Iran has announced that a senior official from the UN nuclear watchdog will visit for talks on Monday, but no visit to nuclear sites is planned. The visit comes after Israel launched military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites in June, preventing IAEA inspectors from accessing facilities despite IAEA chief Rafael Grossi's priority of inspections. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the agency of paving the way for the bombings by issuing a report that led to the IAEA's declaration of Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations.
India and Philippines Boost Maritime Cooperation Efforts
8.11.25
India and the Philippines have strengthened their maritime cooperation through a partnership that includes enhanced domain awareness, shipbuilding, and joint investments in defence research and development. The two countries aim to counter-terrorism through regular dialogues and information-sharing, with a zero-tolerance policy for terrorism. This partnership is significant as it broadens the strategic horizons of both nations, with India's naval capacities being particularly valued by the Philippines, as seen in President Marcos's public thanks for India's rescue efforts after a Houthi rebel attack in the Red Sea.
India Seeks Pragmatic Solution in Discounted Russian Oil
8.11.25
India's purchase of discounted Russian oil is gaining credibility as a pragmatic response to market disruptions caused by Western sanctions on Russia. Despite political rhetoric calling for total economic isolation, data show selective exposure, with essential goods still flowing due to the high cost and disruption of shutting down all channels. This re-orientation of Russian crude exports towards Asia, particularly to India, highlights the complexity of implementing a full cut-off without coordinated alternatives.
Indian police have arrested several individuals in connection with a fake embassy operation near New Delhi, where a man named Harsh Vardhan Jain, 47, was running an illegal "West Arctic embassy" that duped job seekers of money by promising employment abroad. The accused used vehicles with fake diplomatic plates and shared doctored photos with Indian leaders to bolster his claims.
Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) due to its failure to condemn Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which derailed high-level talks between Iran and the US. The talks, which began in April, were the highest-level contact between Tehran and Washington since 2018. Iranian diplomat Alireza Araghchi stated that his country has received messages from the US side about resuming negotiations, but no final decisions have been made. Meanwhile, European diplomats from Germany, Britain, and France have threatened to trigger sanctions against Iran by the end of August if a deal on its nuclear program is not reached.
Korean Ministers Unite on Sustainable Farming Practices
8.11.25
Agriculture ministers from South Korea, China, and Japan held their first trilateral meeting in seven years, discussing food security, animal disease response, and sustainable farming practices. The meeting, led by South Korean Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung, aimed to address global challenges such as climate change and supply chain instability through intelligence sharing and cooperation. The ministers agreed to develop smart farming technologies, support the transition to carbon-neutral agriculture, and foster young farmers.
South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung will host Vietnamese leader To Lam on a four-day state visit starting Monday, as the two countries aim to strengthen economic and strategic ties amid a challenging global trading environment. The summit is expected to result in at least 10 memoranda of understanding, covering cooperation in nuclear energy, renewable energy, monetary policies, financial policies, science and technology, with specific agreements also planned for Vietnam's Southeast Asian location. South Korea and Vietnam will deepen their economic and strategic cooperation during a summit on August 11, with President Lee Jae-myung hosting Vietnamese leader Lam To as his first state guest since taking office. The two leaders plan to sign at least 10 memoranda of understanding, focusing on nuclear and renewable energy, monetary policies, and science and technology. This visit aims to create a favorable environment for South Korean businesses to invest in major infrastructure projects in Vietnam, particularly in the fields of nuclear energy and LNG power plants. Major companies like Samsung Electronics have already benefited from Vietnam's lower labor costs and tax incentives, but recent US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump have increased uncertainty over future business commitments.
Malaysia to Arrest Human Trafficking Suspects Md Aminul Islam
8.11.25
Malaysia has agreed to assist Interpol in arresting two alleged masterminds, Md Aminul Islam and Mohammed Ruhul Amin, who are accused of human trafficking and extortion. The request was made by Interpol's National Central Bureau in Dhaka on October 24.
North Korea Denounces US-South Korea Military Exercises
8.11.25
North Korea has strongly denounced its allies, specifically the United States and South Korea, for their recent military exercises and provocations, which it sees as a threat to regional security. Defense Minister No Kwang Choi stated this in a statement released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.