South Asia Brief
News and analysis from India and its neighboring countries in South Asia—a region that is home to one-fourth of the world’s population. Written by Foreign Policy’s managing editor and former CNN South Asia bureau chief Ravi Agrawal. Delivered Thursday.
Modi Declares End to “Centuries of Waiting” for Hindus
By breaking ground on a controversial Hindu temple on the anniversary of the abrogation of Kashmir, New Delhi makes a big statement about secularism in India.
As India Marks Anniversary, Kashmir Is Still in the Dark
Aug. 5 marks one year since Modi revoked Kashmir’s special status. But Kashmiris will be mostly cut off—high-speed internet has been shut off to the region once again.
Asian Countries Are Waking Up to the Dangers of Social Media
Banning individual platforms is like a game of whack-a-mole. Coordinated and ethical regulations would make for smarter policy.
Why Google and Facebook Are Racing to Invest in India
It’s not just about tapping into a growing digital market. Indian companies are expanding Western partnerships to keep China out.
Is India the Next Coronavirus Hotspot?
The world’s largest democracy surpasses Russia to become the country with the third-highest number of COVID-19 cases. Pakistan and Bangladesh are seeing increases, too.
Why Is India Banning China’s TikTok?
The world’s two biggest internet markets are in conflict, as New Delhi finds a new arena for its skirmishes with Beijing.
The Pandemic Is Reversing Decades of Progress
A new report warns that 120 million children in South Asia could fall into poverty this year because of lockdowns—and tens of thousands could die from disease.
India and China Step Back From the Brink—for Now
New Delhi and Beijing are making conciliatory statements, but the long-term trendlines remain worrying.
India Is Hurtling Into a Coronavirus Crisis
Delhi officials say the city could have more than half a million cases by the end of July.
The Coronavirus Reaches Rural India
Data shows the world’s biggest democracy hasn’t flattened the curve—it’s only delayed its peak.
Why India and China Are Sparring
The two nuclear powers have long had their differences. But the pandemic has led to some frayed nerves—and revealed longer-term ambitions.
First the Pandemic. Then a Killer Cyclone.
India and Bangladesh reel after Cyclone Amphan kills dozens and displaces thousands, creating conditions for the coronavirus to renew its spread.
Afghanistan’s ‘Cradle to Grave’ Cycle of Death
The U.S.-Taliban peace deal is dealt yet another blow as Kabul moves its security forces into “offensive mode.”
The Pandemic Is Enabling Big Brother
India’s new contact tracing app leads to concerns over privacy, security, and surveillance.
A Coronavirus Mystery: Why Are There So Few Cases in South Asia?
India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population but account for only 2 percent of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
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