Which Issues Will Shape U.S.-South Asia Ties for the Next White House?

The United States may not ascribe as much strategic significance to South Asia as it does to East Asia or the Middle East. But in recent years, a few factors—intensifying great-power competition, democratic backsliding, concerns about stability, and a deepening strategic partnership with India—have ensured that the region remains high on Washington’s radar.

As the U.S. presidential election draws close, I wanted to share some editions of South Asia Brief from this year that cover just a few of the issues that could shape U.S. relations with countries in the region over the next four years.

The United States may not ascribe as much strategic significance to South Asia as it does to East Asia or the Middle East. But in recent years, a few factors—intensifying great-power competition, democratic backsliding, concerns about stability, and a deepening strategic partnership with India—have ensured that the region remains high on Washington’s radar.

As the U.S. presidential election draws close, I wanted to share some editions of South Asia Brief from this year that cover just a few of the issues that could shape U.S. relations with countries in the region over the next four years.

The Quad Gets a Boost: The July foreign ministers’ summit sent a signal that all is well with the grouping after a year of competing obligations.

The Modi-Putin Summit Wasn’t All Bad News for Washington: Why the “Russia factor” is a manageable challenge for the U.S.-India partnership.

The West Eyes India’s Transnational Repression: In Modi’s third term, the targeting of Sikh separatists abroad remains in the conversation.

Will Elon Musk Test the South Asian Market?: As the tech billionaire markets his Starlink internet service, the region presents an opening.