Article Abstract index4

Digital security has become a pivotal issue in South Asia, where geopolitical tensions, technological inequalities, and the emergence of cyber threats converge. This study explores the difficulties posed by cyber conflict, vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, and the role of non-state and external actors in shaping regional security dynamics. Through a qualitative methodology and casestudy examination, the study delves into significant events, such as the cyber combats between India and Pakistan and the 2016 cyberattack of the Bangladesh Bank, to discern the patterns, motivations, and consequences of cyber operations. The results indicate that South Asian nations are increasingly utilizing cyberspace as a means of asymmetric power projection, while developing nations remain vulnerable to economic and infrastructural exploitation. External influences, particularly from China, are instrumental in shaping regional cybersecurity capabilities and governance, presenting both opportunities and strategic challenges. The research highlights persistent issues, including a lack of regional collaboration, limited technological resources, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. By placing digital security within the larger framework of international relations, this study emphasizes the intricate relationship between cyber threats, interstate conflict, and economic fragility. The findings stress the pressing necessity for coordinated regional strategies, confidence-building measures, and capacity-building initiatives to bolster resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and foster strategic stability throughout South Asia.
Keywords: Digital Security, Cybersecurity, South Asia, Cyber Conflict, International Relations