Modi independence day speech, To Lam in Australia, SMIC earnings

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation during Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Aug. 15, 2025. © ReutersWelcome to Your Week in Asia.When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an Independence Day speech last year, he spoke for over 100 minutes as he vowed to protect farmers amid trade tensions with the U.S. This year, in the wake of weekslong youth protests that brought down the education minister, he has plenty to talk about again as he looks to set out a vision that addresses growing concerns about job opportunities and inequality.Vietnamese President To Lam continues his run of diplomatic outreach since becoming general secretary of the Communist party in 2024 with visits to Australia and New Zealand. Multiple bilateral agreemen