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

Bangladesh Debates the Role of Fatwa

The demand to prohibit the Muslim clergy from issuing Fatwa is gathering momentum in Bangladesh.

Anand Kumar
March 15, 2011
IDSA Comments

US Strategy in Afghanistan and Regional Concerns

India should seek a regional solution to the Afghan conflict, involving a regional force under a UN flag to provide a stable environment for governance and development till the Afghan National Army can take over.

Gurmeet Kanwal
February 21, 2011
IDSA Comments

Will the ‘New’ left government resolve the political impasse in Nepal?

Although the option for the Maoists to join the Khanal government is open, for the time being the chances of a consensus government look remote.

Nihar R. Nayak
February 16, 2011
IDSA Comments

Punching above its Weight: Pakistan and the FMCT

Pakistan is the main outlier in negotiations at the Conference on Disarmament over a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). Its ceaseless quest for parity with India are not likely to meet with success. Meanwhile, nuclear stocks within Pakistan pose a danger to Pakistan itself.

Yogesh Joshi
February 11, 2011
IDSA Comments

Sri Lanka: Will Developmental Projects Solve Political Problems?

Infrastructure development projects in the North and the Eastern province is undoubtedly important to banish poverty but cannot be a “major part of political solution” as pronounced by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Gulbin Sultana
February 10, 2011
IDSA Comments

An appraisal of Norway’s Role in Sri Lanka

Karuna’s revelation that Norway provided funds for the LTTE to purchase lethal weapons has revived the focus on that country’s role in the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict.

Hemantha Dayaratne
February 03, 2011
IDSA Comments

India in Afghanistan: Engagement without Strategy

India needs to engage countries in the region to ensure that the transition process in Afghanistan does not threaten regional stability.

Blasphemy Law and the Marginalisation of Pakistan’s Moderate Muslims

By concentrating only on the inequities of the blasphemy law, Pakistani ‘moderates’ and commentators elsewhere are missing the point that the real battle is against radical Islamic thought.

Sushant Sareen
January 17, 2011
IDSA Comments

Nepal 2010: Uncertainties Galore

The peace process was deadlocked, with extreme polarization within and among the political parties on various issues.

Nihar R. Nayak
January 10, 2011
IDSA Comments

Need for a composite back channel with Pakistan army

The absence of a credible interlocutor in Pakistan who can exercise effective control over the Pakistan army leaves India with little choice except to open a parallel dialogue with the military establishment in Pakistan.