From extending aid to Sri Lanka to building mega projects, Bangladesh is transforming its image to emerge as a South Asian miracle, writes Pathik Hasan for South Asia Monitor
Can BIMSTEC succeed where SAARC failed?
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.
Beyond borders: Time to rekindle the bond between India and China, forge selective alliances
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.
Expedite the bridge to Singalatheevu: Open Letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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.
The unfulfilled dream: Is SAARC doomed to die?
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
More on Spotlight
Politically expedient histories: When fringe threatens to become mainstream in India
Kangana Ranaut is just one offshoot of an ecology where fact and truth have been systematically torn away from the national discourse to be replaced by ideologically tailored half-truths and lies, writes Mayank Chhaya for South Asia Monitor
Pakistani film attempts cinematic catharsis: Will it impress Bangladesh?
A Pakistani film looks at the 1971 war anew and wants Islamabad and Dhaka to bond, writes Mahendra Ved for South Asia Monitor
Dolls as conduits of cultural expression: India’s autumn festivals and their enchanting celebration through dolls
In India, festivals have an interesting blend of representation through dolls, especially during the agricultural season of autumn, writes Dr. Lopamudra Maitra Bajpai for South Asia Monitor
Can Afghanistan reduce its economic dependence on Pakistan?
With Pakistan's built-in political dominance of Afghanistan, the economic control can only get stronger, writes Hamayun Khan for South Asia Monitor
SAARC must be revived as an intra-regional cooperation platform
Pakistan and India should work together to revive SAARC to maximize regional interests, writes Pathik Hasan for South Asia Monitor
Pakistan in extremism's growing grip: Mishandling of TLP could lead to radical consolidation
Having adopted hardcore Islam over the years, and using it to enact terrorism as a state policy, the Pakistan government can hardly afford all-out confrontation with the TLP, writes Lt Gen P. C. Katoch (retd.) for South Asia Monitor
India, Bangladesh must cooperate to manage water resources to mitigate climate change effects
Conclusion of bilateral arrangements on sharing common water resources will banish a constant source of misunderstanding and mutual suspicion between India and Bangladesh, writes Amb Sarvajit Chakravarti (retd) for South Asia Monitor
Amid the Afghanistan crisis, Bangladesh's Rohingya refugee crisis should not be forgotten
The Rohingya crisis is the result of a long-smoldering problem that may become the catalyst for new sources of conflict in the region, writes Kazi Mohammad Jamshed for South Asia Monitor
Why Bhutan quit the BBIN motor vehicle pact
Prime Minister Dasho Lotay Tshering has said that if Bhutan’s infrastructure, economy and trade improves, the country will undoubtedly want to be part of BBIN-MVA, writes Rinchen Kinznag for South Asia Monitor
With Russian help, Bangladesh set to enter the age of nuclear power generation
The Roppur nuclear power plant is expected to be a model of clean energy in Bangladesh and provide affordable, reliable and quality electricity in the long run, writes Pathik Hasan for South Asia Monitor
Rhetoric and reality: Pakistan must wake up and smell the coffee
The coming weeks pose a serious challenge to the Pakistani government to deal with the TLP’s threats and increasing pressure, writes Shantanu Mukharji for South Asia Monitor
Are Japanese investors losing interest in India?
India's withdrawal from RCEP resulted in India losing out on the opportunity of re-shoring of Japanese investment from China, writes S. Majumder for South Asia Monitor
How climate change is linked to the continuing tragedy of Pakistani and Indian fishermen callously ignored by both nations
India and Pakistan’s toxic official relations continue to take a human toll and hold South Asia hostage even as the region deals with the crisis of climate change which includes fish migration patterns, writes Beena Sarwar for South Asia Monitor
Bangladesh PM Hasina's meeting with Pakistani envoy has a message for India
China and Pakistan are always scouring for opportunities by utilizing any kind of strain in Bangladesh-India ties, and would obviously try to exploit the present regional political scenario, writes Pathik Hasan for South Asia Monitor
