter approvals and investigations. China–North Korea Ties: Kim Jong Un pledged to deepen relations with Xi Jinping, calling the recent summit a historic occasion. India Social Pressure & Exams: A missing NEET aspirant case has reignited debate over exam pressure and the coaching ecosystem.

Philippines Tax Push: The OECD says the Philippines’ tax-to-GDP ratio hit 18.1% in 2024—above most ASEAN peers but still below the APAC average—highlighting limits from a narrow local tax base. Japan–AI Sovereignty: Japan will back a SoftBank-led group with up to ¥1 trillion to build a domestic AI foundation model using Japanese company data. Nepal Airlines Probe: Nepal’s Supreme Court demands the government explain why a long-stalled investigation into Nepal Airlines’ Chinese aircraft deal was never pursued. India Manual Scavenging: India’s sanitation crisis persists, with a survey citing 55 deaths of manual sewer and septic tank workers between February and June 2026. India Semiconductors: India’s ISM 2.0 gets a ₹1.25 lakh crore boost after an EFC clearance, aiming to cut import dependence by scaling the chip ecosystem. RBI Market Rules: New RBI rules from July 1 require bank guarantees for capital-market trading firms to be fully collateral-backed, tightening leverage. Delhi EV Policy: Delhi drops incentives for strong hybrids in its EV policy after internal disagreement, opting to focus on pure EVs. China–SOE Governance: China appoints Cheng Fubo as new Communist Party chief of SASAC. Bangladesh–China Image: A think tank says Chinese-built Dhaka transport projects are improving connectivity and boosting China’s image. Japan–Venezuela Aid: Japan sends emergency humanitarian assistance to Venezuela after the double earthquake via JICA. UNILAG Students Return: UNILAG students stranded in China are returning home after university intervention following public outcry. China Industrial 5G: China plans to expand industrial private 5G networks to 50,000 by 2030, targeting major value-added growth. Malaysia Autonomous Trials: Malaysia approves Neolix for public-road autonomous delivery vehicle sandbox testing in Cyberjaya.

Fraud & Justice: A self-exiled Chinese billionaire, Guo Wengui, was sentenced to 30 years in a US prison for a massive fraud that prosecutors said cost more than 1,000 people hundreds of millions of dollars. Foreign Investment Screening: Japan launched a cross-ministry foreign investment committee to tighten reviews after a May law revision, aiming to protect national security while improving predictability for investors. Currency & Markets: Japan’s yen slid to a 40-year low; Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said authorities are ready to take “appropriate action,” after a record ¥11.73 trillion intervention. China’s Outbound & Debt Controls: China discouraged higher-yield offshore fundraising by firms tied to local government debt, while new outbound investment rules from July 1 tighten “full-process” supervision for sensitive sectors. Trade & Security Tensions: China expanded export controls on 40 Japanese entities over alleged military links, adding firms and research institutes to control and watch lists. India’s Rail Push: India’s long-delayed Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train is set to start services in 2027 on the Surat–Vapi stretch, with phased rollout toward full service later. Pacific Security: Australia and Vanuatu signed a $500m strategic agreement, with Vanuatu requiring consultation on third-party engagement and barring militarisation/foreign interference. Regional Diplomacy: India said it has no official role in Track 2 India-Pakistan dialogues abroad, stressing participants act in personal capacities. Energy & Transport Policy: Delhi cleared an EV-only push in its 2026 policy, while India eased petrol/diesel sale curbs from July 1 as supply stabilised.

Delhi EV Policy 2.0: New Delhi approved an EV push with Rs 150bn over four years, scrapping incentives up to about $1,060 for eligible car trades, road-tax and registration fee exemptions for EVs up to Rs 3m, and a hard shift to registering only electric two-wheelers from April 1, 2028—aimed at cutting air pollution by 2030. Japan Investment Screening: Japan launched a U.S.-style cross-ministerial foreign investment prescreening committee (JFIC) to tighten economic-security checks on sensitive sectors. India Digital Health: India rolled out a digital Drug Registry under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to standardize medicine data for e-prescriptions and reduce confusion. India Energy Supply: India lifted temporary retail petrol and diesel curbs for commercial consumers from July 1, ending earlier limits meant to prevent hoarding and diversion. India External Debt: RBI data put India’s external debt at $762.8bn at end-March 2026, with the external-debt-to-GDP ratio rising to 20.8%. Philippines Grain Testing: Japan and the National Food Authority backed a three-year grain-quality testing modernization program to upgrade lab equipment, protocols, and training. China–Venezuela Aid: China pledged an additional 100m yuan in emergency relief supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela, alongside satellite support. India–Maldives FTA Talks: India began first-round negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Maldives, targeting tariff cuts and easier services and investment. Bangladesh–China Port Shift: Bangladesh cancelled India’s Mongla Port deal and awarded the project to China, raising strategic concerns in the Bay of Bengal. UN/Israel Accountability: A UN inquiry chief urged India to reconsider its Israel stance, citing findings alleging deliberate targeting of Palestinian children in Gaza. EU–China Trade Talks: EU and China officials met to address widening trade tensions and potential security measures. Cyber Arms Claims: A Chinese AI firm claimed it can match Anthropic’s Mythos for finding cyber vulnerabilities, intensifying concerns over AI-enabled cyber risk.

Public Health & Nutrition: India expands its anaemia push by adding low birth weight babies to a revamped Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, with stronger testing, treatment, nutrition and digital tracking. Health Data & Risk Trends: NFHS-6 shows rising obesity and elevated blood sugar across India, with southern states still leading and a widening NCD risk footprint. India–US Tech Cooperation: India’s MEA says private firms are key to turning US-India AI, semiconductors, quantum and critical minerals cooperation into real projects. AI Infrastructure in Southeast Asia: Comin Asia and Nokia plan AI-ready sovereign data centre infrastructure across Cambodia and Laos, aiming for power- and policy-compatible deployments. China–Japan Trade & Security: China expands export controls against Japan, targeting 40 entities in an escalating trade war as Taiwan tensions spill into economic retaliation. Maritime Jurisdiction in the Taiwan Area: Chinese coast guard escorts public vessels near overlapping Japan–Philippines EEZ waters, framed as jurisdictional “sovereignty declaration.” Human Rights: Tibetan and Uighur representatives urge UN pressure to repeal China’s ethnic unity law, warning it enables cultural “erasure.” Climate Extremes: Southeast Asia faces dangerous humid heatwaves for months, with wet-bulb conditions pushing human cooling limits. Japan Economic Policy: Japan’s draft blueprint targets real growth above 1% and higher private investment through fiscal 2040. Tourism & Local Governance: Japan’s Hakone eyes a new accommodation tax to fund waste, emergency services and roads as visitor pressure grows. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Japan and Solomon Islands sign grants for public service training and modern malaria diagnosis equipment. Cybercrime Exposé: Raids reveal the scale of trafficked women abused in Asia’s cyberscam centres.

India-US Tech Push: India and the US are moving from talks to projects on semiconductors, AI, quantum and critical minerals, with officials stressing “trusted” supply chains and resilient ecosystems. Japan Finance: Japan’s Finance Ministry is weighing new government bond options for individuals, including inflation-linked and longer-maturity products, as BOJ rate moves reshape demand. Pacific Housing Crisis: A panel in Idaho warned workforce housing shortages are a top drag on growth, linking affordability gaps to homelessness and higher local costs. Seychelles-India Ties: Seychelles’ First Lady called PM Modi’s visit a milestone for decades of cooperation, highlighting the Indian diaspora and new momentum in trade, investment, tourism and fisheries. South China Sea Row: The Philippines accused China of “insincerity” after Beijing rejected Manila’s push to honor the 2016 arbitral ruling. Korea-Japan Security: South Korea and Japan reaffirmed denuclearisation goals and agreed to revive joint search-and-rescue drills. China Defense & Tech: Japan is considering unmanned submarines with anti-ship strike roles, while US officials warn on 6G spectrum gaps as China accelerates wireless groundwork. India Domestic Governance: Assam CID arrested seven over a fake Water Resources Department job racket using forged letters and seals. Climate & Disaster: A tornado in eastern China killed at least 78, prompting national-level emergency response. Digital Public Services: India’s PM used “Mann Ki Baat” to tout self-reliance wins, including the C-295 maiden flight and indigenous missile tests.

Digital Health & Innovation: India’s Jitendra Singh says “precision medicine” will reshape care, pointing to gene therapy and nuclear medicine as India builds homegrown solutions. Humanitarian Diplomacy: India launched Operation Amistad to support earthquake-hit Venezuela, sending IAF C-17s with a 41-member medical team, field hospital gear and BHISHM Cubes. Maritime Security: India handed Seychelles a fast patrol vessel and utility vehicles to boost Indian Ocean surveillance, search-and-rescue and territorial protection. AI & Cloud Investment: Amazon pledged an extra $13bn for AI and AWS expansion in India, lifting its 2026-30 commitment to $48bn. Tech Supply Chains & Security: India and the US discussed deeper cooperation on semiconductors, AI, quantum and critical minerals, aiming for trusted supply chains. Geopolitics—South China Sea: Philippines’ defense chief accuses China of hypocrisy after Beijing rejected Manila’s demand to comply with the 2016 arbitration ruling. Regional Security—Taiwan: Taiwan detected six Chinese PLAN vessels around the island, as military activity continues after readiness drills. Disaster Watch—Japan Quakes: A 6.1 quake struck off Iwate; no tsunami risk, but aftershocks and landslide hazards remain. Climate Trade Pressure: India seeks to soften EU carbon-tax (CBAM) compliance costs for MSMEs as negotiations continue. Energy/Industry—Bangladesh: Eleven Chinese firms proposed $9.21bn in investments spanning gas, waste-to-energy and the Mongla port economic zone. US-China Tech Curbs: The FCC expanded its ban on Chinese telecom and video surveillance equipment, tightening restrictions expected to take effect in July.

Humanitarian Response: India launched Operation Amistad, deploying a 41-member HADR team and field medical support to earthquake-hit Venezuela, underscoring faster cross-continental disaster relief. Energy Security: India lifted commercial LPG supply restrictions after the Strait of Hormuz reopened under a fragile US-Iran deal, easing pressure on cooking fuel and corporate margins. Trade & Industry: India’s commerce minister said 1,000 advisory personnel and an upgraded trade portal will help firms use India-UK CETA as the agreement takes effect. Macroeconomic Outlook: EY projects India’s FY27 growth at 6.6–6.8%, with inflation and external pressures easing if energy routes stay stable. Public Safety & Courts: A PIL in India’s Supreme Court seeks strict fire-safety rules for high-risk public premises, targeting enforcement gaps behind repeated tragedies. Digital Governance: Digital India marks 11 years, with government citing expanded connectivity and Digital Public Infrastructure powering payments, health and welfare. AI Policy: OpenAI named Prabhjeet Singh as India managing director and rolled out GPT-5.6 Sol with access limited after government review. NGO Oversight: India tightened FCRA rules and penalties, drawing pushback from religious charities. Regional Politics: Sonia Gandhi renewed criticism of India’s Gaza stance, while Pakistan’s PM accused India of using covert tactics and proxies. Diplomacy & Mobility: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet is set to visit China in July for AI talks, and Japan denied citizenship to a 95-year-old Japanese-Filipino woman, citing missing records.

Canada–China Trade Push: Canada’s charge d’affaires in Beijing says Ottawa aims to lift Canadian exports to China by 50% by 2030, citing energy shipments and long-term ties. Japan Demographics & Services: In aging Japan, Nagi town in Okayama keeps fertility above 2 with sustained child-rearing support, while Aichi Prefecture upgrades government buildings by replacing old squat toilets with Western-style ones. Japan Storm Disruptions: Twin tropical storms Mekkhala and Higos have injured people and triggered mass evacuation advisories and flight cancellations. Japan Tax Politics: Ruling-party talks on cutting the food consumption tax face delays as parties clash over how to cover a large revenue gap. India Macro Outlook: Goldman Sachs raised India’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.8% after the US-Iran peace deal eased oil-price and supply-chain risks. India Humanitarian Response: India launched “Operation Amistad” sending IAF planes, a field hospital and medical supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela. India Health Supply Gap: Delhi’s rabies vaccine consignment of 1.27 lakh vials reportedly sat undelivered due to lack of cold storage at a government warehouse. India–Bangladesh Visa Reset: India resumes tourist visas for Bangladeshis from June 28, with medical visas continuing for urgent humanitarian cases. US–China Tech Pressure: The FCC expanded bans on imports of more Chinese telecom and surveillance equipment, while US lawmakers warn China is using cyber espionage and investments to steal AI and other advanced tech. China Community Drug Rehab: Beijing is expanding community-based drug rehabilitation guidance stations to reduce relapse risk. AI Access Tensions: India’s IT secretary says the US assured access to advanced AI models won’t be revoked after Anthropic’s India-specific suspension. China–Bangladesh Diplomacy: Xi Jinping and Bangladesh’s PM Tarique Rahman announced a “community with a shared future” and deeper governance and strategic cooperation.

Humanitarian Response: India launched “Operation Amistad” to back earthquake-hit Venezuela, sending two IAF C-17s with an Army field hospital unit and 35+ tonnes of medicines and relief supplies. Disaster Risk & Climate Resilience: Kyrgyzstan hosted a Central Asia dialogue on a regional roadmap and digital tools to cut transboundary mudflow and flood risks under RESILAND CA+. Diplomacy & Connectivity: China and Cambodia pledged to deepen cooperation across infrastructure, agriculture, clean energy, digital economy and AI. Regional Trade & Digital Commerce: South Africa’s Paul Mashatile urged China to expand e-commerce and digital trade channels via the SACC platform. Critical Minerals: Korea Zinc and Australia discussed strengthening critical minerals value chains and smelting competitiveness. Trade Remedies: India opened an anti-dumping probe into hot rolled steel imports from China, Japan and Russia. Social Policy: Nepal’s Supreme Court affirmed same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. Governance & Rights: India’s new FCRA rules tighten how foreign-funded NGOs can operate, including limits tied to religious activities. Local Governance & Tourism: Andhra Pradesh plans to upgrade Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore into a major tourism destination. Finance & Markets: Goldman Sachs lifted India’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.8% on lower oil prices and a better macro outlook. Security & Military Reform: Japan approved a bill to reorganize the Air Self-Defense Force into an “Air and Space Self-Defense Force,” expanding space operations. Environment & Public Health: Taiwan faced deadly flooding from Tropical Storm Mekkhala as Japan cancelled hundreds of flights and ordered evacuations.

Bangladesh–China Diplomacy: PM Tarique Rahman met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and, after talks, Bangladesh and China signed 13 MoUs spanning cooperation areas. Japan Visa Policy: Japan’s Manila embassy clarified that temporary visitor visas for Filipinos (up to 90 days) stay free even as single-entry visa fees for foreigners rise from July. Amazon–India Investment: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced $48bn investment in India by 2030, with an added $13bn focused on AI and cloud/data-centre capacity. India–US Trade Talks: India and the US reviewed negotiations but offered no clear interim deal signal before a tariff deadline, leaving exporters exposed. India Public Health: India’s humid-heat surge is framed as a growing public health emergency, with wet-bulb conditions approaching dangerous thresholds. India Governance & Rights: India urged UN accountability for attacks on schools and children in conflict zones, stressing enforcement of existing humanitarian law. India Diplomacy Protocol: India elevated its Bangladesh envoy Dinesh Trivedi to cabinet-rank status, signaling Dhaka’s strategic importance. Japan Economy/Gender STEM: Japan set a goal to double women in STEM by 2040 and expand support for universities improving gender parity. China Ethnic Unity Law: Australia raised concerns with China over a law that could hold overseas people and groups accountable for “ethnic unity” violations. Japan Earthquake Response: A 7.2 quake hit northern Japan; no tsunami warning, with minor injuries reported.

Japan Visa Policy: Japan’s embassy in Manila says temporary visitor visas for Filipinos staying up to 90 days will stay free, even as Japan raises single-entry fees for other foreigners to 15,000 yen from July. ASEAN-China Media: An ASEAN-China forum in Shenyang urged tighter regional cooperation against disinformation, including shared early warnings and coordinated responses. Health: Japan is nearing elimination of hepatitis B and C by 2050, with long-term declines in chronic cases highlighted by new research. Philippines Economy: S&P cut the Philippines’ 2026 growth forecast to 4.1% (from 5.8%), citing stalled infrastructure spending and energy shocks. Bangladesh-China Ties: PM Tarique Rahman’s Beijing visit produced 13 MoUs and new pledges, with China reiterating support on Rohingya resolution and broader cooperation. India-Amazon Investment: After meeting PM Modi, Amazon announced $48bn investment in India through 2030, including $21bn+ for AI and cloud plus logistics expansion. India LPG Relief: India lifted restrictions on non-domestic packed LPG and partially restored bulk LPG supplies after West Asia supply improvements. Cambodia-ASEAN Monitoring: Cambodia hosted an ASEAN Observer Team visit to border areas to assess ceasefire compliance. Environment Risk: Singapore’s think tank warned of a red-alert haze risk in late 2026 due to El Niño and deforestation pressures. Japan Earthquakes: A 6.9 quake hit Japan’s northeast coast; emergency teams were activated and no tsunami warning was issued. China Church Crackdown: Open Doors reported arrests of over 30 Christians in China during a house-church service. South Asia Child Safety: South Asian ministers met in Colombo to accelerate action to end violence against children.