Chapter 5 – Contemporary South Asia
Q1. What is South Asia?
South Asia includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives—countries with shared colonial history, cultural ties, and political challenges.
Q2. What is SAARC?
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is a regional organization formed in 1985 to promote peace, trade, and cooperation among South Asian countries.
Q3. Why is SAARC considered ineffective?
SAARC remains weak due to political tensions—especially between India and Pakistan—lack of trust, and frequent non-cooperation on key regional issues.
Q4. What are the major issues in India–Pakistan relations?
Key issues include the Kashmir dispute, terrorism, water-sharing, cross-border firing, and lack of trust, which affect peace and diplomacy.
Q5. How many wars have been fought between India and Pakistan?
Three major wars (1947, 1965, 1971) and the Kargil conflict in 1999, mostly over Kashmir and territorial disputes.
Q6. What was the Kargil conflict?
A limited war in 1999 when Pakistani soldiers infiltrated Indian positions in Kargil; India regained territory after intense fighting.
Q7. What is the role of cross-border terrorism in India–Pakistan ties?
Terrorism from Pakistan-based groups has worsened relations, with India demanding accountability and action against those responsible for attacks like 26/11.
Q8. What is India’s approach toward Pakistan?
India follows a strategy of diplomatic engagement, military preparedness, international pressure, and bilateral talks, while demanding an end to terrorism.
Q9. What was the Simla Agreement?
A peace treaty signed in 1972 after the 1971 war, emphasizing bilateral resolution of disputes and peaceful coexistence.
Q10. What is the Line of Control (LoC)?
The LoC is a de facto border separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled parts of Jammu and Kashmir, often a flashpoint of conflict.
Q11. What was the India–Bangladesh Liberation War?
In 1971, India helped East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) gain independence from West Pakistan, leading to the formation of Bangladesh.
Q12. How are India–Bangladesh relations today?
They have improved significantly with cooperation in trade, security, connectivity, and water-sharing, though border and migration issues persist.
Q13. What is the Farakka Barrage dispute?
It concerns water sharing of the Ganga River between India and Bangladesh, resolved temporarily through the 1996 water-sharing treaty.
Q14. What are the main concerns in India–Nepal relations?
Issues include border disputes, trade blockades, political interference, and China’s growing influence in Nepal.
Q15. How is India’s relationship with Bhutan?
India and Bhutan share strong diplomatic, economic, and defense ties, with India supporting Bhutan’s development and security.
Q16. What is India’s role in Sri Lanka’s Tamil issue?
India initially supported Tamil rights, later sent the IPKF under the 1987 Accord to enforce peace, but faced backlash from both sides.
Q17. What was the IPKF?
The Indian Peace Keeping Force deployed in Sri Lanka in 1987 to disarm LTTE and enforce peace; it withdrew after facing resistance.
Q18. What is the LTTE?
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam was a militant group in Sri Lanka that fought for an independent Tamil homeland until 2009.
Q19. What are India–Sri Lanka economic ties?
India is one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners, with cooperation in tourism, investment, education, and development assistance.
Q20. How does India support democracy in South Asia?
India promotes democratic governance, supports electoral processes, and engages diplomatically with neighbors to strengthen regional democracy.
Q21. What challenges does South Asia face today?
Terrorism, border disputes, poverty, political instability, and water conflicts are major issues hindering regional peace and growth.
Q22. What is India’s role in the Maldives?
India supports the Maldives through economic aid, defense cooperation, and quick disaster relief, countering China’s growing presence in the region.
Q23. Why is China’s influence rising in South Asia?
China invests heavily in infrastructure through Belt and Road projects, gaining strategic and economic influence in countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Q24. What is the importance of regional cooperation in South Asia?
Cooperation helps address shared problems like climate change, trade, migration, and poverty, promoting peace and development.
Q25. What are India’s strategic interests in South Asia?
Ensuring regional stability, countering terrorism, maintaining influence, energy security, and containing China’s regional ambitions are key strategic goals.
Q26. How does India handle cross-border migration?
India uses border fencing, bilateral talks, refugee policies, and diplomatic agreements to address migration from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.
Q27. What role does culture play in India’s regional ties?
Shared languages, religions, and traditions help strengthen people-to-people ties and promote soft diplomacy in the region.
Q28. What is India’s Neighbourhood First Policy?
It prioritizes strong relations with South Asian neighbors through development aid, connectivity projects, and political cooperation.
Q29. How does India respond to China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)?
India opposes CPEC as it passes through Gilgit-Baltistan, a territory it claims, and sees it as a threat to sovereignty.
Q30. Why is South Asia geopolitically important?
It’s home to a quarter of the world’s population, nuclear powers, rising economies, and lies on vital trade routes, making it strategically crucial.