Das Ende Südasiens

SS: **Happymon Jacob** writing for **Foreign Affairs** – The term “South Asia,” coined by Westerners during the Cold War, never resonated deeply with the region’s diverse inhabitants. Despite shared histories and cultural connections, the dream of a united South Asia has crumbled under the weight of mistrust, particularly between India and Pakistan. The once-promising South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has languished, its grand ambitions for economic integration and cultural exchange now distant memories. India’s dominance, while a source of regional stability, also hindered regionalism, as New Delhi saw little value in structures that might dilute its influence. Meanwhile, China’s growing footprint in the region, providing loans and infrastructure to India’s neighbors, has further fragmented South Asia, as smaller states leverage Beijing to counter New Delhi’s power. Ironically, this has eroded India’s regional primacy while also diminishing South Asia’s geopolitical coherence. The region’s inhabitants themselves, particularly India’s burgeoning middle class, are increasingly looking beyond their immediate neighborhood for opportunities and connections.

**My view**: The demise of “South Asia” raises critical questions about India’s “Neighborhood First” policy. Does it ring hollow in the face of India’s reluctance to integrate with its neighbors, both immediate and extended? It appears that the policy has unwittingly become a veil for Indian hegemony, serving the interests of the country’s elite babus and billionaires rather than the common man. This lack of regional integration deprives Indians of the tangible benefits of closer economic and cultural ties with their neighbors. While India’s pursuit of dominance may appease nationalist sentiments, it offers little practical value to its citizens, many of whom remain unaware of these issues due to socioeconomic challenges and limited education.

This zero-sum mentality within the Indian babudom and policymaking circles has blinded it to the shifting tectonic plates of global geopolitics. While India remains stuck in outdated modes of thought, its neighbours are forging ahead, seeking economic openness and free trade with the rest of the world. Blaming Pakistan for SAARC’s failure only tells part of the story; India’s own actions have significantly contributed to the region’s fragmentation. As China’s influence in South Asia grows, eclipsing India’s trade with its neighbors, it becomes evident that India has the most to lose in this geopolitical game. The country’s inward-looking policies and resistance to regional integration have left it ill-equipped to adapt to the changing global landscape. While Indian elites may cling to the illusion of autarky, the reality is that such an approach is unsustainable in the long run.

As the sun sets on the idea of “South Asia,” one wonders if babus will finally awaken from their slumber of self-delusion and recognise the missed opportunities for regional cooperation and shared prosperity.