In a significant move towards regional integration, the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) commenced on April 2, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.

On March 30, US President Donald Trump announced that the reciprocal tariffs expected to be unveiled this week would apply to all countries, not just a small group of 10 to 15 nations with the largest trade deficits with the US. This statement marks a shift in his approach to import tariffs, as just a few days earlier, he had left open the possibility of narrowing the plan's scope.

While the EU and Canada have responded strongly to the US tariff measures, some countries like the UK, Mexico, Australia, and others have opted for a more cautious path: negotiation instead of confrontation. This strategy helps them avoid escalating trade tensions but also entails risks when dealing with a US administration ready to use tariffs as a negotiation tool.

Following the severe earthquake that hit Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, numerous countries have extended condolences and expressed their willingness to assist in recovery efforts.