Key Points

The expression South Asia usually includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The region is defined by the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south, creating a distinct geopolitical space with a shared culture.

South Asian countries have diverse political systems. While India and Sri Lanka have consistently maintained democracy, nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh have experienced cycles of both military and civilian rule.

Pakistan's political history is marked by instability, with frequent transitions between democratic governments and military takeovers. The dominance of the military, clergy, and its conflict with India are major factors hindering a stable democracy.

Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, gained independence in 1971 after a war of liberation. This was triggered by West Pakistan's domination and the refusal to accept the 1970 election results won by Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman's Awami League.

Nepal transformed from a Hindu kingdom to a constitutional monarchy, and finally to a democratic republic in 2008 after a massive pro-democracy movement. A new constitution was adopted in 2015, completing its transition.

Sri Lanka faced a severe ethnic conflict between the majority Sinhala community and the Tamil minority. The militant group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fought for a separate country, a civil war which ended in 2009.

In 1987, India intervened in Sri Lanka by signing an accord and sending the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to stabilize relations. The IPKF was withdrawn in 1989 after getting into a fight with the LTTE.

The main conflicts between India and Pakistan are the dispute over Kashmir, strategic issues like the Siachen glacier, and an arms race. Cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan is a major point of contention for India.

In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests, which were quickly followed by Pakistan conducting its own tests. This development made the region a major global flashpoint and changed the nature of the India-Pakistan conflict.

Despite conflicts, the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, is a notable example of cooperation. It governs the sharing of waters from the Indus river system and has survived multiple wars.

India's relations with its other neighbors like Bangladesh and Nepal involve disputes over issues like river water sharing, illegal immigration, and security. Smaller countries often fear India's dominance due to its large size and power.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was formed in 1985 to promote regional cooperation. Its progress has been slow and limited, primarily due to the political differences and conflicts between India and Pakistan.

The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement was signed in 2004 and came into effect in 2006. It aims to create a free trade zone for the whole region by lowering trade tariffs.

China and the United States are key external players influencing South Asian politics. China's strategic partnership with Pakistan and the increasing role of the US as a moderator in India-Pakistan relations are significant factors.

Despite a mixed record, there is widespread popular support for democracy in all South Asian countries. Surveys show that ordinary citizens prefer democracy over any other form of government, viewing it as suitable for their countries.