South Asia at a crossroads: Power shifts, protests and Basant’s return

South Asia is entering a moment of change.

From political realignments in Bangladesh and trade unrest in India to the cultural resurgence of Basant in Pakistan, long-standing narratives across the region are being questioned.

In this episode of The Blue Newsroom, Amber Shamsi breaks down the key developments shaping the region today.

We begin in Bangladesh, where the February 12 elections have ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. Is this a turning point for Pakistan–Bangladesh relations and the regional balance of power? From direct flights to cricket diplomacy, we explore how Dhaka’s Gen-Z is reshaping foreign policy and recalibrating ties away from New Delhi.

Next, we turn to India, where a new U.S.–India trade framework has sparked nationwide farmer protests. Unions have called it a “total surrender.”

We examine what this means for local agriculture and why it revives memories of the 2020 farm law protests.

Finally, we head to Lahore, where Basant has returned after nearly two decades. Despite heightened security concerns following a deadly attack in Islamabad, the city reclaimed a centuries-old tradition. We discuss the safety measures, the political undertones, and why some global media outlets continue to label the festival as “dangerous.”