Latest Articles about South Asia
India Becomes Armenia’s Largest Defense Supplier
Executive Summary: Armenia is increasingly turning to India for military support, making significant purchases of Indian-made weapon systems, including the Akash-1S air defense system, as part of a $2 billion defense partnership signed in 2020. Armenia’s pivot toward India marks a shift away from its... MORE
Iran and Pakistan Cooperate on Counter-Terrorism Amid Jaish al-Adl and Baloch Separatist Attacks
Executive Summary: In April, Pakistan and Iran agreed to station liaison officers at their mutual border to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts. Border cooperation will likely reduce local militancy and improve ties between the two states. In January, Pakistan and Iran launched surprise strikes on one another,... MORE
Arambai Tenggol: The Meitei Militia Threatening India’s Manipur State
Executive Summary: On January 24, an ethnic Meitei militia, the Arambai Tenggol, forced the government of India’s insurgency-wracked Manipur State to capitulate to a six-point list of demands. While this event was unprecedented, it was made possible by “tacit patronage” from the ruling Bharatiya Janata... MORE
India Launches Russian Stealth Frigates as New Delhi and Moscow Strengthen Defense Partnership
Executive Summary: Since February 2022, India and Russia have significantly expanded their military and defense cooperation, with New Delhi launching the first of two Russian-supplied advanced stealth frigates for the Indian Navy at the end of July. As Moscow struggles with defense exports due to... MORE
Military Supplies to Armenia Escalate Tensions in South Caucasus
Executive Summary: Armenia is making moves to distance itself from Russia and reduce economic and military dependence on Moscow through deals with other states, including France, India, and, allegedly, Iran. The expanding military supplies to Armenia are stirring up tensions with neighboring Azerbaijan and threatening... MORE
Qasim Gujjar: Lashkar-e-Taiba Militant Behind Attacks in Kashmir Designated as Terrorist by India
Executive Summary: On March 7, India's Ministry of Home Affairs designated 41-year-old Kashmiri militant Mohammad Qasim Gujjar as a terrorist. Gujjar has been involved in multiple high-profile attacks, financed and supplied arms to terrorists, and is a major recruiter for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Gujjar has... MORE
Mohammad Kamrul Hasan: Islamic State Bengal Leader Continues to Live Abroad in Turkey
Executive Summary: The current emir of Islamic State Bengal (ISB)/“Neo-JMB” (Neo-Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh) is Mohammad Kamrul Hasan. An able recruiter and mastermind behind numerous bombings in Dhaka, Kamrul is in Turkish custody awaiting transfer back to Bangladesh. Mohammad Kamrul Hasan (also known as “Mahadi Hasan... MORE
Growing ISKP Threat Pushes Russia Closer to Taliban
Executive Summary: In Russia, the growing threat of the Islamic State in Khorasan (ISKP) has pushed the Kremlin to expand ties with the Afghan Taliban and consider delisting the jihadist organization as a designated terrorist group. ISKP views Russia as a top-tier target due to,... MORE
Azerbaijan Strengthens Trilateral Cooperation With Pakistan and Türkiye
Executive Summary: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Islamabad and the trilateral meeting of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye in early July highlight growing cooperation in various fields among the three countries in trying to gain more influence over regional trade and transit. Baku and Ankara... MORE
Islamic State in Khorasan Province’s Increased Activity Threatens Central Asia
Executive Summary: The Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) is increasing external operations and expanding recruitment in Central Asia through media wings that publish Central Asian militants and present them as role models for existing or potential supporters to follow. ISKP’s growing reach and international... MORE