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EU-India economic and security partnership:
The European Union is set to deepen its strategic and security partnership with India amid growing global geopolitical tensions and pressure on the rules-based international order. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced plans for a new EU-India security and defence partnership focusing on maritime security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism. The initiative will be formalized at the 16th EU-India Summit in New Delhi on January 27, alongside a new comprehensive strategic agenda. Senior EU leaders will attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. Both sides also aim to conclude a free trade agreement to boost market access, strengthen supply chains, and expand cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and skilled workforce mobility. (Picture courtesy: Reuters) EU to proceed on security and defence partnership with India, Kallas says | Reuters
Read our brief on EU-India Trade Negotiations
Feature Story: South Asian Migrants in Europe
Feature Story: South Asian Migrants in Europe
'A targeted integration policy needed'
'A targeted integration policy needed'
25-10-2025
South Asian migrant workers have become an increasingly visible across European Union countries especially over the last decade. Drawn by labor demand, migrants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, among others, form varied labor-market niches such as high-skilled IT and health professionals, and lower-skilled care, hospitality, agriculture, construction, logistic workers, filling gaps left by European workforces either due to aging Europeans or intra-European migration. An estimate shows that in Germany, there is gap of 400,000 people in workforce. Data shows that the work-related migration was the single largest reason for first residence permits in 2023 in the EU, which shows the rising labor gap in Europe. However, there are challenges that the relevant authorities in Europe and the sender countries need to address. More
Nepal Elections Results and RSP’s upheaval:
10.03.2026
The media old guards were also taken by surprise by RSP’s massive win, but the new YouTube broadcasters who extensively travelled across the country and talked to people and politicians alike had declared that this was RSP’s election!
There was a palpable consensus among the electorate: it was time for new faces. Driven by deep-seated discontent with established politicians—fueled by corruption scandals, internal power struggles, and systemic stagnation—the Gen Z movement served as a catalyst for this shift. The public sentiment became uncompromising; a new era had to begin, regardless of the risks.
While questions linger regarding how the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) will govern following their landslide victory, the public is not necessarily expecting miracles. Instead, they seek a parliament that fosters a sense of belonging—one that works earnestly for societal betterment, holds the corrupt accountable, and provides a roadmap for the nation’s future.
This brand of electoral upheaval is not unprecedented in Nepal; the Maoists saw a similar surge in 2008, as have various independent candidates over the years. However, history shows that when actions fail to mirror pledges, these movements collapse. What makes this moment unique—and perhaps precarious—is that many RSP candidates are strangers to one another, unfamiliar with their colleagues’ characters or professional capabilities. Voters often chose the “Blue Bell” symbol based solely on the collective charisma of Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah. As the RSP nears a super-majority, the real test begins: how will cabinet dynamics play out, and can they provide the stable, full-term government the country desperately needs?
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Previous Briefs and Feature Stories on South Asia
We are reading in media this week on South Asia
From previous weeks
Last update: 04-10-2025
EU and South Asia Relations
EU and South Asia Relations
Did you miss our podcasts on South Asia? Go to the links below:
Anil Sigdel, Vienna, Austria
South Asia's Economic Outlook
South Asia's Economic Outlook
South Asia's Economic Journey: A Decade of Growth and Future Outlook
South Asia's Economic Journey: A Decade of Growth and Future Outlook
The macro-economic landscape of South Asia over the last ten years has been defined by robust, albeit volatile, economic growth, primarily propelled by India's accelerating economy. The region, encompassing diverse nations like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, has collectively emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing regions, driven largely by resilient domestic demand, public investment, and a growing services sector.1 However, this period has also seen significant economic challenges, notably the debt crises in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and periods of high inflation fueled by global commodity price shocks and domestic factors.
South Asian Food of the week
Classic Nepali Momos Recipe
Classic Nepali Momos Recipe
Nepali Momo Recipe (Chicken or Veg Version)
Nepali Momo Recipe (Chicken or Veg Version)
Prep time: 45 mins
Cook time: 15–20 mins
Serves: 4–5 people
Click here
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