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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.

Why a Bhutan-India Tourism Meeting Excited Entrepreneurs in Nepal

Why a Bhutan-India Tourism Meeting Excited Entrepreneurs in Nepal

By Birat Anupam
Bhutan’s embrace of regional tourism could be a major boost for connectivity in the entire BBIN subregion.

Iran and Pakistan Vow to Boost Trade to Mend Diplomatic Rift

Iran and Pakistan Vow to Boost Trade to Mend Diplomatic Rift

By Munir Ahmed
The two sides discussed a multi-billion gas pipeline project, on hold since 2014, during Iranian President Raisi’s visit to Islamabad.
Era of Wars Could Complicate Modi’s Moment

Era of Wars Could Complicate Modi’s Moment

By Mohamed Zeeshan
Unlike on Ukraine, in the Israel-Gaza conflict, India has been rendered an outlier in the developing world, where most countries are in solidarity with Palestine.

Muizzu’s People’s National Congress Storms to Power in Maldives

Muizzu’s People’s National Congress Storms to Power in Maldives

By Ahmed Naish
With the support of allies, the PNC has the required numbers in parliament to remove judges and push through constitutional amendments.

President Muizzu’s Party Sweeps Maldives Parliamentary Elections

President Muizzu’s Party Sweeps Maldives Parliamentary Elections

By Mohameed Sharuhan
The pro-China People's National Congress won 70 out of 93 seats, while the pro-India Maldivian Democratic Party got just 15 seats in Parliament.

AI and India’s General Elections

AI and India’s General Elections

By Saqlain Rizve
Parties are using AI to communicate with voters across linguistic divisions but also to malign each other.

Key Ally of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Demands End to Ban on X, Formerly Twitter

Key Ally of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Demands End to Ban on X, Formerly Twitter

By Munir Ahmed
Two months after the ban went into effect, Farhatullah Babar, a senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, publicly called for access to the social media platform to be restored.
Labor Diplomacy to Bolster Ties Between India and Israel 

Labor Diplomacy to Bolster Ties Between India and Israel 

By Muhsin Puthan Purayil and Nanda Kishore
Both governments recognize that an influx of Indian migrant workers could finally forge a strong people-to-people aspect in India-Israel relations.

Indian Democracy’s Tryst With Trust

Indian Democracy’s Tryst With Trust

By Ajay Gudavarthy
Elections in India represent a paradoxical see-saw between trust and crises of legitimacy.

Why Indians Want Modi Again: Understanding the BJP’s Popularity

Why Indians Want Modi Again: Understanding the BJP’s Popularity

By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The BJP’s vision for India is more in sync with what most Indians want – an India that is a military and economic power that they can be proud of.

Why Is the BJP Courting Muslims in Assam?

Why Is the BJP Courting Muslims in Assam?

By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Only a year ago, Chief Minister Sarma proclaimed that the party would not seek the votes of minorities.
Deceived and Deployed: Indian Workers Trapped in Russia’s War

Deceived and Deployed: Indian Workers Trapped in Russia’s War

By Nishtha Gupta
The exploitation of Indian workers in Russia highlights the need for a proactive approach by the Indian government to uphold the rights and ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.

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