Politics

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan deliver Independence Day speeches in their respective countries.
International relations

Modi and Khan spar over Kashmir in national day speeches

Indian leader claims achievement while Pakistani side declares readiness to fight

16 August 2019
Large swaths of the Kashmir region have remained in a communications blackout since Aug. 5.
International relations

India's stature helps mute responses to Kashmir power grab

Pakistan seeks Security Council meeting but Russia has already backed the move

14 August 2019
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoyed a landslide electoral victory in May, but building economic gloom is already casting a shadow over his government's second term. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)
The Big Story

Modi seeks reforms to India's stuttering economy

Landslide victory gives reelected prime minister a second chance at 'Modinomics'

14 August 2019
Supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrate in Ahmedabad after the government scrapped the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on Aug. 5.
The Big Story

Empowered by reelection, Modi moves to absorb disputed Kashmir

Tensions leap but Islamabad lacks means to retaliate, says expert

14 August 2019
Narendra Modi visits Sri Lanka in June 2019: if connectivity initiatives have to succeed, "we must also build bridges of trust," said Modi.
Opinion

India responds to Belt and Road Initiative with infrastructure push

New Delhi does not want China to dominate its backyard so has started spending

13 August 2019
The assistance Sri Lanka received from many nations during its civil war is making it difficult for Colombo to favor one of them, the U.S.
International relations

US-Sri Lanka military negotiations hit a roadblock

Colombo flustered as it balances its relations with China, India and Japan

11 August 2019
Indian security force personnel stand guard outside a mosque during restrictions following the scrapping of the special constitutional status for Kashmir by the Indian government, in Jammu on Aug. 9. 
International relations

China raises alarm over Kashmir with Tibet and Xinjiang in mind

Beijing backs Pakistan, asserting its interests as India strips region of its autonomy

11 August 2019
Abrogating article 370 has far-reaching implications for India's social and political compact with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Opinion

Scrapping Kashmir's special status is a dangerous gamble for India

The downgrade is likely to inspire violence and shift country's character

9 August 2019
Indian paramilitary soldiers check the bag of a man during curfew in Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on Aug. 8.
Politics

India's Modi vows to rid Kashmir of terror and hold local elections

PM addresses nation days after his government revoked region's special status

9 August 2019
Solar panels could provide an efficient option in tropical nations requiring significant new generating capacity.
Opinion

Asia is the right place for a US 'Green New Deal'

Funding environmentally friendly projects would curb emissions and provide BRI alternative

7 August 2019
The government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved to scrap the special status given to Kashmir, which was implemented after India's independence in 1947.
Kashmir turmoil

Five things to know about Kashmir's special status

India's decision to revoke the region's autonomy irks Pakistan

6 August 2019
Indian paramilitary soldiers stand guard in Jammu, India on Aug. 5. An indefinite security lockdown was in place in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir on Monday.
Politics

India to strip Kashmir of autonomy as unrest deepens

Move follows heavy troop buildup and house arrest of local politicians

5 August 2019
Cambodian Navy sailors stand in formation alongside a Chinese naval patrol boat at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base: China and Cambodia reportedly have signed a secret agreement to create an outpost for Chinese military forces.
Opinion

China's naval expansionism is natural path for emerging global power

Potential Chinese ports in Cambodia and Pakistan frighten regional rivals

2 August 2019
Workers at a garment factory in Bangladesh. South Korean companies, whose transfer of technical know-how helped Bangladesh become the world’s second-largest textiles exporter, are looking at the potential of other emerging sectors. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Economy

Bangladesh aims to leap beyond textiles with help from South Korea

Garment export leader expands into tech, energy and other emerging industries

31 July 2019
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gives a speech by video link at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on April 26. In the foreground are models of China's Long March rockets.
International relations

Pakistani astronaut to board Chinese rocket in race with India

Beijing's help will contribute to the nation's defense, science minister says

29 July 2019
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, greets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House in Washington on July 22.
International relations

US and Pakistan mend ties as Washington seeks Afghanistan exit

Trump also surprises Khan with offer to mediate Kashmir dispute with India

23 July 2019
A Chinese Navy vessel prepares to depart Stonecutters Island, Hong Kong, in this 2017 file photo. Washington's security establishment has long claimed China's Belt and Road investments in ports and airfields around the globe have a strategic military component.
Asia Insight

China's Belt and Road ports raise red flags over military plans

Cambodia shows how Beijing's 'string of pearls' threatens US ties

23 July 2019
The meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday will address growing concern over security in Afghanistan. (Reuters/AP)
International relations

Pakistan PM Khan to discuss Afghanistan peace deal with Trump

'Ice-breaking event' lets Islamabad reaffirm its value to US in vital region

21 July 2019
The government of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan cannot appeal the decision by the International Court for Settlement of Investment Disputes, but it can ask the court to review the amount of the fine.
International relations

China rescue option emerges as Pakistan slapped with $5.9bn fine

Gold and copper mine dispute brings another headache after IMF bailout deal

19 July 2019
People in Mumbai pray ahead of an international court's verdict in the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, whom Pakistan alleges is a naval officer-turned-spy.
International relations

India and Pakistan claim victory as ICJ rules in alleged spy case

Experts say the verdict helps nuclear-armed states avoid a major clash

18 July 2019
Supporters of Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav hold his photographs asking for his release from Pakistan during New Year's celebrations in Bangalore on Dec. 31, 2018.
International relations

International court to rule on India-Pakistan spy drama

Decision unlikely to ease tensions that have been boiling over since February

16 July 2019
In South Asia, cricket is a continuation of war by other means.
Opinion

Cricket world cup highlights South Asia's fault lines

Fans use matches to score political points against regional rivals

12 July 2019
As global average temperatures warm, glaciers are retreating.
Opinion

Himalayan states must unite to protect mountain environment

Time for a Himalayas Council to manage and safeguard vital water supplies

10 July 2019
Pakistani paramilitary soldiers gather after an attack by the Balochistan Liberation Army on the Chinese consulate in Karachi last November. 
International relations

US labels Pakistani insurgents 'terrorists' in victory for China

Experts see backdoor deal on anti-Chinese group targeting Belt and Road projects

5 July 2019
A fashion store in Islamabad: Pakistan's government hopes its drive to stamp out the Taliban and restore safety will help to rebuild the economy. 
Economy

Pakistan hopes security lures business along with British royals

Prince William and Kate's planned tour shows anti-terror success is getting noticed

3 July 2019