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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.
Afghan Migrants Face Deepening Despair as Iran Intensifies Deportations
By Abdullah Mohammadi and Jennifer Vallentine
Pakistan and Turkey have also ramped up the deportation of Afghans in recent years, with devastating humanitarian implications.
Maldives Moves to Hike Tourism Taxes and Tighten Belts
By Ahmed Naish
President Muizzu announced plans to dismiss more than 200 political appointees as part of efforts to reduce government spending but postponed politically difficult subsidy reforms.
How Hunger Drives Mass Uprisings in Bangladesh
By Jannatul Naym Pieal
Quota reform may have been the spark, but at the heart of the unrest was widespread public discontent with the government, fueled by economic hardship, inflation, and the rising cost of necessities.
India Turns to Maritime Neighbors to Navigate Troubled Neighborhood
By Rushali Saha
India’s traditional focus on its continental borders resulted in neglect of the maritime domain. That is changing.
India-Canada Relations in a Downward Spiral
By Sudha Ramachandran
Canadian officials named India’s Home Minister Amit Shah as having “authorized the intelligence-gathering missions and attacks on Sikh separatists” in Canada, U.S. media reported.
Can the Interim Government Ensure Justice and Bring Radical Changes in Bangladesh?
By Shafi Md Mostofa
One of the primary reasons for skepticism lies in the historical context of governance in Bangladesh.
Impact of the Gaza War on Militancy in South Asia and Beyond
By Abdul Basit
The ISK is criticizing the Taliban for paying lip service to the Palestinian cause and shying away from sending its fighters to fight against Israel.
Jammu and Kashmir’s New Government Faces Formidable Challenges
By Sudha Ramachandran
Restoration of J&K’s statehood and economic development will be uppermost on the agenda of the Omar Abdullah government.
Is Bangladesh’s Interim Government State Building by Stealth?
By Sanjay Pulipaka and Mohit Musaddi
It has taken significant policy decisions and is seeking to alter the very nature of the state apparatus.
India Emerges as ASEAN’s Hedging Bet Against China at Laos Summit
By Elizabeth Roche
The India-ASEAN joint statement endorsed ASEAN’s concerns over swiftly concluding a code of conduct in the South China Sea, in keeping with UNCLOS provisions.
Can Foreign Lenders Curb South Asia’s Infrastructure Corruption?
By Bulani Weerawardane and Malinda Meegoda
As Sri Lanka’s case shows, the infrastructure dilemma of developing countries is not just about financing but about governance.
India’s Stake in the Settlement of the Chagos Dispute
By Radhey Tambi
By walking the decades-old talk on demanding sovereignty for Mauritius and holding firm throughout the negotiation process, India has shown its commitment to Mauritius.