Greetings and a warm welcome to the website of the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS)!
South Asia’s strategic importance continues to grow in today’s complex and rapidly evolving global environment. As home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a youthful, tech-savvy population, the region is undergoing a profound transformation. Its expanding digital infrastructure, dynamic private sector and increasing regional connectivity, particularly with Southeast Asia, position it as a crucial player in shaping the future of the global economy. At the same time, shifting geopolitical alignments and intensifying competition for influence in the Indian Ocean have placed South Asia at the heart of new strategic equations. Interest in developing the blue economy and improving maritime infrastructure has further underscored the region’s significance in global trade and energy flows.
Despite these promising developments, South Asia faces a host of challenges that complicate its development trajectory. The region continues to grapple with the mounting impacts of climate change – from extreme weather events and rising sea levels to water scarcity and agricultural disruption. Political volatility, internal ideological divides and tensions and democratic backsliding in certain areas have raised concerns about institutional resilience and governance. The post-pandemic recovery remains uneven, with some countries experiencing high inflation, fiscal stress and rising debt burdens. These issues are compounded by persistent social inequalities, gender disparities and youth unemployment – all of which require urgent and sustained attention.
Meanwhile, the broader global context is marked by increasing fragmentation. As the world transitions into a more multipolar order, the South Asian states are navigating a complicated web of relationships shaped by strategic competition, minilateral frameworks and global governance challenges. Regional security concerns, cross-border tensions and the resurgence of militant activity in some areas have added further complexity. The disruptive effects of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are also beginning to reshape economic models, governance structures and labour markets, raising questions about long-term resilience and adaptability.
Against this backdrop, ISAS has remained firmly committed to producing high-quality, policy-relevant research that contributes to a deeper understanding of South Asia and its place in the world. Established in 2004, ISAS has grown into a globally recognised research institute that engages scholars, policymakers, business leaders and civil society actors from Singapore and beyond. Through our multidisciplinary research, public dialogues and international collaborations, we seek to offer insights that are timely, nuanced and actionable. Our location at the National University of Singapore enables us to draw upon a strong academic ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to regional and global discourse.
Our research agenda continues to evolve in response to shifting global and regional dynamics. We focus on a wide range of issues, including international relations, strategic alignments, political transitions, economic development and environmental sustainability. We are closely monitoring the geopolitical contestations shaping South Asia’s external relations, including the growing relevance of minilateral groupings and the changing architecture of global governance. Domestically, we are examining the evolving political landscape across the South Asian countries, with particular attention to national and subnational elections, as well as growing movements advocating for deeper democratic institutionalisation. We are also tracking the region’s digital transformation, the rise of strategic technologies and the socio-economic implications of artificial intelligence and automation. At the same time, our work remains rooted in understanding the trade and economic policies of the South Asian states, as well as the pressing issues of sustainability and climate resilience.
ISAS is committed to disseminating its research to a broad and diverse audience. To that end, we have introduced a range of new research outputs in recent years, including the South Asia Scan, South Asia Discussion Papers and Special Reports, alongside our regular series of Briefs, Insights and Working Papers. We also produce a quarterly newsletter that explores key developments in South Asia, and our podcast series, South Asia Chat, features leading scholars and policymakers discussing contemporary issues in accessible and engaging formats. In response to the evolving digital media landscape, ISAS has expanded its online presence to better connect with audiences worldwide.
Through rigorous research, strategic outreach and deepening partnerships, ISAS continues to play a central role in shaping dialogue around South Asia’s development and global engagement. We remain committed to building on our strong foundation, enhancing our international presence and deepening collaboration with both established and emerging partners.
Thank you for your interest in our work, and we invite you to explore our website to learn more about our research, events and publications.
Warm regards
Associate Professor Iqbal Singh Sevea
