BRICS nations adopted the Guwahati Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organised crime. The declaration, made by heads of anti-drug agencies, emphasized the need for timely exchange of information, intelligence, and best practices, consistent with national laws and international obligations. Concerns were raised over the evolving nature of drug trafficking, the proliferation of synthetic drugs, and the misuse of emerging technologies. India, represented by Narcotics Control Bureau Director-General Anurag Garg, highlighted its zero-tolerance policy and a three-year roadmap (2026-29) focusing on dismantling criminal networks and mass awareness campaigns.
- BRICS nations adopted the Guwahati Declaration to enhance cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and transnational crime.
- The declaration stresses timely information and intelligence exchange, adhering to national and international laws.
- Concerns include the rise of synthetic drugs, new psychoactive substances, and misuse of technology in drug trafficking.
The government lifted emergency curbs on natural gas supply, imposed during the West Asia crisis in March, citing "ceasefire and negotiations" and the resumption of "sea traffic through the Strait of Hormuz." This move, amending the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, restores gas supplies to fertilizer plants, refineries, distributors, and industrial users. It will particularly benefit industrial and commercial users, city gas distributors, and the ceramic sector, which faced significant curtailment. Fertilizer plants, major consumers of LNG, will also see improved supply, crucial for the agricultural input chain. The decision underscores India's efforts to diversify energy sources and strengthen energy resilience.
- Emergency curbs on natural gas supply, imposed during the West Asia crisis, have been lifted due to improved geopolitical conditions.
- The lifting of restrictions will restore gas supplies to various sectors, including fertilizer plants, refineries, and industrial users.
- Industrial and commercial users, city gas distributors, and the ceramic sector are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries.
India-Australia relations, now a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, have evolved beyond the traditional "Commonwealth, Cricket, and Curry" to encompass "Democracy, Diaspora, and Dosti," and increasingly, "Development and Defence." Bilateral economic cooperation is thriving, with Indian exports gaining duty-free access and a shared ambition to raise trade to $100 billion by 2030. Defence cooperation is rapidly growing, marked by high-level exchanges and joint military exercises. The partnership also extends to energy, education, and innovation, with collaborations in renewable energy, critical minerals, and educational exchanges, contributing to a robust multilateral framework in the Indo-Pacific.
- India-Australia relations have expanded significantly, moving beyond traditional cultural ties to strategic cooperation in development and defense.
- Bilateral trade and investment are growing, with a target of $100 billion by 2030, facilitated by agreements like ECTA.
- Defence cooperation is robust, featuring regular high-level dialogues and joint military exercises, particularly in the maritime domain.
Following the resolution of the West Asian crisis and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, India's economic prospects for 2026-27 are being re-evaluated. Crude oil prices are expected to normalise, positively impacting India's fiscal position. While GDP growth for 2025-26 was strong at 7.7%, 2026-27 faces challenges from first-quarter crude disruptions and a 10% rainfall shortfall due to El Niño, potentially affecting agricultural output. The RBI projects 6.6% real GDP growth for 2026-27. India's petroleum economy shows increasing import dependence but also growing refining capacity and energy efficiency, necessitating strategic reserves and diversification.
- The resolution of the West Asian crisis and normalisation of crude oil prices will influence India's economic outlook for 2026-27.
- Challenges for 2026-27 include initial crude supply disruptions and a significant rainfall deficit due to El Niño, impacting agriculture.
- India's petroleum economy is characterized by high import dependence, growing refining capacity, and improved energy efficiency.
An LNG tanker, Al Rekayyat, travelling off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, was struck by a projectile and caught fire. The British military confirmed the attack, the latest in a series targeting vessels in the narrow Persian Gulf mouth. Iranian state television implied Tehran carried out the assault after the tanker ignored warnings, though no official claim was made. Qatar condemned the attack as an "unacceptable" violation of international law and energy security. This incident escalates tensions, especially as talks between Iran and the U.S. were on hold, and highlights the precariousness of global energy supply routes.
- An LNG tanker, Al Rekayyat, was struck by a projectile and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman.
- The incident is part of a series of attacks targeting vessels in the region, raising global energy security concerns.
- Iranian state television implied Tehran's involvement, while Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of international law.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, reiterated India's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the role of dialogue and diplomacy in global turbulence. This stance was part of a joint statement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, expressing "deep concern" over the West Asia war. The leaders also signed 14 agreements, including defense deals for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missiles for Indonesia, and discussed deepening cooperation on globally important issues.
- Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- The statement was made during his three-nation tour, starting in Jakarta, Indonesia, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy.
- India and Indonesia signed 14 agreements, including significant defense deals.
China test-fired a "strategic" missile carrying a dummy warhead from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean, prompting immediate condemnation from New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. New Zealand described it as a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile. This rare display of military might occurred on the same day Australia and Fiji signed a major defense treaty. Concurrently, China began its annual joint naval exercises with Russia off Qingdao. Regional nations expressed serious concerns, viewing China's actions as destabilizing and escalating tensions, while Russia defended China's sovereign right to conduct such tests.
- China test-fired a "strategic" missile with a dummy warhead from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean.
- New Zealand identified the missile as a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile.
- The test coincided with Australia and Fiji signing a major defense treaty, and China beginning joint naval exercises with Russia.
Representatives from BRICS member countries, converging in Guwahati for the Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies' Meeting 2026, emphasized the critical need for stronger international cooperation to combat drug trafficking. Lucas Barbosa of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the long history of cooperation within the BRICS anti-drug working group and the intent to strengthen collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence sharing. Anurag Garg, Director-General of India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), underscored that drug abuse is an international scourge requiring collective global effort. Discussions will focus on emerging challenges like darknet marketplaces, cryptocurrencies, and maritime routes for drug trafficking.
- BRICS member countries called for stronger international cooperation to combat drug trafficking at a meeting in Guwahati.
- The BRICS anti-drug working group aims to enhance collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence sharing.
- Drug trafficking is recognized as a transnational threat requiring coordinated action by all member countries.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will launch India's official campaign for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term on July 13. Currently traveling in the Gulf region, he will arrive in New York on July 10 for the official ceremony. This bid requires significant diplomatic mobilization, especially as Tajikistan is the other candidate for the Asia-Pacific region, having secured support from the OIC bloc. The article notes that recent trends have not favored India's plans, citing the postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit due to the Ebola outbreak in Africa.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will launch India's campaign for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.
- The official launch is scheduled for July 13 in New York.
- Tajikistan is the other candidate for the Asia-Pacific region seat, having secured support from the OIC bloc (57 member-states).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a three-nation tour in Indonesia, aiming to strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Received by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Modi's visit marks his first bilateral trip to Indonesia since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. Discussions with President Subianto will focus on adding momentum to diverse sectors. Modi also visited the Prambanan Temple complex and witnessed Wayang Kulit, highlighting shared civilisational heritage. He will subsequently visit Australia and New Zealand.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a three-nation tour in Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.
- The visit aims to strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- This is PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Indonesia since the 2018 elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The article examines the future of the Quad, prompted by the Pentagon's renaming of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command back to the U.S. Pacific Command, signaling a potential shift in U.S. priorities. Criticisms against the Quad include its reluctance to explicitly name China, its hesitation to project itself as a security-centric grouping, and the lack of a 2+2 ministerial dialogue format. While the Quad's agenda shows a heavy focus on security-related domains (23 out of 37 initiatives), its funding patterns disproportionately favor health and climate, with a visible gap in capital commitment for resilient supply chains and critical technologies.
- The Pentagon's renaming of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command back to the U.S. Pacific Command raises questions about the Quad's future and U.S. commitment.
- Criticisms include the Quad's reluctance to explicitly name China and its hesitation to fully embrace a security-centric identity.
- Despite 23 out of 37 initiatives being security-related, funding disproportionately favors health and climate, with a gap in capital for critical technologies and supply chains.
The article discusses India's evolving stance on AI governance, initially aiming to center Global South needs at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. However, India's subsequent alignment with Pax Silica and adoption of a pro-innovation regulatory approach, influenced by the U.S., has shifted its position towards a "middle power" narrative. This shift raises concerns about potential dependency on U.S. tech, extraction of data and resources, and whether India can truly champion Global South interests while pursuing strategic autonomy. The author suggests India should reassert a vision of public purpose, user safety, and international cooperation within the Global South to build local AI ecosystems.
- India initially aimed to prioritize Global South needs in AI governance at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
- India's alignment with Pax Silica and a pro-innovation regulatory approach has led to a "middle power" positioning, potentially compromising Global South solidarity.
- This shift raises concerns about India becoming a consumer of U.S. tech, a site for data extraction, and a provider of cheap labor for American Big Tech.
A cargo ship in the Red Sea reported being under attack by unknown armed assailants off the coast of Hodeida, Yemen. A skiff approached the bulk carrier and opened fire, prompting the ship's security guards to return fire. The skiff then retreated to a larger vessel with its automatic identification system switched off. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident, stating that the cargo ship and its crew were reported safe. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
- A cargo ship was attacked by unknown armed assailants off the coast of Hodeida, Yemen, in the Red Sea.
- A skiff opened fire on the bulk carrier, to which the ship's security guards responded with fire.
- The skiff retreated to a larger vessel that had its automatic identification system switched off.
India is set to host the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies meeting in Guwahati, starting Monday. Organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the meeting aims to transform BRICS cooperation from dialogue-centric to action-oriented. Key focus areas will include combating synthetic drugs, strengthening intelligence sharing, enhancing operational coordination, and capacity building. India, as chair, seeks to foster collaboration through information exchange on clandestine laboratories, emerging drug trends, precursor chemicals, and joint training programs to tackle drug-related threats effectively.
- India is hosting the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies meeting in Guwahati.
- The meeting aims to shift BRICS cooperation towards action-oriented collaboration in combating drug-related threats.
- Key focus areas include synthetic drugs, intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building.
India has eased emergency gas supply curbs as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipments normalize following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The government had invoked emergency powers in March to prioritize gas supplies to essential sectors due to threats to traffic through the waterway, which affected about 65% of India's LNG imports from West Asia. While crude oil purchases were diversified, LNG supplies remained vulnerable. The easing of curbs indicates a restoration of normal supply chains and a reduction in the immediate threat to energy security.
- India has eased emergency gas supply restrictions following the normalization of LNG shipments.
- The curbs were imposed in March due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for energy imports.
- About 65% of India's LNG supplies from West Asia pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the country vulnerable to disruptions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India successfully managed the challenges of the West Asia conflict through effective assessment, strategic decision-making, and leveraging domestic resources and strong diplomatic ties. The country avoided fuel rationing, ensured cooking gas supplies, and shielded consumers and farmers from global price spikes, with state-run oil marketing firms (OMCs) absorbing losses. Modi credited domestic refineries for increasing LPG production, highlighting India's position as the world's fourth-largest refiner, with plans for further expansion. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd. (HRRL) in Balotra.
- PM Modi asserted that India effectively managed the West Asia crisis through strategic decisions and leveraging domestic resources and diplomatic ties.
- The government prevented fuel rationing and ensured cooking gas supplies, shielding consumers from price hikes.
- State-run oil marketing firms (OMCs) bore the financial losses to maintain stable prices.
India's Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, stated that increased Chinese investment in India would benefit both the economy and broader bilateral ties. He also advocated for greater Indian exports to China, particularly in pharmaceuticals, where India is globally competitive. Despite a political freeze since 2020, bilateral trade has expanded, though it remains lopsided with a significant deficit. Efforts to normalize relations are underway following a meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping in October 2024, after disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- India's Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, emphasized the benefits of increased Chinese investment for India's economy and bilateral relations.
- He also called for greater Indian exports to China, especially in competitive sectors like pharmaceuticals.
- Despite a political freeze since 2020, bilateral trade has grown, but India faces a substantial trade deficit with China.
India announced that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in "abeyance" until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. This statement by the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, came in response to a recent international conference in Pakistan that called for the treaty's restoration. India had previously put the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, citing Pakistan's long-standing promotion of cross-border terrorism. India emphasized that "water and blood cannot flow together," intensifying its rhetoric against Pakistan, especially amidst protests in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
- India has declared that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably stops cross-border terrorism.
- This stance was reiterated following a conference in Pakistan advocating for the treaty's restoration.
- The Cabinet Committee on Security had previously put the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
India stated it would consider "all related developments" in formulating its approach to the Teesta river project, following Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China, where the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) was discussed. India's development assistance to Bangladesh is based on mutually agreed roadmaps. The sharing of Teesta river water has been a long-standing issue between India and Bangladesh, in a deadlock since 2011. India's statement did not express displeasure but reiterated its stance on the project, emphasizing that India-Bangladesh ties stand on their own merit.
- India will factor in "all related developments" concerning the Teesta river project, including Bangladesh's discussions with China.
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discussed the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) with China.
- India's development assistance to Bangladesh operates on mutually agreed and regularly reviewed roadmaps.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi emphasized a "free and rules-based Indo-Pacific" as a common priority during Takaichi's first visit to India. Both leaders stressed the need for strategic cooperation, with Takaichi stating the two countries are "perfectly aligned." India and Japan agreed on co-development projects in defence, including a naval radio antenna, and will jointly develop technologies for maritime security and regional peace. An economic session saw Indian and Japanese companies sign 129 MoUs on technology, investment, and AI. Japan is also set to invest $1 trillion across various Indian states.
- India and Japan consider a "free and rules-based Indo-Pacific" a shared priority and are committed to strategic cooperation.
- The two nations have initiated their first defence co-development agreement, focusing on a naval radio antenna.
- Joint efforts will be made to develop technologies for maintaining maritime security and regional peace.
The World Bank Group (WBG) has indicated it will drop its funding target for climate-centric projects, following strong disapproval from the U.S. administration, its largest shareholder. The WBG will retire its 45% climate co-benefits target and 35% target in the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), shifting focus from inputs to outcomes. The U.S. argues the WBG should prioritize its core mission of poverty reduction and economic growth, claiming climate finance targets breed inefficiency. This decision could impact climate-focused projects in developing countries, including India, which has several ongoing initiatives with the WBG.
- The World Bank Group is abandoning its climate finance funding targets due to U.S. disapproval.
- The WBG will retire its 45% climate co-benefits target and 35% CCAP target, focusing instead on development impact.
- The U.S., as the largest shareholder, believes the WBG should prioritize poverty reduction and economic growth over climate targets.
At the Bonn climate talks (June 8-18), the concept of 'tipping points' in the Earth's climate system became a contentious topic. India urged caution and clarity in its definition and use, warning against misinformation and oversimplification. The European Union, however, raised concerns about "coordinated misinformation." Tipping points are thresholds beyond which climate changes become irreversible or accelerate. Scientists struggle to project them due to system complexities and data uncertainties. The article highlights that while some see tipping points as a catalyst for urgent action, others argue their uncertainties undermine policymaking, emphasizing the need for clear communication of scientific uncertainty to build trust and inform climate action.
- The concept of 'climate tipping points' was a major point of debate at the Bonn climate talks.
- India advocated for caution and clarity in defining and using the term, citing risks of misinformation and oversimplification.
- Tipping points represent thresholds in the climate system where changes become rapid, irreversible, or self-amplifying.
A UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry report, released June 18, 2026, details alleged "war crimes of wilful killing and the crime against humanity of extermination" by Israeli forces against Palestinian children in Gaza. The report states that children account for 30% of casualties and 26% of injuries in the nearly three-year-long aggression. It highlights systematic harm, including deprivation of access to schools and food, leading to malnutrition. The report also documents hate speech by Israeli political leaders and security forces, stereotyping Palestinians and normalizing violence, including against children. The Commission concludes that the harm inflicted on children was deliberate, intended to destroy the existence of Palestinians in Gaza.
- A UN report accuses Israeli forces of "war crimes of wilful killing" and "extermination" against Palestinian children in Gaza.
- Children constitute a significant portion of casualties (30%) and injuries (26%) in the conflict.
- The report documents systematic deprivation of basic necessities like food and education, leading to malnutrition among children.
Net remittances from the Gulf region to India surged to $16 billion in April 2026, marking a 70% increase over the corresponding period of the previous year, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. This resilience, highlighted in the Union Finance Ministry's latest Monthly Economic Review, is consistent with trends observed during previous crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, where remittance inflows remained robust. The report emphasizes that remittances are among the most stable components of external financing, remaining insulated from market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, and are relatively acyclical compared to other capital flows. Risks could emerge if prolonged war-like situations severely hamper working conditions in West Asia.
- Net remittances from Gulf countries to India increased by 70% to $16 billion in April 2026, despite the West Asia crisis.
- The Union Finance Ministry's report highlights the resilience of remittances, consistent with trends observed during previous crises.
- Remittances are considered stable and acyclical components of external financing, unlike portfolio or debt flows.