On all these fronts, the Quad is more consequential, based on geography, capability, necessity and the absence of any better alternative. AUKUS’ scope is seen as too narrow, while Camp David is too regional, and the Squad is too limited. Bilateral alliances are too fragmented, while the Quad is seen to have the scale, reach and flexibility to connect the Indian Ocean and Pacific theatres into one strategic framework
History offers a different lesson now: had India’s proposal been accepted, the war might have ended with far fewer casualties. Instead, the LTTE’s miscalculation culminated in Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination—driven by fears that his return to power would bring back the Indian Peace Keeping Force. The belief that opposing India could achieve a separate Tamil state proved catastrophic.
Trump’s demand for Pakistan to recognize Israel threatens to trigger serious domestic backlash inside the country. Public sentiment in Pakistan overwhelmingly supports the Palestinian cause, while religious and political groups strongly oppose normalization with Israel without the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Chinese social media reactions to Rubio’s visit also reflected a degree of skepticism and criticism towards India. Several commentators focused on developmental and infrastructural contrasts between India and China. Discussions surrounding traffic congestion, pollution, aging infrastructure, and even the extreme summer temperatures in northern India were used by some online voices to project what they described as a “dismal” picture of India.
Quite unequivocally, strategic autonomy would be a hallmark of India’s foreign and security policy allowing it to oscillate between strategic proximity and strategic distancing depending on the circumstances and need of the hour. New Delhi would certainly not be guided by the script the US, or its Western allies prescribe.
Madrassas in Pakistan and Afghanistan, often funded by Gulf states, have spread extremist ideologies. Saudi-financed madrasas in Pakistan taught Wahhabism, fostering a transnational network of militants using Afghanistan as a base. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia provided substantial aid and funding to these madrassas and the Mujahideen, promoting jihad against the Soviets.
Pakistan's continuous political turbulence, characterised by infighting and power rivalries, poses a serious threat to the country's economic development.
The violent conflicts have caused infrastructure damage, supply chain disruptions, and industry closures that have cost Bangladesh billions of dollars in lost revenue and negatively impacted essential industries like clothing, steel, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. Its ramifications went beyond short-term financial losses.
The whole Baloch nation has faced the worst form of oppression by the Pakistani State: they have been abducted, received mutilated bodies of their loved ones, confronted illegal raids, illegal detention, and bogus cases. They have not been allowed peaceful protests; they have been totally censored by mainstream media.
It is crucial for India and Pakistan to establish new confidence-building measures (CBMs) to mitigate the potential destabilizing effects of advanced technologies. Key elements of effective CBMs include robust communication channels, bilateral discussions on emerging technologies and their implications for regional peace, and strict adherence to missile test notification protocols.
In this newly revived spirit of amity, PM Gunawardena travelled from Jaffna to Kilinochchi by road. There were no protests and he was received at both venues with warmth and cordiality.
Hasina sees no contradiction in maintaining equity in ties with China and India as she is able to adeptly navigate the conflicting interests of China and India. Analysts feel that Dhaka will continue to have a balanced approach to ties with Beijing and New Delhi since Bangladesh depends on both for stability and growth.
The Moscow meeting was to understand each other's priorities and concerns according to the evolving geopolitics and reassure each other of their commitment to deepening their relationship in the coming years.
A credible, viable, and sustainable foreign and security policy needs to see relationship building, collaboration, and cooperation as part of its education policy and driven by an aspiration for global good and human welfare.
Today, the lack of regional cooperation in South Asia impedes development and has long-term negative economic, social and security ramifications. Over-reliance on foreign powers for partnerships and financial support can have adverse economic effects as seen in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
India was keen to welcome PM Hasina before her China trip to ensure bilateral consensus on sensitive issues. Over the last several years, strategic ties have grown, with cooperation in science and technology, defence and security, energy, trade, commerce, and maritime issues. The goal of the visit was to strengthen these bonds.
China, Russia and the US, however, give little value to international laws. They accept them only if they suit their own interests. They reject them if they conflict with their interests.
India and China have long been strategic rivals in South Asia. China's significant economic footprint in Sri Lanka, through investments in infrastructure projects like the Hambantota Port and the Colombo Port City, has raised concerns in New Delhi about Beijing’s growing influence. The debt deal, involving China, adds another layer to this complex relationship.
The AA’s control over large swathes of territory in Rakhine State, including strategic border areas, increases the risk of arms smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activities. Bangladesh's geography puts it at the heart of three major Asian drug trade routes - the Golden Wedge, the Golden Triangle and the Golden Crescent. This makes the country a lucrative transit for the region's drugs, especially from Myanmar and India, undermining Bangladesh’s internal security.
