South Asia

About Centre

South Asia is one of the main areas of research focus at IDSA. The region has been going through a period of turmoil over the last few years. Definitive steps have been taken in the recent past towards the establishment of democratic governments in the region. Given the importance of developments in the region for Indian security, experts at IDSA keenly watch and analyse unfolding developments in each South Asian country.

Two projects that are currently under progress are ‘Developments in Pakistan’ and ‘Pakistan Occupied Kashmir’. In addition, individual scholars are engaged in researching various security related aspects pertaining to South Asian countries. The Centre has established bilateral institutional relations with leading think tanks in the region and proposes to undertake joint studies.

Minutes of South Asia Centre Meetings

“We do not need to be told. We do not need to be taught”: Sri Lanka at the 22nd UNHRC, Geneva

This year, India needs to be reminded that the situation in Sri Lanka has drastically deteriorated: the GoSL has weakened democracy, dismantled the judiciary and not followed through on any of the areas of reform that were called for last year.

Military Deployment in Afghanistan is not in India’s National Interests

India, as a responsible regional power, should steer Afghanistan towards political stability, security through an inclusive government, economic growth, reconstruction and regional integration, which is what that country needs the most.

Amar Ramdasani
February 22, 2013
IDSA Comments

Aftermath of Salman Khurshid’s Visit to Bangladesh: A Role for West Bengal Too

India should grasp the opportunities which are discernible in the political horizon in Bangladesh and deepen relations through engagement at the track two tier involving India’s political parties as well as by involving West Bengal as a major partner.

Gautam Sen
February 20, 2013
IDSA Comments

Maoist’s New Political Line and Challenges

The Prachanda faction has made an ideological shift from being a revolutionary outfit to a parliamentary party with emphasis on republicanism, and has signalled its friendly posture towards India by discarding the previously ritualistic reference to India as an enemy.

Nihar R. Nayak
February 18, 2013
IDSA Comments

Bangladesh War Crime Trial: The Surprise Second Verdict

The verdict against Abdul Quadir Molla by the War Crime Tribunal 2, which sentenced him to life, came as a surprise to many given the graveness of his crime.

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s Visit to India: Towards an Assuring Alliance

Given Bhutan’s strategic significance India needs to respond sensitively to its Himalayan neighbour so as to create further goodwill for the long term.

Medha Bisht
February 01, 2013
IDSA Comments

Cooperation Between India and Bangladesh on Control of Arsenic Poisoning

India and Bangladesh need to work together in the field of health and medical research to devise expedient measures to contain the menace of arsenic poisoning of ground water.

Gautam Sen
January 28, 2013
IDSA Comments

Prosecution of War Criminals in Bangladesh: The Verdict Starts Coming

Punishing war criminals would not only meet a long-standing demand of Bangladesh’s freedom-fighters but also take the country further on the path of secularism.

Anand Kumar
January 22, 2013
IDSA Comments

India and Pakistan: Getting Along with the Peace Process

Even as it presses for action against the people responsible for beheading of Indian soldiers, India should take care not to disengage from the process of dialogue.

Assessing Pakistan’s Transgression on the Line of Control

The declining domestic standing of the Pakistan Army is likely to be bolstered through military tensions on the LoC, social upheaval in Jammu & Kashmir and religious hysteria within Pakistan as a prelude to adopting a more proactive role in Kashmir.