Blog
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.
Rebooting India’s Foreign Ministry
By Pranay Ahluwalia
India’s foreign policy is increasingly ambitious. Can its foreign ministry keep up?
Sputnik Over Delhi: Production of Russian Vaccine Kicks Off in India
By Krzysztof Iwanek
India’s COVID-19 vaccine production reflects its critical global position. The country is manufacturing its own, plus European, American, and Russian, vaccines.
India Still Has an Opportunity With Vaccine Diplomacy
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Several countries that received Chinese vaccines are questioning its efficacy and pricing.
India Builds Strategic Tunnel Project in Kashmir
By Dar Yasin and Umer Meraj
The project will provide round the year connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
Why Are Some Pakistanis Celebrating the Taliban Takeover?
By Khurram Abbas and Zahid Shahab Ahmed
Three different segments of Pakistan's socio-political fabric are happy to see the Taliban retake power in Afghanistan – each for a different reason.
50 Years on, India’s Abortion Law Still Has Serious Gaps
By Debanjana Choudhuri
India’s laws allowing for medical termination of pregnancy are still neither inclusive nor progressive.
Modi Government’s Growing Use of the Iron Fist
By Kavita Chowdhury
The BJP is trying to intimidate critics by accusing them of tax evasion or charging them with sedition.
Sports Amid Chaos in Afghanistan
By Sajad Jatoi
During its first period of rule the Taliban banned sports, even cricket. Will they view sports differently this time around?
Iran and Pakistan: Bilateral Bonding Over the Taliban
By Umair Jamal
Mutual interests are prompting Iran and Pakistan to work together to prevent Afghanistan from descending into another civil war.
India’s Farmers Renew Protests, Challenging Modi Government
By Rishi Lekhi
The farmers have renewed their protests with calls for a nationwide strike on the anniversary of last year’s controversial legislation's passage.
No One to Speak for Afghanistan at UN General Debate
By Catherine Putz
Who sits at the high table of international politics when the political arena back home is embroiled in unrest or irregular transition?
Border Roads Bring India and Nepal Closer
By Arun Budhathoki, Nitesh R Pradhan , and Sravan Chettri
The 35-km-long Uttarey-Chiwanbhangjyang road will link western Sikkim in India not just to areas on the Nepali side of the border but to western Nepal.