Bangladesh Nationalist Party supporters take part in a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 10, 2022.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party supporters take part in a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 10, 2022.

Bangladesh Becomes U.S.-Russia Battleground

A surprising war of words over U.S. actions in the country highlights Dhaka’s tricky balancing act.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the supporters as he arrives for a public rally in Agartala, India, on Dec. 18.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the supporters as he arrives for a public rally in Agartala, India, on Dec. 18.

Trends to Watch in South Asia Next Year

From India’s G-20 presidency to brewing public discontent elsewhere in the region, 2023 could be another up-and-down year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand on September 16, 2022. (Photo by Alexandr Demyanchuk / SPUTNIK / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDR DEMYANCHUK/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand on September 16, 2022. (Photo by Alexandr Demyanchuk / SPUTNIK / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDR DEMYANCHUK/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

South Asia’s Year of Change

Four stories stood out in a tumultuous 2022, from Sri Lanka’s economic crisis to Modi’s pushback against Putin.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party shout slogans during a rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 10.
Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party shout slogans during a rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 10.

What’s Behind Bangladesh’s Protests?

Poor economic headwinds have given government opponents a long-awaited opportunity.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves during a Bharatiya Janata Party rally in Ahmedabad, India, on Dec. 1.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves during a Bharatiya Janata Party rally in Ahmedabad, India, on Dec. 1.

Can India’s BJP Sustain Its Popularity?

A historic victory and a narrow loss in state elections shows the ruling party remains indisputably dominant, but it still has some vulnerabilities.

A voter prepares to stamp her ballot at a polling station in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on Nov. 20.
A voter prepares to stamp her ballot at a polling station in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on Nov. 20.

Nepal’s Ruling Coalition Has the Edge in Elections

The Nepali Congress party looks set to hang onto power when final results come in next week.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is greeted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia, on Nov. 15.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is greeted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia, on Nov. 15.

India Takes Over G-20 Presidency

Leading the bloc gives New Delhi an opportunity to show what it can do on the global stage.

People use boats to cross a flooded area in Dadu, Pakistan, on Oct. 27.
People use boats to cross a flooded area in Dadu, Pakistan, on Oct. 27.

South Asia Unites Around ‘Loss and Damage’ at COP27

Led by Pakistan, climate-vulnerable countries seek aid for adaptation.

Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan take part in a protest in Lahore, Pakistan, on Nov. 3.
Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan take part in a protest in Lahore, Pakistan, on Nov. 3.

Imran Khan Wounded in Attack at Rally

Pakistan’s political crisis may be reaching a breaking point. The reported attempt on the opposition leader’s life could galvanize his supporters.

Activists from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party protest against the decision to disqualify former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan from politics in Karachi, Pakistan, on Oct. 21
Activists from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party protest against the decision to disqualify former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan from politics in Karachi, Pakistan, on Oct. 21

Pakistan’s Political Crisis Deepens

As Imran Khan plans another march on the capital, new developments have put the public on edge.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the newly appointed president of the Indian National Congress party, gestures after addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Oct. 19.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the newly appointed president of the Indian National Congress party, gestures after addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Oct. 19.

India’s Opposition Faces an Uphill Battle

The Indian National Congress party has a new leader, but he will struggle to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Sept. 16.
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Sept. 16.

Can India Keep Balancing Russia and the West?

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s escalations in Ukraine have compounded diplomatic challenges for New Delhi.

Anti-government demonstrators take part in a protest march in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sept. 24.
Anti-government demonstrators take part in a protest march in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sept. 24.

Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis Is Still Spiraling

Even as the country receives increased support, its immediate outlook is grim, raising the specter of more mass protests.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hold a joint press conference following meetings at the State Department in Washington on Sept. 27.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hold a joint press conference following meetings at the State Department in Washington on Sept. 27.

Washington’s Balancing Act in South Asia

India lambasted a proposed U.S. military sale to Pakistan as both countries’ top diplomats met with U.S. officials this week.

People displaced by flooding take refuge at a makeshift camp in Dera Allah Yar, Pakistan, on Sept. 21.
People displaced by flooding take refuge at a makeshift camp in Dera Allah Yar, Pakistan, on Sept. 21.

In Flooded Pakistan, It’s Politics as Usual

As Islamabad continues to appeal for international assistance, its political polarization has proved to be an obstacle too.

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