In conclusion, it may be said that while South Asia, Central and West Asia and Pacific Asia showed improvement in sustainability indicators for environment and energy in 2020, they did not do so well in social and governance indicators.
India-Bhutan Relationship Offers A Constructive Model For South Asia And A Peaceful Himalayan Region
Beyond India–Bhutan relations, the visit conveys a wider message to South Asia: cooperation grounded in respect, development, and stability remains essential in an uncertain global environment. As the region evolves, India appears to recognize the importance of maintaining strong partnerships without pressuring smaller neighbors or escalating strategic competition.
Red Fort Blast: India Facing A New Form Of Jihad?
The involvement of four doctors, one of whom allegedly executed the Red Fort blast, indicates a model that blends 'inspired' radicalisation with limited external facilitation. Interactions with certain outfits, Kashmiri terror commanders, and external handlers—if confirmed—point to an infrastructure that encourages attacks while maintaining plausible deniability.
The Nuclear Reckoning: Moment Of Awakening For India
It is time for India, along with like-minded nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, to articulate a shared agenda of non-alignment 2.0, not as a posture of neutrality but as a strategy of autonomy. The original Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) emerged from the Cold War’s bipolar tension; its modern counterpart must respond to multipolar volatility.
Endangered Indigenous Languages of South Asia: With Dominant Languages Replacing Mother Tongue, Are They Doomed To Die?
The world over, as is evident from the Atlas of endangered languages, there is a thrust of the dominant languages taking a precedence and most of the endangered languages are likely to disappear by 2100. Soon, possibly in the near future, the grand and great grand-children of the present generation may not be able to tell the story of their own mother tongue. Some of these languages will be lost forever and will only be limited to the pages of gazetteers and history books.
More on Spotlight
Global community should realise futility of war: Usher in era of coexistence and conflict management
The COVID-19 crisis has showcased global cooperation and a shared sense of humanity. Nations collaboratively navigated the pandemic, emphasizing a collective response and coexistence during challenging times
Quelling press freedom in Bangladesh: Democratic downslide an ominous trend across South Asia
The imposition of draconian laws in Bangladesh and the government’s strenuous efforts to defend itself against the smear campaign and attacks against journalists and media persons reflect a familiar picture across South Asian nations like India and Sri Lanka where electronic surveillance and stifling dissent have become all too common
Communal violence mustn't be employed as a weapon in Bangladesh's election
As Durga Puja approaches and the country's Hindu communities prepare themselves to embrace their beloved goddess, the leaders of the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity Council, a religious minority organisation, are concerned about a possible outbreak of communal strife in the nation.
Will IMEC be a potential game-changer for India and South Asia?
For India, IMEC is a strategic move to lessen dependency on its traditional trading partners while opening up a horizon of opportunities in markets ranging from technology to energy. Also, India is poised to countervail growing Chinese influence in South Asia if successful implementation of IMEC becomes possible.
Nepal's regional diplomatic balancing demonstrates its non-aligned foreign policy
Nepal’s participation in bilateral infrastructure projects with China exemplifies its aspiration for mutual economic growth. Yet its decision to distance itself from the GSI indicates its commitment to remain neutral, given its deep-rooted ties with India.
How Indian expertise and BIMSTEC's traditional knowledge can transform underwater domain awareness for regional benefit
The talent pool that exists in the BIMSTEC - in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Thailand - can be channelized across areas of data analytics, underwater domain (acoustic signal processing) and for field deployment. Indian talent is known globally for its data analytics skills, and coupled with the underwater domain expertise, can work on the MSP-based digital transformation for the region.
Bangladesh's march towards energy security - with a little Russian help
The successful operation of the Rooppur plant will underscore the commitment of Bangladesh to responsible and secure nuclear energy utilization
Pakistan needs to reshape priorities: Trim high defence budget, build positive ties with India
History has shown that whenever Pakistan sought peaceful relations with India, India responded positively. This held true during democratic governments and even during dictatorships in Pakistan.
With China tightening hold on South Asia, Maldives a wake-up call for India
Muizzu’s regime in the Maldives in conjunction with Pakistan could be potentially sitting on China’s lap for decades, along with a pro-China government in Nepal, and Myanmar annyway drawn into China’s strategic sphere since the military coup in Nay Pyi Taw in February 2021.
Islamic State's expanding footprints pose grave security threat to Pakistan and South Asia
While Pakistan continues to blame India for the bombings in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it fails to introspect on its own internal crisis stemming from its policies against its citizens and the military/political support being given to certain radical outfits or groups.
Why are the people of Bangladesh apprehensive about the upcoming elections?
Due to the lack of established regard for the democratic system, elections held after the 1990s have been marred by political turmoil and civic unrest. The absence of a solid democratic foundation has hindered the institutionalization of democracy in national life and politics.
Maldives election: India should not align its neighbourhood policy to individual leaders
The China-funded Sinamale Bridge connecting the capital Male and the airport island Hulhule, is a boon to the Maldivian people, who readily relate to the project, and hence to China as a development partner. But China is seen only as a developmental supplementary to long-term friendly neighbour India and not as an alternate in any way.
Student suicides in India: Kota is a wake-up call
What we see in Kota today is deeply rooted in middle-class aspirations for social mobility, considering meritocracy a fair and promising system. But, the ‘merit ladder’ for upward mobility is not equally tangible and accessible to all. The material, social and psychological resources available for these students depend on their social location.
Continued ethnic strife in Manipur making region vulnerable to external exploitation
China has been supporting, training and arming northeast terrorists for the past several decades. The ongoing political experiment of ethnic cleansing and polarization in Manipur would naturally be exploited by China.
