Ethnic conflict refers to disputes and confrontations that arise between different ethnic groups within a state or across regions, often centered on identity, cultural preservation, political representation, or access to resources. In South Asia, where the social and political fabric is deeply pluralistic, ethnic conflict has been a recurring phenomenon that shapes the region’s economy, society, and politics. These conflicts are not simply about cultural differences but are frequently rooted in histories of colonial rule, uneven economic development, competition for state power, and contested national identities. Ethnic conflict often manifests in struggles over recognition, language rights, religion, and territorial autonomy. For instance, in India, linguistic and religious diversity has created pressures where demands for autonomy or statehood occasionally erupted into conflict. The Tamil-Sinhalese conflict in Sri Lanka represents one of the most notable examples in South Asia, where the Tamil minority sought recognition and autonomy against the dominance of the Sinhalese majority, eventually escalating into decades of civil war. In Pakistan, tensions between Punjabi dominance and the marginalization of ethnic groups like the Baloch and Sindhis highlight the political and economic underpinnings of