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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 Main Opposition Protests Rising Prices, Lack of Jobs
By Ashok Sharma
The Congress party is launching a 3,500-kilometer protest march that will wind through cities, towns, and villages over the next five months.
New Party’s Entry Could End 3-Year Impasse in Kashmir’s Politics
By Tarushi Aswani
The party, which is led by former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, is expected to divide the anti-BJP vote in Jammu and Kashmir.
Aid Pours into Pakistan; Deaths From Floods Cross 1,200 Mark
By Munir Ahmed
So far, Pakistan has received aid from China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Uzbekistan, U.A.E. and other countries.
India Launches New Aircraft Carrier as China Concerns Grow
By Ashok Sharma
The 47,400-ton warship will be fully operational by the end of 2023.
Where are South Asia’s Green Parties?
By Bilal Ahmad Tantray
Pakistan’s floods highlight the dire risks of climate change in South Asia, so why is there so little Green politics in the region?
IMF Set to Provide $2.9 Billion to Help Crisis-hit Sri Lanka
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
The package is contingent on assurances from creditors, including China, India and Japan that debt sustainability will be restored.
India and China Engage in War of Words Over Sri Lanka
By Sudha Ramachandran
The Yuan Wang 5’s docking at Hambantota Port continues to create ripples long after the ship left the island.
Taliban Again Demands Return of Afghan Aircraft in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
The U.S. position on the matter hasn't budged: Afghan aircraft outside the country are unlikely to be flown back into Taliban hands.
Indian FM Speaks Hard Truths on India’s Foreign Policy Goals
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Despite the use of language that would please the US, Jaishankar’s speech reflected a worldview that sounded similar to China's.
In Pakistan, Waterborne Diseases Surge as Floods Recede
By Munir Ahmed
In addition to those traumatized by the flooding, doctors are now treating people suffering from diarrhea, skin infections, and other waterborne ailments.
Sri Lanka’s President Says IMF Talks Nearing Successful End
By Krishan Francis and Bharatha Mallawarachi
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said his government will soon start negotiating debt restructuring with countries that provide loans to Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s Fatal Flooding Has Hallmarks of Warming
By Seth Borenstein and Sibi Arasu
The disaster is hitting a poor country that has contributed relatively little to the world's climate problem.