The CAA and its influence on Bangladesh demonstrate the complex interplay of geopolitics, identity, and diplomacy in South Asia.
Establishing Narrative and Perception Dominance in Modern Conflict: A National Security Imperative for India
A nation's power today is judged not just by its military or economy but also by the credibility, speed, and resonance of its narrative. As adversaries evolve their hybrid warfare strategies to target public opinion, social trust, and international perception, India must develop a narrative response architecture that is anticipatory rather than reactive
From Dhaka to Balochistan: Pakistan's Recurring Tragedies That It Draws No Lessons From
Flashforward from 1971 to 2025 to a Pakistan facing almost the same kind of problems that it was facing in 1971: same intrusions of military in public affairs, same hopelessness, same corruption, same or more inflation and, most importantly, the same threat of rebellion.
Is India Chasing A Mirage? Theatrical Diplomacy No Substitute For Strategic Power
The warm reception given to Pakistan's Army Chief in Washington is more than symbolic. It indicates Washington's strategic calculation—that India, despite its rhetoric, is becoming a more problematic partner. Washington, while not forsaking India, is hedging its bets. Its embrace of Pakistan is a backup plan.
India’s Fiscal Scorecard 2.0: Can It Turn Potential Into Performance In Decade's Second Innings?
India’s states play an outsized role in public spending accounting for nearly +/- 60% of total government expenditure. However, their fiscal health varies greatly across pan India. As someone closely observing both macroeconomic trends and grassroots governance models, I notice a growing divide between states that follow prudent fiscal practices and those still trapped in populist spending cycles.
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Will India's high youth joblessness impact election outcome?
How the 215.8 million under 30 might vote in the seven-phase election would be a compelling trend to watch.
Bangladesh's climate advocacy: Global South must continue its quest for climate justice
Bangladesh's initiatives have resulted in impressive climate adaptation ventures, including the construction of the world's largest multi-storied social housing project in Coxs Bazar, which will rehabilitate 4,400 families displaced by climate change.
South Asia: Differential growth rates calls for enhanced intra-regional cooperation
One of the impacts of the pandemic in South Asia has been on education. Yet, at least 11 million primary-age and almost 21 million lower secondary-age children in South Asia are not even in school, according to a recent UIS estimate.
Bangladesh's recurrent fire tragedies: Will we ever learn our lessons?
After almost every disaster we see that our leaders come in front of the media to strongly express their grief and form an even stronger investigation committee. But the investigation committee's 'strong' report somehow gets lost in the dark abyss of the Bermuda Triangle.
A flute, a song, and a mango tree: Planting the seeds of harmony in a Pune 'peace garden'
Their vision includes a plan to graft mangoes from Bangladesh this year. These mango trees will bear ‘the fruit of unity’ with three distinct varieties in a few years - from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They will be more than just a horticultural marvel - they will be a testament to the subcontinental people’s aspirations for peace and unity.
Nepal's political instability impacts India ties
Last month, after Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra met his Nepali counterpart Sewa Lamsal in Kathmandu, a press note issued on this meeting mentioned the two sides discussed “multifaceted cooperation”. However, it did not reference PMP, which is by far the biggest bilateral power project conceived between the two sides.
Acknowledging a 45-year-old 'injustice': The Bhutto hanging and Pakistan's 'doctrine of necessity'
“It shows that even popularly elected prime ministers can be humiliated, incarcerated and even sent to the gallows when the state desires it and that the legal system can be manipulated to suit the whims of powerful forces.”
Demography and skills: What South Asia has to offer to the EU
The EU therefore will need to depend on other regions to bridge the manpower gap and South Asia could be an important source, but global partnerships in skilling will need to happen in a big way.
Patriarchy breeds deep-rooted misogyny across Bangladeshi society
Women have to take risks at every step while walking down the streets. In the vast area of Bangladesh, there is hardly any place where a woman can breathe safely. Hatred towards women is being spread at every level of society.
Can India become an economic powerhouse?
The two major reforms in labor and land policies being politically sensitive will be a dampener if not implemented. These are political decisions much like the aborted advantageous farm reforms.
Challenges of securing the nation in the era of new wars
Building trust within our societies and institutions is paramount, as evidenced by the correlation between trust levels and resilience during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Landmark judicial verdicts seek to preserve Indian democracy
What is of significance and runs parallel in both the above verdicts is the Supreme Court's innate concern for upholding democratic values in the Indian polity.
Is there a gradual shift in focus in US-Bangladesh ties?
The United States wants to keep the South Asian region stable, seeking to neutralize the overdependence of any nation on China. Bangladesh, because of its geostrategic position, is being lured to align Dhaka with Washington’s strategic objective for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Pakistan-Afghanistan border friction continues to be haunted by the divisive Durand Line
While the contentious Durand Line has become one of the main reasons for cross-border skirmishes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban has turned from being seen as an ideological ally that can give Pakistan 'strategic depth' against India, to a troublesome neighbour that is now viewed with deep suspicion.
