Afghanistan
TIIF 2026: Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries ramps up Central Asian operations
Russia’s largest e-commerce operator Wildberries became the largest retailer of any sort when it overtook MasterSport in 2019 and took Russia into a new age of e-commerce. Now it is expanding into Uzbekistan's fast-growing economy.
TIIF 2026: Central Asia, new Asian tiger
Central Asia used to be thought of as sitting at the “navel of the world,” about as far away from everywhere as it was possible to be. Today that perception has changed as once again it finds itself at the centre of things.
India's many territorial disputes and their impact on its economic potential
For much of the 26 years since the beginning of the millennium, India has aimed at becoming a rising economic power by way of first becoming a service centered hub and gradually shifting towards becoming a centre of manufacturing.
From oil wells to code: can Central Asia become the world's next technology hub?
For most of the post-Soviet era, Central Asia's economic story was written in commodities. Now technology is starting to challenge that stereotype.
New Pakistan-Iran road routes and Central Asian trade
A Eurasianet partner post from the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst.
Central Asia to turn mineral wealth into strategic influence
Central Asia is moving to convert its vast reserves of critical minerals into economic and geopolitical leverage as governments seek to position the region at the centre of global supply chains increasingly shaped by geopoliitcal competition.
_1780260571.jpg)
Kremlin wants “full partnership” with Afghan Taliban, military-technical deal signed
Russia is the only country in the world to formally recognise Afghanistan’s rulers, though Central Asia is slowly but surely building relations.
_0_1780221577.jpg)
Locust army swarms Iran as farmers battle to save their crops
Billions of Moroccan locusts have swarmed eastern Iran at four to five times last year's density, with farmers and officials racing to save crops and livelihoods across 1,000 hectares of Sistan-Baluchestan.
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Water “insecurities” are rumbling under the surface of regional diplomacy
Kyrgyzstan wants more infrastructure maintenance funds. Afghanistan is preparing to divert river flows for irrigation. Disagreements could mount.
_CroppeD_270526_1779910732.jpg)
Terrorist attacks in Russia thwarted by joint work with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, says FSB director
Warns Afghanistan-based ISKP actively recruiting individuals across Central Asia and migrant workers in Russian locations.
The return of the Silk Road as the “C6”, a key geopolitical link between Europe and Asia
There is a map that used to hang in the offices of Soviet central planners in Moscow, showing the five republics of Central Asia as a single administrative unit with all roads pointing to Moscow. Today the arrows point in all directions at once.
Why Afghanistan dreams of opening up Wakhan Corridor, the mountain valley that connects three worlds
Likely once trodden by Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, its potential is fascinating.
Central Asia lagging in AI diffusion – report
Adoption rates, however, are among highest in Asia.
Kazakhstan told to brace for irrigation water shortages
Minister points to reduced river flows from upstream Kyrgyzstan and lower stored volumes in reservoirs.
Russia would not accept military presence of outside powers in Central Asia, says defence minister
Andrei Belousov tells SCO meeting Moscow is “closely monitoring” moves made by “non-regional states”.
Afghanistan joint chamber forms border committee with next-door Iran
Joint Iran-Afghanistan committees have been established to address border problems and improve goods flow across the frontier.
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
A Eurasianet partner post from the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst.
PANNIER: Taliban look north for friends
Faced by a hostile Pakistan to the east and south, and a conflict-wracked Iran to the west, Afghanistan’s rulers turn to Central Asia for options.