Asia

Guarding the gateway: India-Indonesia coast guard pact targets Malacca and beyond

With maritime trade routes increasingly vulnerable to conflicts, piracy and geopolitical rivalries, closer cooperation between India and Indonesia is expected to strengthen regional security and economic resilience

Saudi Arabia's biggest oil price cut in 26 years signals a new battle for Asian market share

Saudi Arabia has slashed the price of its flagship Arab Light crude for Asian buyers by the biggest margin in at least 26 years as rising global supplies and higher OPEC+ output intensify competition for market share. The move could benefit major importers such as India through lower energy costs

'Free, open Indo-Pacific': PM Modi says his 3-nation tour will strengthen India's Act East policy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday released a departure statement as he commences his three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from 6-11 July 2026.

What to expect from Modi's Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand visits

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's six-day visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand aims to strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and Indo-Pacific partnerships. From defence and trade to the India-New Zealand FTA and Quad cooperation, here's everything to know about the landmark three-nation diplomatic tour

UPI is just the start: Indonesia wants India's entire digital public infrastructure playbook

Indonesia wants much more than UPI. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Jakarta, the two countries are expected to deepen cooperation on India's digital public infrastructure while advancing defence ties, including a potential BrahMos missile deal that could reshape Southeast Asia's security architecture

What did Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit deliver for both nations?

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's first official visit to India produced about $12.5 billion in fresh investments, 129 MoUs, a new economic security roadmap, a first military hardware co-development project, AI cooperation, a 1,000-biogas plant initiative and expanded collaboration on semiconductors, critical minerals, high-speed rail and the Indo-Pacific

China's controversial ethnic unity law comes into force despite criticisms from Taiwan and United Nations

A new ethnic unity law came into effect Wednesday in China despite warnings from Taiwan, the United Nations and rights groups that it could threaten freedoms, especially for minorities.

Pakistan ends ‘period tax’ after years of activism and court battles: What changed?

Pakistan has abolished the 18 per cent sales tax on menstrual hygiene products and contraceptives, following sustained legal challenges and grassroots campaigns. The reform follows a constitutional challenge led by Mahnoor Omer and Ahsan Jehangir Khan

China, Indonesia fight over nickel control — $50 billion investment pipeline at risk

China has warned that up to $50 billion in investments in Indonesia's nickel sector could be at risk as Jakarta tightens control over the strategic industry through new regulations, quotas and export oversight measures

UK, Japan poised to seal a landmark $24 billion investment and tech partnerships deal

The United Kingdom and Japan are set to agree on an investment deal worth £18 billion ($24 billion) with an aim to create tens of thousands of jobs in both nations.