About two dozen Indian Navy sailors stand in a row on a concrete or stone floor, dressed in camouflage uniforms and white hats and holding rifles. The soldiers at the ends and center of the line stand up straight while the ones between them kneel to the ground as they rehearse a demonstration, creating the appearance of a wave or ripple down the line.
About two dozen Indian Navy sailors stand in a row on a concrete or stone floor, dressed in camouflage uniforms and white hats and holding rifles. The soldiers at the ends and center of the line stand up straight while the ones between them kneel to the ground as they rehearse a demonstration, creating the appearance of a wave or ripple down the line.

India Expands Its Naval Presence With Planned Base

New Delhi aims to project its power with a new facility near the Maldives.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks as she is sworn in for a fifth term in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Jan. 11.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks as she is sworn in for a fifth term in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Jan. 11.

Bangladesh and U.S. Pursue Post-Election Reset

A U.S. delegation to Dhaka reflects a fresh approach to bilateral ties after a criticized Jan. 7 vote.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party supporters block a highway with a protest in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Feb. 11.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party supporters block a highway with a protest in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Feb. 11.

How Imran Khan’s Party Stunned Pakistan

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party won’t take power, but it capitalized on public discontent to deliver a rebuke to the establishment.

People walk past market stalls under banners depicting candidates from different political parties ahead of the elections in Lahore, Pakistan, on Feb. 7.
People walk past market stalls under banners depicting candidates from different political parties ahead of the elections in Lahore, Pakistan, on Feb. 7.

Pakistan Heads to the Polls Amid Crisis

The military has already shaped the outcome of the vote, which comes as the country’s challenges converge.

Stranded trucks are seen near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Torkham, Pakistan, on Jan. 16.
Stranded trucks are seen near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Torkham, Pakistan, on Jan. 16.

Tensions Rise on Pakistan’s Borders

Security threats along the frontiers with Iran and Afghanistan loom large ahead of elections next week.

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.

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