UNGA Energy Security & Shipping: India’s Jaishankar warned at the UN that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf are “simply unacceptable,” urging restraint and protection of civilians to keep energy and commerce flowing. Terrorism Standoff: In the same UN address, he said India will defend itself against terrorism and rejected any attempt to normalise it. Gulf Risk to Asia-Pacific Costs: Malaysia urged all sides to step back in West Asia, warning shocks could hit key routes like Hormuz and Bab el-Mandab and lift food and fuel costs across Southeast Asia. India Power Demand Response: India ordered 112 captive coal plants to run at full capacity from Oct 1 to year-end as El Niño-linked heat strains supply, with plants reporting weekly to regulators. Green Shipping Push (India): India laid groundwork for a port-based e-methanol plant at Kandla (150 tonnes/day) to supply cleaner fuel for Asia-Europe shipping. GCC-India Momentum: GCC’s UNGA-side meeting with India flagged progress on the Joint Action Plan and starting GCC-India FTA talks, with energy and investment high on the agenda. US-China Trade Spillover: Trump-Xi deal trims tariffs on $30bn of goods and includes China buying 10m tonnes of US coal in 2027 and 2028, with knock-on implications for regional energy markets. EV Charging Race: China’s ultra-fast charging claims (70% range in ~5 minutes) sharpen the gap with the US as EV infrastructure becomes a strategic battleground. Drought Threat (India): Maharashtra declared drought across 74% of the state after monsoon shortfalls, raising pressure on farmers and rural energy-linked livelihoods.