Content

Dispatches

Aug 18, 2026

What it will take for the US and India to conclude a trade agreement

By Mark Linscott

Washington and New Delhi have repeatedly come close to a trade agreement, only for disputes over tariffs and market access to derail them.

Economy & Business India

Dispatches

Aug 13, 2026

How Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are deciding on India’s digital public infrastructure

By Srujan Palkar

The choices that leaders are now making about identity, payment, and health-data systems could shape the region for a decade or more.

Bangladesh Civil Society

Dispatches

Aug 7, 2026

Why Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey just signed a defense pact

By Atlantic Council experts

Each country pledged to defend the others, but each country also has its own motivations for joining the pact.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Jul 31, 2026

Nepal and Bangladesh are delaying LDC graduation. Now comes the hard part. 

By Nischal Dhungel

Both countries would need to use any delay in exiting “least developed country” status to advance structural changes to their economies.

Bangladesh Economy & Business

Dispatches

Mar 6, 2026

How the White House’s plan B on tariffs can give it all the trade leverage it needs

By Mark Linscott

The US Supreme Court recently struck down IEEPA tariffs, which the White House had used as leverage in trade talks, but there are other options.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Mar 5, 2026

While the Iran conflict continues, the Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis is only getting worse

By Michael Kugelman

The war in Iran threatens to exacerbate the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Conflict

Dispatches

Feb 25, 2026

Will Nepal’s long-standing nonalignment survive the first election after its Gen Z uprising?

By Rudabeh Shahid

The country’s March 5 election might result in a government that could challenge Nepal’s hedging approach toward India, China, and the West.

Democratic Transitions Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Feb 13, 2026

What Bangladesh’s first post-Hasina election means for the country’s future

By Rudabeh Shahid, Michael Kugelman

Our experts explain what to expect from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party after it won a parliamentary majority—and what these elections mean for the region.

Bangladesh Elections

Dispatches

Feb 6, 2026

Why Bangladesh’s elections will echo far beyond its borders

By Rudabeh Shahid

The outcome of Bangladesh’s February 12 election will likely cast a shadow over other upcoming elections in Nepal and India.

Bangladesh Elections

Dispatches

Jan 27, 2026

The India–EU trade deal is worth watching, but not overhyping

By Mark Linscott

The newly announced free trade agreement is an important accomplishment, even if it is unlikely to be transformational.

Economy & Business European Union

Experts