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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Escalating Middle East conflict means North America must bolster global energy security

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
Escalating Middle East conflict means North America must bolster global energy security

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
Escalating Middle East conflict means North America must bolster global energy security

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

EnergySource

Feb 21, 2024

Escalating Middle East conflict means North America must bolster global energy security

By Julia Nesheiwat

The Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have raised shipping costs and caused delays for certain traded goods. While global energy supply has remained uninterrupted, the threat of a broader conflict in the region raises the chances that there will be disruptive attacks on energy and transport infrastructure, putting energy security at risk.

China Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Feb 21, 2024

What’s on Brazil’s G20 agenda? Start by looking at where India left off.

By Mrugank Bhusari, Ananya Kumar, Pepe Zhang, and Valentina Sader

As G20 foreign ministers kick off their meeting in Rio de Janeiro, expect to see the shared views of New Delhi and Brasília reflected in continuity between their G20 agendas.

Brazil Climate Change & Climate Action

New Atlanticist

Feb 21, 2024

It’s a new era for US-India relations, except at the WTO. That needs to change.

By Mark Linscott

Now is the time for the United States and India to build on bilateral successes to find common ground in the World Trade Organization.

Economy & Business India

New Atlanticist

Feb 14, 2024

Five ways Imran Khan’s party used technology to outperform in Pakistan’s elections

By Uzair Younus

The result of the political party’s technological campaign strategy was a more engaged and informed electorate—and significant electoral gains.

Elections Pakistan

Experts react

Feb 9, 2024

Experts react: Imran Khan’s party outperformed expectations. What will this mean for Pakistan’s next government?

By Atlantic Council experts

PTI-backed independents are on track to win a plurality of seats in the national assembly. Who will lead the next coalition government?

Elections Pakistan

In the News

Feb 8, 2024

Nesheiwat in Press News Agency: The escalating battle within the Center East and its impression on world power safety
China Energy Markets & Governance

Global Energy Agenda

Feb 7, 2024

Energy security is global security

By Geoffrey R. Pyatt

The energy transition has been and will continue to be an important element in ensuring our long-term energy security. But for the energy transition to succeed, it must be just.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

IranSource

Jan 26, 2024

A miscalculated aggression: How Pakistan’s response exposed Iran’s vulnerabilities

By Ali Bakir

Iran overplayed its hand with Pakistan and was reminded of its proper place.

Conflict Indo-Pacific

New Atlanticist

Jan 25, 2024

The skies are quiet, but the Iran-Pakistan strikes left lasting diplomatic damage

By Muhammad Faisal

While the immediate crisis will subside, an intensified security dilemma will be permanent for Islamabad.

Conflict Economy & Business
Mumbai economy with skyscrapers in the distance

Econographics

Jan 24, 2024

The advanced consumer economy driving India’s ascent

By Josh Lipsky

By 2030, India could become the world's third-largest economy. Here's how the rise of powerful consumers within the country is creating a massive new domestic and international market.

India Macroeconomics
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Experts

Fellow

Grace Abuhamad

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

Former 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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Events

Online Event Wed, April 8, 2026 • 8:30 am ET

IMEC during a time of war
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia India Middle East