US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held their first direct meeting in Malaysia, describing it as “constructive and positive.” The talks came amid escalating US-China tensions due to Trump’s new tariff policies. Rubio said the meeting laid the groundwork for future dialogue and raised hopes for a Trump-Xi Jinping summit. Although China criticized the tariffs as “bullying,” it kept channels open for discussion. Rubio aims to position the US as a better strategic partner for Asia than China, despite Southeast Asian concerns that Trump’s unilateral tariffs are deepening global economic divisions.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the ongoing military ceasefire between India and Pakistan is still in effect, though India’s political leadership is unwilling to acknowledge it. Dar claimed that India initiated the conflict but later requested a ceasefire over a phone call from the U.S. Secretary of State. Following intense four-day clashes in April this year between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, the ceasefire was brokered through U.S. mediation.

Dar also asserted that Pakistan conducted a major military operation named “Operation Bunyan-e-Marsus,” destroying six Indian warplanes. He criticized India’s decision to annul the “Indus Waters Treaty,” calling it provocative, and highlighted Pakistan’s economic progress and its ambition to join the G20. Speaking at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Bangladesh will collaborate with Malaysia to assist investigations into Bangladeshi nationals arrested on terrorism allegations, Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain stated. Speaking at the ARF ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh’s stance against terrorism during a bilateral meeting with Malaysia’s Foreign Minister and requested cooperation in information sharing and investigations. He also discussed the Rohingya crisis, reform agendas, and post-LDC (Least Developed Country) support with various foreign ministers.

Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Security Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, has urged the United States to deepen its cooperation in Bangladesh’s security sector. In a meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Megan Boldin, he acknowledged the crucial role of American training and equipment in enhancing counter-terrorism and national security capabilities.

He expressed appreciation for U.S. assistance in modernizing the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit and requested continued support. The two sides discussed law enforcement collaboration, counter-terrorism, online sexual harassment, and intelligence sharing. The U.S. advised Bangladesh to remain vigilant against terrorism. Chowdhury asserted that while there is currently no active militancy, law enforcement is taking strict action against unlawful activities by banned political groups. Both parties emphasized the importance of coordination and information exchange.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a significant meeting in Malaysia on Thursday, focusing on the future of the Ukraine war and Russia’s hardened stance. The meeting coincided with a major Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv.

Rubio emphasized the need for a roadmap to resolve the conflict, while Lavrov confirmed clear exchanges of views on Ukraine, Iran, and Syria. The meeting took place as U.S. diplomacy faces challenges in Asia, partly due to Trump-era tariff threats. Lavrov’s upcoming visit to North Korea also signals Moscow’s intent to strengthen new military alliances.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, has sent 300 kilograms of Rangpur’s famed Haribhanga mangoes as a gift to Dr. Manik Saha, the Chief Minister of India’s Tripura state.

The mangoes were transported via a Bangladeshi pickup truck to the Agartala port. Upon arrival, they were officially handed over to Chanchal Dey, an official at the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Tripura, by Debashish Nandi, Superintendent of Agartala Port.

During separate meetings with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia, both China and Canada committed to continued humanitarian support for the Rohingya crisis. China expressed interest in strengthening cooperation on medical tourism, water management, and investment, while reaffirming support for ongoing political reforms. Canada emphasized the need for sustainable economic relations and extended backing for Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a notice requiring applicants for F, M, and J visa categories to list all social media handles used in the past five years in their DS-160 application forms. The embassy stressed that failure to provide accurate information could result in visa denial and affect future eligibility. The reminder was posted on the embassy's official Facebook page.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a meeting with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain in Kuala Lumpur, reaffirmed China's support for a peaceful and fair national election in Bangladesh. He stressed that China stands by Bangladesh as a trustworthy neighbor and development partner. In light of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Wang described this as a historic milestone. He reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in pursuing development based on its own needs and realities and expressed China’s interest in working with South Asian countries toward modernization and contributing to Asia’s resurgence.

Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain has clarified that Bangladesh has not formally joined any regional or global military or economic alliance and that trade policy negotiations with the United States remain ongoing. Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia, he emphasized that Bangladesh evaluates each proposal based on national interest and aims to build a long-term, balanced, and mutually beneficial partnership with the U.S. He also addressed Bangladesh's economic cooperation with Russia, bilateral ties with China, and its growing role in the ASEAN region.

India and China are cautiously working to normalize relations after years of border tensions. However, the unresolved 3,440-kilometer boundary, particularly the dispute over Arunachal Pradesh, remains a key obstacle. Top officials from both countries recently met in China, reaching limited agreements on border protocols and easing trade and visa restrictions. Both sides aim to maintain peace due to economic and geopolitical priorities — including China’s focus on Taiwan and India’s evolving ties with the U.S. Despite closer Russia-China relations and trade imbalances presenting challenges, both nations seek a stable, mutually beneficial relationship without immediate border resolution.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain has arrived in Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, scheduled from July 8 to 11. He is expected to return to Dhaka on July 12.

The visit has drawn attention amid growing criticism over the recent detention of 36 Bangladeshis in Malaysia over alleged militant links. During the trip, Hossain may hold meetings with Malaysian authorities to discuss the issue, as well as the upcoming visit of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to Malaysia in August.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has requested Belarus to establish a full-fledged embassy in Dhaka. Currently, Belarus operates only an honorary consulate in the city, with its main diplomatic mission located in New Delhi—causing delays in visa and consular services. Chowdhury emphasized that a full embassy would enhance bilateral diplomatic and commercial ties. The Belarusian ambassador responded positively, noting that it would require commitment from both governments. Bangladesh also promised to expedite overdue fertilizer payments to Belarus. Legal complexities surrounding prisoner extradition were also discussed. Both countries addressed shared concerns, including law enforcement cooperation, irregular migration, human trafficking, and trade.

At the U.S. State Department's July 8 press briefing, spokesperson Tammy Bruce avoided directly answering several controversial questions related to India and Bangladesh. These included India's statements on counterterrorism at a recent Quad meeting, minority issues in Bangladesh, and allegations of weapons found in the bag of political adviser Asif Mahmood—allegedly linked to violence during the 2024 anti-government protests.

Bruce called the matters "complex diplomatic issues" and referred reporters to official statements from the U.S. Secretary of State. She declined to comment on statements made by other countries or allegations raised by individual journalists.

Iran has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand to restart nuclear negotiations, with Tehran confirming that it has not requested any talks with the United States. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated that no meeting request has been made by Iran to Washington.

Previously, Trump and his Middle East envoy had claimed that discussions between Iran and the U.S. would take place in Norway. Last month, amid heightened tensions, Iran’s military and nuclear facilities were targeted in multiple Israeli strikes. In retaliation, Iran launched “Operation True Promise Three.” After 12 days of clashes, a ceasefire was agreed upon on June 24, temporarily easing the hostilities.