South Asian region comprises eight countries, of which India and Pakistan are the two most dominant countries as compared to the other relatively small countries, namely, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The region is heterogeneous in nature in terms of ethnicity, language and religion. It is characterized by “low per capita income, high rate of population growth and high population density.”

The arch rivalry between India and Pakistan, the asymmetry between India and its smaller neighbors, bilateral disputes among member countries, rise of various ethnic and religious conflicts in the region and sustained political instability in some of the member states have acted as major stumbling blocks to regional integration and cooperation in South Asia. Apart from the regional disputes, interference by some external powers in this region has further intensified the animosities among the countries of this region.

Against this backdrop, the paper, “Geostrategic Significance of South Asia: Contextualizing the Interests of External Powers”, by Bawa Singh and Mohamad Arif Mir, examines the geostrategic significance of South Asia and the role of external major powers such as China and the US in the region. The authors argue that interference by some external powers in South Asia region has intensified the animosities among the countries of the region. Post 9/11 and in the wake of the US war against terror in Afghanistan, the South Asian region has once again achieved tremendous importance, with the US’ direct alliance with Pakistan becoming a major flash point.

B N Mehrish, in the paper, “Ukraine Crisis: Legal and Economic Dimensions”, analyzes the factors responsible for the Ukraine crisis. The annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region to Russia has contributed to a rise of unease in Central and Eastern Europe. The author examines the challenges Russia’s resurgence poses and also discusses its implications for the US foreign policy. To de-escalate the current situation in Ukraine, diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the Ukrainian crisis should be initiated.

Santishree D Pandit and Rimli Basu, in the paper, “Connectivity, Development and Regional Integration: The Case of Indo-Myanmar Kaladan Project”, opine that the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport (KMMTT) project between India and Myanmar would provide the connectivity of India to Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries. It would benefit both India and Myanmar and lead to the development of trade between the two countries. It would provide an alternate route for transport of goods to northeast India and economic development of northeastern states, and also considerably improve the northeast’s links with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). In a way, the project provides a win-win situation for both India and Myanmar.

Joshua O Bolarinwa, in the paper, “Reinventing True Federalism in Nigeria: A Perspective”, argues that federalism has been distorted by the political class and the military since Nigeria’s independence in 1960. The absence of enduring democratic system, the various ethnic conflicts and political instability are some of the other factors that have contributed to the present situation. The author opines that Nigeria cannot be a strong and united federation unless and until the states are sufficiently empowered. A major constitutional reform should be put in place to make the states autonomous and independent to a reasonable extent.

Bawa Singh, in the paper, “Maritime Security Threats in the Indian Ocean: How Prepared Is the Indian Navy?”, highlights the importance of the Indian Ocean and how India is dependent on the Indian Ocean for its economic and strategic wellbeing. The Indian Ocean is highly infested with maritime threats such as maritime terrorism, sea piracy, drug trafficking, small arms trafficking and many more. The author assesses the implications of these maritime challenges for the Indian security and economy. To protect the vital economic interests in the Indian Ocean Region from the emerging maritime security threats, the Indian Navy should re-strategize its role in the region.

-- Kalluri Raj Reddy
Consulting Editor