India and the US are engaged in intricate trade negotiations, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressing hope for a successful outcome through mutual give and take. The talks aim to prevent tariff hikes set for July 9, but India is resisting concessions on dairy, a key rural sector, according to sources.
https://indiatoday.in/india/story/india-us-trade-deal-give-and-take-needed-says-s-jaishankar-as-us-talks-up-trade-deal-progress-2749161-2025-07-01Indonesia's Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, has emphasized that the next US ambassador must have a deep understanding of current geopolitical conditions and global dynamics. She also stressed the importance of diplomatic competence and the ability to engage with relevant stakeholders in the host nation. The DPR will wait for the government to issue an official letter naming the ambassador candidate before proceeding with the fit and proper test process. Currently, 12 Indonesian embassies, including the one in Washington D.C., have vacant ambassadorial posts, which are crucial for protecting Indonesian citizens abroad and advancing diplomacy.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/363257/new-us-envoy-pick-must-understand-global-dynamics-dprJapan, the US, Australia, and India plan to strengthen their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region through a trilateral dialogue, aiming to promote stability and security in the area. The four nations will discuss ways to address common challenges such as terrorism, cybersecurity threats, and maritime security. This move is seen as a response to China's growing influence in the region.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250701/p2g/00m/0in/073000cDefense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Lithuanian National Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Makati City, solidifying a growing defense relationship between the Philippines and Lithuania based on shared democratic values and international law. The agreement focuses on cooperation in cybersecurity, defense industry development, joint munitions production, countering hybrid threats, and maritime domain awareness. This comes after Sakaliene's four-day official visit to the Philippines, where she met with Teodoro at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, and prior discussions on pressing global security issues including the West Philippine Sea and Eastern Europe.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/02/news/national/ph-lithuania-expand-defense-cooperation/2141849The Quad nations' foreign ministers met in Washington to strengthen their alliance's effectiveness in addressing global issues. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar praised the discussion as "very productive" and emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The meeting aimed to increase the Quad's focus on contemporary opportunities and challenges, with discussions on its annual summit agenda set for India later this year.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/quad-foreign-ministers-discuss-indo-pacific-strategy-summit-agenda-in-washington-13902200.htmlDefence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed gratitude to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for America's support in India's fight against terrorism. In a telephonic conversation, they discussed ways to deepen their defence partnership, including interoperability and joint military exercises. Singh highlighted Pakistan's long track record of cross-border terrorism and India's actions during Operation Sindoor as examples. The two leaders agreed to build on the momentum of their critical partnership, with Hegseth expressing support for India's fight against terrorism.
https://www.news18.com/india/rajnath-singh-thanks-pete-hegseth-for-us-support-to-indias-fight-against-terrorism-9415144.htmlUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with foreign ministers from Australia, India and Japan to focus on Asia after a tenure marked by crises elsewhere and domestic priorities. The Quad, an alliance of like-minded countries to counter China, was welcomed by Rubio in January, with the goal of diversifying global supply chains for critical minerals. China holds major reserves of key minerals, including graphite crucial for electric vehicles, and has sought to impose restrictions as leverage. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the importance of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and India's right to defend its people against terrorism. The meeting came after Rubio's focus shifted from the Middle East and Ukraine to domestic priorities such as mass deportations of migrants, and before President Trump is expected to travel to India for a Quad summit later this year.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/shifting-to-asia-rubio-meets-quad-and-talks-minerals/article_5d348c2b-ef89-5a5b-a0fd-a1ebd8af1d90.htmlPhilippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary-designate, Yassmin Bautista Lazaro, has expressed her commitment to working closely with her predecessor, Maria Teresa Manalo, as the Philippines pursues a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for 2027-2028.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/02/news/national/lazaro-takes-oath-as-foreign-affairs-chief/2141891At least 51 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including 24 at a seafront rest area, as Israel steps up its bombardment ahead of White House talks on a potential ceasefire. The Israeli military has continued to pursue its offensive across the Palestinian territory despite US President Donald Trump's urging for a halt to the fighting. The conflict has created dire humanitarian conditions for the population of over two million in Gaza, with more than 20 months of combat leaving widespread destruction and death. The UN has condemned the "weaponisation of food" in Gaza, where aid seekers have been targeted by Israeli forces, and opposition leader Yair Lapid has said there is "no longer any benefit" to the war.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40370483/gaza-rescuers-say-israeli-forces-kill-over-50-as-ceasefire-calls-mount