AGP Executive Report

India–China–Pakistan diplomacy: India urged the world to hold Pakistan accountable over PoK violence, accusing Islamabad of misinformation and a “factory of hate” narrative at the UN. India politics: PM Narendra Modi marked 4,399 consecutive days in office, overtaking Jawaharlal Nehru as India’s longest-serving elected PM, with NDA leaders set to felicitate him. West Asia spillover: India froze Starlink approvals over security concerns tied to the Iran conflict, while Modi also urged de-escalation after speaking with Kuwait’s Amir. Japan policy: Japan’s parliament approved legislation making digital textbooks official teaching materials, with local boards choosing print, digital or hybrid. China–regional pressure: China detained three Tibetans suspected of contact with Tibetans in exile, as authorities tighten monitoring. ASEAN–Myanmar: Philippines FM Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she will meet Myanmar ethnic armed groups to seek solutions as ASEAN tries to re-engage. Energy & economy: Japan signed a $312m emergency loan for Bangladesh energy resilience; China’s May inflation stayed elevated as producer prices hit a near-4-year high. Tech security: CrowdStrike said Chinese hackers led state-backed tech espionage threats.

India Politics & Governance: PM Modi received global congratulations on becoming India’s longest-serving continuous elected prime minister, while the Lok Sabha Speaker warned that disruptions in Parliament threaten democracy and urged restoration of public trust. NEET Oversight: A parliamentary committee is set to meet on NEET exam conduct under the NMC Act, as Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says the June 21 re-NEET will be held “smoothly” and without errors, with CBI and multiple agencies involved in security and cyber checks. West Asia Diplomacy: Modi spoke with Kuwait’s Amir, urging de-escalation and dialogue amid escalation in the region and stressing the safety of India’s large community in Kuwait. Energy & Infrastructure Aid: Japan signed a $312m loan for Bangladesh’s economic resilience and stable energy supply, while India launched E85 flex-fuel in a push to cut oil imports. US-China Tech Friction: The Pentagon expanded its list of Chinese firms it says aid China’s military, including Alibaba, BYD and Baidu, drawing Beijing’s protest. Regional Security & Politics: In PoJK, clashes tied to a protest movement left at least 20 dead, underscoring governance and representation grievances. Climate Risk: The Philippines warned El Niño conditions are emerging with an 80% chance of a full event lasting into early 2027. Local Policy: Haryana mandated EV chargers in new and renovated residential and commercial projects.

India-Energy Policy: India launched E85 fuel in New Delhi and unveiled a flex-fuel passenger vehicle, pushing ethanol blends to cut crude imports and support low-carbon mobility. Judicial Reform & Tech: India’s Supreme Court AI rules are being framed as a warning sign for the country’s tech boom, while separate commentary argues India needs better judges—not just more—amid recruitment quality gaps. Opposition Politics: Sukhendu Sekhar Ray’s exit from the TMC and the INDIA bloc highlights fractures inside the anti-BJP front, with knock-on effects for parliamentary leverage. UN Diplomacy: India hit Pakistan at the UN Security Council over “Fitna al-Hindustan” disinformation and alleged Afghanistan airstrikes, calling it state-sponsored “factory of hate.” US-China Security: The US added Alibaba, Baidu and BYD to a list of firms it says aid China’s military, escalating tech-and-security tensions. Japan Public Safety: A black bear sighting in Utsunomiya led to school closures for a second day, as Japan responds to rising urban bear encounters. Regional Security: Taiwan ran coastal drills simulating an invasion, while Japan and the UK plan an economic security deal focused on critical minerals and energy cooperation. Local Governance: Samoa’s government denied financial trouble for district councils after reports of overdraft requests, insisting funding continues through approved processes.

India-Opposition Politics: INDIA bloc leaders met in Delhi, with Rahul Gandhi stressing the need to defend the Constitution as parties accuse the BJP-led NDA of misusing agencies and tilting the “electoral playing field”; DMK’s boycott marked a major rift, while AAP escalated attacks on Congress ahead of the bloc’s next steps. Japan-Taiwan Security: Taiwan condemned China’s “law enforcement” maritime operation east of the island as “provocative” and “expansionism in disguise,” deploying patrol vessels after Japan-Philippines boundary talks. Indo-Pacific Deterrence: AUKUS expanded with steps to boost allied undersea warfare, including deployment frameworks for U.S. Virginia-class submarines in Australia and deeper tech cooperation. Disaster & Public Safety: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami advisories and minor waves in Japan, while Japan suspended classes after a first-ever bear sighting in a city. Energy & Trade: India urged West Asia de-escalation and issued travel warnings for Iran; it also secured EU clearance to export aquaculture products, honey, eggs and animal casings beyond Sept 2026, and pushed for a competitive interim trade deal with the U.S. Weather Infrastructure: Lucknow inaugurated a Regional Meteorological Centre as India accelerates Mission Mausam radar expansion toward nearly 100 sites. China-Regional Moves: Xi met Kim in North Korea, reiterating closer China-DPRK ties, while China broke ground on the Three Gorges new waterway project to expand Yangtze shipping capacity.

Opposition Politics in India: 23 parties have confirmed participation in the INDIA bloc’s “INDIA janbandhan” meeting in New Delhi, with Congress framing it as unity ahead of 2029 Lok Sabha planning, even as TMC’s presence remains a live question. India Governance & Accountability: A fresh push argues India needs a stronger Lokpal to tackle corruption at the highest levels, reviving debate over how independent anti-graft institutions should work. China–North Korea Diplomacy: Xi Jinping is set to visit Pyongyang for talks with Kim Jong Un, aiming to reassert China’s influence as nuclear talks with the US remain deadlocked. Philippines Disaster Response: A 7.8 quake struck off Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Asia and disrupting services as schools reopen. Japan Economy: Japan’s Q1 growth was revised to 1.8% annualized as capital investment slowed, a reminder that recovery remains uneven. West Asia Escalation: Israel’s multi-city strikes on Iran raised fears of renewed conflict amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. Energy Politics in India: LPG prices rose again by Rs 29, with the government calling it “inevitable” amid West Asia-linked global costs.

India-Nepal Border Row: Nepal FM Shishir Khanal says Kathmandu is not seeking UK mediation and insists disputes be settled bilaterally, after remarks in Nepal’s parliament tied the Lipulekh-Kalapani issue to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Bangladesh-India Border Talks: Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed says push-ins and “border-related issues” will be discussed at BGB-BSF DG-level talks in New Delhi from June 8-11, with both sides urging diplomatic resolution. INDIA Bloc Fractures: Ahead of the June 8 opposition meeting, DMK and CPI(M) accuse Congress of “backstabbing” and poor coordination; DMK plans to boycott while AAP rules out any tie-up with Congress. Taiwan Strait Escalation: Taiwan coast guard says it “expelled” four Chinese government ships from restricted waters after warnings, as China frames Taiwan as its territory. LPG Politics in India: BJP links the Rs 29 LPG hike to West Asia tensions; Congress presses for excise cuts. Energy Security (Bangladesh): A parliamentary panel urges strategic fuel reserves of at least three months amid Hormuz-linked supply shocks and hoarding concerns. Indo-Pacific Defence: Japan and Indonesia begin working-level talks on transferring retired Asagiri-class destroyers to the Indonesian Navy. Regional Trade: Thailand warns it may take Malaysia’s shrimp import suspension to WTO/ASEAN if talks fail.

China–North Korea Diplomacy: Xi Jinping is set for a rare trip to North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un, aiming to reinforce China’s influence as Pyongyang leans more on Russia. Japan Nuclear Policy: Japan’s industry ministry has drafted plans to rebuild up to five nuclear reactors by the 2040s, with more replacements targeted by the 2050s as older plants retire. EU Security: China-linked espionage cases across the European Union and nearby countries show a broader, more diversified intelligence push, including targeting technology and political networks. Anti-AI Mobilisation: A once-sporadic online backlash against AI is consolidating into organised campaigns that are starting to shape political debate. India–Nepal Digital Ties: India and Nepal signed an MoU to expand multilingual AI and language tech under BHASHINI and Kathmandu University’s DPI-AI. India Domestic Pressure: Delhi’s “zero tolerance” drive has demolished 94 illegal buildings and sealed 114 more since June 1, accelerating after the Malviya Nagar fire. West Asia Cost Shock: India’s FY27 growth is seen moderating to around 6.5% amid higher input costs, geopolitical risks and El Niño-linked monsoon uncertainty. Pakistan–Iran Mediation: Pakistan’s interior minister visited Tehran to deliver a message tied to US-Iran de-escalation efforts. Singapore Online Crackdown: Singapore ordered YouTube, Facebook and X to disable 14 posts targeting Indians, with investigations pointing to China-based sources.

India Youth Protest: Hundreds of students in New Delhi joined the satirical “Cockroach People’s Party” protest over alleged exam irregularities, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and spotlighting question-paper leaks and glitches; police kept a close watch as the movement—born online—tested its street-politics muscle. Education Policy Push: In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ordered job-oriented education reforms after a parliamentary review of seven ministries, including vocational curriculum changes and tighter rules on extra fees. Public Health & Rights: Delhi’s menstrual health campaign “Menstrual Health Matters” is back in the spotlight, with plans for pad vending machines, school education, and boys’ sensitisation aligned with Supreme Court emphasis on dignity. China-Taiwan Maritime Tensions: China launched a maritime law-enforcement operation east of Taiwan after Japan-Philippines talks on overlapping EEZ areas, escalating surveillance and jurisdiction claims. India Economy Under Strain: PM Modi chaired an Economic Advisory Council meeting on sustaining growth amid West Asia-driven risks to oil, shipping and markets. India-UK Education Link: India’s education ministry cleared the University of Liverpool’s Bengaluru campus, handing over the approval letter as UK-India officials attended. India-Nepal Diplomacy: EAM Jaishankar met Nepal’s FM Shisir Khanal, pitching deeper cooperation in startups, AI, IT and renewables while reaffirming security and people-to-people ties. Regional Energy Security: Malaysia’s NSC said fuel sourcing is being expanded globally to protect supplies during West Asia conflict, alongside crackdowns on smuggling. Sports Soft Power: Modi congratulated India’s U-18 men’s hockey team for winning the Asia Cup, adding to a run of youth sports wins.

India-US Trade Talks: Trump said a deal with Modi is “within reach” after four days of negotiations in New Delhi, even as he flagged tariff concerns. Macroeconomy: India reported FY2025-26 GDP growth of 7.7% (7.8% in Jan–Mar), with Modi calling it proof of resilience. Energy & Industry Push: India rolled out E85 flex-fuel, while Maruti launched a flex-fuel WagonR and Delhi backed an electric taxi rollout; Japan approved a 3.11tn yen extra budget to cushion energy costs. Regional Security & Diplomacy: India hit back at Pakistan at the UN over Gilgit-Baltistan polls, while China announced Xi Jinping’s rare North Korea visit. China Domestic Control: Beijing launched a crackdown on “micro-dramas” deemed obscene or violent. Japan–Indonesia Defense: Tokyo and Jakarta agreed to start working-level talks on transferring Asagiri-class destroyers. Politics at Home: Himachal Congress tensions surfaced after Neeraj Bharti’s Facebook account was blocked; Jharkhand’s Sudivya Kumar urged JMM to contest both Rajya Sabha seats. Local Governance: Metro Pacific Water took over San Jose del Monte’s water system as an interim operator amid service complaints.

India Politics & Protest: A young satirist behind the “Cockroach Janta Party” says he’s returning to New Delhi to seek police permission for a protest targeting the education minister, after the parody movement went viral. India Economy: India’s GDP growth data keeps surprising on the upside, with FY26 growth put at about 7.7% and Q4 at 7.8%, even as analysts watch for spillovers from the Middle East conflict. India-US Trade: India’s trade minister says the first phase of a new India-US deal is on track for mid-July, with preferential access for Indian exports. India Energy Transition: India launched E85 flex-fuel at select pumps and plans rapid rollout, aiming to lift ethanol blending toward 26% by 2030-31. China-Myanmar: Wang Yi says China is ready to work with Myanmar’s new government on high-level exchanges and practical cooperation, including cross-border crime crackdowns. South China Sea: Taiwan reports a renewed coast-guard standoff with China near the Pratas Islands. Japan Cost Relief: Japan passed a $19bn extra budget to cushion households from Middle East-driven energy price pressure. ASEAN Digital: Thailand says ASEAN DEFA talks are concluded, clearing the way for signing later this year and a push to make the region a digital economy hub. Cyber & Elections: A report warns AI-driven cyber threats are rising across the 2026 election ecosystem, even if voting systems aren’t yet the main target.

India–Venezuela Energy Push: PM Modi met Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez in New Delhi, with both sides stressing energy, critical minerals, technology and broader economic ties, while India’s MEA pointed to “perfect complementarity” for upstream and downstream cooperation. India–UK Strategic Deals: UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s visit produced new steps under Vision 2035, including a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence and a Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory, plus education and defence cooperation. US–China Influence & Espionage: An American journalist pleaded guilty in the US to acting as an illegal agent for China, part of a wider crackdown on undisclosed foreign influence operations. Taiwan–China Memory Clash: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te condemned China’s Tiananmen crackdown as China marks the anniversary with tighter controls on historical memory. South Korea AI Windfall Debate: Seoul’s labour minister urged major tech firms to share “excess profits” from AI-driven chip gains with suppliers and workers to curb inequality. India Domestic Politics: DMK said it will skip the June 8 INDIA bloc meeting, escalating alliance tensions after Congress backed TVK in Tamil Nadu. Karnataka Cabinet Friction: Karnataka’s new portfolio allocations sparked a reported threat of resignation by a minister over department distribution. Environment & Governance: India mandated third-party environmental audits to strengthen mining oversight, while Modi marked World Environment Day with claims of expanded green cover and conservation gains.

India–Opposition Rift: DMK has been cleared to sit separately in the Lok Sabha and says it will skip the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi on June 8, citing “betrayal” by Congress after Tamil Nadu polls. Aviation Cost Relief: India’s Cabinet approved a jet fuel ATF price stabilisation fund (₹10,000 crore) to freeze prices for airlines, aiming to blunt West Asia-driven volatility and protect fares. Biofuels Push: India plans to roll out E85 flex-fuel stations (up to 100 first, targeting 5,000 by 2027) alongside Maruti Suzuki’s first flex-fuel Wagon R, betting on ethanol to cut oil imports and emissions. China–EU Trade Tensions: Europe is moving toward tougher action on subsidised Chinese imports, with Beijing warning of retaliation—raising the odds of a trade war. Espionage via Job Sites: Five Eyes partners warn Chinese intelligence is using LinkedIn/Indeed-style recruitment scams to harvest sensitive information from Western officials. Pacific Security Recalibration: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review the China security pact after talks with Australia. Thailand Payment Controversy: A viral claim says a Bangkok Chinese restaurant refused Thai baht and demanded renminbi, reigniting scrutiny of foreign-run payment practices. Nepal–India Diplomacy: Nepal FM Shisir Khanal will visit India June 5–7 to discuss trade, investment, connectivity, energy and people-to-people ties.

Japan–Nepal Infrastructure: Japan agreed to add a loan of about Rs. 5.5 billion (5.7bn yen) for Nepal’s Nagdhunga Tunnel, pushing total support to 22.336bn yen; the 2.68km tunnel is near completion and expected to open to the public in July 2026. China–Taiwan Pressure in the Pacific: New Zealand’s Winston Peters asked officials to “express concern” after China banned four MPs for a year over a May Taiwan visit, despite NZ’s long-standing One China policy. Espionage Warnings: Five Eyes issued a rare joint alert that Chinese-linked spies are using job platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to recruit government and defence-linked personnel for access to sensitive information. China–New Zealand Diplomatic Fallout: China also moved to ban four NZ lawmakers from entering mainland, Hong Kong and Macau following the Taiwan trip, escalating political friction with Wellington. Pacific Environment Clash: Fiji rejected an Australian billionaire’s “energy-from-waste” plan after concerns over imported waste, hazardous ash handling, public health risks, and tourism impacts. India Capital Flows: India is set to scrap capital gains tax on foreign portfolio investors’ investments in government securities to boost overseas inflows amid market stress from the West Asia conflict. Taiwan Military Activity: Taiwan reported 32 PLA sorties and multiple PLAN/official ships around its territory, with most crossing into its ADIZ, as it monitored and responded. Australia Politics: Labor’s first tax bill cleared the lower house, but crossbench splits set up a tougher fight in the Senate.

Aviation Fuel Shock: India approved a $1bn price-stabilisation support package for airlines, using interest-free advances to oil marketing firms to blunt soaring ATF costs after the Iran war and Hormuz disruption. Central Banking: The RBI denied claims it sold $12bn of gold, saying holdings remain at 880.52 tonnes, as officials push back on Bloomberg Economics speculation. Trade & Diplomacy: US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the India-US trade deal is 99% done, with remaining issues expected to be resolved soon, while highlighting deeper civil nuclear cooperation. Security & Regional Tensions: Taiwan urged Japan and the Philippines to consult it over maritime talks that overlap with Taiwan’s EEZ, as China calls the negotiations illegal. Domestic Rights Pressure: A New Delhi People’s Tribunal urged India to end “impunity” amid rising anti-Christian violence, alleging failures by police and institutions. Energy & Industry: Malaysia said gas supply is adequate and launched a graphene initiative using a LOOP system to turn methane into graphene and hydrogen-rich gas. Political Economy: Pakistan moved to pitch power-distribution company privatisation (51–100% stakes) via global roadshows, aiming to cut losses and attract foreign investors.

South Pacific Security: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says his government will review the 2022 security treaty with China, after admitting he only saw the text days before his Australia trip and that it includes a non-disclosure clause—raising fresh pressure from Canberra and Washington. India-Myanmar Ties: India and Myanmar agreed to deepen trade via the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism and expand cooperation in agro-processing, energy and mining, as PM Modi presses Myanmar’s leadership on a democratic transition. India Bio-Economy Push: DCPC Secretary Tejveer Singh says India has the science, biodiversity and innovation ecosystem to lead the global bio-economy and bio-based farm inputs, spotlighting next-gen bio-pesticides and fertilizers. Japan Security & Costs: Japan postponed possible restrictions on foreigners buying real estate until fall, while approving a 3.1 trillion yen extra budget to cushion Middle East-linked inflation pressures. Japan Storm Disruption: Typhoon Jangmi battered Japan, cutting power to tens of thousands and forcing hundreds of flight cancellations. China Outbound Curbs: China expanded outbound investment rules to cover individual investors, tightening compliance for overseas deals. Local Governance (US): Early results show LAUSD board races leaning to incumbents, while California’s insurance commissioner primary is tightly contested between Jane Kim and Ben Allen.

India-Nepal Border Row: India’s MEA hit back at Nepal PM Balendra Shah’s boundary remarks, stressing “no role for any third party” and pointing to joint mapping of unresolved segments tied to the Gandak River. Education Governance: CBSE chairman and secretary were transferred amid the On-Screen Marking controversy, with the government ordering a probe into procurement and cybersecurity. Youth Protest Politics: India’s “Cockroach Janta Party” plans a Delhi street protest demanding the education minister’s resignation over exam irregularities, drawing support from Sonam Wangchuk. Indo-Pacific Security: China protested Japan-Philippines maritime delimitation talks east of Taiwan, while the Philippines said it is verifying possible structures at Bajo de Masinloc amid heavy Chinese presence. Trade & Diplomacy: India-UK FTA talks advanced as Piyush Goyal met UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle, with steel tariff concerns in focus. Regional Leadership: Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party chief Rabi Lamichhane met Jaishankar and Amit Shah during an India visit. Humanitarian & Defence: India delivered the second tranche of Ebola medical aid to Uganda and reported successful RudraM-II missile flight tests from an airborne platform.