The Indian Neighbourhood Today 
#255, 26 October 2026, Monday
Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Sreemaya Nair, and Urja R Kudalkar 

External 
Bangladesh: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discusses innovation, agricultural modernisation and energy security with Japan
On 26 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought Japan’s assistance in establishing a Technological Village and Innovation City in Bangladesh during a meeting with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr Tanaka Akihiko in Tokyo. Discussions covered agricultural modernisation, agro-processing, light engineering and skills development under the Bangladesh-Japan Skills Partnership. Bangladesh also sought Japanese support through concessional loans and technical cooperation for infrastructure development and energy security, alongside budgetary assistance to meet its energy needs. Both sides emphasised completing Japan-supported development projects on schedule and accelerating the approval and implementation of priority projects. Tanaka reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development. Rahman expressed hope that the proposed initiatives would strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation and contribute to shared prosperity.
("PM seeks Japan’s help to set up technological village, innovation city in Bangladesh," Dhaka Tribune, 26 October 2026)
 
Bangladesh: UAE extends invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for defence exhibitions
On 26 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2027) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2027). Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended the invitation. The exhibitions will take place from 25 to 29 January 2027 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. IDEX and NAVDEX serve as international platforms for showcasing developments in land, naval and air defence, alongside security technologies and innovations. The events bring together government officials, military leaders, defence industry representatives and international delegations to promote innovation, business opportunities and cooperation in defence and security.
("UAE invites PM Tarique to attend IDEX, NAVDEX next January," Dhaka Tribune, 26 October 2026)

Sri Lanka: Iran vessel in need of rescue off the coast of Galle; Colombo assists for the second time this year
On 26 October, The Independent and Deccan Herald reported that Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry said that the country had coordinated the rescue of 40 sailors from Iran across 19 commercial ships in international waters off its coast. According to ministry spokesman Thushara Rodrigo, the rescued sailors were brought to the Galle Harbour, where they received medical treatment. Subsequently, they were returned to Iran. The ministry has not revealed any details regarding why the sailors needed rescuing and has only informed the public that they responded to a distress call regarding a vessel in need of rescue about 24 nautical miles off Galle, a port city, that came to them from Iran’s embassy through diplomatic channels. According to local media reports, the sailors were on US-sanctioned oil tankers. This incident marks the second time Sri Lanka has rescued sailors from Iran in 2026, the first being in March, when the country rescued dozens after Iran’s warship, the IRIS Dena, was sunk by a torpedo from a US submarine.
(“Sri Lanka rescues 40 Iranian sailors from ships off its coast,” The Independent, 26 October 2026; “Sri Lanka repatriates 40 Iranian sailors after rescuing them from distressed vessel, providing medical care,” Deccan Herald, 26 October 2026)

Sri Lanka: Indian Navy training squadron visits Colombo to boost maritime cooperation
On 26 October, News18 reported that, according to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, two warships and a Coast Guard vessel, as part of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron, arrived in Sri Lanka for a goodwill visit aimed at improving maritime cooperation. The visit is to span over the duration of three days, starting from 26 October to 28 October. Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph, Director General of Training of the Sri Lanka Navy, is scheduled to visit the ships at Colombo Port. He is expected to interact with the vessels’ commanding officers, training officers, and officer trainees. Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron and Commanding Officer of INS Tir, Captain Tijo K. Joseph, and the commanding officers of the other two visiting vessels are scheduled to call on Santosh Jha, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. They are also scheduled to meet Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy’s Western Naval Area.
(“Indian Navy training squadron arrives in Sri Lanka on three-day visit,” News18, 26 October 2026)

Society 
Bhutan: King declares 23 October as National Yak Day and launches regional herders’ network
On 26 October, Daily Bhutan reported that Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck had declared 23 October as National Yak Day during the ninth Royal Highland Festival in Laya, Gasa district, giving annual national recognition to yaks and the highland communities that depend on them. The festival also saw the launch of the Himalayan Yak Herders' Network, the first regional platform connecting yak-herding organisations from Bhutan, India and Nepal, with Bhutan hosting the network's secretariat. The King also granted residential land to 57 households from the highland communities of Soe, Lingzhi, and Tsento.
("Bhutan Declared 23 October National Yak Day As Regional Herders' Network Launched," Daily Bhutan, 26 October 2026)

Maldives: Bill proposes free home-schooling for children with disabilities
On 26 October, Adhadhu reported that Huraa MP Anara Naeem had introduced the eighth amendment to the Education Act, seeking to provide free home-schooling for children with disabilities who are unable to attend school physically due to a physical disability, mental health condition, or other special circumstances. The amendment stipulates that guardians must have the financial capacity to provide home-schooling and that the child must remain registered within the formal education system. The Education Ministry would be required to outline specific criteria determining eligibility for exemption from compulsory attendance.
("Amendment to allow home-schooling for children with disabilities," Adhadhu, 26 October 2026)
Economy and Energy

Nepal: Renewed Tatopani border closure disrupts China trade and threatens local livelihoods
On 26 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that the Tatopani border crossing with China had closed again just three days after reopening, disrupting trade and threatening the livelihoods of border communities. The crossing operated for cargo traffic from 18 to 20 October, allowing 72 containers carrying garments, fruit and other goods to enter Nepal. Its renewed closure has left traders facing dwindling stocks, slower business and uncertainty over when shipments can resume. Small-scale traders and households in Tatopani, Listikot and nearby settlements have also lost income from cross-border purchases and resale. Traders warn that alternative routes are more expensive and may become inaccessible during winter snowfall. Local representatives say border infrastructure appears ready, but authorities have provided no clear explanation or timeline for reopening cargo movement.
(“Tatopani border closure disrupts trade and livelihoods after brief reopening,” The Kathmandu Post, 26 October 2026)

Myanmar: Regime’s minimum rice price raises fears of mounting losses for farmers
On 26 October, The Irrawaddy reported that rice farmers across Myanmar criticised the military regime’s minimum paddy price of 1.35 million MMK per 100 baskets, saying it fails to cover soaring production costs. The rate applies to this year’s monsoon harvest and next year’s summer paddy. Market prices range from 1.9 million to over 2 million MMK, with premium varieties fetching up to 6 million kyats. Farmers fear the low official rate will allow brokers to push down purchase prices, forcing indebted growers to sell at a loss. Fertiliser, pesticides, labour and loan interest have further increased expenses. Farmers estimate production costs at around 1.2 million kyats per acre, while reduced yields could leave losses of 200,000 to 300,000 kyats per acre.
(“Myanmar Regime’s Minimum Rice Price ‘a License to Squeeze Farmers’,” The Irrawaddy, 26 October 2026)

Politics and Governance 
Maldives: Parliament committee to study broader health insurance reform after petition
On 26 October, The Edition reported that the Public Accounts Committee of the People's Majlis had unanimously agreed to conduct a study on providing health insurance sustainably across the Maldives, following a petition signed by over 7,000 people calling to abolish the expensive health insurance package provided exclusively to Members of Parliament. MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq proposed a broader review rather than abolishing members insurance alone, arguing any change should apply to all state institutions receiving similar benefits.
("Exploring insurance options for all after member health insurance abolition proposed," The Edition, 26 October 2026)

Afghanistan: Taliban central bank deputy governor announces lift of bank account restrictions by end of Afghan solar year
On 26 October, Afghanistan International reported that deputy governor Sediqullah Khalid of the Taliban-controlled central bank announced that all restrictions on bank accounts would be lifted by the end of the ongoing Afghan solar year. The announcement was made at the country’s first national banking conference held by the Afghanistan Banks Association on 25 October. After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghanistan’s banking system went through a widespread disruption, and the group imposed restrictions on bank accounts. Khalid also announced that 100 new automated teller machines (ATMs) will be installed in various areas and that electronic payment terminals will become operational at different locations.
(“All bank account restrictions will be lifted by March 2027, says Taliban,” Afghanistan International, 26 October 2026)

Security 
Nepal: Most government websites restored after critical PHP2Shell security flaw
On 26 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that most Nepali government websites had returned online after authorities patched a critical PHP vulnerability known as PHP2Shell. The Software Development and Operation Centre said thousands of websites hosted on the shared Government Integrated Website Management System had undergone central security updates and audits. However, some services, including the Medical Education Commission website and the Nagarik App, remained unavailable. The vulnerability, disclosed on 21 October, could allow attackers to execute malicious code on affected servers remotely without authentication. Authorities had temporarily shut down government and banking websites as a precaution against potential cyberattacks. Officials said systems managed by individual agencies and external vendors were being restored gradually. The incident highlighted the challenges of securing older digital infrastructure and maintaining uninterrupted public services.
(“Most Nepal government websites back online after PHP2Shell flaw,” The Kathmandu Post, 26 October 2026)

Bangladesh: Police chief says force may resort to ‘crossfire’ with government approval
On 26 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir said police would not hesitate to resort to “crossfire” if the government permitted it. It was considered necessary to maintain law and order and control crime. Speaking at the launch of Community Islamic, an Islamic banking service of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC, in Dhaka, Md Ali Hossain Fakir said police faced criticism both for taking strict action and for remaining passive. He warned that attempts to weaken the police would make maintaining social order difficult. He also said police were pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and that 27 police officers had been sent to jail over the previous two months. Fakir rejected allegations of excessive force and human rights violations by the police.
("IGP: Police ready for ‘crossfire’ if government permits," Dhaka Tribune, 26 October 2026 

Myanmar: Landmines cause 230 civilian casualties across 12 regions and states
On 26 October, Mizzima reported that Myanmar Witness documented 170 landmine and explosive remnants of war incidents across 56 townships in 12 regions and states between April 2025 and March 2026. Shan State recorded the highest number, with 52 incidents, followed by Rakhine with 50 and Kachin with 16. The incidents caused 230 reported civilian casualties, including 57 deaths and 173 injuries. At least 77 people suffered amputations across 71 incidents, while 30 incidents involved children. Explosive hazards were reported near roads, rivers, homes, gardens, monasteries and markets, threatening civilians during everyday activities. Myanmar Witness could not attribute 120 incidents to a specific party. Open-source reports linked 37 incidents to the military and 13 to non-state armed groups, although these claims remain unverified. The report highlights lasting humanitarian and rehabilitation needs.
(“Myanmar Witness reports on the damaging effects of landmines on civilians in Myanmar,” Mizzima, 26 October 2026)

Afghanistan: AFF launches attack on Taliban; Two members reported deceased
On 26 October, Afghanistan International reported that on the Kabul-North highway in Qarabagh district, the Afghanistan Freedom Front’s (AFF) forces attacked a vehicle carrying Taliban members. The group claims that the attack claimed the lives of two Taliban members and injured one member. The attack took place on 25 October, around 2030 hrs, merely three days after the AFF launched a rocket attack on the Bagram military base that caused casualties on the Taliban’s side and also where, according to experts, facilities and training areas used by the militants were also damaged, and none of the group's fighters were harmed in either operation. A video of the attack was released by the AFF, showcasing an explosion beside the highway.
(“Two Taliban members killed in Kabul attack, says AFF,” Afghanistan International, 26 October 2026) 

Environment  
Nepal: Government expands flood warning systems and plans safety measures for four glacial lakes
On 26 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that Nepal’s Hydrology and Water Resources Research Centre had announced plans to expand flood early-warning systems across six river basins and reduce water levels in four high-risk glacial lakes. The warning systems will cover the Mawa-Ratuwa, Bakraha, Lakhandehi, East Rapti, West Rapti and Mohana-Khutiya river basins under a project running until 2028, with a budget of USD 7.54 million. The separate GLOF Sanjibani Project will target Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu-2 lakes from 2026 to 2033, with an estimated budget of USD 49.9 million. The measures aim to strengthen disaster preparedness as rising Himalayan temperatures accelerate glacier melt and increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.
(“Nepal to expand flood warning systems across six river basins,” The Kathmandu Post, 26 October 2026)

Maldives: Cyclone Arnab unlikely to directly hit Maldives but northern regions to see rain
On 26 October, The Edition reported that the Maldives Meteorological Office had said the country would not be directly affected by Cyclone Arnab, which formed over the Bay of Bengal and was expected to make landfall in eastern India, specifically Andhra Pradesh, on 28 October with wind speeds of around 140 kilometres per hour. Northern and central Maldives were forecast to experience rain for the next 24 hours due to low pressure near southern India and Sri Lanka. Around 570,000 people in India's path had been identified for relocation, with schools in some districts closed for two days.
("No direct effect from Cyclone Arnab to Maldives, except rain in the north," The Edition, 26 October 2026)