West Asia Diplomacy: The US-Iran agreement has eased immediate tensions and reopened cautious cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz, but analysts warn the peace remains fragile and shipping normalisation will take weeks. Energy Security: With Hormuz risks still hanging over markets, Asia-Pacific governments are looking for more reliable fuel partners; Australia is floated as a potential “energy superpower” to stabilise LNG supplies and longer-term green exports. India Macro & Rates: India’s RBI MPC kept the repo rate at 5.25%, with members focused on whether inflation is becoming generalised amid West Asia-driven uncertainty and monsoon risks. ASEAN Crypto & Remittances: Stablecoins are boosting ASEAN remittances and account for over half of digital asset flows, with Vietnam standing out for digital asset inflows relative to GDP. Data Centres & AI Infrastructure: Abu Dhabi-backed MGX is reportedly exploring a multibillion-dollar acquisition of Singapore data-centre operator DayOne as AI compute demand accelerates. Central Asia Connectivity: Kazakhstan’s deputy PM-led delegation is in Kabul to expand trade and investment, targeting $3 billion in bilateral commerce. Regional Crime Crackdown: Thai police and Elliptic traced $520m in suspicious crypto transactions across 32 blockchains, including large-scale scam networks. Business & Education: India’s business schools and executive education partnerships keep expanding, while Accenture’s weak Q3 and West Asia disruption raise concerns about a softer start to FY27 for Indian IT spending.