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

Analysing the failed Coup in Bangladesh

The failed coup indicates the penetration of Islamists and more specifically that of the Hizb ut-Tahrir whose main support base is among the educated youth, who are highly motivated and belong to affluent families in urban areas.

Chinese PM in Nepal: A short visit but a long trail?

Wen Jiabao’s visit came about at a time when China is concerned about the ongoing political instability in Nepal and is looking for new political partners after the fall of the monarchy.

Nihar R. Nayak
January 18, 2012
IDSA Comments

Possible Political Scenarios in Pakistan

If the army is not in favour of a coup, attempts could be made to defuse the tension through a compromise between the army and the government, with some leadership change acting as a face-saver.

Arvind Gupta
January 16, 2012
IDSA Comments

Pakistan: Is A Judicial Coup in the Offing?

Unwilling to allow the PPP an opportunity to gain a majority in the Senate, the Army and other political actors are willing participants in efforts to topple the government through the judiciary.

Pakistan Military’s Desire to Slip Into The Driving Seat Once Again

The Pakistan Army’s hold on the power structure has weakened due to the deterioration in its relationship with the US military, changes in the social complexion and the penetration of jehadi influence.

P. K. Upadhyay
January 13, 2012
IDSA Comments

The Political Future of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

In a nation beleaguered by a multitude of problems ranging from a deteriorating law and order situation to massive power cuts and a sliding economy, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has become a beacon for change.

Sumita Kumar
January 06, 2012
IDSA Comments

2011: A Strategic Survey

The year 2011 will stand out in history as the year of the Arab Spring, when people in Northern Africa and West Asia rose up against tyranny and revolted for political emancipation.

A. Vinod Kumar
January 04, 2012
Issue Brief

2012: The Changing Geopolitical Environment and Tasks before Indian foreign policy

While India’s ability to handle the challenges may be constrained by a slowing economy, it would need to manage them through requisite diplomatic skill and finesse.

Arvind Gupta
January 03, 2012
IDSA Comments

The Difa-e Pakistan Rally in Lahore and its Implications for Pakistan

By staging such a massive gathering in Lahore, it appears that the military is trying to bring JuD into mainstream politics, which is clearly an ominous sign of the times to come.

Amit Julka
December 23, 2011
IDSA Comments

The Bonn II Conference on Afghanistan: A Step Forward Amidst Uncertainty

Bonn II made it somewhat clear that there is at least an evolving discourse and a fleeting sense of realisation in Western capitals that Afghanistan cannot simply be abandoned once again.