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.

Healing Arts Singapore, held from 8–12 December 2025, launches Asia’s first national arts and health initiative in collaboration with NUS, NAFA, UAS, the Jameel Arts & Health Lab and WHO. The programme introduces major regional platforms including the first Healing Arts Centre of Excellence in Asia and the new THRivE evaluation toolkit for arts and heritage practitioners.

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.

Asia’s natural gas demand has grown significantly since 2015—driven mainly by China—while many other Asian countries are seeing declining consumption. Falling domestic gas production is pushing the region toward higher LNG imports, despite LNG being far more expensive than locally produced gas. IEEFA warns that this shift creates economic and competitiveness risks for key sectors across Asia, even if

An overnight exchange of fire along the Afghan-Pakistan border killed five Afghan civilians and injured eight people on both sides, with each country blaming the other for starting the clash. The incident occurred despite a fragile two-month ceasefire and comes amid heightened tensions linked to recent militant attacks and cross-border accusations. The renewed violence follows Pakistan’s decision to allow UN aid supplies into Afghanistan and coincides with Pakistan’s security

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

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.

SBI Ripple Asia has partnered with XRPL-native Doppler Finance to develop yield-bearing products for XRP, expanding its use beyond cross-border payments. The collaboration will focus on compliant yield infrastructure and real-world asset tokenization on the XRP Ledger, with institutional clients as the main target. This move strengthens Ripple’s strategy in Asia and positions XRP as a more productive, investment-ready digital asset.

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.

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon has urged motorists to avoid nighttime travel to Nuwara Eliya due to heightened landslide risks following recent adverse weather. A fresh earth mound collapse on the Gampola–Nuwara Eliya main road in Katukithula underscores ongoing road instability. She confirmed that all necessary relief measures have been provided to affected residents and dismissed claims questioning the government’s response as unfounded.

Japan is preparing to host a Japan–Central Asia Summit in Tokyo on December 19–20, with plans for bilateral talks between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Central Asian leaders. LDP Vice President Taro Aso highlighted the summit’s importance, noting that other major powers have recently strengthened their ties with the region. A similar summit planned for last year was canceled due to emergency megaquake warnings in Japan.

Putin arrived in New Delhi to strengthen Russia-India ties, with Modi hosting him for talks on defense, energy and skilled-labor cooperation. The visit comes amid U.S. pressure over India’s Russian oil purchases and ongoing Ukraine war tensions, testing New Delhi’s diplomatic balance. Both sides aim to boost trade, address defense delivery delays and reaffirm strategic partnership despite global geopolitical challenges.

Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are facing devastating floods that have killed more than 1,100 people and displaced millions, prompting large-scale military rescue operations. Indonesia and Sri Lanka are the worst affected, with blocked roads, damaged infrastructure, and missing persons complicating relief efforts. Authorities across the region warn that climate-driven extreme weather is intensifying these disasters, while schools, homes, and public services rema

Cyclone Ditwa rapidly intensified over unusually warm Bay of Bengal waters, bringing record rainfall, floods, and landslides across Sri Lanka. Weak drainage systems, unplanned land use, and gaps in emergency preparedness greatly worsened the impact. The disaster highlights Sri Lanka’s urgent need for stronger climate-resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems, and sustainable land management.

Sri Lanka’s Kandy district has been hit by severe landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall, leaving several areas buried under earth and debris. Rescue teams are still searching for missing residents as unstable, rain-soaked slopes pose a high risk of additional collapses. Authorities warn that worsening weather conditions could further complicate relief efforts across the central province.

Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports remained nearly unchanged in October 2025, reflecting a marginal 0.02% rise despite declines in major industries like apparel and tea. Strong growth in coconut-based products was not enough to offset reduced export earnings from petroleum, rubber, boats, and spices. The slowdown in key markets such as the United States and India further highlights the challenges facing the country’s export sector.

Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved moving forward with the process to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), beginning with completing a formal questionnaire from the trade bloc. Membership would require the country to gradually eliminate tariffs on 85–90% of goods, unlocking access to larger export markets and global supply chains. The questionnaire, issued in October 2024, must be completed before January 1, 2026, to continue Sri Lanka’s accession proces

Vietnam’s push to combine 5G and AI is opening major opportunities in fields like smart healthcare, logistics, and digital services, but the nation faces rising infrastructure demand and a shortage of advanced tech specialists. Experts emphasize the need for regulatory sandboxes and stronger digital trust to support safe and rapid innovation. With coordinated investment and clearer regulations, Vietnam could become a regional leader in strategic digital sectors.

US Stirs Trouble in Asia to Target China

Asia in 2025: Accelerating Growth, Tech Disruption, and Green Ambitions