Pakistan terror and PM Shebaz Sharif at UN

Mask Drops in Islamabad: How Pakistan’s Terror Calculus Came Undone

The strategic equation has irrevocably shifted. Pakistan’s long-standing attempt to separate itself from its proxies has failed, replaced by the reality of a state struggling with the infrastructure it created. As these groups operate with increasing autonomy, the world community is left with a clear conclusion

Water Diplomacy Through Riverine Networks: The India-Nepal Mahakali Sambad Example

Supported by the Transboundary Rivers of South Asia Programme (TROSA), this led to formation of grassroots networks, including the India-Nepal Joint Action Forum (INJAF) through which civil society organisations and local communities could raise common riverine concerns with officials in their respective countries. Many women in the community participate in these programs, leading to development of women’s empowerment centres (Mahila Mandals).

China-Pakistan Boundary Commission Activation has Grave Regional Implications

The Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission needs to be viewed in backdrop of the fast-changing geopolitics of South Asia and its military implications. The Shaksgam Valley sits immediately north of the Siachen Glacier and just west of Aksai Chin under China's control. By controlling Shaksgam, China can jointly monitor Indian military movements from the north while Pakistan does so from the south.

Bangladesh Skips BRICS 2026: The Diplomatic Opportunity That Left Dhaka behind

The question, therefore, is not whether Bangladesh could have secured a particular agreement simply by attending. There is no guarantee that participation in a summit automatically produces investment or diplomatic breakthroughs. The question is whether Bangladesh benefited by being absent.

More on Geopolitics, Security and Strategic Affairs

A New Year by any other name: Diversity marks South Asian cultural identity

Designating it as a ‘Hindu’ New Year appears to be part of an ongoing attempt to homogenise our diversity and multiple, multicultural identities. 

A security crisis looms in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts: Need for coordinated regional action

It is critical to formulate a comprehensive strategy that involves both Bangladesh and India to counteract the potential threats posed by external actors in the CHT. This strategy should take into account the historical grievances and aspirations of the ethnic communities

The subcontinental dilemma: Should petty politics trump business pragmatism in South Asia?

After all, If India can do more than $100 billion worth of business with China, with which it is now involved in a far more complex border dispute and naval rivalry, then we can at least do business with our next-door neighbours and let consumers have a greater choice.

For a few dollars more: Sri Lankan fighters in the Russian-Ukrainian war are symptoms of a deeper crisis

A report submitted by the State Intelligence Service ( SIS) of Sri Lanka to the country’s defence secretary indicates there are hundreds of Sri Lankan nationals serving on both Russian and Ukrainian fronts.

To Colombo, resurrecting Katchatheevu issue is like flogging a dead horse

India watchers in Sri Lanka are not unduly worried about Modi’s statement and External Affairs Minister Subramaniam Jaishankar’s comments. They point out that Modi did not say that his government will seek to retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka. 

Raking up Katchatheevu: India’s internal politics affect international relations

After the Indian protests over China’s research vessels in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has indicated that Chinese vessels can dock at Sri Lankan ports for replenishment and repairs.

Reducing tensions along India-Bangladesh border: Role of local communities in promoting cross-border trust and welfare

Despite extraordinary diplomatic efforts and landmark agreements between the two countries, the ground reality along the border often reveals deep-seated animosities fueled by historical legacies, socio-economic disparities, and cross-border dynamics.

2004 Chittagong arms seizure: Then Bangladesh government severely compromised national and regional security

An analysis of Chetia's and Singh's interviews alongside the court's detailed judgement brings out several crucial points. Firstly, there was a concerted effort to transform Bangladesh into a sanctuary for ULFA and other rebel factions from India's northeast, facilitated by Pakistan's intelligence agency.

India leveraging geopolitical strengths to develop its own AI-powered defense systems

Strategic initiatives such as "AI in Defense," "Make in India," and "Buy IDDM" demonstrate India's commitment to nurturing indigenous AI solutions.

With new government in Pakistan, is the US preparing to return to the AfPak theatre?

The US, it would seem, was awaiting the formation of the new government in Pakistan to nudge Islamabad to act against the various outfits operating from Afghan territory and this suited Pakistan. Simultaneously, the much-awaited tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been cleared at the staff level to help Pakistan ease its economic situation.

If Z.A. Bhutto hanging could be declared unjust, why not review hanging of Bhagat Singh and his fellow revolutionaries?

Since 1947, the establishments of Pakistan and India have aggressively promoted identities of ‘separateness’ based on religion. However, the people of both countries have a more mature understanding of the fluidity of identities.

Climate crisis does not figure in India's election campaign! Modi must mobilise youth for climate action

Accelerated climate action would continue if Modi retains his leadership after the election. Expansion of solar and wind infrastructure and enhanced investment in green hydrogen and electrical vehicles have already been announced in the interim budget presented recently.

India must be sensitive to Bangladesh's concerns over its Citizenship Amendment Act

The CAA and its influence on Bangladesh demonstrate the complex interplay of geopolitics, identity, and diplomacy in South Asia. 

Will India's high youth joblessness impact election outcome?

How the 215.8 million under 30 might vote in the seven-phase election would be a compelling trend to watch.

Bangladesh's climate advocacy: Global South must continue its quest for climate justice

Bangladesh's initiatives have resulted in impressive climate adaptation ventures, including the construction of the world's largest multi-storied social housing project in Coxs Bazar, which will rehabilitate 4,400 families displaced by climate change.