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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.
IMF to Assess Sri Lankan Governance as Part of $3 Billion Bailout
By Krishan Francis
The country has the dubious distinction of being the first Asian country to face scrutiny for corruption as part of a bailout program.
India’s Coming Battle Over Its Supreme Court
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
At the center of the looming showdown between the apex court and parliament is the collegium system of appointing judges.
China’s Role in the Iran-Saudi Deal May Not Be All That Bad for India
By Sajid Farid Shapoo
New Delhi needs to assess if China’s growing involvement in the Gulf is detrimental to its long-term security interests and the regional balance of power.
Why China Wants to Knock India off Its Russia-US High-Wire Act
By Neena Gopal
Russia and China are moving toward an alliance. Does India have the means to beat China at its own game with a counter-encirclement?
Same-Sex Marriage Will Cause ‘Complete Havoc,’ Says Indian Government
By Kavita Chowdhury
Gay relationships are legal in India. The government is now opposing the legalization of same-sex unions in the Supreme Court.
Why Is Japan’s Kishida Travelling to India?
By Srabani Roy Choudhury
Is the Japanese PM making up for his foreign minister’s absence at the G-20, or is there more to the trip?
Gwadar Coal Power Plant: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
By Haneea Isaad
The revival of the Gwadar power project based on imported coal could heighten Pakistan’s economic stress.
Garcetti Confirmed as India Ambassador After 20-month Fight
By Michael R. Blood, Mary Clare Jalonick and Chris Megerian
The vacancy in the ambassadorship had left a significant diplomatic gap for the Biden administration at a time of rising global tensions.
Afghan Women and Migration in the Era of Restrictions
By Abdullah Mohammadi, Shreya Bhat, and Themba Lewis
For women, the motivation to leave Afghanistan has increased tremendously since the Taliban takeover. But the journey abroad has become more difficult and dangerous, too.
Can India’s G20 Presidency Facilitate Global Energy Transition?
By Manish Vaid
India is increasingly serving as a model for countries worldwide by demonstrating how economic development and environmental conservation can be complementary.
Will Pakistan’s Carrot-and-Stick Approach to the Taliban Regime Work?
By Umair Jamal
If Kabul is able to get the TTP to call off its spring offensive, Islamabad would respond with deals on travel and trade.
Sri Lankan State Workers Strike, Protesting High Taxes
By Krishan Francis
The government says it was compelled to raise taxes to strengthen state revenue, a key prerequisite to unlocking the $2.9 billion IMF package.