South Asia Center Events

US-India bilateral relations

By Nicole Pfeifer

On November 4, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center hosted a discussion on US-India bilateral relations, in collaboration with the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF).  Dr. Bharath Gopalaswamy, Director of the South Asia Center, opened the dialogue, which aimed at addressing the ways in which the US-India relationship can be sustained, and ultimately advanced to new […]

Empowering the next generation: A conversation with Pakistan’s civil society leaders

By Alejandro Alvarez

“Yes, Pakistan is facing lots of challenges. Yes, there are flaws in our system,” said Fakiha Ali, one of the Atlantic Council’s 2015 Emerging Leaders of Pakistan. “But if we are positive and try to build something good out of all those negatives, Pakistan would definitely have a great future very soon.” On Oct. 26, […]

Addressing nontraditional security threats in South Asia

By Nazia Khan

“Water scarcity and food security are the most serious nontraditional security threats facing India,” stated Ambassador Latha Reddy, Former Deputy National Security Adviser of India. Speaking at an Atlantic Council South Asia Center event, Reddy warned that nontraditional security concerns—such as water and food security, energy management, environment and climate change, health, cyber warfare, and […]

Getting to $500 billion in US-India trade: A view from the Indian industry

By Ben Polsky

On September 9, business leaders representing some of the largest industries in India’s private sector convened at the Atlantic Council to discuss the state of the Indian economy. A week after it was announced that the Indian economy grew by 7%—tying China as the world’s fastest growing economy—the titans of Indian business addressed the potential […]

A private briefing on US-Pakistan relations with Her Excellency Hina Rabbani Khar, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan

By Ben Polsky

Speaking at an Atlantic Council briefing, Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Her Excellency Hina Rabbani Khar offered her unique perspective on “the broad trends prevailing in Pakistan” including the recent talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government in Murree, the Iran deal impact in Pakistan, the status quo of Indo-Pak relations, and the state […]

Sri Lanka and the emerging order in South Asia

After decades of damaging civil war, Sri Lanka and its new government are setting a course to prevent the reoccurrence of conflict and violence. In an unprecedented session combining political and civil society leaders, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States His Excellency Prasad Kariyawasam and Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies’ Jeevan Thiagarajah and Dhanya Ratnavale […]

India’s nuclear command and control and its implications for strategic stability in South Asia

By Nazia Khan

On June 23, Brigadier (ret’d) Arun Sahgal spoke to the Atlantic Council about the principles shaping India’s nuclear command and control structure. Now serving as the director of the Forum for Strategic Initiative, Sahgal does not represent the official Indian position, but spoke from over 36 years of experience in the Indian Army. He focused […]

Building self-reliance and prosperity in Afghanistan

By South Asia Center

On June 11, 2015 Paul Ross, Mission Chief for Afghanistan, International Monetary Fund (IMF) spoke with South Asia Center Senior Fellow and Khalilzad Chair Ambassador James B. Cunningham about the IMF’s involvement in Afghanistan and its efforts to help revitalize the Afghan economy. He briefed the audience on the recently-concluded agreement with the Afghan Government on an IMF Staff […]

A conversation with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary H.E. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry

By Refayat Haque

On June 4, His Excellency Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, gave public remarks at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center. He spoke about the government’s progress in restoring peace and stability in the country and their approach to pursue regional security. H.E. Chaudhry outlined the success of the counter-insurgency campaign […]

Pakistan: The Citizens’ Fight for a Voice

By Nazia Khan

From a western perspective, Pakistan appears to be a country embroiled in numerous challenges, namely security and governance. But a growing movement comprised of Pakistan’s ordinary citizens seeks to reclaim the space taken by these challenges. Mohammed Jibran Nasir is at the heart of this movement, and visited the Atlantic Council in May to share […]