South Asia
From Noida to Haryana, India’s Industrial Belt is Cracking Under the Weight of a Distant War
As the Middle East conflict drives up energy costs and empties kitchen cylinders, India’s migrant factory workers are either taking to the streets or heading home, and manufacturers are bracing for both.
Trust, Control, and Code: The Restrictions of India and U.S. Tech “Unionship”
Despite increasing strategic alignment in AI and defense, U.S exports lead, and India’s aim for complete independence is to restrict the development of their technology partnership and ongoing related negotiations.
Op-ed: India Faces Fertilizer Shortage Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure
In the wake of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, international attention has mainly been focused on oil shipment disruptions, with nations turning to pipelines and reserves for relief. Less noticed is the constraint on fertilizer shipments- a critical agricultural input with no strategic reserves- leaving India facing uncertainty regarding over nearly 40% of this key supply, needed to ensure crop yields which are central to its domestic consumption and economic activity, especially during its upcoming June Kharif planting season.
India's Persian Gulf Dependence Becomes a Liability as Hormuz Crisis Deepens
India secured 60 days of crude oil supply and slashed fuel duties on Thursday as the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent the rupee to a record low. The Indian government was forced to invoke emergency commodity laws, an unmistakable sign that a conflict thousands of miles away is landing hard on one of Asia's largest economies.
Op-ed: South Asia’s Economic Growth is Real. Its Stability is Not.
As the Middle East conflict grounds cargo flights and spikes energy costs, South Asia's booming growth numbers are beginning to show the cracks beneath.
India Expands AI Ambitions at Impact Summit
India outlined an ambitious economic growth plan focused on AI expansion at its February Impact Summit, aiming to shift its largely low-skill workforce towards higher-skill sectors, with support from tech companies, and foreign investors. However, climate experts warn that this plan for a rapid AI-centered expansion could worsen the country’s already severe environmental crisis.
India’s Strategic Balancing Act in the Indo-Pacific
Increasing tensions along the Line of Actual Control are pushing India to strengthen partnerships and broaden its strategic role as a stabilizing power in the Indo-Pacific region.
Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Escalation Leaves Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Renewed cross-border strikes between Pakistan and Afghanistan since Feb. 21 have intensified tensions along the Durand Line. Civilians living near the border now face displacement, economic disruption and mounting humanitarian risks.
Gen-Z is Reshaping South Asia’s Political Landscape
After youth-led protests toppled Nepal’s government in 2025, the country’s March 2026 elections may show whether South Asia’s Gen-Z movements can change street power into lasting political change.
India-China Border Tensions: Security, Strength, and the Future of India's Stability
India’s border dispute with China illustrates how New Delhi prioritizes security and sovereignty over economic competition, particularly before the Galwan Valley clash. As further tensions arise, India’s foreign policy stabilizes diplomacy and defence.
India Collaborates on Climate Goals at COP33
India has delayed announcing its 2035 emissions target even as the COP30 progresses, making it one of the only G20 nations in the conference yet to outline this goal. Many now speculate the government will place a greater emphasis on multilateralism and focus on existing pledges.
The India-U.S. Trade Negotiations: Tariff Relief and the Russian Oil Dilemma
As New Delhi and Washington navigate trade tensions, the balance between energy sufficiency and international alliances remains unpredictable. The negotiations could pronounce India’s standing between the East and West.
Prominent Pakistani Journalist Arshad Sharif Killed in Kenya
Prominent Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif was murdered on the outskirts of Nairobi at the hands of the Kenyan police on Sunday, Oct. 23. Sharif had sought refuge in Kenya after he left Pakistan in August, fearing for his life.
2022 Remittances Projection: India Set to Hit $100 billion in 2022
During their Migration and Development Brief, the World Bank stated that India is expected to receive a record $100 billion in remittance in 2022, the first time a single country has reached this number. This is a significant increase compared to the $89.4 billion made from India’s remittance rate last year.
Nepal Recognizes First Multicultural Same-Sex Marriage with Backing of US Embassy
Nepal registered the nation’s first legal same-sex marriage between citizens of different countries on Oct. 6, 2024.
Pakistan and IMF Reach $7 Billion Dollar Bailout Deal, In Response to Economic Crisis
On Sept. 25, the IMF reached a deal with Pakistan, securing the nation the seven billion dollars needed to pay its debts and stay afloat. The news was uplifting to the country that has an external debt of $130 billion, with $90 billion due over the next three years. The International Monetary Fund, the financial wing of the United Nations, has continuously lent out money over recent years to Pakistan as the nation struggles to pay back interest on decades-old debt. Pakistan has requested a staggering twenty-three bailouts. This request comes as the nation teetered on being unable to pay back its interest obligations, in effect defaulting.
India Introduces Nuclear Naval Submarines as Tensions with China Persist
On August 29th, India unveiled a new missile submarine with possible nuclear capabilities in an effort to compete and assert power against China in light of their ongoing dispute.
Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan Heighten Political Unrest and Censorship in Pakistan
This past Thursday, September 19th, in Pakistan two individuals were killed over accusations of Blasphemy. The first, Dr. Kanbhar, was shot dead by police after a mob moved to attack him.
Increased Hostility Towards Women's Rights Activists In Afghanistan
Women’s rights in Afghanistan are in a state of deterioration, amplified by tensions from the Taliban who regained control of the state in August 2021. Throughout November, four prominent women’s rights activists were arbitrarily detained by the Taliban. Hundreds of women’s rights activists, fighting for the right to allow girls to receive an education, are now in the Taliban’s custody.
Prime Minister Modi calls for climate equity at COP28
The Indian delegation to the The United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) pledged to redouble efforts moving away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, among many other commitments, led by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conference, the only multilateral decision-making body on climate change, is taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, 2023.