Unrest in the Neighborhood: What India Must Learn from the Failures of Its Neighbors

Over the last few years, India’s neighboring countries—Sri Lanka and Bangladesh—have faced waves of public unrest, and now Nepal too is experiencing widespread protests and political instability. Even the Maldives and Pakistan, though differing in scale and intensity, are grappling with governance failures, economic stress, and public frustration. These crises are not isolated events but symptoms of deeper structural problems that threaten peace, prosperity, and democratic stability across South Asia. For India, observing these developments is more than a matter of curiosity; it is a matter of responsibility. The patterns of unrest across the region hold critical lessons that India must heed if it is to safeguard its own stability and play a constructive role in regional affairs.

Sri Lanka’s collapse stands as one of the most stark warnings in recent memory. Years of unchecked borrowing, coupled with tax cuts that crippled government revenues and an overreliance on foreign debt, left the country unable to import basic necessities. Inflation surged to record highs, while hospitals and fuel stations ran dry. Despite warnings from economists and civil society, successive governments chose short-term populism over long-term reforms. Poor communication, denial of the crisis, and reluctance to share power deepened public distrust. Citizens, pushed to desperation, poured into the streets and ultimately forced the leadership to resign. The country remains mired in economic uncertainty and social discontent, and although debt restructuring efforts are underway, the scars of mismanagement persist.

In Bangladesh, rapid economic growth masked underlying structural weaknesses. While sectors such as textiles and remittances brought prosperity, the benefits failed to reach the majority of citizens. The youth, educated but unemployed, grew disillusioned with rising living costs, corruption, and a political environment marked by polarization and manipulation. Questions over electoral fairness and suppression of dissent further alienated communities. Recent protests led by students and opposition groups reflect a growing impatience with unresponsive governance. The ruling establishment’s inability to address rising inequality and ensure democratic accountability has created a fragile political environment that could have long-term consequences if reforms are not pursued.

Nepal, too, is experiencing turbulence rooted in factionalism and institutional weaknesses. Despite its wealth of natural resources and tourism potential, political infighting and corruption have stunted development. Governments rise and fall frequently, with little continuity in policy-making. Employment opportunities remain scarce, inflation burdens households, and public services are inadequate. The citizens’ growing discontent reflects their frustration with leaders more invested in personal power struggles than in addressing national challenges. Trust in institutions has eroded, leaving the country vulnerable to internal fragmentation and external influence.

Even smaller and less-discussed neighbors such as the Maldives and Pakistan reflect similar stresses. The Maldives, heavily dependent on tourism and foreign capital, has seen political instability and corruption scandals fuel public anger. Its democratic institutions have faced setbacks, with allegations of authoritarian governance, nepotism, and poor crisis management exacerbating citizen frustration. In Pakistan, inflation, unemployment, and security challenges are daily concerns for ordinary citizens. Political divisions, a weak judicial system, and dependence on international financial aid have undermined public confidence. Rising food prices, energy shortages, and recurring protests are a sign of deep structural imbalances that have not been addressed through meaningful reform.

For India, these crises matter on multiple levels. Economic interdependence, porous borders, cultural exchanges, and security considerations tie the region together. Prolonged instability next door risks disrupting trade, prompting refugee flows, and creating security vulnerabilities such as cross-border crime or extremist infiltration. Beyond tangible concerns, India’s reputation as a responsible democratic power is also at stake. A perception of complacency in addressing its own socio-economic challenges could invite unfavorable comparisons with neighbors whose governance failures have led to widespread unrest.

The failures across these countries share several common threads. Populist economic policies that prioritize short-term relief over structural reform, centralization of power without checks and balances, and suppression of dissent have all contributed to deteriorating public trust. Leaders have often ignored warnings, failed to communicate effectively, and treated governance as a contest of personal or party advantage rather than a service to the people. Where welfare systems are weak and institutions lack credibility, grievances easily transform into movements that challenge state legitimacy.

Why has India, despite its own challenges, avoided unrest on a similar scale? Part of the answer lies in the size and diversity of its economy, which allows for multiple avenues of growth even when one sector faces stress. The federal structure, with regional governments empowered to respond to local issues, provides a buffer against nationwide crises. Regular elections at multiple levels, along with a relatively independent judiciary and media, offer platforms for accountability and debate. Welfare initiatives such as food security programs, rural employment schemes, and targeted subsidies provide some relief during economic downturns. Civil society organizations, though varied in effectiveness, also offer channels for dialogue and dissent.

However, these strengths should not breed complacency. Rising inequality, unemployment among youth, and regional disparities remain real threats. The fact that protests on the scale seen in Sri Lanka or Bangladesh have not erupted in India should be viewed as a reminder of what could happen if governance lapses are ignored. The need for constant vigilance, responsive policy-making, and transparent leadership cannot be overstated.

India’s neighbors have shown what happens when leadership prioritizes short-term political gains over structural reforms and citizen welfare. The lesson for India is clear: economic growth without equity breeds resentment, governance without accountability breeds distrust, and political competition without cooperation breeds instability. Stability must be nurtured through inclusive policies, empathetic leadership, and resilient institutions. Addressing grievances early, investing in social safety nets, and fostering participatory governance are essential to ensuring that unrest does not spiral into larger crises.

A stable, prosperous neighborhood serves India’s long-term interests. By learning from the failures of its neighbors and strengthening its own institutions, India can not only safeguard its internal stability but also act as a force for regional cooperation, peace, and sustainable development. The choice is before us: either draw lessons and prepare, or risk being dragged into turmoil by forces already destabilizing the region. The time to act is now.