If Jamaat comes to power it will likely begin with populist moves such as anti-corruption drives, predicts Ahmedur Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi writer and editor who has been living in Norway since surviving a 2015 attack. He says he fears mobilisation of religious groups to push for declaring Bangladesh an Islamic republic and enforce Sharia law. The result would be shrinking freedoms for women, curbs on cultural life, and serious threats to freedom of expression, religious minorities, and secular political and cultural spaces.
The threat from ISIS-K is real and growing. A resurgence in Pakistan would have serious implications for the broader region, including India. The danger is compounded if Pakistan once again attempts to clandestinely redirect ISIS-K towards Kashmir. What may appear as an isolated terror incident is, in fact, part of a wider pattern that demands sustained vigilance. Pakistan’s internal security instability risks creating openings for cross-border terror movements, potentially hardening new militant modules aimed at India and beyond.
The optimistic view is that the “Twin Election” will force a compromise. The referendum provides a mandate for reform that even a BNP government cannot ignore. The “July Charter”, if ratified, creates checks on executive power that did not exist before. The students, even if they end up on the opposition benches, will form a moral pressure group that cannot be easily crushed. The cynical view is that Bangladesh is merely swapping a monopoly for a duopoly, or worse, a monopoly of a different colour.
All signs point to a BNP victory. In a competitive contest without the Awami League, the BNP’s organisational depth and electoral reach make it the frontrunner. Yet victory alone may not translate into authority. The absence of the Awami League, the continued influence of Sheikh Hasina from exile, the rise of Islamist alternatives, and the central role of unelected institutions mean that any new government will inherit a fractured polity. The 2026 election may revive the BNP’s fortunes, but it will not by itself heal Bangladesh’s democratic wounds.
South Asian countries have reported multiple litigations related to climate change.There are 14 such cases in India, six in Pakistan, four in Nepal and one in Sri Lanka. These include the landmark Asghar Leghari v. Federation of Pakistan case where a farmer sued the Pakistan government for not implementing the National Climate Change Policy of 2012 and the Framework for Implementation of Climate Change Policy (2014-2030).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invested personal time and effort to rework India’s ties with every country in the Middle East/West Asia. And the results are showing -- India's relations with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and others have improved dramatically. Cooperation on counter terrorism – once an irritant between India and countries in the region – is now remarkably smooth
The competition for rare earths in South-Central Asia is not just a story of mining—it is a story of power, politics, and people. Pakistan and Afghanistan sit on mineral treasure troves, but their benefit will depend on governance, peace, and equitable development. For India, the rare earth race presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It cannot afford to be a passive observer
The cancellation has far-reaching implications. Bangladesh is now exploring alternative markets and trade routes. Imports of raw materials from countries like China, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan are likely to increase. Meanwhile, export costs to the Middle East and Western countries have already risen due to longer, more expensive transport routes.
India’s active role in BIMSTEC aligns with its broader strategic objectives under the Neighborhood First and Act East policies. The organization’s goals—connecting South and Southeast Asia, enhancing trade and connectivity, and boosting cooperation in maritime and non-traditional security sectors—complement India’s own regional priorities
Bangladeshi authorities have noted that Matarbari Port will also support feeder vessel services from India’s Kolkata and Haldia ports. This transshipment framework could facilitate efficient trade not only for India but also for landlocked neighbors like Nepal and Bhutan. However, much of this potential remains unrealized, and may continue to do so, amid Bangladesh’s current domestic challenges and diplomatic tensions with India
While there is no debate that soldiers must be treated with dignity, civilians too are equally deserving of such respectful treatment. India is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law, which must apply uniformly—whether to a uniformed individual or a civilian. There should be no space for such high-handed behavior by the police or any other government agency that represents state authority.
An eclectic faith with no supreme authority, that accommodate diverse centres of belief and practice, can always be susceptible to manipulation and misinterpretation. A tendency to arrogate theological authority to a self-serving stream of thought and negation of other religio-cultural practices is alien to the spirit of Sanatan Dharma, which is inherently inclusive in character and sees no basis for excluding any belief.
Rana’s extradition is a legal victory for India, but it is symbolic considering that he was only one of the plotters of the Mumbai attacks. Headley, who was often described as a double agent working as an informant for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) at one point, was the man on the ground. For reasons which have remained a mystery he managed to strike a deal with the U.S. law enforcement under which both his extradition to India and potential death sentence were taken off the table in return for lifelong cooperation.
South Asia faces mounting challenges in financing sustainable development due to global funding gaps, debt pressures, and shifting U.S. policies. Explore the latest trends, data, and implications.
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.
