Diya Ashtakala is a Research Associate with the Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her research focuses on nuclear issues in South Asia, extended nuclear deterrence, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Diya is a member of the Pacific Forum Young Leaders’ Program and was part of the inaugural cohort of the Nuclear Futures Fellowship, a joint program of Ploughshares and Horizon 2045. Prior to her current role, she was an intern with PONI and worked as a graduate assistant at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. She holds an MA in international affairs with a specialisation in security studies from the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University and a BA from St. Joseph’s College, India.
Diya Ashtakala
Research Associate, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Content by Diya Ashtakala
Protecting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in turbulent times: Commentary collection volume V
This commentary collection compiles 11 articles by ELN network members and external collaborators as part of the ELN’s Protecting the Non-Proliferation Treaty project. The collection was published to align with the 2026 NPT Review Conference in New York City.
The NPT can’t ignore emerging technologies anymore
As State Parties prepare for the 2026 Review Conference, Bailey Schiff and Diya Ashtakala write that engaging with emerging technologies, which are already transforming military programmes, as well as verification and civilian nuclear programmes, offers a way to break entrenched debates. Revisiting longstanding challenges regarding non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear technology through the framework of emerging technologies may be one of the few practical paths to relieve pressure on the NPT by opening space for innovation and debate across the three pillars.