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Monday, April 20, 2026
TopicSoutheast Asia

Topic: Southeast Asia

Wealth nears $99 trillion, still Asia’s rich don’t have succession plans

Much of this wealth is tied to founder-led businesses that employ millions and help anchor regional economies.

China is seeking closer ties with Southeast Asia. It’s not just a response to Trump

A closer reading of Chinese discourse reveals a sanitised narrative. While the economic and diplomatic themes are amplified, contentious issues—like the South China Sea—are absent.

Xi Jinping set to visit Southeast Asia to strengthen ties with neighbours amid trade war with US

The Chinese President will visit Vietnam from 14-15 April, and Malaysia and Cambodia from 15-18 April, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.

India ranks low in strategic relevance in Southeast Asia, China edges out US, finds Singapore institute

New Delhi has been actively pushing Act East policy. A majority don't consider it as strategically influential power for ASEAN in 2024, finds Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

IMEC — bridge between East and West, as well as India’s queen’s gambit against China

India, via IMEC, looks to create new route to Europe to access gas in Eastern Mediterranean & provide Southeast Asian countries an alternative partner to China to access Atlantic Ocean.

Religion key to national identity in Sri Lanka & Southeast Asia, finds Pew Survey

Survey done last year by US think tank shows a majority of Buddhists in Cambodia, Sri Lanka & Thailand & Muslims in Malaysia & Indonesia believe religion is vital for national identity.

Modi govt’s ASEAN push: India to open embassy in Timor-Leste, PM hails ‘Asian century’ at summit

At ASEAN-India Summit, PM says grouping is central pillar of India’s Act East Policy. Peace, security, & prosperity in Indo-Pacific is beneficial to all, he says at East Asian Summit

Southeast Asia witnesses surge in Indian tourists as China’s reopening falters

From airlines like IndiGo and Thai Airways to hospitality chains offering thousands of rooms, companies are tapping into India’s burgeoning middle-class and growing spending power.

Past FTAs ‘very tough’ on India, have discomfort with ‘old mantras’ of globalisation: Jaishankar

Jaishankar said the Modi government is ‘prudent’ on FTAs, adds that trade partners need to have ‘strategic convergences’ and ‘business comforts’ now.

Why defusing Myanmar requires more than Western sanctions

Myanmar's Southeast Asian neighbours should act & find ways to support country's resilient protesters, help civil society, and keep the population connected to the outside world.

On Camera

India’s close encounters with Pakistan on Siachen

Pakistan's SSG team was not adequately provisioned for the inclement weather. If it managed to consolidate its position, the story of Siachen would have been different. 

Recovery of energy flows will be ‘gradual rather than immediate’ as Hormuz re-opens post ceasefire

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz eases supply fears, but controlled shipping, slow output recovery, and high costs may delay oil flow normalisation for months.

Why Siliguri Corridor is strategically important for India & how it is being secured | Cut The Clutter

This special edition of Cut The Clutter, straight from the Siliguri corridor, details the strategic importance of the narrow strip of land in West Bengal, and how it’s a vital link connecting the Northeast to the rest of India.

Trump, Netanyahu’s Iran gamble: The regime change rebound

American objectives are unmet. They neither have muscle nor motivation to resume the war. As for Iran, the regime didn’t just survive, it’s now led by more radical individuals.