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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.
Calls for Repealing AFSPA Grow Louder in India’s Northeast
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
The Indian Army’s killing of innocent civilians in Nagaland has triggered angry protests in the region.
Aam Aadmi Party’s Right-Turn
By Tarushi Aswani
Its "soft Hindutva" rhetoric is aimed at drawing Hindu votes.
Examining the Taliban’s Words, Thoughts, and Deeds, Part I: The Myth of Taliban 2.0
By Mohammad Bashir Mobasher and Mohammad Qadam Shah
Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have been on a PR blitz to re-brand for international audiences.
Why Did Russian President Putin Visit India?
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Contradictions in the India-Russia relationship, rooted in China and the Quad, will be difficult to overcome in the long term.
‘We Are Committed in Principle to Women Participation,’ Says Taliban Minister
By Kathy Gannon
The Taliban’s interim Foreign Minister Muttaqi said that his government has no issue with the US.
Biden’s Exclusive Democracy Summit Disappoints
By Mohamed Zeeshan
By embracing some countries and excluding others, the US has squandered an opportunity to unite South Asia – at least ideologically – against Beijing.
Putin’s Visit Strengthens India’s Strategic Autonomy Stance
By Dalbir Ahlawat
Even as India tilts closer to the U.S., Russia continues to play a crucial role for Indian strategy.
Uttar Pradesh 2022: A Blueprint for the Yogi’s Hindu Rashtra
By Antara Chakraborthy and Pravin Prakash
The expected victory of Yogi Adityanath in India’s most populous state, offers valuable lessons abut the BJP’s aspirations for national hegemony and an ethnic democracy.
Afghanistan Shrivels in Worst Drought in Decades
By Mstyslav Chernov
Along with fighting, the drought has contributed to displacing over 700,000 people from their homes this year.
Blasphemy Killing Could Cast a Shadow on Pakistan’s Economy
By Umair Jamal
Why would foreign investors want to visit Pakistan if they could get lynched on accusations of blasphemy?
In Nepal, Calls Grow for the Restoration of a Hindu State
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
A resurgent Hindu nationalism in the former Hindu kingdom is drawing strength from India’s ruling BJP.
India’s Military Chief, 12 Others Killed in Helicopter Crash
By Sheikh Saaliq and Askhok Sharma
Gen. Bipin Rawat was the most senior official in the Indian military and the first chief of defense staff, a position created by the government in 2019.