South Asia

South Asia

South Asia is home to over 1.8 billion people and the largest youth population in the world. It includes India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. As one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, it serves as a strong economic link between the East and the West. South Asia’s strong global connections make it a zone of opportunity for businesses and governments engaging in infrastructure development, trade, and economic development.

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Don’t abandon peace for Afghanistan

Issue Brief Apr 1, 2025

Rescuing Pakistan’s economy

By Aasim M. Husain

For decades, Pakistan has struggled with a declining standard of living, skyrocketing public debt, and economic policies that have failed to address the root causes of its stagnation.
Economy & Business Middle East
Don’t abandon peace for Afghanistan

New Atlanticist Mar 25, 2025

Starlink’s India launch is a crash course on New Delhi’s approach to tech sovereignty

By Trisha Ray

A recently announced partnership to deploy the Elon Musk-led company’s satellite internet in India offers a window into New Delhi’s “hybrid” approach.
Economy & Business India
Don’t abandon peace for Afghanistan

New Atlanticist Feb 19, 2025

Why India and Armenia are now taking their relationship to new heights

By Tatevik Khachatryan, Srujan Palkar

The growing military and diplomatic cooperation between New Delhi and Yerevan benefits both beyond immediate defense concerns.
Economy & Business India

Programs

The South Asia Center is the hub for the Atlantic Council’s analysis of the political, social, geographical, and cultural diversity of the region. ​At the intersection of South Asia and its geopolitics, SAC cultivates dialogue to shape policy and forge ties between the region and the global community.

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Content

New Atlanticist

Oct 10, 2020

Don’t abandon peace for Afghanistan

By James Cunningham, John Negroponte, Ronald Neumann, Hugo Llorens, Richard Olson, and Earl Anthony Wayne

An accelerated US withdrawal will effectively mean abandoning the fruits of two years of determined US diplomacy with the Taliban, Afghan partners in Kabul, our allies, and regional and international partners to get the Afghan parties to the negotiating table.

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Oct 9, 2020

Salman joins American Pakistan Foundation to discuss Supporting Quality Education in Pakistan

By Atlantic Council

Education Pakistan

In the News

Oct 8, 2020

Nawaz quoted in The Hour on migration and extremism

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia Migration

In the News

Oct 7, 2020

Akhtar in Pakistan Politico: Deepfakes, AI & Digital Soldiers: Challenges of Cross-Domain Coercion for Pakistan

By Atlantic Council

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

In the News

Oct 6, 2020

Samad joins the Middle East Institute to discuss the Prospects for the intra-Afghan talks in Doha

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Oct 2, 2020

Riaz in CIPE: Bangladesh’s Economic ‘Recovery’ in the COVID-19 Era: A Paradox, a Puzzle or a Mirage

By Atlantic Council

Bangladesh Coronavirus

In the News

Oct 1, 2020

Aukatsang in The Indian Express: A Gandhi in our midst

By Atlantic Council

On October 1, 2020, Kaydor Aukatsang published a piece in The Indian Express, arguing that “the Dalai Lama exemplifies Gandhian values, has been a great ambassador and admirer of India. He should be given the Bharat Ratna,” the highest civilian award of the Republic of India.

Civil Society Human Rights

In the News

Sep 30, 2020

Nawaz joins Bilal Lakhani to discuss his book, “The Battle for Pakistan: The Bitter US Friendship and a Tough Neighbourhood”

By Atlantic Council

Pakistan Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Sep 30, 2020

Nawaz joins Nadeem Malik Live to discuss his book, “The Battle for Pakistan: The Bitter US Friendship and a Tough Neighbourhood”

By Atlantic Council

Pakistan Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Sep 30, 2020

Chhibber in The Economic Times: View: The $5 trillion economy goal seems attainable with structural reforms

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Financial Regulation
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Experts

Fellow

Grace Abuhamad

Former Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Digital Policy Internet

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Paul Amato

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Missile Defense Nuclear Deterrence

Fellow

Peter Arvo

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

China Human Rights

Staff

Rayhan Asat

Senior Legal & Policy Advisor, China Lead

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Central Asia China

Fellow

Kyle Atwell

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Colombia
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