The latest 2026 regional report shows that Pakistan Foreign Debt is the second highest in South Asia, highlighting the growing financial obligations faced by countries across the region. India remains the largest borrower in terms of total external debt.
According to the report, India tops the list with total foreign debt of 765 billion US dollars, translating to approximately 535 dollars per citizen. Pakistan follows with 138 billion US dollars in external debt, equal to around 530 dollars per person.
Bangladesh ranks third with 102 billion US dollars in foreign debt, while its per capita external debt stands at 590 dollars. Sri Lanka occupies the fourth position with total foreign debt of 57 billion US dollars, while each citizen carries an estimated debt burden of 2,590 dollars.
Nepal ranks fifth with 11 billion US dollars in foreign debt, amounting to around 370 dollars per citizen. Although the country’s overall debt is relatively lower, external borrowing remains an important part of its economic financing.
Bhutan’s total foreign debt stands at 3.5 billion US dollars, but due to its smaller population, the per capita debt reaches approximately 4,400 dollars. The Maldives records 4 billion US dollars in foreign debt, giving it the region’s highest per capita debt burden at around 7,500 dollars per citizen.
Afghanistan records the lowest external debt among the listed countries at 2.5 billion US dollars, with an estimated 60 dollars per citizen. The report highlights the varying debt levels across South Asia and the importance of sustainable fiscal management for long-term economic stability.
