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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Understanding India’s citizenship controversy

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
Understanding India’s citizenship controversy

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
Understanding India’s citizenship controversy

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

Mar 19, 2020

Understanding India’s citizenship controversy

By Rudabeh Shahid and Champa Patel

Understanding the full importance of India’s citizenship controversy requires deeper attention to the uncertainty regarding citizenship rights across the country, the potential risk of statelessness unfolding in the north-eastern border state of Assam, how state and federal levels of government are grappling with citizenship issues, and the global and regional implications of recent political developments in India.

Bangladesh Democratic Transitions

In the News

Mar 18, 2020

Younus in his podcast “Pakistonomy,” episode 10: The Economic Impact of Coronavirus

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

In the News

Mar 16, 2020

Younus in his podcast “Pakistonomy,” episode 9: Can Pakistan Replicate Korea?

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

In the News

Mar 11, 2020

Sherman in the Diplomat: Trump and Modi embrace, but remain digitally divided

By Atlantic Council

India Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Mar 11, 2020

How Iran’s new Quds Force commander could hurt the US in Afghanistan

By Obaidullah Obaid

A US-Taliban peace deal leaves the possibility of Iran-sponsored proxy groups such as the Fatemiyoun Brigade or Taliban breakaway factions to go after the downsized US troop presence or other American targets in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Iran

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2020

Modi’s canceled Bangladesh visit is an opportunity

By Ali Riaz

Recent demonstrations in Bangladesh against Modi’s visit speak volumes, literally and metaphorically. Instead of dismissing them as a conspiracy, both countries will be better served if their policymakers listen and take this opportunity to reassess their relationship and the domestic political environment in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Democratic Transitions

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 8, 2020

Younus in his podcast “Pakistonomy,” episode 8: Women, Feminism, and the Aurat March

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Human Rights

In the News

Mar 5, 2020

Cloen and Nooruddin in The Washington Post’s “Monkey Cage”: The US-India trade deal fell through. What happens now?

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business India

In the News

Mar 5, 2020

Nooruddin joins CGTN America’s “The Heat” to discuss Violence in New Delhi

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Human Rights

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 4, 2020

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Hearing: Citizenship Laws and Religious Freedom

By Atlantic Council

On March 4th, 2020, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) held a hearing to discuss how citizenship laws can be used to deny religious minorities rights guaranteed by their citizenship, making them disproportionately vulnerable to exploitation and mass atrocities.

Human Rights India
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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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