Shared challenges create opportunities for cooperation when countries work together to address common problems that no single nation can solve alone. The chapter provides several examples.

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed over 200,000 people across multiple countries, led India to join hands with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other nations to establish a network of sensors, satellites, and communication links. The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre in Hyderabad now helps alert not only India but also neighbouring countries, potentially saving many lives.

Climate change poses a shared threat to India and the Maldives, as rising sea levels could submerge many Maldivian islands. This shared challenge led to cooperation through the International Solar Alliance, an Indian initiative that shares solar energy research and technology.

The Sundarban National Park, shared between India and Bangladesh, is jointly managed by both countries to protect biodiversity and serve as a cyclone barrier.

These examples show that regional cooperation in facing shared challenges builds trust and creates lasting partnerships.