India has been careful to maintain that its closer ties with the US and its Indo-Pacific partners were not directed against anyone – diplomaticspeak that they weren't meant to be anti-China, writes Arul Louis for South Asia Monitor
Russia’s Bid for a Larger Asian Role; Will Be Closely Watched by Beijing
Russia wants to use the Far East to diversify away from the West, but it risks becoming excessively dependent on China. That is why Southeast Asia, India, Japan and other Asian partners matter to Moscow as they provide Russia with a wider Asian field and fallback and reduces the risk that Russia’s entire eastern pivot becomes a one-way dependence on Beijing.
The Architecture of Disruption: Structural Parallels Between Indira Gandhi and Donald Trump
For democracies under pressure, the lesson is sobering. Institutions do not only collapse when attacked from outside; they can also be hollowed out from within by leaders who master the language of mass appeal better than the language of internal restraint.
Bangladesh's Bid to Clear a US-Wanted Terror Fugitive Raises Troubling Questions
Although the Yunus administration was replaced by an elected government in February 2026, the influence of Islamist groups, jihadist organizations, and religious extremists has reportedly remained largely unchanged. As a result, several prominent leaders of Islamist organizations and militant groups continue to gain strength.
81 Years After Hiroshima: Don't Normalize the Unthinkable
August 6 is not a day for ceremonies alone. It is a day to remember why restraint was carefully created in the first place and to prevent another Hiroshima - Nagasaki. A third devastation, deliberate or accidental will take less than 43 seconds.
More on Geopolitics, Security and Strategic Affairs
An India-China truce with a difference: Why the disengagement may work this time
The declaration of truce on July 6, the 85th birthday of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama and two days after the Dharma Chakra Day on July 4, reminds of Buddha’s message that was carried by Indians to China, writes Rajendra Shende for South Asia Monitor
South Asia: Fiscal policy as an option for economic revival
The data on the growth rates in Gross Domestic Product between 2015 to 2020 show that South Asia would show the maximum decline in 2020 after growing the fastest between 2015-2019 at an annual average rate of 6.1 percent as compared to 4.8 percent for Southeast Asia and 6.0 percent for East Asia, writes Partha Pratim Mitra for South Asia Monitor
Nepal can choose to go the Bangladesh way or Pakistan way in dispute settlement with India
So, there are two examples in front of Nepal now; one is Pakistan, and another Bangladesh, which one will they choose? writes Swadesh Roy for South Asia Monitor
The irony of President Trump’s H-1B action
Trump needs to be seen as doing something to save the economy and American jobs. H-1B, which has been a bogeyman for the protectionists and economic nationalists, is an easy target during this downturn, writes Frank Islam for South Asia Monitor
Global partnerships will help Bangladesh revive COVID-hit economy
The Bangladesh government is trying its best to restore jobs abroad for the millions of migrant workers so that the large remittance flow continues, writes Dr. Mohammad Rezaul Karim for South Asia Monitor
The flickering beacons of democracy: India and the USA
India needs Modi to rediscover his inner ecumenical soul. To do that, Modi must become the leading proponent of and advocate for a “unifying nationalism,” writes Tom de Boor and Ed Crego for South Asia Monitor
Re-thinking NAM in a post-COVID-19 century
We are approaching the 65th anniversary of the Bandung Principles this year and 60th anniversary of the NAM in 2021. There is a renewed call in the NAM communique for the revitalization and strengthening of NAM, writes Sayantan Bandyopadhyay for South Asia Monitor
India must prepare for a multi-domain war
This is a defining moment in the history of India and its actions could well dictate its standing in the world, writes Lt Gen PR Kumar (retd) for South Asia Monitor
Is a total boycott of Chinese goods by India feasible?
Can orchestrated symbolism of smashing Chinese TVs create a mass movement when no domestic alternatives are available to our extremely price-sensitive consumers? writes Brig Deepak Sethi (retd) for South Asia Monitor
Afghanistan: No place for women
The February 29, 2020 deal between the US and the Taliban could pave the way for a peace that Afghans urgently pursue. But, then again there are huge risks for women’s rights in this process, as the Taliban remain deeply misogynistic, writes Dr. Sanchita Bhattacharya for South Asia Monitor
Will intra-Afghan dialogue bring peace to the Afghan people?
There are reports that the US will withdraw its forces from Afghanistan before the timeline. This will have bad consequences for the security of Afghanistan, the region, and the world, writes Mohamad Mosa Ahmadzai for South Asia Monitor
Biden, a friend of India, should be mindful of policy gaffes regarding South Asia
Of an estimated 3.5 million-plus Indian American community, about 70 percent are said to be the vote bank of Democrats, a number that the Biden campaign would not want to trifle with, writes Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami for South Asia Monitor
Misplaced concerns over Nepal’s new citizenship bill blind a larger social reality
Cross-border marriages, i.e., matrimony between Nepal's son/daughter and India’s son/daughter are very common in India's bordering districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, writes Jivesh Jha for South Asia Monitor
India needs to strengthen ties with liberal democracies, South Asian neighbours to counter China
India needs to consolidate its relationship with the immediate neighbors by resolving the pending issues, particularly, the issue of immigration with Bangladesh and territorial disputes with Nepal, writes Dr. Arshad for South Asia Monitor
