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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.
The BJP Tries on a New Image: Champion of ‘Good Governance’
By Satish K. Jha
With state and national elections ahead, the party moves away from its time-tested appeal to Hindu nationalism.
Fighting in Disputed Kashmir Kills 5 Indian Soldiers and 2 Suspected Militants
By Aijaz Hussain
The gun battle took place in a mountainous and forested area in Rajouri district near the Line of Control.
Afghan Embassy in New Delhi Says It Is Permanently Closing
By Associated Press
It is now up to the Indian government to decide whether to keep it shut or consider alternatives, including handing it over to Taliban officials.
Protests, Crackdowns, Boycott Calls Complicate Bangladesh’s Election Scenario
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Amidst a boycott call by the opposition BNP, several new parties have thrown their hats into the electoral ring.
Pakistan’s New Afghan Policy: Another Disaster in the Making?
By Abdul Basit
Angry with the Taliban regime for not helping it against the TTP, the Pakistani government is lashing out at Afghan refugees.
Why India’s Electoral Bond Scheme Must Go
By Kavita Chowdhury
It was touted as a major electoral reform in poll funding. But the scheme is opaque and shrouded in secrecy.
Who Benefits From Street Politics in Bangladesh?
By Mushfique Wadud
The BNP’s decision to go for all-out street protests could backfire.
Pakistan Court Rules the Prison Trial of Former PM Imran Khan Is Illegal
By Munir Ahmed
Will the government appeal? Or will it lead to future open court proceedings?
Pakistani Crackdown on Iran Border Trade Sparks Protests in Southern Balochistan
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Informal trade in oil and other goods, which previously provided people in border villages with income, has been halted without putting alternative means of livelihood in place.
India-Maldives Relations Enter Choppy Waters
By Sudha Ramachandran
Maldivian President Muizzu has called for the removal of Indian military personnel from the archipelago and has threatened to review agreements with India.
Operation 1027 is Changing Myanmar’s Frontier Geographies. Is India Ready?
By Angshuman Choudhury
India’s junta-focused diplomacy and lack of abiding relationships with armed groups in Myanmar have limited its response to the fluid situation in the war-torn country.
The Politics of India’s Cricket World Cup
By Jannatul Naym Pieal
Prime Minister Modi must have been disappointed by India’s loss in the final – and not just because he’s a fan.