Blog
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.
Attack on Sikh Temple in Kabul Deals Another Blow to Afghan Sikh Community
By Sudha Ramachandran
The assault, which was carried out by ISKP, will slow India’s decision to re-open its embassy in the Afghan capital.
Can India Help ASEAN Escape Superpower Rivalry?
By Mohamed Zeeshan
The Southeast Asian bloc hopes that India will help maintain the regional balance of power and slowly wean it off its trade dependence on China.
Protests Rage Over India’s New Military Recruitment Policy
By Ashok Sharma
By retiring new recruits within four years, the government is hoping to avoid paying them a pension, which is a major drain on the military budget.
Another Anti-India Wave Sweeps Bangladesh
By Shafi Md Mostofa
Despite mass demonstrations protesting the comments by BJP leaders defaming the Prophet, the Awami League government has remained silent.
Sri Lankan Parties Are Amending the Constitution Yet Again
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The aim is to dilute the executive presidency, but there are differences on the extent to which the president’s powers should be clipped.
Pakistani Government Chided for ‘Drink Less Tea, Save Money’ Plea
By Munir Ahmed
What next? ask Pakistanis. Will the government expect them to eat less to save money on food imports?
Thousands Protest ‘Bulldozer Justice’ Against Indian Muslims
By Biswajeet Banerjee
Officials say the demolitions only target illegal buildings, but rights groups and critics say they are an attempt to harass and marginalize Muslims.
Pakistan’s New Budget Aims to Please the IMF
By Umair Jamal
However, the funding body's representatives say that additional measures are needed to bring the budget in line with its objectives.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Declares Unilateral Ceasefire
By Umair Jamal
Worryingly, the Pakistan government is engaging the militant group in talks from a position of weakness.
India’s Supreme Court Recognizes Sex Work as a Profession
By Kavita Chowdhury
Voluntary sex work is legal in India but trafficking for sex is punishable under the law.
India, China Growing Markets for Shunned Russian Oil
By Krutika Pathi and Elaine Kurtenbach
India's crude oil import from Russia rose from 100,000 barrels per day in February to 870,000 a day in May.
India Faces a Diplomatic Storm in the Middle East
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
This episode illustrates the danger facing Indian foreign policy from domestic political developments, increasingly centered on religious conflict.