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Shehbaz Sharif and Muhammad Yunus sit side by side in ornate chairs with carved gold details and cream brocade upholstery. Sharif's mouth is open as he speaks. Both men are older, dressed formally, and have their own hands clasped on their laps.
Shehbaz Sharif and Muhammad Yunus sit side by side in ornate chairs with carved gold details and cream brocade upholstery. Sharif's mouth is open as he speaks. Both men are older, dressed formally, and have their own hands clasped on their laps.

In South Asia, Power Shifts Usher in Diplomatic Surprises

Deepening engagement between India and the Taliban as well as Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively, represents a new chapter in an old rivalry.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Jan. 6.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Jan. 6.

The Biden Administration Pursues Last-Minute Diplomacy With India

In New Delhi, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan seeks to foolproof some elements of the partnership.

Security personnel patrol near the site of a gunfight between suspected militants and Indian security forces at Ishber Nishat in Srinagar, Kashmir, on Nov. 10, 2024.
Security personnel patrol near the site of a gunfight between suspected militants and Indian security forces at Ishber Nishat in Srinagar, Kashmir, on Nov. 10, 2024.

Four Stories to Follow in South Asia in 2025

From India’s relations with rivals to Sri Lanka’s democratic shift, here’s what to keep an eye on this year.

Anti-government protesters display Bangladesh's national flag atop the prime minister's palace.
Anti-government protesters display Bangladesh's national flag atop the prime minister's palace.

South Asia’s Year in Review

Tracking the region’s biggest surprises in 2024.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (left) speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right).
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (left) speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right).

In India, Sri Lanka’s Dissanayake Reasserts Partnership

Like others in the region, Colombo’s new leader hopes to better balance ties with New Delhi and Beijing.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leave a rally in Motera, India, on Feb. 24, 2020.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leave a rally in Motera, India, on Feb. 24, 2020.

BJP Sends a Message With U.S. ‘Deep State’ Comments

Alleging a conspiracy against India, the ruling party telegraphs camaraderie with Trump.

Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli waves before departing from Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli waves before departing from Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Makes Significant China Trip

K.P. Sharma Oli breaks with tradition in his fourth term by heading to Beijing before New Delhi.

A view from the ground and pointed up to the sky shows an Indian flag fluttering atop a flagpole, backlit by the sun. Above and behind it are the blades of a wind turbine. The sky above is a slightly hazy blue, with a few fluffy white clouds inching in from the corner.
A view from the ground and pointed up to the sky shows an Indian flag fluttering atop a flagpole, backlit by the sun. Above and behind it are the blades of a wind turbine. The sky above is a slightly hazy blue, with a few fluffy white clouds inching in from the corner.

What Adani’s Indictment Means for India’s Clean Energy Sector

The billionaire’s fast-growing Adani Green company will take an investment hit.

A commuter on a motorbike covers his face with cloth amid thick smog on a street in Lahore, Pakistan, on Nov. 20.
A commuter on a motorbike covers his face with cloth amid thick smog on a street in Lahore, Pakistan, on Nov. 20.

Toxic Smog Threatens India and Pakistan

As air pollution chokes New Delhi and Lahore, officials in both countries are pointing fingers.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk together outdoors.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk together outdoors.

In South Asia, Expect Continuity From Washington

Under Trump, the Indo-Pacific strategy is still likely to drive U.S. policy in the region.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk looks at graffiti on the walls of the Dhaka University campus in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Oct. 29.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk looks at graffiti on the walls of the Dhaka University campus in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Oct. 29.

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Is Under Pressure

With no time frame for elections, a restless public could pose a challenge.

An Indian army vehicle is seen near the India-China border in Ladakh on Aug. 29.
An Indian army vehicle is seen near the India-China border in Ladakh on Aug. 29.

India and China Reach Border Breakthrough

An agreement to resume patrols in Ladakh should benefit trade ties, but it’s not a prelude to a broader detente.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar (left) shakes hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar (left) shakes hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

India’s Jaishankar Makes Rare Trip to Pakistan

The visit, for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, is the first by an Indian foreign minister since 2015.

Members and supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party offer sweets to one another as they smile and celebrate the BJP's lead in the vote-counting for Haryana's state elections. They hold a green and orange BJP flag that features a lotus. One man holds up a peace sign.
Members and supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party offer sweets to one another as they smile and celebrate the BJP's lead in the vote-counting for Haryana's state elections. They hold a green and orange BJP flag that features a lotus. One man holds up a peace sign.

India’s BJP Sees Split Results in State Elections

Modi’s party scored an unexpected win in Haryana and a loss in Kashmir that could still be a strategic boost.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party activists, holding pictures of leader Imran Khan and flags, take part in a public rally on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party activists, holding pictures of leader Imran Khan and flags, take part in a public rally on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan.

Imran Khan Calls for Renewed Protest in Pakistan

The latest escalations come as the country’s new intelligence chief takes office.

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