Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval has said that weak governance and failure of institutions have been major factors behind regime changes in South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
His remarks, made while delivering Sardar Patel Lecture on Governance marking Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in New Delhi on Friday, are being seen as a pointed commentary on the political volatility in India’s neighbourhood.
Doval, one of India’s most influential security strategists, noted that governance is not just about administrative efficiency but also about nation-building and ensuring the trust of the people.
“The power of a nation lies in governance. The government’s work through institutions and in the task of nation-building, the most important people are those who build and nurture these institutions,” he said.
Referring to recent regime changes in South Asia, Doval observed that when institutions become weak, corruption spreads, and governance fails to meet public expectations, the resulting discontent can drive political change outside traditional democratic processes.
“The change of regimes through non-institutional methods in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal are examples of what weak governance can lead to,” he noted.
His reference to Bangladesh comes at a time when the country is undergoing a major political transition under an interim administration that replaced the previous government amid mass protests and accusations of authoritarianism, corruption, and abuse of power.
Contrasting India’s trajectory with that of its neighbours, Doval hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as a model of transformative governance. He said India is undergoing an “orbital shift” — not only in governance and institutional functioning but also in its position in the global order.
He credited the Modi government with initiating institutional reforms to curb corruption and strengthen accountability. “Institutional corruption has been a major challenge, but several structural changes have been made, and more are in the pipeline,” Doval added.
Doval emphasised that governance must evolve with rising public awareness and expectations. “The common man today is more aware and aspirational. The state has a vested interest in keeping him satisfied,” he said.
The NSA also highlighted the need for technology-driven governance that ensures transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery, while warning against cyber and digital security threats.
Citing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in integrating India and establishing an all-India services structure, Doval said strong institutions are vital for maintaining unity and good governance. He also stressed that empowering women is central to building an inclusive and resilient governance system. “It is not only important to have good laws and systems, but also to implement them effectively,” he said.
Doval concluded by reminding policymakers that leadership in times of change requires clarity of vision. “When change comes, what matters most is your clarity of vision — not being blinded by noise or adversity,” he said.
His comments are being interpreted by regional observers as both a warning and a lesson — that governance failures, unchecked corruption, and institutional decay can have profound political consequences, as seen in several South Asian nations in recent years.
Source: NDTV