South Asia Bureau Chief

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The Role

The Financial Times is seeking to fill one of the most challenging, exhilarating and high-profile positions in its foreign network: the role of South Asia bureau chief. Based in New Delhi, you will oversee coverage of the entire subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

With 1.4bn people, but an average per capita income just a quarter of China’s, India is one of the world’s most closely-watched emerging markets. Its vast economic potential and geostrategic heft makes it a central player in reshaping the global order. But India still faces serious social, economic and geopolitical challenges. It has struggled to generate jobs for its young population and move rural-dwellers out of agriculture. Though it is the world’s largest democracy, press freedom, civil liberties, and the status of the Muslim minority have all come under challenge from the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party government, led by charismatic strongman Narendra Modi.

The neighbourhood is turbulent. After imprisoning Imran Khan, its cricketer turned prime minister, Pakistan is governed by a coalition under military tutelage. Bangladesh has overthrown its former leader Sheikh Hasina but its future leadership remains unclear. Afghanistan remains isolated and mired in poverty following the Taliban takeover.

You will run our four-person bureau in Delhi, which covers the political, economic, diplomatic, regulatory, environmental and social side of India and produces our popular newsletter, India Business Briefing. They will also oversee the operation of our bureau in Mumbai, which concentrates more on business and finance, and the work of our correspondent in Islamabad. Motivating and supporting a close-knit team, amid often challenging circumstances, is an integral element of the role.

At its heart, this is a job for a reporter. With all the scope the beat offers, you will write spot news on politics one day, and a magazine feature the next, picking topics carefully and cultivating sources so we can hit the big stories hard. Clear communication of priorities and upcoming stories to editors in Hong Kong and London is vital. You will represent the FT when needed, moderating events, and speaking in other public fora.

Your Skills

The core of the job is writing and reporting. You will be a skilled and experienced journalist, highly motivated and ready to lead coverage of dramatic, unpredictable breaking news developments at all hours.

At calmer times, you will generate a constant stream of stories, and have the patience to cultivate sources in an increasingly challenging climate, where officials can be reluctant to engage with foreign media. You must be able to write for all parts of the website and newspaper, from strong spot news to deft analysis on a range of subjects. 

As the leader of a small team, you will have the sensitivity to manage experienced journalists on one hand, while supporting and developing the skills of the next generation. Your knowledge and judgement will instil our readers with confidence in the FT’s India coverage. That coverage is read with interest by many of India's top decision makers and businesspeople, and we have a growing subscriber base in the country, so we need to write coverage that speaks to them as well.

Please submit your application by the end of the day, Wednesday 7th May 2025. 

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism.  Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.  

We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role. 

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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