The South Asian sub-region (synonymous to that of the Indian sub-continent) with India at the center and surrounded by Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Myanmar and Maldives has been in the focus of world attention in recent years. The region has been characterised by the dynamic inter-play of security, economic and diplomatic factors reinforcing each other owing to the complex nature of territorial claims and religious extremist activities. This is evidenced by the competing political and strategic interests between the three nuclear weapon countries of the region viz: China, India and Pakistan. In fact, the region has witnessed three major wars between India and Pakistan and one between India and China besides several other border skirmishes on and off at various times including the ongoing India – China border row in Sikkim and hence convulsed in tensions and mutual mistrust and animosity leading to frequent threat of war or near war situations affecting regional security and stability. The U.S strategic tie-up with India, viewed by many as one aimed against China and conducting joint naval exercises with India in the Indian Ocean region coupled with the role played by Russia vis-à -vis China and India have gone to add a new dimension making security and stability even more entangled with extra-regional powers.
The aim of this thematic series is to shed light on the varied and complex factors that play a role in the regional security dynamics of South Asia.
Edited by: Dr. M. Venkataraman