Context:
In a significant restructuring, the World Bank has shifted Pakistan and Afghanistan out of its South Asia administrative region, grouping them under the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This move, while framed as a managerial alignment by the bank, comes at a time when India has raised serious concerns over international lending to Pakistan, citing its role in terrorism financing and misuse of aid.
Current Composition of World Bank’s South Asia Region
With this change, the South Asia region will now consist of only six countries:
- India
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
Pakistan and Afghanistan will now be grouped with MENA countries such as:
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Libya
- Yemen
- West Bank and Gaza
India’s Strategic Position
India has long opposed multilateral loans to Pakistan, particularly those from:
