Google CEO Pichai Sees Trade Deal Breakthrough Tonight
7.31.25
Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed confidence that Thailand will receive positive news tonight regarding a proposed trade agreement between the two countries. The proposal includes reducing tariffs on certain imports and joint investment cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and advanced technology. Thailand has also suggested purchasing goods it cannot produce domestically at competitive prices. If the US responds favourably, it would be a positive signal for Thailand's economy and exports.
India held delegation-level talks with Panama on United Nations-related matters, extending support to Panama's bid for a successful presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2025. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Arturo Hoyos met Secretary Tanmaya Lal in New Delhi, marking a significant development in bilateral relations between the two countries.
India Calls for Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release Immediately
7.31.25
India has expressed concern over the security situation in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, hostage release, and peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was asked about India's abstention from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid. Indian Minister Singh emphasized the need for safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine and reiterated that bringing Israel and Palestine closer would facilitate early resumption of direct peace negotiations.
India's private refiners, including Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy, are pulling back from Russian crude due to shrinking discounts, as EU-imposed curbs on Russian oil imports may complicate overseas trade. The move comes amid rising tensions between Russia and the West, with US President Trump threatening 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a major peace deal with Ukraine. India has reiterated its opposition to "unilateral sanctions", while state-owned refiners like BPCL, HPCL, and MRPL continue to buy Russian oil, responsible for about 35% of India's overall supplies.
Indonesia's Trade Deal Sparks Data Sovereignty Fears
7.31.25
Indonesia's new trade deal with the US has sparked debate over concessions that allow for the transfer of personal data abroad and relaxed local content requirements for US companies. Critics argue this may erode digital sovereignty and economic self-reliance, while officials see it as a pragmatic step to attract investment. The agreement includes provisions such as reducing tariffs on Indonesian goods to 19% and exempting US companies from local content requirements.
Iran has been accused by Britain and 13 allies, including the US and France, of a surge in assassination plots, kidnappings, and harassment targeting individuals in Europe and North America. The countries have called on Iranian authorities to stop such illegal activities, which include attempts to assassinate dissident journalists, politicians, and Jewish individuals. The US has indicted three members of a European gang allegedly working with Iran, while another individual was charged over an alleged plot to assassinate former US presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2023. The US Department of State has released a joint statement with its allies condemning Iran's
Canada is facing a security threat from Iran, with reports of senior Iranian regime members living illegally and former officials targeting diaspora members and community organizations. Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay, a Tehran-born human rights activist, has expressed concern about the presence of Islamic regime officials in Canada, describing it as a "safe haven" for them.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged his government to closely monitor public concerns over a trade deal with the United States, following the agreement that lowered tariffs from 25% to 15% in exchange for $350 billion investment and $100 billion US energy purchases.
Macron Unveils Realist Indo-Pacific Strategy at Shangri-La Dialogue
7.31.25
French President Macron emphasized France's commitment to being a reliable partner and adjunct power in Asia during his visit, including an address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. This comes as France unveils its updated Indo-Pacific strategy for 2025, which builds on its original framework from 2018 and reflects the region's shifting geopolitical landscape. The new "Realist Strategy for Turbulent Times" prioritizes pragmatic engagement grounded in national interests and regional partnerships.