Political Turbulence in South Asian Countries

South Asian countries have been experiencing tremendous political turbulence in the recent years. The political instability has reached to the hilt; whereby the government collapses abruptly in countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal within a very short time span. India finds itself surrounded by such neighbors can not leave in peace.

Perhaps its roots lye in the deep seeded economic crisis, mass protests mostly led by the youths, paramount level of authoritarianism, to name a few.  The inevitable fall out of authoritarianism gives birth to nepotism, high level of corruptions including money laundering and other social and economic mishaps. As no decent note becomes the prevailing practice, nobody remains ready to show the mirror to the rulers, making him completely detached from the commoners.

Political Turbulence: Governments thwarted

Let’s look into the incidents of Indian subcontinent in recent past. If we look at the core, the issues became political slugfest very soon, which thwarted various governments.

Sri Lanka’s former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, had to fly abroad after mass protests in July 2022. Sri Lankans blame his government for the island’s worst economic crisis in history. A collapse in foreign currency led to dire shortages of food and fuel. The price of the essential commodities had reached a sky-high limit.

Sheikh Hasina, the Prime minister of Bangladesh had to resign in August 2024 and fled to India. Following months long protests, which saw violent suppression and killings of protesters. Consequently, Hasina and her administration had to face an ultimatum from the lead organization of protesters, Students Against Discrimination. Finally she had to resign from office. Reports reveal that Hasina had to leave the country with half-an-hour notice.

KP Sharma Oli September 2025. Oli’s tenure is marked with frequent use of silly remarks, hostility towards critics and the media, and accusations of fostering cronyism and corruption. Oli had flown to an army barracks; believed to be  in the Shivapuri forest area, north of Kathmandu immediately after the Gen Z-led protests turned violent and he resigned as Prime Minister.

Unrest in other South Asian countries

Meanwhile, the current situation of some other south Asian countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan are also on the fire.

Pakistan’s instability is due to Political crackdown, Militant resurgence, Border tensions with Afghanistan and India, Diplomatic balancing act encompassed with Triumph’s hasty decisions and the key intention to use Pakistan for their convenience. The list includes Dalbandin Airport and Pasni Airport, Nur Khan Airbase, Islamabad’s Airport.

In fact, the intent of US urge to use Dalbandin Airport and Pasni Airport has fueled the ongoing vulnerability of Balochistan. The opposition leader like Imran Khan is still in the jail and Asim Munir is in an attempt to fulfil his personal vendetta.  The country has been suffering from a serious economic crunch.

The Taliban led Afghanistan has been suffering from Humanitarian crisis, Severe human rights abuses and Ongoing conflict and instability. Maldives has triggered an international concern and facing domestic pushback due to its Media and press freedom, Crackdown on opposition.

Political Turbulence in neighbors

So, if we want to draw any similarity, we can find the authoritarian leadership encompassed with the hindered freedom of press and commoners are often violating human rights. The weaken economic conditions has fueled the situation to worse. India, unfortunately is surrounded by such turbulence neighbors, which has got a far reaching tentacles inside the country also.

The region’s instability has far-reaching implications, both politically and economically, that India cannot ignore.