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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.
Strengthening the France-India Partnership
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
India and France, amid intensifying geopolitical trends in the Indo-Pacific region, are likely to build an even closer partnership.
India Needs a Review Commission on COVID Management
By Shubham
It is critical that policymakers understand the full impact of the pandemic on the economy and human development.
India’s Supreme Court Pauses Sedition Trials
By Sudha Ramachandran
Although the Narendra Modi government said it will “re-examine” and “re-consider” the sedition law, its apparent change of heart is unconvincing.
Was Bucha a Turning Point for India’s TV News Channels?
By Sribala Subramanian
As graphic reports of bodies lying on the streets of Bucha began airing in early April, some of India’s leading anchors and correspondents turned sharply critical of Russia.
Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa Family Falls From Grace
By David Rising and Krutika Pathi
President Gotabaya, who is the last Rajapaksa still clinging to national office, has not been seen outside his heavily guarded compound.
What Political Change in Pakistan Could Mean for Relations With India
By Namra Naseer and Rushali Saha
Although a radical improvement in ties is unlikely, given political volatility in Pakistan and the strong force of Hindu nationalism in India, incremental steps through trade or cultural diplomacy will go a long way.
Wickremesinghe Chosen Sri Lanka Prime Minister in Effort to Quell Crisis
By Krishan Francis and Bharatha Mallawarachi
The president's selection of Wickremesinghe a five-time former prime minister, is an attempt to end the violence and restore international credibility.
A Long Way to Go for Gender Equality in Nepali Politics
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Nepal has progressive laws and quotas for women’s representation in politics, but patriarchy and gender discrimination run deep and influence the decisions of parties.
Decree Banning ‘India Out’ Campaign in Maldives Fuels Protests
By Sudha Ramachandran
President Solih is up against opposition parties as well as rivals within the ruling MDP.
As the World Looks Away, Violence Is on the Rise Again in Afghanistan
By Habib Khan Totakhil and Justine Fleischner
New data on violent trends in Afghanistan shows a marked shift in terrorism and violence toward women, journalists, and educators under Taliban rule.
Sri Lankan Troops Roll into the Capital After Violence, Protests
By Krishan Francis
Security forces have been ordered to shoot those deemed to be participating in violence.
More Than Aid, Afghanistan Needs an Aid Management System
By Mohammad Qadam Shah
The Taliban are pursuing the same top-down governance and public finance management system that has failed Afghanistan for two decades.