Eurasia / Features

Iran's capital Tehran showcases new "Virgin Mary" Metro station

bnm Tehran bureau October 15, 2025

Tehran's new Maryam metro station honours Virgin Mary with architecture blending Armenian and Iranian design elements in new push by Islamic Republic

The Asian nations backing the Russian war effort – from India to Taiwan, China to Indonesia

bno - Mark Buckton - Taipei October 14, 2025

While many Asian nations have quietly distanced themselves from Moscow in a bid to fall into line with US or European allies, several continue to engage with Russia, providing varying degrees of support that help sustain its military campaign.

Taliban visit to India upsets Pakistan, signals New Delhi's changing Afghan posture

bno Chennai Office October 13, 2025

Coinciding with the visit, Pakistan conducted military operations inside Afghanistan, followed by airstrikes on multiple border towns. Retaliation against Pakistan's police training facilities and border outposts followed.

How Central Asia came to love the Chinese electric vehicle invasion

Mokhi Sultanova in Tashkent, & bne staff in Istanbul and Prague October 8, 2025

Resistance would be futile – and expensive. The region has flung its doors open to the likes of BYD.

Did Tokayev’s visit to New York indicate any meaningful expansion of Kazakh-American economic ties?

Nizom Khodjayev in Almaty October 3, 2025

Best not believe the hype.

PANNIER: Quarrelling neighbours – the Taliban and Tajikistan

Bruce Pannier September 30, 2025

Sabre-rattling not infrequent, but there just might be signs of easing tensions.

How Azerbaijan's oil prince went from dining with Messi to facing decades in prison

Cavid Aga in Warsaw September 29, 2025

Adnan Ahmadzada is accused of contaminating 200,000 tonnes of his country's oil exports with corrosive chemicals and facilitating billions in Russian sanctions evasion.

EU’s influence declines in its neighbourhood as China and Russia gain ground

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow September 26, 2025

Chinese presence growing in Western Balkans, while Russia makes gains in Turkey, shows new index developed by wiiw, Bertelsmann Stiftung and ECIPE.

EBRD says geopolitics, tariffs and China competition weigh on Emerging Europe growth

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow September 25, 2025

Development bank downgrades 2025 forecasts for Central and Eastern Europe citing weak external demand, rising debt and the impact of US tariffs.

Uzbekistan probing export options

bne IntelliNews September 23, 2025

Tashkent is finding there’s no easy path to the sea.

Trump eyes Bagram return, with China in his sights

Mark Buckton - Taipei September 20, 2025

In the years it was operational, 14 nations operated at, or through Bagram. In addition to the US, these included UK forces and elements from France, Germany, South Korea and more.

$23bn windfall for Kazakhstan as Beijing shifts up a gear on New Silk Road

Nizom Khodjayev in Almaty September 19, 2025

Resource-rich Central Asian country emerges as a standout destination for Chinese investment.

US cancels Chabahar port sanctions exemption in blow to India's regional strategy

bnm Tehran bureau September 19, 2025

US terminates Iran Chabahar port sanctions waiver from September 29, jeopardising India's strategic trade operations and regional connectivity initiatives through the key facility.

“Yuri Gagarin” cosmodrome seeking a future in space – and tourism

Emma Collet in Baikonur September 17, 2025

Golden age of spaceport is long over, with Moscow focused on facilities in Russia. Kazakhstan, however, hopes it can find profitable niche in launching satellites.

Iranian arrested for Kalashnikov shooting near Caspian Sea

bnm Gulf bureau September 16, 2025

Iranian authorities arrest driver who opened fire with Kalashnikov rifle during road dispute on busy Chalous highway connecting Tehran to Caspian coast.

Local elections loom in Georgia

bne IntelliNews South Caucasus bureau September 12, 2025

Georgia’s October 4 municipal elections are already mired in controversy amid a partial opposition boycott and mounting state repression, as major international observers refuse to participate.

Central Asia, India see untapped trade potential but face connectivity hurdles

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow September 10, 2025

Joint report by Eurasian Development Bank and India Exim Bank reveals significant potential for mutual trade and investment held back by logistical bottlenecks.

INTERVIEW: Kazakhstan repositions as a diversified investment destination

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow September 9, 2025

Kazakhstan is doubling down on its drive to attract high-quality foreign investment, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov in an interview with bne IntelliNews.

Stumbling blocks hinder plan to build Trans-Afghan Railway connecting Uzbekistan to Pakistani seaports

bne IntelliNews September 8, 2025

Security risks, financing challenges, difficult terrain and lack of recognition for Taliban among headaches.

PANNIER: Tensions creep into rebuilt Tashkent-Bishkek relations as Uzbek border guards shoot dead two Kyrgyz men

Bruce Pannier September 8, 2025

What's known indicates victims were gathering medicinal herb unaware they had strayed across frontier.

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