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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.
At BIMSTEC’s Bangkok Summit, Leaders Pledge Economic Integration Amid Global Flux
By Elizabeth Roche
With India shifting focus away from SAARC to BIMSTEC, it is keen to see the latter succeed.
Nepali PM Oli Meets India’s Modi, But Has Little to Show For It
By Biswas Baral
Despite the Bangkok meeting, Oli has not gotten an invitation to visit New Delhi, something which he is desperately trying to secure.
New Law Gives Government a Foothold in Indian Muslim Waqf Properties
By Sudha Ramachandran
Opposition parties and Muslim groups are challenging the legislation’s constitutional validity in the Supreme Court.
What Trump’s New Tariff Rules Mean for South Asia
By Saqlain Rizve
Uncertainty looms. But since the tariffs are also squeezing global competitors, South Asian countries could, with the right policies, recover.
The Man Who Would be King Again? Former Nepal King’s Delusions of Power
By Som Niroula
The rise of Hindu fundamentalist and monarchist groups has made Nepal volatile and could lead to widespread anarchy.
Frontline Failure: Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability and Leadership Gap
By Abdul Waheed Bhutto
Despite being an extremely climate-vulnerable nation, Pakistan remains conspicuously absent from global climate leadership.
India’s Lagging Attempts to Contain Pollution: Bridging the Climate Commitment Gap
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
As India’s attempt to represent the Global South in conversations with the Global North on climate change takes center stage, there is a clear need to take action at home.
Why Bangladesh Should Join ASEAN – and What Stands in the Way
By Md Obaidullah
Joining ASEAN is not a silver bullet for Bangladesh’s geopolitical and economic challenges, but it could be a step in the right direction.
Putin to Visit India for First Time Since Start of Ukraine War
By Elizabeth Roche
New Delhi will be among the few capitals to host the Russian president since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him.
Bridging the Gap: Karzai, the Taliban, and the US Dilemma in Afghanistan
By Freshta Jalalzai
Karzai’s influence is not just historical; it lies in his ability to mediate Afghanistan’s current power struggles.
India-Bangladesh-Pakistan: South Asia’s Fateful Triangle
By Swasti Sachdeva
Bangladesh’s interim government’s outreach to Pakistan is of concern to India. But Dhaka’s ties with the two countries are not a zero-sum game.
Bangladesh Tilts Toward China as Its Lead Economic Partner
By Saqlain Rizve
While Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’ visit to China was significant, there were no major breakthroughs.
The Perils of Ignoring the Taliban Regime’s Support for Terror Groups
By Abdul Basit
While Pakistan is bearing the brunt of terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, the threat is wider. Regional and global peace is in peril.
Pakistan Welcomes Starlink. But Can It Deliver on Its Promise?
By Zohaib Alta and Nimrah Javed
Starlink could help close the urban-rural internet access gap -- if the rollout is inclusive, affordable, and thoughtfully managed.
A New Chapter in Dhaka-Beijing Ties? Why Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus Is Visiting China
By Md Obaidullah
Bangladesh is looking to rebalance its diplomacy in the post-Hasina era, but it’s not going all in on China, either.
Conflict in India’s Manipur Takes a New Turn With Intra-Community Clashes
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
In recent weeks, Meitei militias have clashed, as have Zomi and Hmar groups that came together against the Meitei majority.
Bangladesh to Seal Deal with Musk’s Starlink
By Mubashar Hasan
While officials say the decision is driven by the need to improve internet connectivity to benefit Bangladeshis, it is likely also aimed at winning Musk’s favor.
India’s Energy Transition Needs Focus on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility
By Aishwarya Ramachandran
Energy transition research addressing the range of equity concerns across India’s socio-economic groups and regions is rare. This needs to change.
New Report on Indian Muslims Recommends Nuanced Approach to Uplift Community
By Kavita Chowdhury
It calls for a “spatial approach” of targeted interventions in Muslim-concentrated spaces and “ghettos” and in sectors and occupations dominated by Muslims.
What Does the Future Hold for the Development of AI in India?
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
It could pioneer innovative secondary uses of AI as well as alternative legal and philosophical perspectives on the technology.
Bangladesh Women Rise up Against Increasing Incidents of Rape
By Samata Biswas
The Muhammad Yunus government has failed miserably in checking incidents of rape and sexual violence against women.
Poster of India’s Yogi Adityanath in Pro-Monarchy Rally Triggers War of Words in Nepal
By Birat Anupam
Adityanath, who is the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, which borders Nepal, is a prominent leader of the BJP.
Concept of ‘Greater Mizoram’ Gets a Shot in the Arm From Myanmar’s Spring Revolution
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The coming together of areas inhabited by communities in India’s Mizoram and Myanmar’s Chin State has New Delhi’s tacit support. Myanmar’s junta is not amused.
Breaking Decades of Silence, Sri Lanka Revisits the Batalanda Legacy
By Rathindra Kuruwita
An interview with a former President that led to public calls for a probe into the Batalanda Commission Report has finally prompted the government to reopen a dark chapter.
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