- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Neighbourhood Watch: India’s vast borders connect it to a diverse set of neighbours, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China, each with its own unique political, economic, and social challenges. What happens in these countries often has a direct or indirect impact on India, shaping trade, diplomacy, security, and even cultural exchanges. Keeping a close eye on developments across the border is not just about curiosity, it is about understanding the shifting dynamics of South Asia and beyond.
Over the past week, the region has witnessed a flurry of important events, ranging from fiery street protests to escalating trade disputes. From political protests and economic disputes to social upheavals and security issues, each development serves as a reminder that regional stability is as much about what happens outside India’s borders as within them.
Here’s a roundup of the top developments in India’s neighbouring countries from the past week.
Nepal's Political Reset: Gen Z Protests And Oli's Ouster
Nepal witnessed a violent Gen protests last week. This triggered Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to quit shortly after hundreds of agitators entered his office demanding his resignation for the death of at least 19 people in police action during protests.
- Later, the toll crossed 70-mark.
- Nepal got its first female Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, ending days of political uncertainty after the abrupt resignation of Oli last week following wide-spread anti-government protests against a ban on social media and alleged corruption.
- On Monday, she appointed three ministers to her cabinet, including former finance secretary Rameshwor Khanal and ex-NEA MD Kulman Ghising, who will oversee multiple key portfolios. Fresh parliamentary elections announced for March 21.
ALSO READ: How The Lavish Lifestyle Of Nepal 'Nepo Kids' Triggered 'Struggling' Gen Zs Amid Rising Poverty
China: Trade War Meets TikTok Talks
China slammed the Trump-led US over NATO and G7 sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil, while its economy shows signs of slowing. Meanwhile, US-China talks in Madrid aim to resolve trade issues, including a potential TikTok deal, with progress contingent on Chinese concessions.
Chin's Grim Economy
Behind the spectacle lies stress. August’s data told a grim story: retail sales, factory output, and industrial growth all slowed, while the real-estate slump deepened. The chatter in Beijing’s economic circles? More stimulus injections could be on the horizon.
- FM Wang Yi called US sanctions and tariffs “unilateral bullying” and warned of countermeasures.
- China’s factory output and retail sales slowed in July.
- Industrial output rose 5.7 per cent, down from 6.8 per cent in June, missing expectations.
- US-China negotiations in Madrid focus on ByteDance divestment and broader trade issues.
- Trump tweeted that the “big Trade Meeting in Europe” went very well, noting a deal on a company popular among young Americans and reaffirming strong US-China relations.
ALSO READ: Trump Hints At TikTok Deal With China, Announces Plans To Speak With President Xi On Friday
Pakistan: Floods, IMF Loan And India-Pak Cricket Match
Pakistan continues to face massive flooding that ravaged towns, villages and large swathes of farmlands across Pakistan, especially the Punjab province. The death toll has increased to 964 since the monsoon rains started.
- The Pakistani government has formally requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to defer electricity bills for residents of flood-affected areas for three months.
- Pakistan faced a heavy loss against India in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A match on Sunday. Limited to a mere 127 runs, Pakistan saw India chase the target in just 15.5 overs.
- Pakistani security forces conducted raids on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Raids targeted hideouts of the TTP, an outlawed group separate from the Afghan Taliban.
- Clashes left 19 Pakistani soldiers and 45 militants dead.
(Image Credit: Sony LIVE)
Bangladesh: Polls, Protests And Prosecution
- The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) warned that delaying the February elections could threaten security.
- Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed commitment to credible elections with party consensus.
- ICT Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said arguments in the Sheikh Hasina crimes against humanity case will start soon.
Afghanistan: Prisoners And Politics
- US officials met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul.
- Discussions focused on Americans held in Afghanistan.
- Both sides emphasised continuing talks on detentions.