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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.
Icy Desert Ladakh Turns Up the Heat on Modi Ahead of Indian Elections
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The loss of their grazing lands to Chinese incursions and Indian corporations has prompted Ladakhis to oppose the BJP government’s top-down governance model.
Bridging Divides: Finding a Regional and International Consensus for Afghanistan’s Future
By Mustafa Aryan
Collaborative efforts among regional and international actors can pave the way for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan.
Modi’s Visit to Bhutan Amid Elections in India Raises Questions
By Sudha Ramachandran
His government appears apprehensive over a Bhutan-China deal that undermines Indian security.
How Will Nepal’s Government Respond to Victims of Loan Sharks?
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
A former business partner of the home minister is wanted for embezzlement of funds of cooperatives.
Ukraine and India, a Historical Ally of Russia, Hold Talks to Strengthen Ties
By Associated Press
Ukraine's foreign minister visited India a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladmir Putin.
Surge in Attacks on Chinese Nationals, Projects Amid Pakistan’s Dire Security Situation
By Abdul Basit
The suicide bombing near Besham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was the third attack on Chinese nationals and projects in less than a week.
Why is Narendra Modi Nervous Ahead of India’s General Elections?
By Kavita Chowdhury
Possibly for the first time in a decade, Modi's government finds its image dented by revelations of corruption.
Months After Banning Research Vessels, Sri Lanka Permits German Vessel’s Docking
By Rathindra Kuruwita
It underscores yet again the inconsistent and ad hoc foreign policy under President Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership.
China Courts Nepal’s New Left Alliance Government
By Rishi Gupta
Less than three weeks after taking office, Nepal's new foreign minister is on a week-long tour of China.
Will Pakistan Go Ahead and Build the Gas Pipeline With Iran?
By Umair Jamal
Iran has threatened to take Pakistan to court over its failure to complete the pipeline project. But U.S. sanctions on Iran are an obstacle.
Suicide Attack in Pakistan Kills 5 Chinese Nationals and Their Local Driver
By Riaz Khan
The victims were construction workers and engineers working at the Dasu Dam, Pakistan’s largest hydropower project.
How Modi Has Changed Indian Foreign Policy
By Mohamed Zeeshan
In a geopolitically fractious world, the Indian PM has managed to elicit extraordinary support from the U.S. while publicly courting its biggest foes.