The Indian Neighbourhood Today #198, 15 August 2026
Aishal Yousuf, Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Radhika Agarwal, Sreemaya Nair, and Urja R Kudalkar 

Nepal: UAV to be used in bilateral efforts to complete cross-border mapping 
On 14 August, The Kathmandu Post reported that at the 13th meeting of the Survey Officials' Committee (SOC) conducted in Lucknow, senior survey officials from India and Nepal have agreed to complete cross-border mapping within the next three years. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will be used by both countries to conduct the mapping. The joint survey is scheduled to begin in September 2026. The issue of the current cross-border occupation emerged when Nepal's Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, stated that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in multiple places. Officials later confirmed that the PM was referring to occupation and use of land and not any kind of territorial claim.
("Nepal, India set three-year deadline to map cross-border land occupation," The Kathmandu Post, 15 August 2026)

Bangladesh Opinion: Rishi Suri, "Are India and Bangladesh finally building the right kind of momentum?," 15 August 2026
"In April, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman travelled to India and met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He also held meetings with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. India reiterated its desire to engage constructively with Bangladesh’s new government, while both sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through existing bilateral mechanisms...This is particularly important because India-Bangladesh relations cannot be managed exclusively through prime ministerial summits. A mature relationship requires multiple channels operating simultaneously: Political, diplomatic, economic, security, border management, and people-to-people...An equally important breakthrough came on the people-to-people front. In June, India announced the resumption of tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals after a suspension lasting nearly two years."

Myanmar: Former Thai foreign minister urges stakeholders to pursue inclusive dialogue to approach Myanmar crisis 
On 15 August, according to Mizzima, at the fifth International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies in Chiang Mai, former Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai stated that resolving Myanmar’s compounding economic, social, and border security crises requires an inclusive dialogue for sustainable peace. He also emphasised that mediation efforts must engage all warring parties, including the opposition groups, which are fragmented amongst over forty factions rather than relying solely on the military regime. Pointing to fragmented international diplomatic initiatives, Minister Surakiart advocated for strategic "quiet diplomacy" to reduce violence and build mutual trust.
(“Former Thai foreign minister urges inclusive dialogue to address Myanmar crisis, border problems at Chiang Mai conference,” Mizzima, 15 August 2026)

Myanmar: Operations by junta escalate leading to the displacement of 10000
On 15 August, Mizzima reported that an offensive by the Myanmar military along the Chindwin River forced approximately 10,000 residents of Phaungbyin Township, Sagaing Region, to abandon their homes. On August 14, a military-escorted vessel flotilla carrying cargo, timber, and jade moved upriver while junta forces launched heavy artillery fire, Mi-35 helicopter strikes, and fighter jet attacks on nearby villages. This intense military activity follows recent artillery bombardments that caused civilian casualties. Already struggling from severe regional flooding, displaced villagers now face dire living conditions, sheltering outdoors in muddy forests without adequate shelter, causing illnesses among children and other vulnerable populations. 
(“Around 10,000 displaced in Phaungbyin as Myanmar military flotilla moves up the Chindwin River,” Mizzima, 15 August 2026)

Sri Lanka: Colombo to invite international bids for Mannar Basin oil and gas exploration
On 15 August, Daily Mirror reported that Colombo would invite bids from international companies later this month for upstream petroleum development in four blocks of the Mannar Basin, after legal impediments that had long delayed the process were cleared. The government had earlier invited tenders to select a consultancy firm to manage the bidding process. According to a 2021 Parliamentary Media Unit release, oil and gas resources worth around USD 267 billion are believed to lie in the basin, where an Indian-owned firm discovered natural gas in 2011. Colombo introduced a national policy on gas in 2020 and a Petroleum Resources Act in 2021 to regulate exploration. The move comes as tensions in the West Asian region push South and Southeast Asian countries towards investing in offshore oil exploration, with India recently approving a USD 8.83 billion offshore exploration scheme and Bangladesh also seeking international bids for its own reserves.
(“Sri Lanka to invite international bids later this month,” Daily Mirror, 15 August 2026)

Maldives: President Muizzu to submit bill blocking un-Islamic laws, marks National Day address
On 15 August, Sun Online reported that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said his administration plans to submit new legislative changes to Parliament, seeking to create a strong system that prevents the formulation of any laws contradicting Islam. Addressing the National Day function in HA Utheemu on Saturday, Muizzu said while the Constitution's Article 10 prohibits enacting laws contrary to Islam, the country lacks an efficient system to ascertain this. He said, "Today, I assure the Maldivian people that we will, god willing, submit this during the third session of the Parliament this year." Muizzu said the country has risked or lost its independence whenever un-Islamic policies were implemented, citing 15 years of Portuguese rule following one person's decision to reject the religion. He also urged Maldivians to build a civilised society based on mutual respect.
("Govt to submit bill to block formulation of any laws that contradict Islam, says President," Sun Online, 15 August 2026)

Maldives: President Muizzu reaffirms deepening strategic partnership with India, marks its 80th Independence Day 
On 15 August, Sun Online reported that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu thanked India for its continued support toward the Maldives' development and reaffirmed his commitment to deepening the multifaceted strategic partnership between the two countries. Muizzu made the remarks in separate letters to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, marking India's 80th Independence Day. In his letter to Murmu, he highlighted the milestone as a testament to India's democratic strength, recognising its role in advancing regional peace and prosperity. In his letter to Modi, he expressed gratitude for India's support and reaffirmed the partnership's importance. On X, Muizzu wrote, "Eight decades of Independence reflect the aspirations, resilience and enduring spirit of the Government and people of India," reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to the relationship, built on "mutual respect, shared prosperity and enduring friendship.
("President: Maldives seeks to deepen multifaceted strategic partnership with India," Sun Online, 15 August 2026)

Afghanistan: Taliban Foreign Minister calls for US to reopen Kabul embassy
On 15 August, Afghanistan International reported that Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told The New York Times that Washington could reopen its embassy in Kabul and restore a diplomatic presence in the country. The US embassy has been closed since the chaotic withdrawal of American forces in August 2021. Muttaqi's call came on the fifth anniversary of the Taliban's return to power. The Taliban has long sought formal diplomatic recognition from Washington, though the US has withheld this, citing concerns over human rights, the ban on girls' education, and the presence of militant groups on Afghan soil.
("Taliban Foreign Minister Calls For Reopening Of US Embassy In Kabul," Afghanistan International, 15 August 2026)

Afghanistan: Taliban Defence Minister warns Pakistan over aggression on Afghan soil
On 15 August, Afghanistan International reported that Taliban Defence Minister Yaqoob Mujahid warned that any Pakistani aggression against Afghan territory would receive a calculated response. Speaking on Taliban-controlled National Television on the fifth anniversary of the Taliban's return to power, Mujahid accused Pakistan of equipping and financing destructive elements, particularly Islamic State members, along the Durand Line and in major Pakistani cities. Mujahid said the Taliban's military currently numbered around 150,000 personnel and that the group possessed the equipment needed for a standing army. He also claimed that nationwide security had been established, a claim contradicted by ongoing armed clashes in Badakhshan and recent United Nations assessments warning that Afghanistan had again become a haven for terrorist groups.
("Taliban Will Respond To Any Pakistani Aggression, Says Group's Defence Minister," Afghanistan International, 15 August 2026)