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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.
Pakistan-Russia Relations Mark Shifting Sands in South Asia
By Prashant Singh
The growing closeness in bilateral ties is both a sign of significant geopolitical change and the continuation of a historical trend.
Maldives Government Offers Concessions to Quell Revolt By Resort Operators
By Ahmed Naish
After staring down disgruntled tourism oligarchs over a requirement to convert foreign currency earnings, President Muizzu has offered a compromise.
Why Sri Lanka’s Minorities Voted for a Sinhalese Party
By Roshni Kapur and Diotima Chattoraj
In the recent general election, residents of the Tamil-dominated north signaled they are tired of ethnic politics and want development and better job opportunities.
With Fall of Bashar al-Assad, India Loses a Friend
By Sudha Ramachandran
Syria under Assad was a strong supporter of India on the Kashmir issue, a rarity in the Muslim world.
How Recent Elections Have Changed National Power Equations in India
By Satish Jha
The crucial role of the RSS means that the recent state election results are not a referendum on Modi’s popularity.
What Lies Ahead for India-China Relations
By Elizabeth Roche
A high-level meeting between Indian and Chinese officials in Beijing is scheduled for later this month.
Clearing the Air: Next Steps for India-Pakistan Climate Diplomacy
By Neeraja Kulkarni
As both sides of the border experience a worsening air pollution crisis, calls for cooperation have gained momentum. Can China-U.S. climate talks show the way?
China-India Disengagement Deal: A Two-level Game
By Tushar Joshi
India must navigate a complex two-level game, balancing domestic demands with global strategic imperatives. But will China view India’s willingness to disengage as a sign of pragmatism or weakness?
Rumor Night: The Yunus Government’s Struggle With Disinformation in Post-Revolution Bangladesh
By Shahadat Swadhin
Disinformation, misinformation, and structured social media propaganda have posed significant challenges for Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ interim government in Bangladesh.
PTI’s ‘Do or Die’ Protest Ends, But Incitement of Instability Continues
By Umair Jamal
Perhaps Imran Khan sees stirring instability as his only way to evade prison and reclaim power.
Karachi’s Air Quality Crisis: A Call for Urgent Action
By Abdul Waheed Bhutto
Pakistan’s largest city was briefly the world’s most polluted major metropolis. The recurring pollution can be stopped.
Nepal and China Identify 10 Projects for Execution Under BRI
By Birat Anupam
They signed a BRI framework cooperation agreement during Nepali PM Oli’s visit to China. Will that speed up implementation?