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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.
AidData Report Warns of a Chinese Naval Base in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port
By Rathindra Kuruwita
But China is not in a position to defend any of the eight bases it might set up in the next two to five years, the report points out.
Modi Says India’s Economy Will be Among Top 3 in the World in 5 Years
By Krutika Pathi
Last year, India's $3.5 trillion economy shot ahead of UK to become the fifth largest in the world.
China’s Problem With Nepal
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Beijing is frustrated with the lack of progress in Nepal’s implementation of Belt and Road projects. But rhetorical bullying of its small neighbor won’t help.
Did Pakistan Really Benefit From the Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan?
By Mohammad Shoaib Haidary and Amir Husein Haidary
The country celebrated the Taliban’s return to power on August 15, 2021. Two years later, has it seen any benefits?
As Elections Near, 3 Scenarios for Bangladesh
By Arild Engelsen Ruud
Surging violence is the most likely scenario, and a compromise is the least likely.
The Taliban Are Entrenched in Afghanistan After 2 Years of Rule
By Riazat Butt
There's no armed or political opposition with enough domestic or foreign support to topple the Taliban.
Maldives’ Presidential Election Is a Multi-Horse Race
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
The electoral line-up lays bare political fragmentation in the young and tumultuous democracy.
How India’s Data Protection Law Weakens Citizens’ Right to Information
By Himanshu Jha
Privacy and accountability have been a double-edged sword since the Right to Information Act first passed in 2005.
India Passes Data Protection Legislation in Parliament; Critics Fear Privacy Violation
By Associated Press
The legislation will limit cross-border transfer of data and provide a framework for setting up a data protection authority to ensure compliance from tech companies.
The Roots of Northeast India’s Ethnic Turmoil
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The drive to maintain their identity and avoid assimilation is strong among the region’s tribal and ethnic groups.
2 Years After Fall of Kabul, Tens of Thousands of Afghans Languish in Limbo Waiting for US Visas
By Rahim Faiez and Rebecca Santana
Worried about reprisals, many Afghans destroyed documents during the Taliban takeover. Now they need those documents to prove their case.
Rahul Gandhi Uses the Nationalism Plank to Take on PM Modi
By Kavita Chowdhury
Although the Modi government defeated the no-confidence motion, it is evident that it is rattled by the opposition.