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The term ‘South Asian countries’ is frequently used to refer to the following countries: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The region is surrounded by the Himalayas in the north, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea in the east, south, and west. These barriers are largely blamed for linguistic, sociocultural, and anthropological subcontinent’s uniqueness. In the east and the west, the regions are not as distinct as in the north and south. Afghanistan and Myanmar are frequently incorporated in debates about the region.
South Asian Countries in The Contemporary World
China is a dominant country; however, it is not considered a part of the area. South Asia denotes diversification in every sense of the word and yet consists of a single geopolitical space. The numerous South American countries in Asia do not have the same governmental systems. Despite numerous difficulties and limitations, Sri Lanka and India have collaborated well and possessed a democratic regime since their liberation from the British.
Conflicts between India and Pakistan
Post-independence, both India and Pakistan got interested in issues relating to Kashmir. It resulted in wars in 1947–48 and 1965, neither resolved the issue. Both countries are embroiled in a confrontation over strategic matters such as possessing the Siachen glacier and weaponry procurement. Both countries remain sceptical of one another over security concerns. Another point of contention between the two countries is sharing the Indus river system’s river waters. The two nations are at odds over the Sir Creek demarcation line in the Rann of Kutch.
Military and Democracy rule in Pakistan
General Yahya Khan established Pakistan’s first military dictatorship. This was due to popular discontent with General Ayub Khan’s administration. Following this, from 1971 to 1977, a government was created under the guidance of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. General Zia-ul-Haq deposed the Bhutto government, but the country faced a pro-democracy movement beginning in 1982. Again in 1988, Benazir Bhutto built an elected democratic administration but faced opposition from the Pakistan People’s Party and the Muslim League. General Pervez Musharraf intervened once more and deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. General Musharraf was elected President of Pakistan in 2001.
Numerous reasons contributed to Pakistan’s failure to establish a stable democracy. Currently, the country is governed by a democratic system of government under Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Nepal
Nepal was formerly a Hindu kingdom but transitioned into a constitutional monarchy. In 1990, in response to an outpouring of pro-democracy sentiment, the king approved the desire for a new constitutional Democracy. A battle between democrats, Maoists, and monarchist forces resulted in the dissolution of parliament and the king’s dismissal of the cabinet in 2002.
Again, in 2006, the king was obliged to re-establish the House of Representatives following a pro-democratic uprising.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s democratic system was found in difficulties due to the ethnic violence between Sinhalese and Tamil. According to the Sinhalese, the Sinhala people owned the region of Ceylon, not the Tamils who moved from India.This created discontent with the native tamils. This resulted in the founding of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), an organisation which wanted Independence.
India’s government has been pressed by the Tamil community in India to protect Tamils in Sri Lanka. India signed an alliance with Sri Lanka and dispatched troops to help the Sri Lankan government and Tamils. Ultimately, the Indian Army engaged with the LTTE. However, during 1989, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was called back from Sri Lanka without completing its mission.
India and Other Neighbouring Countries
India’s neighbours include Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Pakistan.
There are several points of contention between India and Bangladesh. These include water sharing between the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers and illegal immigration to India. Nonetheless, India and Bangladesh have a friendly relationship. Economic bilateral ties have significantly improved.
Nepal and India enjoy a friendly relationship. However, certain concerns, such as Nepal’s warm relationship with China and the Maoist movement in Nepal, have strained the relationship. The two countries are bound together via trade, scientific collaboration, power generation, and interlocking water management infrastructures despite their differences.
India has a unique connection with Bhutan and has no major disagreements with the Bhutanese administration.
Cooperation and Peace
Even if there are certain points of contention among South Asian countries, they appreciate the significance of cooperation and good relations. South Asian countries founded the South Asian Association for Regional Collaboration (SAARC) in 1985 to foster regional cooperation. SAFTA was ratified in 2004 by South Asian countries to facilitate cross-border trade.
SAFTA’s goal is to reduce trade tariffs by 20% by 2007. Although there have been tensions between India and Pakistan, steps have been taken to foster a more amicable relationship between the two countries. Additionally, an external power influences the region as China and the United States continue to play a significant role in South Asia politics.
Conclusion
The term ‘South Asian countries‘ is frequently used to refer to the following countries: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Sociocultural exclusiveness and a high-ranking population give them an edge over others.
