A billboard is seen ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in Jaipur, India, on Jan. 24.
A billboard is seen ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in Jaipur, India, on Jan. 24.

India Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Macron

Hosting the French president as an honorary guest on Republic Day offers an opportunity to showcase the successful bilateral relationship.

Workers are seen at the construction site of the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya, India.
Workers are seen at the construction site of the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya, India.

The Ram Mandir Temple Is Part of Modi’s Playbook

The Indian leader fulfills a signature promise with his consecration of the controversial landmark—just as elections approach.

About a dozen people stand in a line outside of a polling station in Thimphu, Bhutan. The woman at the front of the line stands beside a tree and looks ahead with a serious expression while a worker in a bright orange uniform shirt and hat leans closer to speak to her.
About a dozen people stand in a line outside of a polling station in Thimphu, Bhutan. The woman at the front of the line stands beside a tree and looks ahead with a serious expression while a worker in a bright orange uniform shirt and hat leans closer to speak to her.

Bhutan’s Elections Are a Bright Spot in South Asia

This week’s vote reflects a smooth transition to democracy—which isn’t always a guarantee.

People walk past election posters in a market in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
People walk past election posters in a market in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s All-but-Certain Election

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party are nearly guaranteed to win on Sunday. The rest of the region may welcome the result.

Posters for election candidates hang over a street in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 26.
Posters for election candidates hang over a street in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 26.

4 Trends to Watch in South Asia Next Year

From predictable elections to Russia’s increased role in the region, here’s what to expect in 2024.

People wave Indian flags as they celebrate the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the south pole of the moon in New Delhi on Aug. 23.
People wave Indian flags as they celebrate the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the south pole of the moon in New Delhi on Aug. 23.

South Asia’s Year in Review

Four stories stood out in 2023, from India’s moon landing to tension ahead of Bangladesh’s January elections.

Commuters ride past a truck painted with a portrait of Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Aug. 16.
Commuters ride past a truck painted with a portrait of Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Aug. 16.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Comes to Washington

Asim Munir’s trip comes at an uncertain moment for U.S.-Pakistan relations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd as he stands in a float during a campaign event. Modi wears a black vest with a scarf and hat in the orange-and-green colors of the Indian flag. The float is also decorated with orange flowers and photos of Modi, and he is flanked by security officers and other members of his party.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd as he stands in a float during a campaign event. Modi wears a black vest with a scarf and hat in the orange-and-green colors of the Indian flag. The float is also decorated with orange flowers and photos of Modi, and he is flanked by security officers and other members of his party.

India’s BJP Scores as National Elections Loom

The ruling party’s state election victories harm the opposition just as it was gaining momentum.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the media in New Delhi.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the media in New Delhi.

India Looks to Seize Opportunity at COP28

The annual U.N. climate change conference gives New Delhi another chance to prove it can lead the global south.

Motorists ride past an upcoming residential project from Adani Realty in Mumbai on Feb. 2.
Motorists ride past an upcoming residential project from Adani Realty in Mumbai on Feb. 2.

Has India’s Adani Group Prevailed?

Nearly a year after bombshell fraud allegations, the conglomerate seems resilient—for now.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar speak to the press before talks at the U.S. State Department in Washington on Sept. 28.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar speak to the press before talks at the U.S. State Department in Washington on Sept. 28.

America and India Expand Their Partnership

The so-called 2+2 leaders’ dialogue in New Delhi this week is a reminder of the relationship’s enduring strength.

Afghan refugees arrive on green trucks in a mountainous landscape.
Afghan refugees arrive on green trucks in a mountainous landscape.

Why Is Pakistan Expelling 1.7 Million Afghans?

Islamabad’s policy of deporting all undocumented foreigners will have widespread repercussions.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hand with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Behind them are Canadian and Indian flags.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hand with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Behind them are Canadian and Indian flags.

The India-Canada Rift Deepens

New flash points in the crisis have emerged—with no offramps in sight.

People in hijabs hold up placards and a big sign that reads PALESTINE.
People in hijabs hold up placards and a big sign that reads PALESTINE.

What Pro-Palestinian Protests Mean for Pakistan

The Israel-Hamas war presents a conundrum for Islamabad.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a conference in Tel Aviv on July 6, 2017.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a conference in Tel Aviv on July 6, 2017.

Will India Draw Closer to Israel?

New Delhi’s long-standing balancing act between Israel and the Palestinians faces its toughest test yet.

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