South China Sea Diplomacy: The Philippines and Vietnam reaffirmed support for the 2016 arbitral ruling, urging self-restraint and freedom of navigation after a joint statement tied to President Tô Lâm’s visit to Manila. Hormuz Shipping Talks: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Iran will work to ease passage for Japan-linked ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while Japan also pressed for “maximum flexibility” to reach a US ceasefire deal. India-Australia Defence Logistics: India and Australia agreed to step up maritime search-and-rescue drills, interoperability under the Indian Ocean Rim framework, and broader sensor-focused defence cooperation. Aviation Cost Relief: India’s jet fuel (ATF) price for domestic flights stayed unchanged in June, offering airlines some relief amid Middle East-driven volatility. Trade & Ports: India-Oman CEPA takes effect, expanding duty-free access for most Indian exports and boosting logistics connectivity via Omani ports. Rail Connectivity: Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey’s Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line is set to officially open June 2, targeting higher freight capacity. Shipping Markets: Dimerco flags Gulf tensions, fuel volatility and congestion tightening Asia-Pacific freight capacity and pushing surcharges more frequently. Aviation Safety: Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport won ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East’s 2026 safety top award. Crypto Rails: Coinbase activated direct INR bank transfers via IMPS in India after FIU registration, aiming to deepen access to local liquidity.