Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering visiting India early next month to meet with her counterpart Narendra Modi to discuss cooperation on strengthening supply chains of critical goods given concerns about China’s economic coercion, government sources said on Thursday.
Takaichi aims to deepen bilateral collaboration in a wide range of fields covering defence, economic issues and cutting-edge technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, according to the…
Japan-Philippines maritime talks 2026
Citizen group to press for ‘transparency’ in Philippine VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial
A citizen watchdog has been launched in the Philippines to monitor Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial, as turmoil inside the Senate threatens to deepen public doubts over whether the politically explosive proceedings can be handled fairly and constitutionally.
Members of civil society launched the coalition, called Bantay Senado (Senate Watch), on Monday, saying it would “help ensure that the impeachment trial is conducted transparently, fairly and forthwith, in keeping with…
Indonesia arrests sacked head of free meal scheme
Indonesian officials arrested on Wednesday the former head of the country’s free school meals programme, blighted by mass food poisonings and corruption claims, a day after he was fired.
The much-hyped billion-dollar feeding scheme was the flagship policy of President Prabowo Subianto’s 2024 election campaign.
Prabowo fired Dadan Hindayana, an entomologist who had led the National Nutrition Agency since its inception in August 2024, along with two deputies on Tuesday. All three were taken into…
How the UK’s new single-sex space guidance will impact service providers
Official guidance on single-sex spaces in the wake of a UK Supreme Court decision could leave service providers with more questions than answers about how to practically implement it.
Employment law implications of Germany‘s new KRITIS Framework Act
Businesses should adopt a holistiic approach to Germany’s new critical infrastructure regulatory framework.
Bangladesh faces further measles risk due to lack of vaccinations, travel
The measles outbreak in Bangladesh is one of its deadliest health crises in decades, and experts are warning that the lack of measures to increase vaccinations and enhance immunisation across the country could lead to a further spike in cases.
There have been over 60,000 suspected cases of measles, and nearly 600 people have died from the disease since mid-March, according to media reports.
The outbreak has been particularly severe among malnourished children and communities with limited access…
Prabowo’s overseas visits spark debate in Indonesia over benefits for citizens
Indonesia’s deepening ties with France have given President Prabowo Subianto a chance to advance Jakarta’s defence modernisation, strengthen relations with Europe and expand its international footprint.
But analysts say the Paris visit has also fuelled a debate at home on whether deals and diplomatic goodwill arising from Prabowo’s frequent foreign trips can translate into benefits for ordinary Indonesians.
Prabowo, who has visited France four times as president, met his French counterpart…
ASEAN Concludes Digital Economy Pact, Sets November Signing
ASEAN member states have formally concluded negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), with all 10 member nations now scheduled to sign the landmark regional pact in November 2026, according to multiple sources including Channel NewsAsia and Cebu Daily News.
The signing ceremony will mark the culmination of years of multilateral bargaining on the agreement, which first entered discussions under Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2023. The pact establishes a comprehensive regional framework for digital trade, electronic commerce, digital payments, data governance, and the harmonization of digital regulations across Southeast Asia.
DEFA represents ASEAN’s most ambitious attempt to create a unified digital economy area in the region. Key provisions under the agreement include:
- Digital trade facilitation – Elimination of barriers to cross-border data flows and digital services among member states
- E-commerce framework – Standardized rules for online marketplaces, consumer protection, and digital contracts
- Digital payments interoperability – Alignment of payment systems across ASEAN to enable seamless cross-border transactions
- Data governance and privacy – Common standards for data localization, cross-border data transfers, and personal information protection
- Digital identity frameworks – Mutual recognition of electronic credentials across the bloc
For Southeast Asian businesses, particularly in fintech, e-commerce, and cloud computing sectors, DEFA will substantially reduce the fragmentation that has long defined the region’s digital economy. The agreement aims to cut compliance costs for companies operating across multiple ASEAN jurisdictions, accelerate cross-border investments, and create a more attractive environment for foreign direct investment in the digital sector.
The timing of the November signing is strategically significant. Indonesia, which currently holds the ASEAN chairmanship, will preside over the formal signing, building on its earlier push to finalize the deal before the end of its leadership term. Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto had previously urged member states to move quickly, warning that “the whole world is looking at DEFA” and describing it as a shield against protectionist trade policies.
The agreement comes at a critical juncture for Southeast Asia’s digital economy, which is projected to reach $1 trillion in gross digital economy value by 2030, driven by rapidly expanding internet penetration and mobile-first consumer adoption across the region, particularly in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Analysts see DEFA as a direct response to the growing digital divergence between Southeast Asia and other major economies, including China’s dominance in regional digital infrastructure and the expanding influence of Western digital platform companies in the region.
The November signing ceremony is expected to take place during the 49th ASEAN Summit, though the exact date and location have yet to be confirmed.
Read the full story: ASEAN to sign digital economy pact in November (CNA)
India, Myanmar Deepen Trade Ties, Accelerate Connectivity Projects
In a significant development for regional economic cooperation and strategic engagement, India and Myanmar have agreed to deepen their bilateral trade ties, accelerate flagship connectivity infrastructure projects, and expand cooperation on cross-border security during Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to New Delhi on June 1, 2026.
Summit Breakthrough
During the talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic, connectivity, and security cooperation. According to the joint statement, PM Modi underscored that enhanced connectivity would help foster stronger economic linkages and shared prosperity across the region.
Kaladan and Trilateral Highway Acceleration
Two major regional integration projects were identified for accelerated completion:
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project — a key Indian initiative designed to link the eastern Indian state of Mizoram to Sittwe port in Myanmar via river, sea, and road transport corridors.
The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway — a strategic road network aimed at boosting cross-border commerce and people-to-people ties across South and Southeast Asia.
Both sides stressed the need to work closely towards the timely completion of these flagship initiatives aimed at boosting regional integration and cross-border commerce.
Rupee-Kyat Settlement Mechanism
In a significant development for monetary cooperation, the two countries agreed to facilitate and expand bilateral trade through the rupee-kyat settlement mechanism.
Both sides welcomed the steady growth in transaction volumes under the arrangement since it became operational in May 2024. The mechanism allows businesses in both countries to conduct trade in their respective currencies, bypassing reliance on third-party currencies and reducing transaction costs.
Scholarships and People-to-People Ties
In a move aimed at strengthening educational and people-to-people ties between the two countries, India announced that the number of Mekong Ganga ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarships available to Myanmar students would be increased from 36 to 100 scholarships from 2026 onwards.
Strategic Context
The discussions underscore India’s growing strategic interest in deepening economic and infrastructure engagement with Myanmar, particularly as New Delhi seeks to expand its influence in Southeast Asia and diversify regional supply chains.
The connectivity projects and monetary arrangements signal a broader pattern of India’s deepening economic integration with its eastern and southern neighbors, complementing its Act East policy and broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
Sources: The Economic Times; Economic Times (India eyes Myanmar rare earths)