From Kabul To Dhaka: 2026 A Crucial Test For India’s Neighbourhood Ties

The year 2026 is expected to be pivotal for India’s foreign policy in its immediate neighbourhood. According to reports from the Economic Times and India Today, general elections in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar will test New Delhi’s ability to maintain stable ties amid political churn. Bangladesh remains the most acute challenge, with regime shifts and street protests shaping its trajectory.  

Afghanistan’s continuing instability and Pakistan’s domestic crises further complicate India’s regional calculus. Analysts note that India’s outreach will need to combine security vigilance with economic and cultural engagement to prevent ruptures in its neighbourhood strategy.  

Key Highlights  

• Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar head into general elections in 2026, outcomes critical for India’s ties  
• Bangladesh poses the sharpest challenge with political unrest and regime uncertainty  
• Afghanistan’s instability continues to affect regional security dynamics  
• Pakistan’s internal crises add to volatility in India’s periphery  
• India’s outreach policy must balance security, economic, and cultural diplomacy  
• 2026 seen as a make-or-break year for neighbourhood engagement  

Conclusion  
India enters 2026 with little room for missteps in its neighbourhood policy. The interplay of elections, unrest, and regional instability will determine whether New Delhi can consolidate influence or face setbacks in South Asia’s shifting landscape.  

Sources: Economic Times, India Today, Indian Express