India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership: PM Narendra Modi wrapped up his three-nation tour and returned home after elevating ties with Christopher Luxon to a Strategic Partnership, backed by a Roadmap to 2030, 18 outcomes and 10 agreements, including a target to double trade by 2030 and deeper cooperation in defence, maritime security, education, research, science and technology. Indo-Pacific defence tech: India commissioned the indigenous stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri into the Eastern Fleet, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressing that future wars may use AI but will still be won by trained soldiers and conventional strength—while highlighting India’s fast-growing shipbuilding ecosystem. AI in trade, but uneven adoption: ESCAP and ADB report AI use in trade facilitation remains under 15% across surveyed Asia-Pacific economies, with customs and logistics seeing the most traction but big gaps elsewhere. AI services and export-control loopholes: Reports say OpenAI and Google supplied AI services to Singapore subsidiaries of Chinese firms on the Pentagon blacklist, reigniting debate over whether AI software export controls should tighten. Semiconductors and markets: SK hynix’s Nasdaq debut raised $26.5bn and gave a small boost to Wall Street, underscoring Asia’s AI-linked chip momentum. Southeast Asia AI in the real world: A Bandung industry visit under SIBS@ASEAN highlighted AI being used for heritage digitisation, education and religious services. Environment & biosecurity: Hawaii’s Hilo airport detected an invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle, prompting continued ports-of-entry monitoring. Agritech push in India: Manipal University Jaipur and Rajasthan’s agriculture department signed an MoU to apply AI and smart tech for sustainable farming, while Chitkara University launched an Atal incubation centre for drones, agritech and renewables.