New Delhi, Sept. 23 -- The recent earthquake in Afghanistan with its ensuing loss of lives and property has sent tremors through the region. From faraway India, many of us send solidarity and good wishes to those affected - but the lack of economic integration in our region means we are unable to send monetary contributions directly to the affected land.

Meanwhile, other tremors continue to shake the region: the ongoing standoff between two neighbouring nations, India and Pakistan. Disputes between India and Nepal. Shifting alliances in the Maldives. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh navigating competing major power interests.

A harder question

Every August 14 and 15, Pakistan and India mark their Independence Days. These are meant to be moment...