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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.
Where Does Pakistan’s Democracy Go From Here?
By Ailia Zehra
Last year, Imran Khan’s ouster and the end of the “hybrid regime” briefly gave hope to those seeking true democracy in Pakistan. But the military managed to further consolidate its grip on power.
Bangladesh Gets First Uranium Shipment From Russia for Its Moscow-built Nuclear Power Plant
By Julhas Alam
Still under construction by Moscow, the Rooppur power plant will produce 2,400 megawatts of electricity once it comes on line.
The BRO’s Mega Project in Eastern Ladakh: A New Road to Daulat Beg Oldi
By Prachi Shree
The Sasoma-Saser La-Brangsa-Gapshan-Daulat Beg Oldi Road may be the most ambitious piece of India's infrastructure push near its disputed border with China.
Is India Preparing to Allow the Taliban Regime Diplomatic Representation in New Delhi?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Last week, Afghan diplomats aligned with the Ashraf Ghani government announced the ceasing of operations in the Afghan embassy in the Indian capital.
Pakistan Runs Out of Patience With Afghan Taliban
By Umair Jamal
It has introduced new measures to punish the Kabul regime for its continued sheltering of the TTP – including moving to repatriate Afghan refugees.
Bangladesh’s Anti-corruption Commission Questions Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus
By Julhas Alam
Yunus, the famed pioneer of microcredit, is being investigated for embezzlement in a case many see as politically motivated.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Wades Into India-Canada Controversy
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Weighing in on India’s side may secure Colombo brownie points in New Delhi. But it could ruffle feathers in Canada, a historic sponsor of UN resolutions against Sri Lanka.
Lawyers of Imran Khan Oppose His Closed-Door Trial Over Revealing Official Secrets
By Munir Ahmed
Khan's lawyers say the closed trial is a gambit to ensure a quick conviction and sentencing of the former premier ahead of parliamentary elections.
India Tells Canada to Remove 41 of Its 62 Diplomats in the Country, Says Official
By Rob Gillies
The move comes amid heated exchanges, diplomat expulsions, visa denials, and fraying diplomatic relations.
Will the Political Spat Between India and Canada Erode Their Defense Ties?
By Prem Singh Gill
While the ongoing row has strained relations, its impact on military ties appears limited as both countries benefit from security cooperation.
Indian Police Raid Journalists’ Homes and Offices
By Sheikh Saaliq
NewsClick, the target of the latest raids, is among the few Indian news outlets that have been critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Revisiting India’s China Challenge
By Araudra Singh
China views India’s growing security cooperation with concern, especially since the revival of the Quad in 2017 and in the context of border tensions since 2020.