Articles

Neighbourhood Studies

Correcting the Indian Media Narrative on Nepal’s Pro-China Posture

Nepal is a sovereign country, and promoting and expanding its foreign relations fall under its sole rights. However, such extensions and promotions should not harm its immediate neighbours, India and China. Nepal must be aware of its red lines, and i....

January 16, 2025 Neighbourhood Studies , Nepal , Commentary , India , China , Nepal , BRI , KP Oli

Decoding China’s BRI Agreement with Nepal

Prof Hari Bansh Jha Commentary

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China is its global endeavour that aims at promoting connectivity through the development of infrastructure facilities in different corners of the world, including in Asia, Africa, and Europe. In South Asia, Nepa....

January 13, 2025 International Relations and Diplomacy , Neighbourhood Studies , China , Nepal , Commentary , China , Nepali Congress , KP Sharma Oli , BRI , 12-Point Agreement

Pakistan in 2024: A Year of Political Turmoil, Economic Struggles, and Security Challenges

Dr Angana Kotokey, Research Associate, VIF Article

As 2024 draws to a close, Pakistan finds itself in the midst of significant political, economic, and security challenges. The year began with political instability following the general elections, and this turbulence has only deepened with legal refo....

January 08, 2025 Neighbourhood Studies , Pakistan , Article , India , Pakistan , economy , elections , Security , BLA , TTP

Bangladesh in 2024: A Year of Political Turmoil and Transformation

Dr Anchita Borthakur, Research Associate, VIF Article

The year 2024 marked a period of intense political unrest for Bangladesh, one defined by sharp political polarization, economic struggles, and significant shifts in governance. From the re-election of Sheikh Hasina at the beginning of the year to the....

January 06, 2025 Neighbourhood Studies , Bangladesh , Article , India , foreign policy , economy , Bangladesh , Awami League , Sheikh Hasina , BNP , Quota Movement , Muhammad Yunus , Minority , Student Uprising

Myanmar: The Fall of Rakhine; Imperatives for India

Lt Gen PC Nair, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, PhD, (Retd) Article

On 9th Dec 2024, Arakan Army (AA), one of the most powerful Ethnic Armed Organisations and one from the Three Brotherhood Alliance (the other two being the MNDAA and TNLA) battling Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw) captured one of the last army outposts in the....

December 31, 2024 Neighbourhood Studies , Myanmar , Article , Rohingya , Tatmadav , ⁠Kaladan Multi Modal Transit and Transport Project , ⁠Rakhine State , Oil and Gas Pipelines of China

India Nepal Border Disputes & the Kalapani Issue

Jyoti Kumar Article

(This is an updated version of the article published earlier on the website.)

Introduction

On May 20, 2020, ....

December 11, 2024 Neighbourhood Studies , Nepal , Article , China , India Nepal Relations , Maps , Sher Bahadur Deuba , Kalapani , Survey of India , Border Disputes , Treaty of Segowlie , Sugauli , Limpiyadhura , Lipulekh , JTC , JWG on the India-Nepal Boundary , Boundary Working Group , Bilateral Mechanism , CPN- UML , CPN-ML , ANNFSU , K P Sharma Oli , Girija Prasad Koirala

The Forgotten ‘Student Movement’ of East Pakistan

Saudiptendu Ray, Research Associate, VIF Article

On Wednesday, 17th July 2024, top officials of Dhaka University announced the suspension of classes and closure of the university dorms following violent protests against quotas for government jobs. ^{December 10, 2024}Neighbourhood Studies , Bangladesh , Historical and Civilisational Studies , Article , East Pakistan , Sheikh Mujibur Rahman , Ayub Khan , Bangladesh Liberation War , Bhasha Andolan , Dhaka University , Shaheed Minar , Yahya Khan , 16 December

The Challenges of Secularism and Governance in Nepal

Prof Hari Bansh Jha Commentary

Nepal, a nation with deep-rooted cultural traditions, was declared a secular state in 2008 after centuries as a Hindu kingdom. This transformation, driven by ideals of equality and inclusivity, was expected to unify the country’s various religious ....

December 09, 2024 Neighbourhood Studies , Nepal , Commentary , Nepal , economy , governance , Secularism

VIF Delegation’s Visit to Nepal

Heena Samant, Research Associate, VIF Commentary

The VIF delegation led by Lt. Gen. R K Sawhney, and joined by Lt Gen (Dr) Rakesh Sharma (retd) and Shri Avadhesh Mathur visited Nepal between 21 September and 24 September, 2024. The visit included extensive interactions with various dignitaries and ....

November 27, 2024 Neighbourhood Studies , Nepal , Commentary , democracy , Climate Change , Smart Cities , Connectivity , Waste Management , expression , workforce , rising power

VIF Delegation’s Visit to Nepal

November 19, 2024 Neighbourhood Studies , Nepal , Interaction , democracy , Climate Change , Smart Cities , Bilateral ties , Cooperation , Connectivity , Waste Management , expression , workforce , rising power , municipalities.