Gulf Crisis: Pakistan Hosts the Table

Gulf Crisis: Pakistan Hosts the Table; India Influences the Room (Part V)

India’s role in the Middle East crisis is defined not by presence at negotiation tables but by its ability to sustain stability around them.While Pakistan facilitates talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, India underwrites the broader security architecture through its maritime presence, economic weight, and multi-aligned diplomacy.

Water Security and Regional Peace: Future of the Indus Waters Treaty in a Changing Climate

The Indus Waters Treaty has lasted more than 60 years, illustrating diplomacy's ability to handle one of South Asia's most sensitive resources. However, climate change and geopolitical tensions have called into question its significance. To guarantee that the treaty continues to prevent war and promote shared prosperity, Indian and Pakistani governments must update its provisions, invest in joint institutions, and view water as a shared strategic asset rather than a source of friction.

Iran at the Crossroads: In a Changing Region, Tehran’s Critical Choices Could Shape Change (Part IV)

Iran's demonstrated endurance to maintain its intrinsic rights to nuclear enrichment as an NPT state even under sanctions and its willingness to escalate without collapsing, is an important consideration for the Iranian regime. This issue was centre stage at the collapsed Islamabad negotiations. How Iran shapes its stand will be centre piece of future negotiations. 

The Strait as Leverage: Hormuz the New Geometry of Power? (Part III)

Iran’s role in this transformation is central. Its ability to influence the Strait has reshaped strategic thinking across the region and beyond. External powers must now operate within constraints that did not exist before. For the Gulf states, the implications are immediate and tangible. Their economic lifelines pass through this narrow corridor. Any disruption affects not only revenue but also national security.For the broader international community, the lesson is clear. 

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An India-China truce with a difference: Why the disengagement may work this time

The declaration of truce on July 6, the 85th birthday of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama and two days after the Dharma Chakra Day on July 4, reminds of Buddha’s message that was carried by Indians to China, writes Rajendra Shende for South Asia Monitor

South Asia: Fiscal policy as an option for economic revival

The data on the growth rates in Gross Domestic Product between 2015 to 2020 show that South Asia would show the maximum decline in 2020 after growing the fastest between 2015-2019 at an annual average rate of 6.1 percent as compared to 4.8 percent for Southeast Asia and 6.0 percent for East Asia, writes Partha Pratim Mitra for South Asia Monitor

Nepal can choose to go the Bangladesh way or Pakistan way in dispute settlement with India

So, there are two examples in front of Nepal now; one is Pakistan, and another Bangladesh, which one will they choose? writes Swadesh Roy for South Asia Monitor

The irony of President Trump’s H-1B action

Trump needs to be seen as doing something to save the economy and American jobs. H-1B, which has been a bogeyman for the protectionists and economic nationalists, is an easy target during this downturn, writes Frank Islam for South Asia Monitor

Global partnerships will help Bangladesh revive COVID-hit economy

The Bangladesh government is trying its best to restore jobs abroad for the millions of migrant workers so that the large remittance flow continues, writes Dr. Mohammad Rezaul Karim for South Asia Monitor

The flickering beacons of democracy: India and the USA

India needs Modi to rediscover his inner ecumenical soul. To do that, Modi must become the leading proponent of and advocate for a “unifying nationalism,”   writes Tom de Boor and Ed Crego for South Asia Monitor

Re-thinking NAM in a post-COVID-19 century

We are approaching the 65th anniversary of the Bandung Principles this year and 60th anniversary of the NAM in 2021. There is a renewed call in the NAM communique for the revitalization and strengthening of NAM, writes Sayantan Bandyopadhyay for South Asia Monitor

India must prepare for a multi-domain war

This is a defining moment in the history of India and its actions could well dictate its standing in the world,  writes Lt Gen PR Kumar (retd) for South Asia Monitor

Is a total boycott of Chinese goods by India feasible?

Can orchestrated symbolism of smashing Chinese TVs create a mass movement when no domestic alternatives are available to our extremely price-sensitive consumers? writes Brig Deepak Sethi (retd) for South Asia Monitor 

Afghanistan: No place for women

The February 29, 2020 deal between the US and the Taliban could pave the way for a peace that Afghans urgently pursue. But, then again there are huge risks for women’s rights in this process, as the Taliban remain deeply misogynistic, writes Dr. Sanchita Bhattacharya for South Asia Monitor

Will intra-Afghan dialogue bring peace to the Afghan people?

There are reports that the US will withdraw its forces from Afghanistan before the timeline. This will have bad consequences for the security of Afghanistan, the region, and the world, writes Mohamad Mosa Ahmadzai for South Asia Monitor

Biden, a friend of India, should be mindful of policy gaffes regarding South Asia

Of an estimated 3.5 million-plus Indian American community, about 70 percent are said to be the vote bank of Democrats, a number that the Biden campaign would not want to trifle with, writes Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami for South Asia Monitor

Misplaced concerns over Nepal’s new citizenship bill blind a larger social reality

Cross-border marriages, i.e., matrimony between Nepal's son/daughter and India’s son/daughter are very common in India's bordering districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, writes Jivesh Jha  for South Asia Monitor

India needs to strengthen ties with liberal democracies, South Asian neighbours to counter China

India needs to consolidate its relationship with the immediate neighbors by resolving the pending issues, particularly, the issue of immigration with Bangladesh and territorial disputes with Nepal, writes Dr. Arshad for South Asia Monitor

Children at increased risk of sexual abuse and exploitation during COVID-19 lockdown

There has to be enough focus on the protection of children from sexual abuse and parents, guardians, teachers and all those who are stakeholders in children’s welfare should be really aware of this aspect to ensure a safe and healthy childhood for our children during this time of coronavirus pandemic, writes Sonal Kellogg for South Asia Monitor