India is prioritizing its national interests during bilateral talks with the US on a trade deal, according to a report. The Indian government is focusing on protecting domestic industries and ensuring fair competition in the market. India's trade envoy has emphasized the need for a level playing field and equal access to markets. The US has proposed significant concessions, including increased market access and reduced tariffs, but India wants to ensure that its national interests are safeguarded.
https://www.livemint.com/economy/indiaus-trade-deal-national-interests-supreme-during-bilateral-talks-ministry-report-donald-trump-tariffs-economy-news-11751516168556.htmlIndia is close to signing an interim trade deal with the US, with negotiations in their final stages. India has maintained its stance of not opening the agriculture and dairy sectors completely to the US, while seeking greater access to labor-intensive industries. The deal is expected to be signed within 48 hours before a July 9 deadline on Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs expire.
https://indiatoday.in/india/story/interim-trade-deal-between-india-and-us-likely-to-be-signed-within-two-days-negotiations-in-final-stage-sour-2749957-2025-07-03Indonesia's Commander of the National Armed Forces, General Agus Subiyanto, emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships with foreign defense forces to address rising global tensions. He stated that the TNI will continue military diplomacy through visits and hosting foreign commanders in Indonesia. The country has established educational cooperation with 26 countries, allowing Indonesian soldiers to receive training and education abroad. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed this, highlighting Indonesia's commitment to strengthening its armed forces while maintaining a neutral stance on conflicts, as exemplified by President Prabowo Subianto's call for diplomacy over force in resolving conflicts.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/363593/indonesia-steps-up-defense-diplomacy-amid-rising-global-tensionsDeputy Minister of Trade of Indonesia, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation with New Zealand in various fields during a bilateral meeting in Wellington, New Zealand. The two countries aim to improve trade and investment, as well as education, innovation, and cultural diplomacy. Total trade between them reached $1.9 billion in 2024, with Indonesia's exports growing by 15% to $680 million and imports from New Zealand rising by 8.97% to $1.24 billion. Putri expressed hope that the Indonesia-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership Plan of Action would increase trade to $3.6 billion. She also discussed Indonesia's accession to the CPTPP and OECD, with New Zealand supporting its accession process.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/363553/indonesia-eyes-doubling-trade-with-new-zealand-by-2029Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, elevating their bilateral partnership to a "Comprehensive Partnership". India aims to double its trade with Ghana in the next five years. This is PM Modi's first prime ministerial visit to Ghana in three decades.
https://www.news18.com/world/pm-modi-in-ghana-india-not-just-partner-but-a-co-traveller-in-ghanas-development-journey-9417687.htmlThe Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the steadily shrinking space for human rights defense work in the country due to arbitrary, illegal, and unjustified actions that have hindered its ability to conduct its mandate.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/hrcp-expresses-concern-over-steadily-shrinking-space-for-human-rights-defence-work-in-pakistan/Pakistan's revival requires competence, meritocracy, and courage. The country must abandon apathy, cynicism, and mediocrity to respond effectively to challenges. This moment presents a rare opportunity for Pakistan to rise to global relevance, but it must choose purpose over survival.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40370844/yet-another-chance-to-reset-the-futureThe Philippines is adopting a "one-theatre" strategy to counter China's growing influence in the East and South China seas, as part of a Japan-led approach that aims to promote operational synergy among regional allies. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro supports this concept, which treats these waters as a unified theatre of operations due to shared maritime threats. This shift reflects growing alignment among countries such as Japan, the US, South Korea, and Australia, including the Philippines, in response to China's expanding maritime presence.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3316668/philippines-joins-japans-one-theatre-plan-against-china-sea-threat?module=asia_latest&pgtype=sectionSouth Asian leaders must prioritize regional cooperation over narrow rivalries to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), a regional body that has historically played a pivotal role in easing tensions among member states. SAARC's foundations are solid, but its tools remain inactive due to a lack of political courage. The organization was meant to promote dialogue and cooperation, not just resolve political disputes directly. It has contributed to people's well-being through initiatives like the SAARC Development Fund and student exchanges, but these efforts are limited by restrictive visa systems. To flourish, trade, tourism, and trust require stronger political support, including a common tourist visa, simplified travel rules, and business-friendly border policies. Despite pauses in its functioning, SAARC remains a homegrown initiative with a unique foundation built on shared history, culture, and aspirations among South Asian countries.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40370845/why-saarc-still-matters