The Chinese had realised that not only were they outnumbered but totally outflanked, making their position untenable. Any armed clash hereafter would have been suicidal, writes Anil Bhat for South Asia Monitor
Trade Wars Are Less About Tariffs, More About Power: India’s Strategic Autonomy in a Shifting World
Yet India’s response is neither impulsive nor reactionary—it is rooted in a long tradition of strategic autonomy. From Nehru’s Cold War non-alignment to today’s “multi-alignment,” successive governments have insisted on freedom of action, refusing to let outside powers dictate India’s role in the world. This ethos, born of colonial subjugation, now guides New Delhi’s diversified diplomacy
Is Digital Colonialism Changing South Asian Politics Through Youth?
Apart from these conspiracy theories, one fact is apparent: Digital platforms, particularly those owned by Facebook and Twitter (X), are playing a drastic role in launching, organizing and supporting socio-political movements and revolutions in South Asia where these developing countries, already marked by high-debt dependency, poverty, unemployment, poor governance, corruption, and illiteracy, are heavily reliant on international INGOs, NGOs, foreign aid, funds, and loans.
The Greenium Paradox: Can South Asia Align Climate Finance with Investor Demands?
In June 2025, Sri Lanka’s DFCC Bank broke new ground as the first foreign corporation to list a green bond on India’s NSE International Exchange in GIFT City. The $8 million bond financed solar energy projects aligned with Sri Lanka’s 2030 renewables target. By securing a dual listing in Luxembourg and aligning with ICMA’s Green Bond Principles, DFCC broadened its international investor appeal and demonstrated how green finance can support debt stressed economies.
Cricket Must Not Lose Its Soul: Competition Not At Cost Of The Game’s Spirit
The game must be allowed allowed to find a way to restore its dignity and balance on the ground.Not only is there a need to check the unregulated commercialization but there is a need for the introduction of regulations that give bowlers a fair chance, have sporting pitches, and fair future tour programs that preserve Test cricket’s relevance.
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China’s nationalism and global aspirations: India can turn a challenge into an opportunity
India has tremendous goodwill and support from the international community which will influence Chinese future manoeuvres against India, writes Lt Gen PR Kumar (retd) for South Asia Monitor
The Congress rebellion that never was: India's political parties lack internal democracy
Though the party crisis seems to have blown over, for the time being, the future of the Congress does not appear to be bright. And it has nothing to do with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), writes Vinod Aggarwal for South Asia Monitor
Ironing out the bumps in India-Bangladesh ties
India-Bangladesh relations have grown deeper and wider in scope in the past decade. But irritants and hitches can develop between neighbours with even the best of ties, writes Shubha Singh for South Asia Monitor
Indian Americans set to wield greater influence in US politics
It can safely be concluded that 2020 is the year the Indian American community has become relevant in American politics, writes Frank Islam for South Asia Monitor
Cancer and chronic disease patients bear a heavy burden during COVID
Oncologists across the world have expressed concern over the probability of rising cancer mortality and morbidity, not because of the coronavirus pandemic per se, but because of the inability of the healthcare system to treat cancers as it normally should, writes Dr (Col) R Ranga Rao for South Asia Monitor
Will Shringla's visit reshape the complex relations between Bangladesh, India and China?
Bangladesh takes a neutral position to whatever happens between the two Asian giants, but Chinese President Xi Jinping's growing influence and strong defence ties with Bangladesh are making India concerned, writes Sarmin Akhter for South Asia Monitor
Bangladesh's controversial digital security act: A weapon to silence independent media?
Using the controversial Act as a tool the Bangladesh government has tried to keep surveillance on journalists, and also to repress and muffle the independent voices in social media and traditional mass media, writes Aashish Kiphayet for South Asia Monitor
Pranab Mukherjee: President who could have been India's PM was a 'true friend' of Bangladesh
That Mukherjee influenced former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s decision to grant Bangladesh a billion dollars, the highest India had then extended to any single country, and that the amount was almost tripled when Hasina-led Bangladesh absorbed it all, is not very well known, writes Mahendra Ved for South Asia Monitor
China specter over South Asia impacting India-Bangladesh ties
India and China will do their best to edge each other out in their competition for dominance in the Bay of Bengal and will try to squeeze an economically weak Bangladesh, writes Lt Gen PR Kumar (retd) for South Asia Monitor
China using proxies to accelerate CMEC and tame Myanmar like Pakistan
Despite all this, Myanmar should expect China to keep tightening its vice-like grip using terrorists, writes Lt Gen Prakash Katoch (retd) for South Asia Monitor
'Witches of Pakistan' takes India by storm, culture transcends politics
Dubbed “Witches of Pakistan,” Churails are about four feisty women who seek to chase and expose men engaged in infidelity, writes Mahendra Ved for South Asia Monitor
Rising COVID cases in Nepal: Time to include pandemic justice as subject in university curricula
So, with the recognition of international obligations, the states could adopt a unanimous disaster/pandemic risk governance system to enable disaster preparedness and risk reduction mechanisms, writes Jivesh Jha for South Asia Monitor
South Asia facing sharp economic downturn due to COVID-19
Within the four sub-regions of South Asia, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan will be doing better as compared to other countries of the region, writes Partha Pratim Mitra for South Asia Monitor
Saudi rift increases Pakistan’s vulnerability
The growing burden of public debt remains a major source of vulnerability for Pakistan, especially when it has to borrow more and more to service its existing obligations, both domestic and foreign, writes N Chandra Mohan for South Asia Monitor
