The current strains in Bangladesh–India relations should therefore be seen not as an inevitable deterioration, but as a test of diplomatic maturity. Bangladesh and India share more than geography and history; they share a responsibility to ensure that temporary political frictions do not harden into structural mistrust. In a time of regional uncertainty, neither country benefits from a relationship defined by grievance or miscommunication.
The 27th Amendment, celebrated by its proponents as a security reform, is in reality a political coup executed through constitutional means. It marks not only Munir’s personal triumph but the institutional victory of the military over all other state authorities. As history warns, empowering any unelected institution above the republic’s elected will invites instability—not strength. Pakistan may soon discover that consolidating military power does not secure the nation’s future, but instead places it at greater risk
India must now transition from conventional soft-power thinking to visibility governance—the systematic management of how the country appears, circulates, and is emotionally interpreted across global platforms. Failure to do so will leave India’s global image increasingly shaped by commercial incentives outside Indian control.
The strengthening of Taliban-India ties runs counter to Pakistan’s interests. The more border clashes intensify between the Taliban and Pakistan, the more secure the Kashmir region and the Line of Control (LoC) become for India. Under such conditions, Pakistan will remain preoccupied with its northwestern border, giving India a unique opportunity to consolidate its control over Kashmir and potentially weaken, drive out, or eliminate Kashmiri militant groups
During his recent visit to China, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus urged Beijing to take a more proactive stance on Rohingya repatriation. In response, President Xi Jinping assured that China would raise the issue with Myanmar. Days later, Myanmar’s announcement signaled the potential influence of international stakeholders. The more pressure China exerts, the more likely Myanmar will cooperate
Most analysts believe that India changed Modi’s programme to appease the majority Buddhist community, which will be happy to see the Indian leader pay homage to Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura rather than visit the Tamil minority in Sampur in the east.
The biggest problem of SAARC was the political rivalry between India and Pakistan, which has become a huge obstacle to effective regional policy making. BIMSTEC does not have that problem. Here, the goal is not competition, but cooperation to achieve economic prosperity. As a result, member countries are able to reach consensus and take practical development initiatives.
The diplomacy of restraint, recently practiced by both nations, can be a powerful asset in achieving ambitious climate targets. By working as complementary partners rather than competitors, India and China can manage growth and societal well-being in a more inclusive and sustainable manner, thereby mitigating the planet-wide existential threat of climate change.
A bridge between India and Sri Lanka is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of the enduring historic bond between two nations. As you pointed out, both countries "do not have a land boundary." The bridge shall represent our shared histories, mutual aspirations, and a commitment to a future of prosperity and cooperation between two neighbours.
Currently, another organization called Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is gaining importance in which several countries including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand are associated. It is creating a connection between South Asia and Southeast Asia, where Pakistan and Afghanistan are not included. India is currently focusing on BIMSTEC instead of SAARC
The poor performance of Pakistan’s currency is primarily driven by rapidly depleting foreign exchange reserves, which currently stand at $15.95 billion. This amount is well below the three-month import threshold and significantly lower than Bangladesh’s $25.31 billion. Low reserves restrict the central bank’s ability to intervene in currency markets, leading to increased exchange rate instability.
The Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan is a complex issue. A situation that has evolved over four decades cannot be resolved in four years. Moreover, the refugees have integrated into Pakistani society not only due to religious and cultural similarities but also because their children, born in Pakistan, have never visited Afghanistan. They know Pakistan as their home.
Works by Ali Kazim from Pakistan and Tayeba Begum Lipi from Bangladesh, besides Sri Lankan talent contributors featured in The Arts Trail, six exhibitions highlighting upcoming and renowned South Asian artists. The series, organized by Sri Lankan-based ARTRA magazine, explored themes from war to nature’s beauty.
Adding another layer of complexity is the rising specter of radicalism. Reports suggest that extremist elements are gaining traction, with foreign actors allegedly playing a role in fueling Islamist movements. The Yunus government’s perceived leniency toward certain hardline factions has sparked concern, both domestically and internationally
Large sections of Gwadar city have been fenced off effectively restricting access to its own people. As Dr Baloch pointed out, this militarization is not just about controlling the Baloch people but also about securing Chinese interests in the region
Pakistani forces have seized significant caches of American and other foreign-made weapons from TTP hideouts. The presence of M4 rifles, night-vision gear, and advanced sniper equipment among these stockpiles suggests a clear and steady pipeline of arms flowing out of Afghanistan and into the hands of militants
The attacks are important for more reasons than one. First, resentment of the Baloch people is a key reason for these attacks. Second, these could further slow down the CPEC project which already has not progressed as expected. Third, Islamabad’s ties with not just India but also Iran and Afghanistan are already strained. Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan could witness a further downhill trajectory.
At this digital crossroads, the choices made by users, policymakers, and tech companies will determine whether social media fosters empowerment or fragmentation. Society can navigate this transformation toward a more sustainable and authentic digital future by prioritizing ethical considerations, inclusivity, and mental well-being.
ISIS-K continues to launch deadly attacks inside Afghanistan, and Sharifullah’s arrest proves that its network remains active. If the Taliban were serious about counterterrorism, they would be working with regional partners instead of dismissing arrests like this one.
