India

The Economic Times | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

Bangladesh has officially launched campaigns for its general elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, marking the first polls since the 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina's autocratic rule. The elections will select 350 lawmakers, signaling a shift in domestic and regional political dynamics following a period of turmoil that included violence and widespread online disinformation warnings.

The main contenders, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party, have commenced large-scale rallies. BNP leader Tarique Rahman, returning from exile in December 2025, has begun a nationwide campaign starting in Sylhet, a city significant for its Sufi Muslim heritage. Jamaat-e-Islami initiated its campaign in Dhaka, seeking to re-enter politics after years of suppression, aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood ideology. The National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by leaders of the anti-Hasina uprising and allied with Jamaat, also launched its campaign in Dhaka.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who was appointed caretaker prime adviser during the transitional government, will step down after the elections. Yunus, having inherited a fractured political system, is advocating for a referendum on political reforms concurrent with the polls to strengthen governance and prevent authoritarianism. He has also raised concerns about misinformation flooding social media, blaming both foreign and local sources.

Relations with India remain strained after Hasina fled there during the uprising and was subsequently sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the crackdown on protesters. Hasina, now 78, remains in hiding in India as Bangladesh prepares for its pivotal 2026 elections.

CNBC | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedEconomic Growth

China is shifting from being primarily a global exporter to becoming a major overseas investor, focusing on regions that attract U.S. strategic interest. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng emphasized the need for a fair international environment for Chinese businesses, as investments in factories and technology face risks amid rising global tensions. China's trade surplus hit a record $1.2 trillion in 2025, with significant growth in Belt and Road Initiative countries, especially in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The Financial Times' FDI Intelligence survey forecasted China as the largest source of outward foreign direct investment in 2026, surpassing the UAE and India.

Chinese overseas investments are increasingly concentrated in technology and manufacturing sectors, partly driven by tariffs pushing Chinese electric vehicle companies to localize production abroad. Companies like autonomous delivery vehicle maker Neolix have begun expanding globally, obtaining licenses and forming partnerships in countries like the UAE and Portugal, with plans to deploy over 10,000 vehicles internationally and enter European markets. Beyond distant markets, intra-Asia trade is a growing "mega theme," with China establishing local operations in countries like Vietnam and benefiting from increased renminbi transactions, which accounted for 60% of Asian trade in 2024.

Southeast Asia has become China's largest trading partner, supporting a 5.5% growth in China's global exports last year despite a 20% decline in shipments to the U.S. due to ongoing trade conflicts. U.S. companies like FedEx are adjusting to these shifts by enhancing their presence in Asia, reflecting broader "re-globalization" trends amid U.S.-China tensions. Chinese companies are responding by hiring more foreign relations experts to navigate complex international business environments and expanding manufacturing abroad.

Additional context includes China’s slow retail sales growth of 0.9% in December 2025, a record low birth rate, and progress in the AI sector, with Chinese models reportedly only months behind U.S. competitors. The chip market remains dominated by Nvidia and Huawei despite increased domestic IPOs. Chinese markets showed moderate gains amid geopolitical tensions, highlighted by the Hang Seng Index's 3.7% year-to-date rise. Upcoming economic events include Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng's visit to Switzerland and industrial profit reports for December.

Hindu Business Line | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

The European Union has agreed with India to proceed with the signing of a new security and defence partnership. This development was confirmed by EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas on January 21, 2026.

The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening the strategic ties between the EU and India in the fields of security and defence. Further details regarding the scope and implementation of this partnership were not disclosed.