Articles

Reflections and Roadmap: Maldives’ Journey Through 2024 and Prospects for 2025

Umang Bhansali, Research Assistant, VIF Article

At the outset of 2025, the archipelago nation of Maldives reflects on the previous year, which was defined by remarkable achievements, significant challenges, and pivotal transitions. Spread across 26 atolls, the country is home to a vibrant culture ....

January 22, 2025 Neighbourhood Studies , Maldives , Article , economy , Climate Change , Maritime Security , Tourism , Debt , Maldives China Relations , India Maldives Relations

Neighborhood News Digest - 22 January 2025

Afghanistan

Haqqani Meets UAE President to Discuss Regional Stability-Tolo News

Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Acting Minister of Interior, along with Abdul Haq Wasiq, the Head of Intelligence for the Islamic Emirate, visited....

January 22, 2025 VIF Neighbourhood News Digest , Pakistan , economy , Maldives , Iran , Myanmar , Sri Lanka , Afghanistan , Bhutan , Bangladesh , Tourism , Germany , UAE , Middle East , India-Maldives relations , Haqqani , China-Bangladesh , Maldives-China FTA , Climate Grant , Gwadar International Airport , Scam Centers

Southeast Asia in 2024: Economic Growth, Political Developments, and Policy Recommendations for India in 2025

Dr Cchavi Vasisht Article

National elections in Southeast Asia, namely in Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, within the last year have brought about significant political and policy shifts. These elections were consequential, leading to regime changes and shifts in policy priorit....

January 20, 2025 International Relations and Diplomacy , Neighbourhood Studies , Article , economy , South China Sea , US-China , lections , India ASEAN relations

Neighborhood News Digest - 20 January 2025

Afghanistan

Trade between Afghanistan and Iran Increased by 84% Last Year-Tolo News

Hossein Roustaei, Iran's trade advisor, stated in an interview with Iranian media that trade between Afghanistan and Iran grew by 84% in 2024 ....

January 20, 2025 VIF Neighbourhood News Digest , Pakistan , ASEAN , economy , Maldives , Iran , Myanmar , Sri Lanka , Afghanistan , Bhutan , Bangladesh , Tourism , UAE , junta , BNP , Sri Lanka-China , China-Bangladesh , National Debt , Kurram , Women Education , Myanmar – Russia , Mullah Abdul Kabir , Sufi

Neighborhood News Digest - 09 January 2025

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate: We Have Not Received Any Financial Aid from US-Tolo News

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, has rejected claims of billions of dollars in US aid to Afghanistan, stating t....

January 09, 2025 VIF Neighbourhood News Digest , Israel , Pakistan , US , economy , Maldives , Myanmar , Sri Lanka , Afghanistan , Trump , Bhutan , election , Bangladesh , EU , IMF , PTI , Sri Lanka-China , Myanmar-Russia , Maldives-India relations , Resettlement , Rakhine State , PHPA-I dam , Ngultrum , KKH

Navigating the Future of Europe: Impact of the Second Trump Administration

Shreya Sinha, Research Associate, VIF Article

Donald Trump’s coming to power in the United States is being perceived as the biggest challenge for Europe in 2025, with respect to European defence, trade issues, the China factor, and diplomatic engagement. As Trump’s transactional approach to ....

January 08, 2025 International Relations and Diplomacy , Europe , US , Article , China , economy , Donald Trump , Europe , NATO , Ukraine , Trade Wars , Transatlantic Security

Pakistan in 2024: A Year of Political Turmoil, Economic Struggles, and Security Challenges

Dr Angana Kotokey, Research Associate, VIF Article

As 2024 draws to a close, Pakistan finds itself in the midst of significant political, economic, and security challenges. The year began with political instability following the general elections, and this turbulence has only deepened with legal refo....

January 08, 2025 Neighbourhood Studies , Pakistan , Article , India , Pakistan , economy , elections , Security , BLA , TTP

Neighborhood News Digest- 07 January 2025

Afghanistan

Efforts to Send Skilled Workers Abroad Intensify: Ministry-Tolo News

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced serious efforts to send skilled Afghan workers to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and....

January 07, 2025 VIF Neighbourhood News Digest , Pakistan , China , economy , Maldives , Iran , Myanmar , Sri Lanka , Afghanistan , Bhutan , Bangladesh , refugees , Debt , PTI , PPP , Sports , Rohingyas , Electricity , Myanmar-China , India-Sri Lanka , Maldives-India relations , Skilled workers , Voucher System , State Bank of Pakistan.

Neighborhood News Digest - 06 January 2025

Afghanistan

Blinken: US Foreign Policy toward Afghanistan Will Not Change-Tolo News

Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, said that the future administration of Donald Trump will not change US foreign policy toward Afghan....

January 06, 2025 VIF Neighbourhood News Digest , Pakistan , US , China , economy , Maldives , Myanmar , Sri Lanka , Afghanistan , Uzbekistan , Bhutan , trade , Bangladesh , Tajikistan , Tourism , refugees , UAE , Mining , BNP , Maldives-India relations , GMC , Adani Group , July Proclamation , Guided Missiles , Inward Remittances , PM

Bangladesh in 2024: A Year of Political Turmoil and Transformation

Dr Anchita Borthakur, Research Associate, VIF Article

The year 2024 marked a period of intense political unrest for Bangladesh, one defined by sharp political polarization, economic struggles, and significant shifts in governance. From the re-election of Sheikh Hasina at the beginning of the year to the....

January 06, 2025 Neighbourhood Studies , Bangladesh , Article , India , foreign policy , economy , Bangladesh , Awami League , Sheikh Hasina , BNP , Quota Movement , Muhammad Yunus , Minority , Student Uprising