India's Immediate Neighborhood Plunges into Political Turmoil
India's immediate neighbors, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, face significant political instability. Bangladesh experienced the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, rising anti-India sentiment, and increased attacks on Hindus. Nepal grapples with border disputes and anti-India protests that toppled its government, while China expands its influence. Pakistan remains a flashpoint with persistent terrorism and a fragile ceasefire. As 2026 nears, India confronts structural instability, demanding both diplomacy and deterrence amidst escalating regional crises.
India's immediate periphery has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years, with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan experiencing severe political upheaval. In Bangladesh, the August 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina led to an interim government openly hostile to India, with the Awami League barred from elections and Jamaat e Islami re-emerging. December 2025 saw massive anti-India protests, and attacks on Hindus surged, creating refugee and border instability concerns for India following incidents like the death of Dipu Chandra Das.Nepal has followed a turbulent path, marked by an unresolved border dispute. September 2025 protests toppled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's government, leading to an interim administration preparing for March 2026 elections. Anti-India sentiment, fueled by nationalist rhetoric and China's expanding Belt and Road presence, continues to rise.Pakistan remains a perennial flashpoint. The April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack triggered a dangerous escalation, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and launching strikes before a fragile ceasefire held. Kashmir terrorism persists, and key agreements remain suspended, indicating a precarious peace. China's growing infrastructure projects and political influence further amplify these crises across India's periphery. As 2026 approaches with converging electoral timelines and unresolved disputes, India faces not isolated incidents but deeply entrenched structural instability, necessitating a balanced strategy of diplomacy and deterrence.
