Modi and Trump stand beside each other at podiums on a small stage in front of an ornate gold curtain and chandelier. Modi has one finger raised as he speaks into the microphone; Trump is turned to watch him and smiling.
Modi and Trump stand beside each other at podiums on a small stage in front of an ornate gold curtain and chandelier. Modi has one finger raised as he speaks into the microphone; Trump is turned to watch him and smiling.

India Faces High Stakes in U.S. Trade Talks

The negotiations are especially urgent for New Delhi as it will be hit hard by Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.

Beneath a blue sky, two men and two boys ride on the roof of a vehicle with another man visible in the passenger seat as he smiles out of the window. Another man in a black turban and black vest walks alongside the vehicle as it moves, with one hand reaching inside of it. The men on top of the car and other marchers around them wave the black-and-white flag of the Taliban.
Beneath a blue sky, two men and two boys ride on the roof of a vehicle with another man visible in the passenger seat as he smiles out of the window. Another man in a black turban and black vest walks alongside the vehicle as it moves, with one hand reaching inside of it. The men on top of the car and other marchers around them wave the black-and-white flag of the Taliban.

Trump Quietly Ups U.S. Engagement With the Taliban

The new approach, including the first known visit by U.S. officials to Kabul since 2021, comes down to transactionalism.

Indian Prime Narendra Modi waits for the arrival of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in New Delhi on Feb. 18.
Indian Prime Narendra Modi waits for the arrival of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in New Delhi on Feb. 18.

Is Modi Turning Over a New Leaf With China?

Recent comments from the Indian leader suggest that he could be ready to usher in a new phase in bilateral ties.

A paramilitary soldier stands guard at a railway station in the Sibi, Pakistan, on March 12.
A paramilitary soldier stands guard at a railway station in the Sibi, Pakistan, on March 12.

Did Trump Signal More Security Cooperation With Pakistan?

Despite a shoutout in the U.S. president’s speech last week, don’t expect a renewed security partnership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend a document signing after their talks in Kyiv on Aug. 23, 2024.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend a document signing after their talks in Kyiv on Aug. 23, 2024.

Does India Have a Diplomatic Role in Ukraine?

After Trump and Zelensky’s fiery meeting, New Delhi could find an opportunity to bolster other peace efforts.

Two men are sitting down, with one holding a white flag and another one holding a yellow bag. Next to them is another man standing up with his fist raised and holding a gun.
Two men are sitting down, with one holding a white flag and another one holding a yellow bag. Next to them is another man standing up with his fist raised and holding a gun.

Trump’s Approach to Afghanistan Is Already Limited

The president’s demand that the Taliban return U.S. weaponry shows he is looking for new leverage.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to supporters as he arrives at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters to celebrate the party’s win in the Delhi legislative assembly election in New Delhi on Feb. 8.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to supporters as he arrives at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters to celebrate the party’s win in the Delhi legislative assembly election in New Delhi on Feb. 8.

Victory in Delhi Gives BJP a Boost

Modi arrives in Washington to meet Trump as an especially confident leader.

Protesters hold a photo of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's first president, as they protest at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhaka.
Protesters hold a photo of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's first president, as they protest at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhaka.

Uncertainty Reigns in Bangladesh

Six months after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, the public is growing impatient with the interim government.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Jan. 25.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Jan. 25.

India Knows What Makes Trump Tick

New Delhi’s position as a net security provider makes it more likely to get off to a good start with the new White House.

An artist paints a large image of U.S. President Donald Trump while standing on a chair. To the right are other painted portraits of the other U.S. presidents.
An artist paints a large image of U.S. President Donald Trump while standing on a chair. To the right are other painted portraits of the other U.S. presidents.

How Will Trump’s South Asia Policy Take Shape?

The White House isn’t likely to prioritize the region at first, but a few moves could provide clues to its approach.

Shehbaz Sharif and Muhammad Yunus sit side by side in ornate chairs with carved gold details and cream brocade upholstery. Sharif's mouth is open as he speaks. Both men are older, dressed formally, and have their own hands clasped on their laps.
Shehbaz Sharif and Muhammad Yunus sit side by side in ornate chairs with carved gold details and cream brocade upholstery. Sharif's mouth is open as he speaks. Both men are older, dressed formally, and have their own hands clasped on their laps.

In South Asia, Power Shifts Usher in Diplomatic Surprises

Deepening engagement between India and the Taliban as well as Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively, represents a new chapter in an old rivalry.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Jan. 6.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Jan. 6.

The Biden Administration Pursues Last-Minute Diplomacy With India

In New Delhi, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan seeks to foolproof some elements of the partnership.

Security personnel patrol near the site of a gunfight between suspected militants and Indian security forces at Ishber Nishat in Srinagar, Kashmir, on Nov. 10, 2024.
Security personnel patrol near the site of a gunfight between suspected militants and Indian security forces at Ishber Nishat in Srinagar, Kashmir, on Nov. 10, 2024.

Four Stories to Follow in South Asia in 2025

From India’s relations with rivals to Sri Lanka’s democratic shift, here’s what to keep an eye on this year.

Anti-government protesters display Bangladesh's national flag atop the prime minister's palace.
Anti-government protesters display Bangladesh's national flag atop the prime minister's palace.

South Asia’s Year in Review

Tracking the region’s biggest surprises in 2024.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (left) speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right).
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (left) speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right).

In India, Sri Lanka’s Dissanayake Reasserts Partnership

Like others in the region, Colombo’s new leader hopes to better balance ties with New Delhi and Beijing.

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