India Growth & Reform Narrative: PM Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pointed to 7.7% FY26 GDP growth (7.8% in Q4) as proof India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, crediting “Reform, Perform, Transform” and infrastructure plus welfare spending. RBI FX & Rates Watch: RBI held the repo at 5.25% but signaled caution—raising inflation forecasts and trimming FY27 growth—while analysts expect FX inflow support from concessional swaps, hedging coverage, and bond-market access, even as crude and monsoon risks linger. Emerging-Market Currency Moves: Indonesia’s central bank and finance ministry agreed to boost asset yields to pull portfolio inflows and defend the rupiah after heavy outflows. Trade Diplomacy Under Pressure: US–India talks stayed upbeat as Trump said a deal is “within reach,” while Sri Lanka’s deputy finance minister said it’s negotiating to remove a proposed 12.5% US duty tied to forced-labour concerns. Regional Integration Push: Namibia urged firms to use AfCFTA to expand trade beyond borders, and SADC ministers adopted legal instruments to speed regional cooperation, tourism, health, and pooled procurement. Labour Costs & Policy: Kenya set new minimum wages for domestic workers after Ruto’s directive, while Bulgaria’s finance leadership said it will target long-term spending cuts rather than quick tax hikes to rein in deficits.