South Asia's Unrest: Economic Strain, Youth Anger Ignite Crises in India's Backyard

• Since 2022, India's neighbors like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh have faced severe crises fueled by economic stress, youth frustration, and digital policy failures.
• Sri Lanka experienced nearly 70% inflation, poverty doubling, and its president fleeing, leading to an IMF program and political stabilization.
• Nepal's social media ban sparked widespread protests, resulting in 70 deaths, $586M in damages, and PM KP Oli's resignation, driven by demands for jobs and governance.
• Bangladesh saw nationwide student protests over a civil-service quota, leading to curfews, army deployment, internet blackouts, and Sheikh Hasina's ouster.
• India provided significant aid to Sri Lanka and supported regional stability, highlighting macroeconomic repair, youth engagement, and careful digital policy as key lessons.

Why It Matters: Economic stress, youth unrest, and flawed digital policies are fueling instability across India's neighborhood.