Raj Kumar Sharma writes: PM Modi made it a point to reassure Indian neighbors by inviting all the heads of SAARC nations to his swearing-in ceremony. He soon followed it with visits to Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. However, the recent developments have gone on to show that India’s relations with some of its neighbors are not on the right track.
South Asia - 14. page
IORA Council Meeting: Onwards from Padang
MH Rajesh Writes: This IORA council meet was unique, in that, there was a Maritime Cooperation Declaration, in addition to the usual Communique that the IORA releases after the meet. There was a clearer recognition of maritime security in this meeting as evident in the declaration.
General Elections in Myanmar and Future Prospects
SK Shahi Writes: General elections in Myanmar are scheduled to be held on 8 November 2015. Approx. 35 million voters will cast their vote for 6300 candidates’ from 93 political parties. 330 constituencies are set for lower house, 168 constituencies for the upper house, 644 constituencies for regional or state parliaments and 29 constituencies for regional or state parliaments for ethnics.
Way Forward To the J&K Imbroglio
Sandeep Jain Writes:The J&K imbroglio has been a much debated and written about subject and is a part of national consciousness. This has been more pronounced due to its linkage to cross border terrorism. Thus every time a terrorist strike takes place or Indo-Pak talks are on the anvil, this issue comes up for discussion in a direct or indirect manner.
International Crisis Group Assesses Cost of Political Standoff, Violence in Bangladesh
The International Crisis Group in its Asia Report N°264 , titled ‘Mapping Bangladesh’s Political Crisis,’ released on 9 February 2015, provides an in-depth analysis of the ongoing political turmoil enveloping Bangladesh and its dangerous prospects for the country.
Politics of Reclamation in South China Sea
The recent spate of reclamation in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea has been reported and analyzed widely by SCS observers. They indicate mammoth reclamation and construction efforts by China to incrementally expand tiny shoals into islands capable of hosting airstrips.