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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.
India’s Supreme Court Intervenes in Hate Speeches Against Muslims
By Ashok Sharma
The apex court intervention relates to calls for genocide of Indian Muslims made at a Hindu religious conclave last month.
Betel Nut Smuggling From Myanmar to India Booming: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The central government has ordered authorities in Mizoram and Manipur to clamp down on the surge of illicit trade.
The Problem With Modi’s Repeal of India’s Farm Laws
By Roshni Kapur
Both the laws’ passage and repeal demonstrate the Modi government’s lack of parliamentary procedure and public consultation. That means similar issues are likely to recur in the future.
Taliban Signals Rapprochement With Its Opponents
By Associated Press
Iran hosted a meeting between the Taliban and Ahmed Massoud, who led a short-lived anti-Taliban resistance in the Panjshir Valley soon after the Taliban captured power in August.
Taliban-Pakistan Ties Run Into Trouble
By Umair Jamal
Taliban’s recent confrontation of Pakistan over its fencing of the disputed Durand Line, which Afghanistan does not recognize, has taken many by surprise.
Is Regional Integration Still Relevant for India in South Asia?
By Niranjan Marjani
The country's long-running dispute with Pakistan has soured attempts to foster regionalism in South Asia.
It’s Advantage China in the Indian Ocean
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Wang Yi’s visits to the Maldives and Sri Lanka signal Beijing’s priorities fairly clearly: it's focusing on South Asia and the Indian Ocean.
India Starts Booster Shots for Vulnerable Amid Omicron Surge
By Aniruddha Ghosal
Although India is better prepared than it was last year, hospitals may not be able to cope as many medical personnel have fallen ill.
Sri Lanka Seeks Chinese Debt Restructuring Amid Crisis
By Krishan Francis
In addition to foreign debt obligations exceeding $7 billion, Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves are down to $1.6 billion, barely enough for a few weeks of imports.
Sri Lanka, India Sign Deal to Redevelop Aging Oil Terminal
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
The terminal is located near the strategic Trincomalee port, one of the world’s finest natural harbors.
Can India Lead South Asia by Example in 2022?
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
India’s smaller neighbors want New Delhi to prioritize regional forums like SAARC and respect their strategic autonomy in dealing with China.
Questions of Security, Religion and Laws Emerge in Poll-Bound Punjab
By Tarushi Aswani
Recent incidents of alleged ‘sacrilege’ in Sikh temples have stirred communal anger in the state.