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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India Makes a Smart Move

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

India Makes a Smart Move

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

India Makes a Smart Move

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

Nov 2, 2016

India Makes a Smart Move

By Nidhi Upadhyaya

By 2050, 843 million people will be living in urban areas of India. They will migrate from rural regions for better job opportunities, better health care, and a better life. How will cities sustain this huge influx of people? The government of India is already addressing this question. With the Smart Cities Mission, it is […]

India

In the News

Nov 1, 2016

Biberman in Military Review: Bridging the Gap between Policing and Counterinsurgency in Pakistan

By Atlantic Council

Extremism Non-Traditional Threats

Event Recap

Oct 5, 2016

Dispute in focus: Pakistan’s perspective on Kashmir

By South Asia Center

On October 5, 2016 the South Asia Center hosted Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed from the Senate of Pakistan and Dr. Shezra Mansab Khan, a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, for a discussion on Pakistan’s perspective on the current political situation surrounding Kashmir. This conversation was moderated by the Director of the South Asia […]

Pakistan

Event Recap

Sep 21, 2016

A conversation with Dr. Sannia Abdullah on Pakistan’s full spectrum deterrence

By South Asia Center

On September 21, 2016 the South Asia Center hosted Dr. Sannia Abdullah, a visiting scholar at Sandia National Labs, for a conversation on Pakistan’s full spectrum deterrence strategy. The discussion was moderated by Distinguished Fellow Mr. Shuja Nawaz. Dr. Abdullah addressed the overarching security calculus upon which Pakistan’s nuclear force posture and stated nuclear doctrines […]

Nuclear Deterrence Pakistan

In the News

Sep 21, 2016

Kampani Quoted by The National Interest in India’s Military Equipment Purchases

By Guarav Kampani

Read the full article here.

India

In the News

Sep 14, 2016

Cunningham, Khalilzad, Petraeus Join The National Interest Feature: Forging an Enduring Partnership with Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

Read the full article here.

Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Sep 13, 2016

White House Hopeful India Will Ratify Paris Climate Deal This Year

By Rachel Ansley

The White House is optimistic that India, a major polluter, will this year ratify the Paris climate agreement, increasing the likelihood that the deal that is intended to cut greenhouse gas emissions will come into effect before US President Barack Obama leaves office in January of 2017. “We are very, very committed to seeing this […]

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Defense Industrialist

Sep 8, 2016

How to man the unmanned

By James Hasik

With enthusiastic recruits, from all corners, and with a lot of cash. In the New York Times this past Tuesday, Michael Schmidt wrote of how the the US Air Force, “Running Low on Drone Pilots,” is turning to contractors to reconnoitre battlefields. Many of these are “former drone or fighter pilots who are making double or […]

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Aug 19, 2016

Pintak in Foreign Policy: Can Cartoons Save Pakistan’s Children From Jihad?

By Lawrence Pintak

Read the full article here.

Pakistan

In the News

Aug 17, 2016

Atlantic Council Board Member and Former Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Interviewed by the World Post on Why China’s New Silk Road May Be A Game-Changer For Pakistan

By Shaukat Aziz

Read the full article here.

China Pakistan
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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