Category: South Asia

News and Analyses of events in South Asia

United States, Hypocrisy and the Vicious Visa Vendetta

The United States, located 8,500 kilometres from Bangladesh, has nonetheless inserted itself into the heart of Bangladeshi domestic politics. To US Indo-Pacific policymakers, this may seem like a distant adventure, but for Bangladeshis, it has the potential to be a source of political instability for years to come. By interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, the US has opened the floodgates for other powers, such as India, China, Russia, and Japan, to do the same. Therefore, the US must take the total responsibility if Bangladesh faces any catastrophic political consequence.

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Categories: America / South Asia

Sikhs and the Interplay Between India, and the Anglo-Saxon Double Standards and Hypocrisy

Following Justin Trudeau’s startling assertion, it becomes evident that the Sikh community, constituting a modest 1.7% of India’s populace, now occupies a focal point within a geopolitical manoeuvre spearheaded by Canada. This intricate manoeuvre enjoys veiled support from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, collectively operating under the umbrella of the Anglo-Saxon intelligence alliance referred to as ‘the Five Eyes.’

This scenario underscores a significant message: If India seeks to forge a partnership with the Western powers for national development, it must acknowledge that it cannot exercise full strategic sovereignty without the approval of the Anglo-Saxon coalition. In this context, Indian intelligence operations within the framework of the Five Eyes will be subject to Western scrutiny, differing from Western intelligence practises.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Bangladesh Must Shift Narrative from Climate Vulnerability to Energy Sovereignty in the Face of Geopolitical Climate Agendas

It’s essential to acknowledge that Bangladesh’s branding as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations can have a discouraging effect on foreign investments. Typically, investors tend to steer clear of regions with such branding. If Bangladesh leans heavily on climate funds and aligns closely with Western narratives regarding their climate agenda’s economic implications, it could face significant challenges in achieving a sovereign energy mix that ensures a balanced energy supply. Such a balanced mix would be less susceptible to the ups and downs of geopolitical turbulence. The energy future of Bangladesh is not merely a challenge; it’s an exhilarating opportunity to seize control of its destiny in a world defined by shifting energy paradigms and geopolitical rivalries.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia / Western Europe

The IMEC Initiative: A Game Changer or a Mere Mirage?

From a geopolitical standpoint, IMEC can be viewed as a strategic response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a program that has extended China’s influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe. By cultivating stronger bonds between these three important geopolitical zones, IMEC has the potential to offer an alternative pathway for nations seeking to diversify their economic ties and reduce dependency on China.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia / Western Europe

Bangladesh Must Dance with France in Strategic Harmony

The Bay of Bengal stands as a vital intersection of maritime trade and strategic interests, holding immense geopolitical importance. Home to nations like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, each with unique geopolitical aspirations and alliances, this region is also at the forefront of a technological revolution, especially in security, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. With its robust technological capabilities, France is poised to play a significant role in shaping the region’s technological landscape. Within the Bay of Bengal lie abundant commercial opportunities, spanning trade, investment, and infrastructure development. France’s Indo-Pacific strategy aims to unlock these opportunities for French businesses by fostering collaboration with regional partners. This approach sets France apart from some of its allies, like the United States and Australia, who have adopted a more confrontational and competitive stance through the controversial AUKUS security partnership, which drew significant criticism, notably from France, leading to the cancellation of its submarine deal with Australia.

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Categories: America / East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia / Western Europe

Human Rights Organisations: Demons Masquerading as Saints?

When justice is not fulfilled, it surely invites backfire. It will be reminded of the more than 13,000 people experiencing commercial sex trafficking in Sacramento County in the US state of California between 2015 and 2020, police brutality and torture causing at least 1,124 people killed in 2021, and 40 million living in poverty in its territory, let alone shocking death tolls of war crimes committed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen.

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Categories: Africa / America / Central Asia / East Asia / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia

American Social Media: Understanding and Preventing Regime Change Operations in Bangladesh

Since American social media plays a critical role in shaping public sentiment and political discourse towards destabilization in a strategic important country like Bangladesh, the government needs to be aware of these challenges and adopt proactive measures to address them effectively. Reversing the western social engineering by regulating social media responsibly, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening security institutions, Bangladesh can safeguard its political stability and protect its national interests in the face of emerging western threats in the digital age.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Unpacking Burma’s Strategic Significance: Conflicts, Challenges, and Geopolitical Interests

One potential scenario could involve the military effectively consolidating its power and addressing opposition through various means, such as employing force or engaging with ethnic armed groups and political parties. This could potentially lead to a situation where there may be a decrease in the space available for civil society, media, and human rights, potentially resembling an authoritarian regime. The military would also aim to safeguard its economic interests and privileges, while actively pursuing stronger partnerships with China, its primary ally and investor. China would potentially find advantages in having a neighboring country that offers stability and amicability, facilitating access to valuable natural resources and markets. Additionally, such a neighbor could serve as a strategic buffer in relation to India and America. However, it is important to consider that this scenario may bring about certain challenges for Burma, including potential isolation from Western nations, potential reduction in foreign aid and investment, potential increase in poverty and inequality, and potential continuation of ethnic conflicts and humanitarian crises.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Bangladesh Gets Russian Support Amid Western Interference in Domestic Politics

The Bangladesh Awami League has held political power since 2009 and has fostered a significant diplomatic rapport with Russia. Russia also extended its support to the government led by the Awami League through a range of means, including financial assistance in the form of loans, provision of weaponry, collaboration in the nuclear energy sector, and diplomatic endorsement. Russia aims to enhance its access and collaboration with Bangladesh on diverse matters, including trade, energy, security, and counterterrorism, through its endorsement of the Awami League government.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia
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