This event is part of the series “The Neighbourhood Scope,” a monthly feature of the Strategic Studies Programme that intends to rekindle key conversations, questions, and debates concerning India’s neighbourhood.
2025 had been a transformative year for South Asia, with far-reaching implications on the region’s politics, economy and society. Ties between India and Pakistan reached their lowest point following the Pahalgam terror attack. The tensions redefined deterrence in the region and has reignited conversations on the threat of terrorism and two-front war for India. On its part, Afghanistan’s ties nose-dived with Pakistan and picked up momentum with India - putting a halt to Pakistan’s decades-old project of using the Taliban for strategic depth. Parallelly, Nepal saw a youth-led uprising, calling for structural reforms, which toppled the government of Prime Minister Oli. Bangladesh was embroiled in an attempt to de-hyphenate Awami League from their history and amplified their anti-India rhetoric and policy, and Sri Lanka and Maldives are struggling with their economic distress. To complicate matters, the world order is witnessing immense uncertainty as the US redefines itself under President Trump.
What are the key trends and takeaways from 2025? How will these developments impact the region in 2026? Will fresh elections in Nepal and Bangladesh bring much-needed stability and reforms in these countries? How will the Taliban’s changing equilibrium with India and Pakistan impact the region? Can Pakistan enhance its regional and global engagements, and what does it mean for India’s strategic and security calculations? What do these economic, political, and social challenges mean for India’s Neighbourhood First policy? How will non- regional powers like the US and China respond to the events? Is South Asia prepared for the rapidly evolving and changing world disorder?
