- 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
Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, 73, 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.
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.
- 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.
Pakistan: Doha Talks, Khyber Raids
PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha for the Arab-Islamic summit under the OIC, while Pakistan faces ongoing security and natural crises, including anti-terror operations and devastating floods in South Punjab.
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.
- PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that terrorists originate from Afghanistan.
- Pakistan will disengage from the Afghan administration if it supports terrorist groups
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.