A Pakistani film looks at the 1971 war anew and wants Islamabad and Dhaka to bond, writes Mahendra Ved for South Asia Monitor
Hasina’s December Gamble: Will it Become a Moment of Confrontation or Reconciliation?
December could therefore become much more than Victory Month. It could become a test of whether Bangladesh's next chapter will be written through democratic accommodation or another round of political vengeance. The danger is that a leader returning to face her past could inadvertently reopen the country's deepest wounds.
Russia’s Bid for a Larger Asian Role; Will Be Closely Watched by Beijing
Russia wants to use the Far East to diversify away from the West, but it risks becoming excessively dependent on China. That is why Southeast Asia, India, Japan and other Asian partners matter to Moscow as they provide Russia with a wider Asian field and fallback and reduces the risk that Russia’s entire eastern pivot becomes a one-way dependence on Beijing.
The Architecture of Disruption: Structural Parallels Between Indira Gandhi and Donald Trump
For democracies under pressure, the lesson is sobering. Institutions do not only collapse when attacked from outside; they can also be hollowed out from within by leaders who master the language of mass appeal better than the language of internal restraint.
Bangladesh's Bid to Clear a US-Wanted Terror Fugitive Raises Troubling Questions
Although the Yunus administration was replaced by an elected government in February 2026, the influence of Islamist groups, jihadist organizations, and religious extremists has reportedly remained largely unchanged. As a result, several prominent leaders of Islamist organizations and militant groups continue to gain strength.
More on Geopolitics, Security and Strategic Affairs
Dolls as conduits of cultural expression: India’s autumn festivals and their enchanting celebration through dolls
In India, festivals have an interesting blend of representation through dolls, especially during the agricultural season of autumn, writes Dr. Lopamudra Maitra Bajpai for South Asia Monitor
Can Afghanistan reduce its economic dependence on Pakistan?
With Pakistan's built-in political dominance of Afghanistan, the economic control can only get stronger, writes Hamayun Khan for South Asia Monitor
SAARC must be revived as an intra-regional cooperation platform
Pakistan and India should work together to revive SAARC to maximize regional interests, writes Pathik Hasan for South Asia Monitor
Pakistan in extremism's growing grip: Mishandling of TLP could lead to radical consolidation
Having adopted hardcore Islam over the years, and using it to enact terrorism as a state policy, the Pakistan government can hardly afford all-out confrontation with the TLP, writes Lt Gen P. C. Katoch (retd.) for South Asia Monitor
India, Bangladesh must cooperate to manage water resources to mitigate climate change effects
Conclusion of bilateral arrangements on sharing common water resources will banish a constant source of misunderstanding and mutual suspicion between India and Bangladesh, writes Amb Sarvajit Chakravarti (retd) for South Asia Monitor
Amid the Afghanistan crisis, Bangladesh's Rohingya refugee crisis should not be forgotten
The Rohingya crisis is the result of a long-smoldering problem that may become the catalyst for new sources of conflict in the region, writes Kazi Mohammad Jamshed for South Asia Monitor
Why Bhutan quit the BBIN motor vehicle pact
Prime Minister Dasho Lotay Tshering has said that if Bhutan’s infrastructure, economy and trade improves, the country will undoubtedly want to be part of BBIN-MVA, writes Rinchen Kinznag for South Asia Monitor
With Russian help, Bangladesh set to enter the age of nuclear power generation
The Roppur nuclear power plant is expected to be a model of clean energy in Bangladesh and provide affordable, reliable and quality electricity in the long run, writes Pathik Hasan for South Asia Monitor
Rhetoric and reality: Pakistan must wake up and smell the coffee
The coming weeks pose a serious challenge to the Pakistani government to deal with the TLP’s threats and increasing pressure, writes Shantanu Mukharji for South Asia Monitor
Are Japanese investors losing interest in India?
India's withdrawal from RCEP resulted in India losing out on the opportunity of re-shoring of Japanese investment from China, writes S. Majumder for South Asia Monitor
How climate change is linked to the continuing tragedy of Pakistani and Indian fishermen callously ignored by both nations
India and Pakistan’s toxic official relations continue to take a human toll and hold South Asia hostage even as the region deals with the crisis of climate change which includes fish migration patterns, writes Beena Sarwar for South Asia Monitor
Bangladesh PM Hasina's meeting with Pakistani envoy has a message for India
China and Pakistan are always scouring for opportunities by utilizing any kind of strain in Bangladesh-India ties, and would obviously try to exploit the present regional political scenario, writes Pathik Hasan for South Asia Monitor
Afghan women - and not Western 'civilizing missions' - will lead the path to change and their emancipation
Being oblivious to the history and traditions of Afghanistan, misreading the local culture, or a sickening obsession with 'Islamic terrorism' has always clouded the reality for the West, writes Anondeeta Chakraborty for South Asia Monitor
With SAARC in limbo, BBIN governments should energize grouping for regional growth and development
The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) sub-regional group has the potential to multiply the prosperity of its members, writes Amb. Sarvajit Chakravarti (retd) for South Asia Monitor
