Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for this year's Independence Day speech amid ongoing youth protests and economic concerns. Last year, Modi spoke for over 100 minutes at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, pledging to protect farmers amid trade tensions with the U.S.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese President To Lam, who became general secretary of the Communist Party in 2024, continues his diplomatic outreach with visits to Australia and New Zealand. During his tour from Sunday to Friday, To Lam is expected to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to deepen economic and strategic ties.

Building on the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2024, the visit aims to prioritize cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and resilient supply chains. Collaboration is also expected to advance in energy, infrastructure, food security, trade, investment, and education. Multiple bilateral agreements are anticipated to be signed with both countries.

In economic news, the Bank of Japan will release its summary of opinions from its most recent monetary policy meeting held on July 30 and 31. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has highlighted "meaningful upside risks" to inflation. Additionally, India's central bank predicts inflation to come in at 5% for the fiscal year through March 2027, with a slowdown expected after the third quarter.

Sources: