West Asia Shock to Asia’s Economy: QNB warns US-Iran escalation and the Strait of Hormuz disruption will keep squeezing inflation, FX reserves and food security for many Asian economies, forcing central banks to juggle growth support with rising prices. Shipping and Oil Risks: Iran oil exports resume as Hormuz tensions flare, with analysis showing many tankers rerouting close to Iran’s coast even amid restricted traffic. Regional Trade Tech Push: ESCAP and ADB say AI use in trade facilitation is still under 15% across surveyed Asia-Pacific economies, despite growing customs and logistics applications. AI Export Controls Gap: Reports say Google and OpenAI services were supplied via Singapore to Chinese firms tied to US Pentagon blacklists, reigniting debate over whether AI software curbs should expand. India’s West Asia Response: India’s Navy says it escorted ₹9,000 crore in cargo under “Operation Urja Suraksha,” underscoring maritime security’s role in economic stability. Indonesia Digital Policy: Indonesia urges culture-centred digital transformation at WSIS, calling for inclusive governance, skills and tech transfer. Cambodia-France Business Ties: France pledges deeper economic engagement with Cambodia and more SME participation ahead of the Francophonie summit. Thailand Inflation Outlook: Thailand’s central bank expects inflation below 2.8% this year and keeps policy accommodative. Vietnam Connectivity: Vietnam Airlines expands Northeast Asia routes to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan to meet rising travel demand. Singapore AI Industry Move: NCS expands its Sunshine.AI suite for enterprise-scale, sovereign-ready AI deployment. China Property Fallout Lesson: A look at how China’s property wealth wipeout could shape housing risk thinking for India.