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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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Has the Indian Flagship Kaladan Project in Myanmar Hit a Dead End?

Has the Indian Flagship Kaladan Project in Myanmar Hit a Dead End?

By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
A stretch of highway that is yet to be completed runs through areas in Myanmar’s Chin and Rakhine States which are seeing some of the worst fighting in recent months.
New Pakistani Government Seeks Another Bailout From IMF

New Pakistani Government Seeks Another Bailout From IMF

By Umair Jamal
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the Fund not to extend a loan to Pakistan unless an audit of the controversial election is done.

What Modi’s UAE Trip Means for IMEC

What Modi’s UAE Trip Means for IMEC

By Seamus Duffy
The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea has created a strong impetus among IMEC partners to facilitate the project quickly. But speed should not be confused for wisdom.

What Underlies Sheikh Hasina’s Successful Diplomacy?

What Underlies Sheikh Hasina’s Successful Diplomacy?

By Abu Jakir
Bangladesh's economic resilience has bolstered its foreign policy and allowed its prime minister to pursue a more assertive approach on the international stage.

Are Sri Lanka’s Anti-Drug Crime Operations Working?

Are Sri Lanka’s Anti-Drug Crime Operations Working?

By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Yukthiya operation appears to be a last-ditch effort by the present Sri Lankan government to salvage public support ahead of the pivotal 2024 presidential election.
After Initial Setback, India’s Opposition Alliance Starts Taking Shape

After Initial Setback, India’s Opposition Alliance Starts Taking Shape

By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Over the past week, the Congress party has sealed seat-sharing deals with AAP and the SP. Will it clinch a deal with the TMC too?

A Reality Check on Afghanistan’s Isolation Under the Taliban

A Reality Check on Afghanistan’s Isolation Under the Taliban

By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Beneath the U.N. secretary general’s claims of consensus in Doha, a clear division is visible among countries regarding whether and how to do business with the Taliban.
Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina Goes for an Image Makeover Abroad

Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina Goes for an Image Makeover Abroad

By Mubashar Hasan
At the recent Munich Security Conference, Hasina sought to project herself as a champion of climate change action and a supporter of Ukraine.

Cheap Russian Oil Fuels India’s Response to Ukraine War

Cheap Russian Oil Fuels India’s Response to Ukraine War

By Biswajit Dhar
The West expected India to turn its back on Russia, but a look at the numbers shows that expectation was never realistic.

What a Tamil Language School in Sri Lanka Tells Us About the Reconciliation Process

What a Tamil Language School in Sri Lanka Tells Us About the Reconciliation Process

By Niru Perera
Language is a critical part of the country's moves toward post-war reconciliation, especially when it comes to grassroots efforts.

How India’s COVID-19 Lockdowns Impacted Menstrual Health

How India’s COVID-19 Lockdowns Impacted Menstrual Health

By Karan Babbar
Limited access to period products during India’s COVID lockdowns highlighted how far public health initiatives have to go when it comes to menstruation.
India’s Assam State to Introduce Uniform Civil Code

India’s Assam State to Introduce Uniform Civil Code

By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
It is the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat – all ruled by the Hindu nationalist BJP – to take steps toward a common civil law for all religious groups.

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