Neighbourhood Watch: PoK Erupts, Bangladesh Battles Dengue, And Taliban Heads To India, What Shook South Asia This Week?

Neighbourhood Watch: This week, South Asia and its neighboring regions witnessed a wave of significant developments, from deadly militant attacks and political crackdowns to trade realignments and natural disasters. Pakistan faced renewed security and economic challenges, Bangladesh grappled with a worsening dengue crisis and political turmoil, while China tightened control over strategic exports. In Sri Lanka, IMF talks and trade expansion continued, Afghanistan made a rare diplomatic outreach to India, and Nepal battled deadly landslides triggered by relentless rains.

Here's what happened in India's Neighbourhood 

Pakistan

Militant Ambush Kills 11 Troops: Islamist militants attacked a paramilitary convoy near the Afghan border, killing 11 soldiers — one of the deadliest attacks in months.

Massive Unrest in PoK Region: Days of violent protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir ended after Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif agreed to reduce electricity tariffs and fuel prices. The unrest had left over 10.

Critical Minerals Export To US: Islamabad sent its first shipment of rare minerals to Washington under a new $500 million “mining diplomacy” deal, seen as a shift away from Chinese

JeM Launches Women’s Wing: The terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed announced a new women’s wing, “Jamaat-ul-Mominaat,” led by Masood Azhar’s sister, raising fresh security concerns.

US–Iran Strategy Angle: Reports suggest the US is strengthening ties with Pakistan as part of its plan to counter Iran’s influence in the region, possibly using bases in Balochistan.

Bangladesh

Massive Dengue Outbreak: Over 50,000 infections and more than 200 deaths reported so far this season, prompting health experts to call for urgent mosquito control

Arrest Warrants Against Sheikh Hasina: A Dhaka tribunal issued warrants for former PM Hasina and 27 others over alleged enforced disappearances during her tenure.

Tarique Rahman’s Return Plan: The exiled BNP leader announced his intention to return for the upcoming elections, adding tension to the political

RCEP Trade Bloc Bid: Bangladesh formally expressed interest in joining the China-led RCEP, signaling a tilt toward regional economic integration.

China

Rare Earth Export Curbs: Beijing imposed new restrictions on exporting certain rare earth minerals vital for semiconductors and defence tech — heightening US-China trade tensions

Tightened NGO Regulations: China increased monitoring of foreign NGOs and data-sharing rules, citing national security concerns.

ALSO READ: Neighbourhood Watch: From Nepal's Gen Z Protests To Pakistan's Crushing Defeat, Top Developments This Week

Sri Lanka

Joining RCEP Effort: Colombo applied to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) alongside Bangladesh and Hong Kong — part of its post-crisis trade diversification push.

IMF Review Talks: Sri Lanka continued discussions with the IMF for the third phase of its bailout review, focusing on tax reforms and debt sustainability.

Afghanistan

- Taliban Minister India Visit: Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi reached New Delhi, the Taliban’s first official outreach to India since regaining power in 2021.

- Push for Trade Recognition: Kabul is lobbying neighboring countries, including China and Iran, for formal recognition and inclusion in regional trade routes.

Nepal

Massive landslide: Heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods blocking roads, washing away bridges and killing at least 47 people since Friday in Nepal.

Thirty-five people were killed in separate landslides in the Ilam district in the east bordering India, said Kalidas Dhauboji, a spokesperson for the Armed Police Force.

(NOTE: This article is part of the series 'Neighbourhood Watch'. To read more articles in the series, click here)