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The Pulse

South Asia is a story of promise and peril where Asia’s conflicting forces of modernity and reaction meet head on. Home to a multitude of different cultures, ethnicities, and religions, The Diplomat's regional correspondents and experts will provide the insight you need to navigate one of the world's most consequential regions.

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Putin’s Visit Strengthens India’s Strategic Autonomy Stance

Putin’s Visit Strengthens India’s Strategic Autonomy Stance

By Dalbir Ahlawat
Even as India tilts closer to the U.S., Russia continues to play a crucial role for Indian strategy.
Uttar Pradesh 2022: A Blueprint for the Yogi’s Hindu Rashtra

Uttar Pradesh 2022: A Blueprint for the Yogi’s Hindu Rashtra

By Antara Chakraborthy and Pravin Prakash
The expected victory of Yogi Adityanath in India’s most populous state, offers valuable lessons abut the BJP’s aspirations for national hegemony and an ethnic democracy.

Afghanistan Shrivels in Worst Drought in Decades

Afghanistan Shrivels in Worst Drought in Decades

By Mstyslav Chernov
Along with fighting, the drought has contributed to displacing over 700,000 people from their homes this year.

Blasphemy Killing Could Cast a Shadow on Pakistan’s Economy

Blasphemy Killing Could Cast a Shadow on Pakistan’s Economy

By Umair Jamal
Why would foreign investors want to visit Pakistan if they could get lynched on accusations of blasphemy?

In Nepal, Calls Grow for the Restoration of a Hindu State

In Nepal, Calls Grow for the Restoration of a Hindu State

By Santosh Sharma Poudel
A resurgent Hindu nationalism in the former Hindu kingdom is drawing strength from India’s ruling BJP.
India’s Military Chief, 12 Others Killed in Helicopter Crash

India’s Military Chief, 12 Others Killed in Helicopter Crash

By Sheikh Saaliq and Askhok Sharma
Gen. Bipin Rawat was the most senior official in the Indian military and the first chief of defense staff, a position created by the government in 2019. 

The Unsung Indian Heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War

The Unsung Indian Heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War

By Rajeev Bhattacharya
Several police officers from Assam trained the Mukti Bahini in guerrilla warfare in the run-up to the war.
India Hosts Putin as it Balances Ties With Russia, US

India Hosts Putin as it Balances Ties With Russia, US

By Ashok Sharma and Sheikh Saaliq
India and Russia signed an agreement to extend their military technology cooperation for the next decade.

The Dilemma Over the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan

The Dilemma Over the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan

By Niha Dagia
The mob killing of a Sri Lankan is the culmination of a fire lit decades ago, when a doctrinaire interpretation of Islam was allowed to thrive in a politically driven move to legitimize religious intolerance.

Afghan Museum Reopens with Taliban Security – and Visitors

Afghan Museum Reopens with Taliban Security – and Visitors

By Elena Becatoros
In 2001, the Taliban ransacked the museum, smashing priceless statues, especially those considered un-Islamic. 

Japan Steps in to Support India Against China in South Asia

Japan Steps in to Support India Against China in South Asia

By Krzysztof Iwanek
The Quad may still be a mist-covered structure but Indo-Japanese cooperation against China is becoming more concrete.
India’s Nagaland Erupts in Protests Against Army Killing of Civilians

India’s Nagaland Erupts in Protests Against Army Killing of Civilians

By Sheikh Saaliq
Calls for revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act are growing louder in the restive state.

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