CSAS Picks: Featured Updates on South Asia
The Center for South Asian Studies (CSAS), Gifu Women’s University, introduces selected materials related to South Asia — including media reports, academic articles, public reports, books, and events — together with brief commentary and perspectives from specialists.
Issue
No. 2 (2026-07-13)
【CSAS Picks: Featured Updates on South Asia−3】
Prof. MURAYAMA Mayumi (Visiting Professor)
Category: Media Article
Source: The India Forum
Date: 26 June 2026
Summary: This article examines the political rhetoric that the religious demographic composition of India’s border regions has been significantly altered by the inflow of undocumented Muslim migrants from Bangladesh.
Using the 2001 and 2011 population censuses together with 2019–21 National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data as a substitute for the unavailable 2021 census, the author tests this hypothesis for West Bengal and Assam.
The analysis finds no evidence of a disproportionate increase in the Muslim population in border-adjacent districts between 2001–2011 or 2011–2019.
Using the 2001 and 2011 population censuses together with 2019–21 National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data as a substitute for the unavailable 2021 census, the author tests this hypothesis for West Bengal and Assam.
The analysis finds no evidence of a disproportionate increase in the Muslim population in border-adjacent districts between 2001–2011 or 2011–2019.
Comment: Cross-border migration is becoming a contested issue worldwide, and in India’s case attention has focused on the eastern and northeastern borders shared with Bangladesh. The question of undocumented migration, criminalized since the demarcation of the border under British rule, remains the most pressing bilateral issue between India and Bangladesh today.
On 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Modi announced a high-level committee on demographic change, which was formally inaugurated on 26 May 2026. The committee is expected to comprehensively examine population changes across India arising from causes other than natural increase, such as undocumented migration, and to submit time-bound recommendations within one to one-and-a-half years. The article notes it as remarkable that the political rhetoric leading to the committee’s establishment has been voiced so forcefully without supporting evidence.
Demographic change involves not only migration (inflow and outflow) but also a range of other factors such as birth and death rates. It will be important to watch closely what methodology the committee adopts, what conclusions it reaches, and whether the process itself gives rise to new controversies.
On 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Modi announced a high-level committee on demographic change, which was formally inaugurated on 26 May 2026. The committee is expected to comprehensively examine population changes across India arising from causes other than natural increase, such as undocumented migration, and to submit time-bound recommendations within one to one-and-a-half years. The article notes it as remarkable that the political rhetoric leading to the committee’s establishment has been voiced so forcefully without supporting evidence.
Demographic change involves not only migration (inflow and outflow) but also a range of other factors such as birth and death rates. It will be important to watch closely what methodology the committee adopts, what conclusions it reaches, and whether the process itself gives rise to new controversies.
【CSAS Picks: Featured Updates on South Asia−4】
Prof. FUKUNAGA Masaaki (Visiting Professor)
Category: Media Article
Source: The Economic Times (PTI)
Date: 8 July 2026
Summary: According to a report by the Maharashtra state administration, 465 farmers died by suicide in the Marathwada region during the first half of 2026 (January–June).
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district recorded the highest number with 109 cases. Across the region’s eight districts, 215 cases have been approved for government compensation while 222 remain under review.
In 2025, the region recorded 1,131 farmer suicides, underscoring the continuing severity of the agrarian crisis.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district recorded the highest number with 109 cases. Across the region’s eight districts, 215 cases have been approved for government compensation while 222 remain under review.
In 2025, the region recorded 1,131 farmer suicides, underscoring the continuing severity of the agrarian crisis.
Comment: Farmer suicides have been repeatedly discussed, both in India and abroad, as a symbol of the structural problems facing Indian agriculture since the 1990s. While India has achieved economic growth that has made it the world’s fifth-largest economy in nominal GDP terms, the persistence of this issue is emblematic of the serious economic and social vulnerabilities that remain in rural areas, home to roughly 60% of the population.
The Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra are particularly well known for having the highest rates of farmer suicide in the country. Behind this lies a combination of structural factors: semi-arid conditions heavily dependent on the monsoon, reliance on cash crops such as cotton and soybeans, the cost of agricultural inputs including fertilizer and pesticides, debt burdens, market price volatility, droughts and extreme weather linked to climate change, and policy support that remains inadequate.
This report shows that the situation has yet to improve, offering an important case for understanding the realities of rural society that cannot be captured by India’s economic growth alone. It also underscores, once again, the need to consider agricultural policy, regional disparities, climate change, and social security together as an integrated whole.
The Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra are particularly well known for having the highest rates of farmer suicide in the country. Behind this lies a combination of structural factors: semi-arid conditions heavily dependent on the monsoon, reliance on cash crops such as cotton and soybeans, the cost of agricultural inputs including fertilizer and pesticides, debt burdens, market price volatility, droughts and extreme weather linked to climate change, and policy support that remains inadequate.
This report shows that the situation has yet to improve, offering an important case for understanding the realities of rural society that cannot be captured by India’s economic growth alone. It also underscores, once again, the need to consider agricultural policy, regional disparities, climate change, and social security together as an integrated whole.
Note: Original text in Japanese; translated into English by the Center.
Issue
No. 1 (2026-06-03)
【CSAS Picks: Featured Updates on South Asia】1
Prof. HIROSE Hiromi (Visiting Professor)
Category: Institutional Report
Source: JETRO
Date: 14 May 2026
Summary: Following the Tamil Nadu state assembly election in southern India, Joseph C. Vijay, a popular film actor and leader of the newly established Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), became Chief Minister after the party emerged as the largest force in the state assembly.
Comment: The transformation of fan clubs into political organizations represents a different dimension from the earlier Dravidian political tradition, which mobilized mass support through cinema while emphasizing Tamil language and culture. Rather than celebrities simply entering politics, the phenomenon now reflects how public support gathers around figures perceived as capable of advancing social justice.
Note: Original text in Japanese; translated into English by the Center.
【CSAS Picks: Featured Updates on South Asia】2
Prof. MIWA Hiroki (Visiting Professor)
Category: Media Article
Source: The Hindu
Date: 11 May 2026
Summary: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on citizens to help the country cope with global economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and inflationary pressures. He urged people to reduce unnecessary purchases of gold and overseas travel in order to limit foreign currency outflows, while also encouraging the use of public transportation and remote work.
Comment: The worsening situation in the Middle East is affecting the Indian economy, particularly through rising fuel prices. Modi’s remarks reflect an attempt to secure public cooperation in addressing these challenges. However, because fuel costs directly affect everyday life, any policy missteps by the government could lead to a decline in public support.
Note: Original text in Japanese; translated into English by the Center.
【CSAS Picks: Featured Updates on South Asia】3
Mr. TinWin (Visiting Researcher)
Category: Media Article
Source: Reuters
Date: 30 May 2026
Summary: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing has begun a five-day official visit to India, his first foreign trip since assuming the presidency in April 2026.
During the visit, he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss bilateral cooperation, border security, connectivity, trade, and economic relations. Analysts also note India’s interest in reducing China’s influence in Myanmar and exploring access to Myanmar’s rare earth resources.
During the visit, he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss bilateral cooperation, border security, connectivity, trade, and economic relations. Analysts also note India’s interest in reducing China’s influence in Myanmar and exploring access to Myanmar’s rare earth resources.
Comment: This visit illustrates the growing complexity of regional diplomacy surrounding Myanmar. Discussions about Myanmar are often framed primarily through the lens of democracy and human rights, which remain important considerations.
At the same time, neighboring countries such as India must also address practical concerns including border stability, economic connectivity, competition with China, and access to critical resources.
The visit therefore highlights a broader question for South Asian studies: how should states balance normative commitments with geopolitical realities when dealing with politically contested governments? Understanding this tension may be essential for interpreting not only India’s Myanmar policy, but also wider regional dynamics across South and Southeast Asia.
At the same time, neighboring countries such as India must also address practical concerns including border stability, economic connectivity, competition with China, and access to critical resources.
The visit therefore highlights a broader question for South Asian studies: how should states balance normative commitments with geopolitical realities when dealing with politically contested governments? Understanding this tension may be essential for interpreting not only India’s Myanmar policy, but also wider regional dynamics across South and Southeast Asia.