Nilanthi Samaranayake
@nilanthis.bsky.social
Analyzes Indian Ocean security; writing book on Smaller South Asian states in major power rivalry. Visiting Expert, US Institute of Peace; Adjunct Fellow, East-West Center in Washington; and Adjunct Professor, NESA Center. nilanthis.com
Pinned
Thrilled to share my book chapter, "US Naval Strategy in the Indian Ocean," in a new edited volume featuring scholars from around the region. I identify 3 US objectives in the IOR, their implementation, & wildcards to consider for future maritime strategy and policy. nsc.anu.edu.au/sites/defaul...
I enjoyed speaking at @stimsoncenter.bsky.social webinar on an eventful 2025 in Smaller South Asian (SSA) countries: Nepal's political upheaval, Sri Lanka's cyclone, Bangladesh's new foreign policy, Maldives-India ties, & SSA entrepreneurial ties with a new US admin: www.stimson.org/event/south-...
South Asia 2025: A Year of Shocks and Shifts • Stimson Center
Regional experts unpack one of the most eventful years in recent history for South Asia, where the geopolitical landscape underwent rapid, often unexpected, transformation.
www.stimson.org
December 10, 2025 at 11:10 PM
I enjoyed speaking at @stimsoncenter.bsky.social webinar on an eventful 2025 in Smaller South Asian (SSA) countries: Nepal's political upheaval, Sri Lanka's cyclone, Bangladesh's new foreign policy, Maldives-India ties, & SSA entrepreneurial ties with a new US admin: www.stimson.org/event/south-...
I discussed challenges facing smaller Indian Ocean countries & offered ideas for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, & Maldives to consider in the Bay of Bengal and wider IOR amid US calls for greater burden-sharing. Thanks to Emadul Islam and Sasakawa Foundation for the invite www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K8P...
A live event organized by the Ocean Policy Research Institute at the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion
YouTube video by Global Ocean Forum
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:20 AM
I discussed challenges facing smaller Indian Ocean countries & offered ideas for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, & Maldives to consider in the Bay of Bengal and wider IOR amid US calls for greater burden-sharing. Thanks to Emadul Islam and Sasakawa Foundation for the invite www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K8P...
I'm looking forward to speaking about Indian Ocean security and island states for the Sasakawa Peace Foundation virtual seminar. Thanks to Dr. Emadul Islam for the invitation.
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
October 25, 2025 at 7:56 PM
I'm looking forward to speaking about Indian Ocean security and island states for the Sasakawa Peace Foundation virtual seminar. Thanks to Dr. Emadul Islam for the invitation.
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Nepal is the third of 5 #SmallerSouthAsian countries neighboring India to protest and oust leaders (Bangladesh in 2024 & Sri Lanka in 2022). I examine structural factors that contribute to domestic instability: economic transition in international orgs & strategic competition btw India, China, & US
“Without looking beyond the headlines, the structural conditions that contribute to domestic turmoil may be missed,” writes Nilanthi Samaranayake in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/outside-story-helps-explains-turmoil-nepal-bangladesh-sri-lanka
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/outside-story-helps-explains-turmoil-nepal-bangladesh-sri-lanka
The outside-in story that helps explains turmoil in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
External dynamics help explain the recent political upheaval seen across several smaller South Asian countries.
www.lowyinstitute.org
September 24, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Nepal is the third of 5 #SmallerSouthAsian countries neighboring India to protest and oust leaders (Bangladesh in 2024 & Sri Lanka in 2022). I examine structural factors that contribute to domestic instability: economic transition in international orgs & strategic competition btw India, China, & US
Pleased to be interviewed on Nepal, Bangladesh, & Smaller South Asian countries in recent pubs:
-In June on Bangladesh-India Relations: Challenges and Opportunities by FPRC Journal:
drive.google.com/file/d/1vsZ9...
-In Sept on Nepal by Saurav Raj Pant:
binduoped.com/2025/09/14/n...
#SmallStates
-In June on Bangladesh-India Relations: Challenges and Opportunities by FPRC Journal:
drive.google.com/file/d/1vsZ9...
-In Sept on Nepal by Saurav Raj Pant:
binduoped.com/2025/09/14/n...
#SmallStates
Nepal’s Foreign Policy Options as a Small State
The interim government’s foreign policy toward international partners will ideally enable the transition process.
binduoped.com
September 15, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Pleased to be interviewed on Nepal, Bangladesh, & Smaller South Asian countries in recent pubs:
-In June on Bangladesh-India Relations: Challenges and Opportunities by FPRC Journal:
drive.google.com/file/d/1vsZ9...
-In Sept on Nepal by Saurav Raj Pant:
binduoped.com/2025/09/14/n...
#SmallStates
-In June on Bangladesh-India Relations: Challenges and Opportunities by FPRC Journal:
drive.google.com/file/d/1vsZ9...
-In Sept on Nepal by Saurav Raj Pant:
binduoped.com/2025/09/14/n...
#SmallStates
New Indian Ocean pub: I contributed an essay to Asia Policy's book review roundtable on Darshana Baruah's must-read on #IndianOcean security. Thanks to the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) for the invitation.
All 6 roundtable essays are free to download: www.nbr.org/publication/...
All 6 roundtable essays are free to download: www.nbr.org/publication/...
August 14, 2025 at 3:46 AM
New Indian Ocean pub: I contributed an essay to Asia Policy's book review roundtable on Darshana Baruah's must-read on #IndianOcean security. Thanks to the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) for the invitation.
All 6 roundtable essays are free to download: www.nbr.org/publication/...
All 6 roundtable essays are free to download: www.nbr.org/publication/...
I enjoyed speaking at the ORF-CSIS #JakartaFuturesForum2025 on the panel, Securing the Blue Commons: Cooperation for an Indo-Pacific Maritime Order. I discussed a multipolar Indo-Pacific & space for agency amid the US pursuit of greater burden-sharing. #IndianOcean
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
August 11, 2025 at 10:17 PM
I enjoyed speaking at the ORF-CSIS #JakartaFuturesForum2025 on the panel, Securing the Blue Commons: Cooperation for an Indo-Pacific Maritime Order. I discussed a multipolar Indo-Pacific & space for agency amid the US pursuit of greater burden-sharing. #IndianOcean
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
Looking forward to the #JakartaFuturesForum2025 next week, organized by Observer Research Foundation, CSIS Indonesia, and the Indian Embassy in Jakarta.
Details: www.orfonline.org/forums/jakar...
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
Details: www.orfonline.org/forums/jakar...
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
August 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Looking forward to the #JakartaFuturesForum2025 next week, organized by Observer Research Foundation, CSIS Indonesia, and the Indian Embassy in Jakarta.
Details: www.orfonline.org/forums/jakar...
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
Details: www.orfonline.org/forums/jakar...
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
I spoke with Junaid Kathju of the @scmpnews.bsky.social about India-Maldives relations and President Muizzu's foreign policy approach amid Prime Minister Modi's historic state visit to the Indian Ocean island nation.
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
‘India in’: Modi’s visit, aid pledge reshape Maldives ties as China wavers
India’s willingness to support the Maldives through its economic woes has helped shift Male’s stance to one of cooperation, analysts say.
www.scmp.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:43 PM
I spoke with Junaid Kathju of the @scmpnews.bsky.social about India-Maldives relations and President Muizzu's foreign policy approach amid Prime Minister Modi's historic state visit to the Indian Ocean island nation.
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
I appreciated the opportunity to discuss Bangladesh and its foreign relations at @eastwestcenter.bsky.social in Washington, along with Satu Limaye, Aparna Pande, and Ambassador Farooq Sobhan. I focused on US-Bangladesh relations and considerations for the US approach. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cFT...
Bangladesh's Foreign Policy and US, China and India in a Fluid Indo-Pacific
YouTube video by East-West Center in Washington
www.youtube.com
July 10, 2025 at 6:26 PM
I appreciated the opportunity to discuss Bangladesh and its foreign relations at @eastwestcenter.bsky.social in Washington, along with Satu Limaye, Aparna Pande, and Ambassador Farooq Sobhan. I focused on US-Bangladesh relations and considerations for the US approach. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cFT...
My thoughts for the @scmpnews.bsky.social's Dimuthu Attanayake on Sri Lanka and Smaller South Asian (SSA) countries' renewed challenge of navigating the India-Pakistan conflict amid recent hostilities.
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
Sri Lanka walks the tightrope between US-backed India and China-backed Pakistan
As a small state lodged between superpowers, Sri Lanka cannot afford to take sides in the India-Pakistan conflict, analysts say.
www.scmp.com
May 30, 2025 at 3:36 PM
My thoughts for the @scmpnews.bsky.social's Dimuthu Attanayake on Sri Lanka and Smaller South Asian (SSA) countries' renewed challenge of navigating the India-Pakistan conflict amid recent hostilities.
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
cc @eastwestcenter.bsky.social
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
My new piece for @perryworldhouse.bsky.social on the future of US minilateralism in the Indian Ocean. I mostly discuss the Quad & engagement since the Trump 2.0 admin. Also I'm tracking what the US wants to burden-share/shift vs. burden-shoulder in the IOR.
perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/news-and-ins...
perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/news-and-ins...
The Future of Minilateralism and Indian Ocean Security - Perry World House
When considering the future of Indo-Pacific security and minilateralism in the Indian Ocean, we should first clarify which minilaterals we are talking about, what they are working on, and to what end....
perryworldhouse.upenn.edu
May 21, 2025 at 11:50 PM
My new piece for @perryworldhouse.bsky.social on the future of US minilateralism in the Indian Ocean. I mostly discuss the Quad & engagement since the Trump 2.0 admin. Also I'm tracking what the US wants to burden-share/shift vs. burden-shoulder in the IOR.
perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/news-and-ins...
perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/news-and-ins...
I enjoyed speaking at this @eastwestcenter.bsky.social event on South Asia with Satu Limaye, Aparna Pande, & Shantanu Roy-Chaudhury.
I previewed some book project findings about the Smaller South Asian states & how they manage relations with India, China, & the US. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFOP...
I previewed some book project findings about the Smaller South Asian states & how they manage relations with India, China, & the US. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFOP...
India, China, and US Influence in South Asia at a Crossroads
YouTube video by East-West Center in Washington
www.youtube.com
April 28, 2025 at 2:58 AM
I enjoyed speaking at this @eastwestcenter.bsky.social event on South Asia with Satu Limaye, Aparna Pande, & Shantanu Roy-Chaudhury.
I previewed some book project findings about the Smaller South Asian states & how they manage relations with India, China, & the US. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFOP...
I previewed some book project findings about the Smaller South Asian states & how they manage relations with India, China, & the US. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFOP...
Read my new article at @perryworldhouse.bsky.social: "U.S.-India Maritime Futures: The Upper Limits of Security Burden-sharing in the Indian Ocean."
I provide a history of US strategy toward the Indian Ocean & considerations for the Trump admin's NSS & NDS
perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/news-and-ins...
I provide a history of US strategy toward the Indian Ocean & considerations for the Trump admin's NSS & NDS
perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/news-and-ins...
April 2, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Read my new article at @perryworldhouse.bsky.social: "U.S.-India Maritime Futures: The Upper Limits of Security Burden-sharing in the Indian Ocean."
I provide a history of US strategy toward the Indian Ocean & considerations for the Trump admin's NSS & NDS
perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/news-and-ins...
I provide a history of US strategy toward the Indian Ocean & considerations for the Trump admin's NSS & NDS
perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/news-and-ins...
I'm looking forward to speaking on India, China, & the US in South Asia, organized by @satulimaye.bsky.social at the East-West Center in Washington, w/Aparna Pande & Shantanu Roy-Chaudhury.
Register to join in-person on April 8: www.eastwestcenter.org/events/india...
@eastwestcenter.bsky.social
Register to join in-person on April 8: www.eastwestcenter.org/events/india...
@eastwestcenter.bsky.social
March 25, 2025 at 5:42 PM
I'm looking forward to speaking on India, China, & the US in South Asia, organized by @satulimaye.bsky.social at the East-West Center in Washington, w/Aparna Pande & Shantanu Roy-Chaudhury.
Register to join in-person on April 8: www.eastwestcenter.org/events/india...
@eastwestcenter.bsky.social
Register to join in-person on April 8: www.eastwestcenter.org/events/india...
@eastwestcenter.bsky.social
I spoke with @scmpnews.bsky.social's Junaid Kathju about India’s naval ties with Mauritius, facilities development in Agaléga, & its diplomacy in the Chagos Islands dispute. All signify the importance of this special relationship for India in its Indian Ocean strategy.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
Is India’s embrace of Mauritius aimed at countering China’s Indian Ocean goals?
An ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ between India and Mauritius was announced during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the island nation.
www.scmp.com
March 17, 2025 at 3:33 PM
I spoke with @scmpnews.bsky.social's Junaid Kathju about India’s naval ties with Mauritius, facilities development in Agaléga, & its diplomacy in the Chagos Islands dispute. All signify the importance of this special relationship for India in its Indian Ocean strategy.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
Thrilled to share my book chapter, "US Naval Strategy in the Indian Ocean," in a new edited volume featuring scholars from around the region. I identify 3 US objectives in the IOR, their implementation, & wildcards to consider for future maritime strategy and policy. nsc.anu.edu.au/sites/defaul...
March 4, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Thrilled to share my book chapter, "US Naval Strategy in the Indian Ocean," in a new edited volume featuring scholars from around the region. I identify 3 US objectives in the IOR, their implementation, & wildcards to consider for future maritime strategy and policy. nsc.anu.edu.au/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Nilanthi Samaranayake
Some thoughts on EU-India relations:
February 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Some thoughts on EU-India relations:
Reposted by Nilanthi Samaranayake
ICYMI, the video of our @apln.network panel discussion on Taiwan, US-Taiwan relations, and cross-Strait issues in 2025 is now up!
February 21, 2025 at 2:38 PM
ICYMI, the video of our @apln.network panel discussion on Taiwan, US-Taiwan relations, and cross-Strait issues in 2025 is now up!
Reposted by Nilanthi Samaranayake
My latest article with CAPT (USN ret.) Christopher P. Carlson just dropped! We discuss the technical, tactical and some strategic implications of 🇨🇳 China developing an innovative, hybrid "nuclear battery" submarine (an "SSn", as Chris dubs it), whose prototype sank in Wuhan last summer.
#Type041
#Type041
Neither Fish nor Fowl: China’s Development of a Nuclear Battery AIP Submarine | Center for International Maritime Security
cimsec.org
January 22, 2025 at 1:20 PM
My latest article with CAPT (USN ret.) Christopher P. Carlson just dropped! We discuss the technical, tactical and some strategic implications of 🇨🇳 China developing an innovative, hybrid "nuclear battery" submarine (an "SSn", as Chris dubs it), whose prototype sank in Wuhan last summer.
#Type041
#Type041
I'm looking forward to speaking tomorrow at GWU about Indian Ocean security, India-China maritime dynamics, and the Smaller South Asian (SSA) countries.
March 3, 2025 at 6:04 PM
I'm looking forward to speaking tomorrow at GWU about Indian Ocean security, India-China maritime dynamics, and the Smaller South Asian (SSA) countries.
Mauritius Prime Minister Ramgoolam on President Trump's comments about the UK's Chagos Islands draft agreement, including the Diego Garcia military base: “It looks positive. But we will wait and see what are the final proposals.”
qiraatafrican.com/en/15445/mau...
qiraatafrican.com/en/15445/mau...
Mauritius prime minister says Trump comments on Chagos deal positive - Qiraat Africa
Mauritius' Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has described as "positive" U.S. President Donald Trump's comments that signalled Washington would likely back a
qiraatafrican.com
March 3, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Mauritius Prime Minister Ramgoolam on President Trump's comments about the UK's Chagos Islands draft agreement, including the Diego Garcia military base: “It looks positive. But we will wait and see what are the final proposals.”
qiraatafrican.com/en/15445/mau...
qiraatafrican.com/en/15445/mau...