Contemporary South Asia Summary (English)

South Asia refers to countries located in the Indian subcontinent — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. Despite cultural and historical similarities, the region has faced political instability, ethnic conflicts, wars, and economic challenges. At the same time, it also offers examples of regional cooperation through SAARC.

1. Meaning of South Asia
– South Asia is home to one-fifth of humanity with shared history and culture.
– It is marked by diversity: India is the largest democracy, while its neighbours have seen mixed experiences with democracy, monarchy, and military rule.
– Many countries face challenges of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and population growth, which affect regional stability.

2. Political Systems of South Asian States
– India: Stable democracy since 1947, with regular elections, strong constitution, and secular polity.
– Pakistan: Faced military coups, instability, and frequent dismissal of elected governments.
– Bangladesh: Born in 1971; alternated between military rule and democracy, now more stable.
– Nepal: Transitioned from monarchy to democracy; faced civil war; now a republic.
– Sri Lanka: Democracy but affected by long ethnic conflict between Sinhala majority and Tamil minority.
– Bhutan: Transition from monarchy to constitutional democracy; focus on Gross National Happiness.
– Maldives: Small island nation; experienced authoritarianism and democratic transitions.

3. Conflicts and Issues in South Asia
a) India–Pakistan Rivalry: Rooted in Partition and Kashmir; wars in 1947–48, 1965, 1971, Kargil 1999; terrorism, Siachen, Indus waters as issues.
b) India–Bangladesh: 1971 independence with India’s help; issues include immigration, river sharing, border disputes, but also growing cooperation.
c) India–Sri Lanka: Tamil-Sinhala conflict; India’s peacekeeping force (1987–90); now focus on economic and maritime cooperation.
d) India–Nepal: Open borders and close ties; issues of trade, rivers, and political mistrust.
e) India–Bhutan: Very cordial relations, with India aiding Bhutan’s development.
f) India–Maldives: Strategic and cultural ties; India intervened in 1988 coup attempt.

4. Ethnic Conflicts in South Asia
– Sri Lanka: Civil war with LTTE lasted 25 years; ended in 2009.
– Nepal: Maoist insurgency (1996–2006) led to abolition of monarchy.
– Pakistan: Ethnic and religious tensions, including Baloch insurgency.

5. SAARC and Regional Cooperation
– SAARC founded in 1985 (7 members, Afghanistan joined in 2007).
– Aims: promote economic, social, and cultural cooperation.
– SAFTA created for trade integration, but limited success due to India–Pakistan tensions.
– Intra-regional trade remains below 5% of total trade.
– Still provides platform for dialogue and cooperation.

6. External Influence in South Asia
– US: Strategic ally of Pakistan, growing ties with India.
– China: Ally of Pakistan, investments in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives under BRI.
– India: Regional leader with responsibility to balance neighbours’ concerns.

7. Key Points
– Democracy is uneven in the region.
– Major conflicts include India–Pakistan rivalry and Sri Lanka’s ethnic war.
– Regional cooperation through SAARC exists but faces limitations.
– External powers like US and China influence South Asian politics.
– India plays a central role in ensuring regional peace and stability.