The challenge for South Asian countries is to make democracy work in the true sense – autonomous institutions from the legislature to the judiciary and the election commission, a free media, accountability, elimination of corruption and de-elitism.

A comprehensive review of recent developments in the foreign policy, diplomacy, security, politics and economy with forecast of the possible way ahead

Nishqa Devadiga reviews the UNDP report that maps the channels through which a geopolitical shock far from the region mainly war in the Middle East since February 2026 is quietly eroding livelihood, food security, employment and public budgets across one of the world's most economically diverse regions.

Beyond wars, militancy, terrorism, drug and people running, law and order, illegal migration, maritime crime and so on, climate change will remain the most persistent and long term challenge for South Asia, here is a perspective.

With an eye on the ASEAN Summit in Cebu Philippines on 7 and 8 May, the Min Aung Hlaing led newly installed government in Myanmar moved fast to release former President U Win Myint days before his sentence expired, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was moved to a civil quarter but here detention location remains undisclosed. Despite these moves and the active support of some of the members of ASEAN such as Thailand, the Group failed to achieve consensus on inviting the Myanmar leader fo

Having gained the approval of Russia, China, India, Thailand amongst ASEAN countries, the quasi-military government led by former military commander and coup leader Ming Aung Hlaing as the president may now be looking to woo the United States for removal of sanctions and thus legitimacy of sorts.

President Duwa Lashi La of the National Unity Government (NUG) candidly admitted that formidable challenges remain due to a lack of unity.

From Senior General and Commander of the Armed Forces to President, Min Aung Hlaing may have achieved his life time ambition, but legitimacy issues will continue to inhibit his acceptance politically as well as diplomatically despite an outreach by some regional countries.

Here is how countries in South Asia - India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are preparing for a medium to long term crisis replicating recent disruptions such as COVID 19 as of March 22.

Representative Image by Wix AI After unexpected political catastrophes Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal are amidst a polls rush, will these bring about transformation for the people of these countries or will light at the end of the tunnel remain a flicker? Democracies are stable because citizens can elect leaders at regular intervals, in contrast to other forms of governance where Presidents may remain in power for years if not decades China and Russia being the most recent exa