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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.
Critic and Key Challenger Softens Stance Against Indian PM Modi
By Kavita Chowdhury
Chastened by investigations against her party leaders, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee makes a tactical shift.
Pakistan’s Scramble for a Peaceful and Stable Afghanistan
By Mohammad Ali Zafar
The country's initial euphoria at the Taliban victory has given way to concern as several troubling developments threaten its regional interests.
Climate Migration: Indian Kids Find Hope in a New Language
By Aniruddha Ghosal
In the past decade, the number of climate migrants in India has been growing.
Will Canada’s Barrick Gold Corporation Boost Business at Gwadar Port?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
It could. But past experience underscores the importance of Pakistan and Barrick Gold being transparent on the terms of the deal they struck.
Sri Lanka to Move Away From China and Toward Economic Integration With India
By P.K. Balachandran
In a recent address, President Wickremesinghe defended the Chinese-built Hambantota port but pledged to address India’s security concerns.
Tensions Escalate Along Bangladesh-Myanmar Border
By Shafi Md Mostofa
Shelling from Myanmar into the Bangladeshi side of the border has increased in recent weeks, resulting in death and injuries to Rohingya.
Afghan Students Are Unable to Resume Studies in Indian Universities
By Tarushi Aswani
Many students who returned to Afghanistan during the pandemic lockdowns have been denied Indian visas.
For Indian Girls, ‘Every Case of Trafficking Is a Failed Revolution’
By Katarzyna Rybarczyk
Every year thousands of women and girls are trafficked through India. The patriarchal culture denying women the right to make decisions regarding their lives is to blame.
Cash-Strapped Pakistan Struggles to Keep China Happy
By Umair Jamal
It has promised to pay $200 million to four Chinese power producers but that is just a fraction of the money owed to China.
US Contractor Freed by Taliban in Swap for Drug Trafficker
By Eric Tucker and Rahim Faiez
Mark Frerichs was freed in exchange for Bashir Noorzai in a rare success in U.S.-Taliban talks.
Is the Hindu Nationalist ‘Boycott Bollywood’ Campaign Impacting the Box Office?
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Movies that faced boycott calls and others that didn’t figure among the movies that were successful this year.
For India, a Complicated SCO Summit
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Across the SCO there is conflict at various levels that complicates India's engagement, from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to simmering Sino-Indian tensions.