- Yes, the Indian subcontinent is surrounded by some of the smaller nations that were right on the path of economic development competing not only against the big neighboring countries like India and China but also aspiring to be counted among the best in the world. Of course, India and most importantly, China are considered the big brothers in the region by their sheer economic might. China has metamorphosed into a behemoth in the global standing and India aspires to be a developed nation sooner rather than later. The point of discussion here is why some of the other countries in the region are not faring on expected lines despite showing promise of emerging as a country to reckon with. Let’s delve into comprehending what’s happening around us.
PC: EurAsian Times
- The partition made way for the emergence of Pakistan as a newly minted country with a majority Muslim population forming the bulk. Now, right from the inception of Pakistan, the animosity and antagonism exhibited by our Western neighbor towards us hasn’t subsided one bit despite India winning three wars in the past. Not learning from the sound defeats, the state policy of Pakistan is to foment trouble in India by perpetually encouraging terrorism-related activities leading to continued disturbances along the border right up to the Siachen glacier. Despite suffering an economic meltdown of unimaginable proportions courtesy of its failed policies, Pakistan presses ahead with its unyielding terror activities to foment trouble here.
- It’s another matter altogether that Pakistan is almost considered a failed state unable to rise even as India gains traction around the world on the back of successful economic heft earned through Constitutionally backed democratic processes. The global community is aware of how the military always drives the Pakistani administration rendering the civilian government just a pawn. Sometimes even the modicum of democracy is put to the sword as the numerous military coups suggest underlying the fragility of elected governments in Pakistan. The island nation of Sri Lanka also underwent a testing time in the recent past when the citizens decided to hit the streets after the then government spectacularly failed to lift the country from an economic mess.
PC: Times of India
- Skewed policies, profligacy toward grandiose policies lacking sound economic sense, dependency on foreign powers, and lack of proactive reformist measures immensely contributed to the downfall of the tourist-driven economy of Sri Lanka. After the change of guard forced by the civilian uprising, Sri Lanka is poised to recover from the debilitating economic downturn of late. Sadly, Bangladesh not so long ago considered one of the fast-developing countries has seen a youth-driven uprising forcing the elected PM to resign and flee the country. Reason, failing to live up to the expectations of the aspiring society. Democracies around India are faltering with the military holding the levers of power. This is not good at all for the health of the subcontinent.
