Farwa Aamer

All these countries have debt, dependence on the IMF, and are looking to revive their economy, recovering from post-COVID challenges, natural disasters, and keeping things steady under political instability/new leadership.

The region's textile industry is the most vulnerable, especially for Bangladesh, Pakistan, & Sri Lanka.

Pakistan's (29%) government has decided to pursue talks with the Trump administration to secure a reduction in the new tariff. And Sri Lanka (44%) is also looking to reduce trade and non-trade barriers to help keep trade relations with the United States steady.

India (26%) has the BTA in works and has already been making concessions. Bangladesh (37%) is seeking a 3-month reprieve while committing to taking all necessary actions to fully support President Trump's trade agenda.

Still processing/evaluating the full implications of the reciprocal #tariffs and U.S. trade policies, South Asian countries are ready to fast-track negotiations and reduce their own tariffs as well as non-tariff barriers.

U.S. economic moves are shaking up global trade, with South Asia facing steep #tariffs and bracing for impact. But that’s not all—there’s plenty happening across the region.

Find out more in the latest #ASPISouthAsiaSnapshot, delivered straight to your inbox by @faamer.bsky.social 📩

"In some ways, this serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of maintaining a diverse trade portfolio to avoid the risks of overdependence on a single partner. This is particularly evident as economies like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan face severe struggles." @faamer.bsky.social

🚨Coming next Monday: the latest #ASPISouthAsiaSnapshot!

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(Left to right) ASPI VP Wendy Cutler, Professor Raja C. Mohan, and Director of South Asia Initiatives Farwa Aamer. Professor Mohan gestures while speaking during the roundtable discussion.

Policy experts, including Professor Raja C. Mohan, ASPI VP Wendy Cutler, and Director of South Asia Initiatives Farwa Aamer, participate in a private roundtable discussion on U.S.-India ties in Washington, D.C.

Prof. Mohan explored the contours of the bilateral relationship amid the evolving global order and shared his assessment of last week’s high-stakes #Modi-Trump meeting.

Policy experts including Professor Raja C. Mohan, ASPI VP Wendy Cutler, and Director of South Asia Initiatives Farwa Aamer at a private roundtable discussion on US-India ties in Washington, D.C.

Yesterday, we hosted Non-Resident Distinguished Fellow Professor Raja C. Mohan for a private roundtable discussion in Washington D.C. on the U.S.–India Partnership: Continuity and Change under #Trump 2.0.

YouTube video by Asia Society Indian Economy in a Changing World: What Lies Ahead

#India is on track to become the world’s 3rd-largest economy by 2030—but challenges remain. Looking ahead, @faamer.bsky.social & Dr. Arvind Panagariya discuss India’s vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047, its global role, and U.S.-India economic ties.

Watch their conversation ⬇️

Stay Up To Date Dive into the latest news and insights from South Asia each month with Asia Society Policy Institute's Director of South Asia Initiatives, Farwa Aamer.

Next month, we dive deep into the recent Trump-Modi meeting. For exclusive early access and analysis from @faamer.bsky.social, subscribe to South Asia Snapshot here: asiasociety.org/policy-insti...

South Asia Snapshot - February 3, 2025 For South Asia, this latest season of "America First" brings intrigue: will it mean tighter bonds or bigger rifts? One thing is for sure—answers might come faster than we expect.

With President Trump’s second inauguration last month, the new season of "America First" raises fresh questions for #SouthAsia: will it forge closer ties or widen existing rifts?

Catch up on the latest issue of South Asia Snapshot for a breakdown of last month's top stories from the region ⬇️

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Trump meets Modi, says he hopes US, China, India, Russia can all ‘get along’ Bilateral talks yield trade commitments and promises on F-35 jets, as well as praise for the Quad partnership.

“India’s hope would be to establish the relationship’s strength beyond the China factor – while keeping a strong eye on that – and ensure that the US continues to see India as a pivotal player in the Indo-Pacific region and the evolving geopolitical order,” - @faamer.bsky.social in SCMP News.

White text on blue background that reads: “Despite friction over reciprocal tariffs and Trump’s renewed criticism of BRICS, overall, the two leaders projected a strong rapport. Trump declared that U.S.-India relations were at their best currently and both leaders showed a conviction toward taking the relationship forward. Trump’s strong endorsement of the Quad framework reaffirmed India’s critical role in regional security.” by Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives

White text on blue background that reads: “For India, this visit yielded strategic wins, substantive meetings, and tangible outcomes. The good rapport between the two leaders seems to have served both parties well. If leveraged effectively, these developments can significantly bolster U.S.-India ties. However, the relationship remains layered and dynamic, with the coming months proving critical in translating commitments into concrete action.” by Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives

ASPI's Director of South Asia Initiatives, @faamer.bsky.social, comments on President Donald #Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra #Modi's bilateral meeting in Washington D.C.

Spoke to Barron’s on what to expect from the Modi-Trump meeting: trade, immigration among others:https://www.barrons.com/articles/india-modi-trump-tariffs-stock-f7aec480?reflink=mobilewebshare_permalink

Shared some thoughts with @scmpnews.bsky.social ahead of the Modi-Trump meeting: t.co/KqrmMrfwA4

India To Host Next AI Summit: French Presidency India will host the next international summit on artificial intelligence after co-hosting with France in Paris on Monday and Tuesday, President Emmanuel Macron's office said.

www.ndtv.com/world-news/i...

India to host the next AI Summit. PM Modi at the France summit highlighted:”We are developing AI applications for public good. We have one of the world’s largest AI talent pools. India is building its own Large Language Model considering our diversity.

All eyes on possible mini trade agreement/deal/resolution or even a step toward it. Expectations attached to the good camaraderie between PM Modi & President Trump but how the two leaders can translate the good relationship to an effective deal, we will find out.

Ahead of the big Modi-Trump meeting this week: India reportedly planning to come in with concessions with lower duties on pecan nuts & additional tariff reductions. Bilateral trade will remain a top agenda item during the visit.

Water Must Be a Central Element of India-China Ties The approval of a massive dam in China swells geopolitical crosscurrents, writes Farwa Aamer in an op-ed for Nikkei Asia.

#ICYMI Read ny co-authored piece for @asia.nikkei.com on how water should be a central element in the India-China relations: asiasociety.org/policy-insti...

Important week for India’s foreign policy: PM Modi heads to France for the AI summit which he will also co-chair with President Macron. Following which he will visit to the U.S. for a meeting with President Trump, likely on the table: trade, immigration, continued cooperation.

Yellow and White text on green gradient background featuring map of South Asia reading "On the next South Asia Snapshot: Trump's Inauguration, Navigating the India-China Waters, Prabowo in India and more!"

📥Coming to your inbox next Monday, the next edition of #ASPISouthAsiaSnapshot. Sign up now to stay updated on key developments shaping South Asia with @faamer.bsky.social

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White and yellow text on blue background that reads: On Trump and Pete Hegseth describing North Korea as “a nuclear power.” “It is both sloppy and unwise for a U.S. official to publicly describe North Korea as ‘a nuclear power.’ It blurs the line between legitimate nuclear states and outlaw regimes that illicitly acquired nukes in violation of international law. North Korea has had nuclear weapons for nearly two decades, but the world has not and should not accord it even implied legitimacy.” From Daniel Russel, Vice President, International Security and Diplomacy.

White and yellow text on blue background that reads: On Trump suspending foreign assistance for 90-day review “Reviewing U.S. foreign assistance to ensure alignment with national interests and administration priorities makes sense; suspending all aid programs for 3 months while a review begins does not. A preemptive suspension is harmful because of the unnecessary disruption to ongoing programs, the suffering it will cause to communities in the developing world, and the unnecessary damage it will do to America’s image. The presumption that U.S. foreign assistance programs are not serving U.S. interests unless proved otherwise is backwards - far better to start with a careful review of the rationale and the impact of ongoing programs.” From Daniel Russel, Vice President, International Security and Diplomacy.

White text on blue background that reads: “Early executive orders issued by the Trump administration signal a pivot toward a foreign policy that could place greater responsibility on regional players to align with U.S. priorities. India has already shown a willingness to collaborate, particularly on immigration issues, by proposing measures to identify and repatriate Indian nationals residing illegally in the U.S. This pragmatic approach reflects India’s effort to balance its strategic interests while meeting U.S. interests. But the trade, tariffs, and BRICS issue could be potential sticking points needing a lot more careful navigation” From Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives.

Commentary by Vice President Daniel Russel and Director of South Aasia Initiatives @faamer.bsky.social.

Was delighted to join my wonderful colleagues and be in conversation with @rorrydaniels.bsky.social on the future of U.S. foreign policy in Asia and discuss some key recommendations from ASPI Notes to Trump Administration. Watch 👇

Stay Up To Date Dive into the latest news and insights from South Asia each month with Asia Society Policy Institute's Director of South Asia Initiatives, Farwa Aamer.

And for exclusive early access to @faamer.bsky.social's monthly analysis, subscribe to South Asia Snapshot here: asiasociety.org/policy-insti...

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