Indonesia and Brazil expanded bilateral ties with eight MoUs signed in Jakarta on 23 October 2025 across energy, trade, climate, defence, education, culture, and digital economy.

South Asia is undergoing a simultaneous, multivector transformation that is reshaping politics, economics, and security across eight states—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON D.C.  In a significant move to bolster Sri Lanka’s standing in the global critical minerals supply chain, a high-level U.S. private sector delegation has entered talks to explore substantial investment opportunities in the nation’s graphite sector.

KANDY – Construction work on the Kandy Gatambe Flyover, a critical infrastructure project aimed at easing urban congestion, officially resumed today (February 06) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff Image Source:   Hunar Ahmad A new agreement between the Syrian Interim Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces marks a consequential, if fragile, shift in northern Syria’s fractured map of authority. The deal establishes deconfliction channels, limited administrative coordination, and humanitarian access guarantees between the SIG—an opposition body that principally represents Sunni Arab constituencies—and the SDF, the Kurdishled milita

Mortgage rates fell below 6% for the first time in years, propelled by a presidential directive to mobilize government-backed bond purchases aimed at easing housing costs for Americans.

President Trump wants to send Americans $2,000 tariff rebate checks in 2026, but many Republicans argue the money should be used to reduce the national debt. Analysts say the plan may cost twice as much as the projected tariff revenue, raising concerns about funding and inflation. While a few lawmakers support the idea, most remain skeptical, and some may seek alternative ways to satisfy Trump’s proposal.

EU ministers will press U.S. officials to enforce more parts of the July trade deal, especially reducing tariffs on European steel and removing duties on wine and spirits. Washington’s delay in approving tariff changes, along with new and expanded U.S. tariffs on metals and derivative products, is causing concern in the EU. Both sides will also discuss cooperation on regulations, energy purchases, and economic security in response to Chinese export controls.

The Q4 2025 global economic outlook has been upgraded to 2.62% growth, supported by policy-driven demand, easing inflation, and partial tariff rollbacks. Inflation is expected to decline in most regions except the Americas, while major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and ECB, have cut interest rates to support demand. Global merchandise trade is forecast to grow 2.4% in 2025, though risks remain due to tariffs, supply chain pressures, and weakening demand in

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that global politics increasingly outweighs economics, urging India to diversify its supply chains to ensure resilience and national security. He highlighted shifts in the global order, with the US pursuing individualized engagement and China operating independently, increasing uncertainties for countries worldwide.

How the Ukraine Proxy War Is Shaping the Future Global Order

Cyclone Ditwah is expected to push Sri Lanka’s inflation higher due to damage to agriculture and disruptions in supply chains. Analysts warn the rupee may weaken further as the country increases imports of essential goods. The LKR has already depreciated 1.3% in the past month amid low forex liquidity and higher import demand.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been named Sri Lanka’s Best Trade Finance Bank at the Euromoney Transaction Banking Awards 2025 for its strong leadership in supporting national trade. The Bank commands significant market share—21% in exports and 14.26% in imports—and handled over US$ 5 billion in trade transactions in 2024. Its digital platform, ComBank TradeLink, along with regional recognition from ADB, further strengthens its position as the country’s leading private sector

Greece's finance minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, has been appointed president of the Eurogroup, reflecting the country’s strong economic recovery since its debt crisis. Greece now enjoys steady growth, high investment rates, budget surpluses, and declining public debt despite remaining the highest in Europe. As Eurogroup President, Pierrakakis will represent the euro area at G7 meetings, shape agendas, and foster consensus among member states.

Japan has announced a US$19 billion business investment target in Central Asia over the next five years, aiming to deepen economic and strategic ties with the region. The plan focuses on key areas such as natural resources, energy, supply chains, and connectivity, agreed during the inaugural “Central Asia plus Japan” summit in Tokyo. Officials say the initiative reflects Central Asia’s growing geopolitical importance and Japan’s effort to diversify partnerships and critical m

Cyclone Ditwah caused about US$4.1 billion in direct physical damage across Sri Lanka, affecting all 25 districts, around 2 million people, and nearly 500,000 households, making it one of the worst disasters in recent history. The infrastructure sector was the hardest hit, accounting for 42% of losses (US$1.735 billion), followed by housing (US$985 million) and agriculture (US$814 million), with the Central Province — especially Kandy — suffering the most severe impacts.

The IMF projects that inflation in Pakistan will rise in the coming years, potentially reaching nearly 9% by mid-2026, increasing pressure on households and businesses. While GDP growth is expected to remain moderate at just over 3%, high public debt and fiscal constraints continue to limit economic stability. The IMF warns that careful monetary and fiscal management will be necessary to control prices while sustaining growth.

The IMF has approved about US$206 million in emergency funding for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument to address severe economic pressures caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which killed over 600 people and displaced more than 100,000. The Sri Lankan government said the funds will support urgent humanitarian relief, recovery, and reconstruction, while committing to transparency, fiscal discipline, and debt sustainability.

Sri Lanka’s economy grew 5.4% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, marking a continued recovery from its recent financial crisis, led mainly by strong industrial expansion. Growth was broad-based, with industry, agriculture, and services all contributing, despite disruptions caused by severe flooding and cyclone damage in late November. Authorities remain cautiously optimistic, supported by an IMF bailout programme and emergency funding, though risks to growth persist i

Hong Kong reclaimed its position as Asia’s top fundraising hub in 2025, with share sales surging to over $73 billion, driven largely by major Chinese listings and placements. India also posted a record year for IPOs, raising more than $20 billion as strong domestic investor participation fueled blockbuster deals. While Asia now dominates global share-sale markets, investors are becoming more valuation-conscious amid market volatility and geopolitical risks.