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

Relevance of the Nepal Army Proposal on Integration

The Nepalese Army’s proposal on integration addresses both the Maoists’ insistence on integration of the ex-combatants and the non-Maoists’ anxiety that the army could face a professional crisis and politicisation.

India to Stay Relevant in Afghanistan

The underlying message of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit is to convey to Pakistan, the US and the others that India has strategic interests in Afghanistan.

Arvind Gupta , Ashok K. Behuria , Vishal Chandra
May 12, 2011
IDSA Comments

The Post Osama Possibilities

The elimination of OBL might not accelerate US withdrawal from Afghanistan, but in all probability this marks the beginning of the end of active US military presence in Afghanistan.

Osama’s Killing: Regional Implications

The elimination of Osama, though a great feat by the US special forces, will largely be a symbolic event – terrorism is unlikely to end and the situation in Af-Pak is not likely to improve.

India’s Limited Options in Afghanistan

Despite the talk about India having key strategic interests in Afghanistan, it neither has the necessary resources nor the clout to influence developments in Afghanistan.

Back Channel with Pakistan Army: A Gambit Worth Trying

The aversion in India to dealing directly with Pakistan's military establishment is entirely understandable, but is also unreal given the power dynamics of Pakistani politics.

Sushant Sareen
April 26, 2011
IDSA Comments

Time to Reassure Nepal

S.M. Krishna should reassure the people of Nepal that India has always acted in the interests of the Nepalese people and that it has no intention to interfere in the internal politics of the country.

India and the Pakistan-China Nexus in Gilgit-Baltistan

China’s intensified engagement in the region, encompassing reconstruction and development, suggests a subtle move to alter the security situation.

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.