South Asia
The Foundation was established in Germany in 1958. It aims to promote the goal of making the principle of freedom valid for the dignity of all people and in all areas of society, both in Germany and abroad. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom works in over 65 countries worldwide.
In South Asia, we have offices in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, we work with partners in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. We promote civic education, training, and the exchange of ideas in the region, focusing on four areas: economic freedom, human rights, urban governance, and digital transformation. In addition to country-specific projects, the Foundation supports regional programs.
News
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Russia’s use of South Asian fighters in the Ukraine war
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Indian Perspective on Ukraine's Reconstruction
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Bangladesh July 2024: A Month of Protests, Frustrations, and Expectations
For about two weeks in July 2024, the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, witnessed unprecedented protests and violent clashes between students and law enforcement.
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Ghoshtepe Canal Project in Afghanistan and the question of water security
The initial phase of the project built under the rule of the Taliban has run into criticism for poor construction, raising concerns about the professionalism and proficiency of the contractors.
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China Navigates a New Afghanistan with the Taliban as its Rulers
Chinese diplomats visiting Kabul, view the American withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover as the beginning of a “new era” of independent development and a transition from “chaos to order.”
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Democracy in Focus: A Snapshot in South Asia & Europe
The 2025 calendar project, titled "Democracy in Focus: A Snapshot in South Asia & Europe," aims to capture the essence and diversity of democratic practices in South Asia and Europe. Through this initiative, we seek to explore and celebrate how democracy is viewed and experienced differently across cultures, emphasizing its universal importance and the unique expressions it takes around the world.
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Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland: Why a high-level South Asian presence is important
“Peace for Ukraine” is the deepest yearning of citizens, diplomats, foreigners, active defenders and leaders facing the onslaught of the largest country in continental Europe. Even in the face of daily missile and drone strikes, they seek peace on their terms. Bilateral or multilateral talks focused on stopping the war against Ukraine have done little to resolve the crisis over the past two years.
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South Asian Perspectives on European Parliament (EP) Election 2024
Exploring South Asian perspectives on the 2024 European Parliament elections, as they navigate potential shifts in aid, trade, migration, and geopolitics.
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POWER BALANCE SOUTH ASIA
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Improving India–Europe Defence Cooperation: A New Arms Deal?
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The critical role of SMEs in Nepal’s economic development
The contribution of SMEs to Nepal’s economy is substantial. SMEs contribute 22% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) besides generating employment for 1.8 million people, especially women, making them invaluable to their empowerment; they also add to an inclusive and broad-based economy.
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Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) of Sri Lanka
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in maintaining the economic fabric of Sri Lanka, contributing significantly to employment, GDP and social stability. These businesses, characterized by their limited scale in terms of employees, revenue and assets, are the backbone of the Sri Lankan economy. This article delves into the current situation of SMEs, their challenges and support mechanisms available while contemplating future policy directions for a resilient SME sector.
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Global Security Implications of the Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal region occupies a pivotal position in global geopolitics, particularly within the context of the emerging Indo-Pacific framework. Its strategic significance is underscored by its proximity to the Malacca Strait, a crucial chokepoint for China's energy imports, emphasizing its role in securing sea lanes of communication (SLOC). The shift in the global geopolitical and geo-economic centre to the Indo-Pacific has heightened attention on this region, emphasizing the emergence of the Indo-Pacific as a unified strategic entity. This shift has underscored the strategic significance of BIMSTEC as a vital mechanism for enhancing connectivity between the littorals of these adjoining ocean spaces.
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Securing South Asia: Addressing Hybrid Cyber Threats
The increasing prevalence of hybrid cyber threats poses a significant challenge to the security landscape of South Asia. With the region experiencing heightened geopolitical tensions and rapid technological advancements, it is imperative to address these threats effectively. The surge in threats to supply chains, critical infrastructure, and cyber espionage necessitates an evaluation of South Asia's cybersecurity scenario. This study aims to assess the resilience and vulnerabilities of South Asia's critical infrastructures amidst contemporary cyber hazards.
