New Delhi, November 1, 2025 - National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval stated on Friday that weak governance was a primary factor leading to regime changes in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Doval made these remarks while delivering the Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture on governance, coinciding with National Unity Day. He emphasized governance's critical role in nation-building and securing the nation-state, enabling it to achieve its goals and fulfill the aspirations of its citizens.
Doval highlighted that the "rise and fall of great empires" throughout history could be attributed to their governance. He cited examples such as the Roman Empire, the French Revolution, Tsarist Russia, and the Mughal Empire, noting that mismanagement and internal weaknesses led to their decline. He drew a parallel to contemporary events, asserting that recent regime changes in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, often occurring through non-institutional methods, were fundamentally cases of poor governance.
In recent years, South Asian countries have experienced protest movements culminating in governmental changes. Sri Lanka faced a financial crisis in 2022, leading to the resignation and departure of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was succeeded by Ranil Wickremesinghe. Bangladesh is currently under the control of an interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, following Sheikh Hasina's exit from Dhaka on August 5, 2024. Nepal also experienced a recent change in government last month.
Doval pointed to several factors contributing to state failure, including economic failures, scarcity of food and water, inflation, oppressive taxes, and social conflicts. He also noted that institutional decay, internal security collapses, and inept or corrupt bureaucracies play a significant role.
He stressed the importance of strong and accountable leadership, stating that a government's strength ultimately determines a nation's stability. He cautioned that weak or self-serving governments inevitably lead to negative consequences. Doval emphasized that governments operate through institutions and that the individuals who build and sustain these institutions are crucial for nation-building.
Doval urged for changes to improve governance across India, focusing on creating policies and plans that meet the aspirations of the people and re-evaluating the legal system. He highlighted the need for India's laws, policies, and administrative systems to become more people-centric. He also emphasized the importance of empowering women for good governance in the modern world and effectively implementing laws and structures.
Doval also pointed out that an emerging challenge in governance is the increasing need to keep the common man satisfied, who has become more aware and aspirational with higher expectations from the state.
He advocated for harnessing technology to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and service delivery to the common man while protecting society from cyber threats and other technological risks. He added that India is undergoing a major transformation, experiencing shifts in its governance models, socio-economic structures, and its position in the global order.
