The Enduring Consequences of America’s Exit from Afghanistan

The 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan was more than the end of a long war, it was a poorly executed exit that triggered the rapid collapse of the Afghan state. The fall of Kabul, the Abbey Gate attack, and the return of militant groups exposed serious gaps in planning and coordination.
Revising the Agnipath Scheme: Preserving the Gorkha Legacy in India-Nepal Relations

The introduction of India’s Agnipath scheme has stalled the historic Gorkha recruitment process, challenging a 200-year-old tradition and Nepal’s economic stability. This paper argues for a Hybrid Gorkha Model, a reformative structure extending service terms to 7–10 years with pension guarantees and skill development. Such a model not only preserves the Gorkha legacy but also strengthens India–Nepal bilateral ties amid evolving regional geopolitics.
Pakistan Says India Shared ‘No Evidence’ Even a Week After Pahalgam Attack
![Pakistan rejects India's accusations on Pahalgam attack, calls them baseless amid rising tensions and mutual punitive actions. [Screengrab/ PTV News]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4597122-1006535882.webp)
Pakistan rejects India’s accusations on Pahalgam attack, calls them baseless amid rising tensions and mutual punitive actions.
Pakistan Prepared for Any Indian Incursion, Defence Minister Says
![Pakistan's defense minister warns of imminent Indian incursion as global calls for de-escalation intensify. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/290712258be9072.webp)
Pakistan’s defense minister warns of imminent Indian incursion as global calls for de-escalation intensify.
India Boosts Domestic Arms, Reduces Russian Weapon Dependency
![India reduces reliance on Russia for arms, strengthens ties with the West, and boosts domestic defense production. [Image via AFP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2713320797018e5.webp)
India reduces reliance on Russia for arms, strengthens ties with the West, and boosts domestic defense production.
“Those Spreading Fake News for Vested Political Interests Need to be Brought to Justice”: Top Military Brass
![COAS warns against propaganda for vested interests, insisting those responsible must be brought to justice. [Image via The Pakistan Times]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_4298-1024x569-1.webp)
COAS warns against propaganda for vested interests, insisting those responsible must be brought to justice.
HIFPA: Will it Reshape Global Alliances or Amplify Diplomatic Tensions?

In the aftermath of the October 7th incident that prompted a significant Israeli military intervention in Gaza, the bipartisan approval of HIFPA (H.R. 340) on November 1st carries weighty implications.
Japan’s Defence Overhaul: From Pacifist to Militarist

The region has been agitated by Japan\’s intention to double its defence spending by 2027. The \”major shift\” in Japanese security policies has been extensively debated, including how and why Japan is giving up its \”pacifist\” roots and choosing militarization.
China’s Military prepared to down unauthorized flying object near Naval Base

An unidentified flying object sparks Security concerns as China mobilizes to take down an object near a strategic Naval base in Qingdao China to shoot down unauthorized object flying over waters near the port city of Qingdao, which is home to a major naval base for the People’s Liberation Army, Chinese news outlet The Paper […]
Pakistan: Charting the Course to Democracy

Despite Pakistan\’s troubled political history, this week has witnessed unprecedented public acknowledgments of deep-seated fissures among political and apolitical actors. It is opportune for the nation to reassess and rechart its course.