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.
India’s Biggest Cities Shut Down as New COVID-19 Cases Hit 200K
By Ashok Sharma
The soaring cases and deaths come just months after India thought it had seen the worst of the pandemic.
Pakistan’s Police Brave Islamist Violence — Alone
By Umair Jamal
Despite being a frontline counterextremist force, the police in Pakistan suffer from an image problem – and directly bear the brunt of Islamists.
What’s Behind the Surge in Violent Islamism in Bangladesh?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Domestic political expediency, history, and ideology have made for a toxic mix in Bangladesh as it celebrates 50 years of independence.
A Rohingya Girl Stuck Between Three Countries
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
The 14-year-old was about to be deported to Myanmar from India when authorities refused to admit her back. Meanwhile, she wants to be reunited with her parents in Bangladesh.
COVID-19 Resurgence Threatens India’s Economic Recovery
By Prachi Priya and Aniruddha Ghosh
Just when there was growing optimism over India’s economic rebound, the second COVID-19 wave has come as a rude shock to businesses and consumers alike.
Taliban Not Ready to Attend Turkey Summit on Afghan Peace
By Catherine Putz
A Taliban spokesman said the group was not ready to attend the conference the U.S. and the Afghan government had hoped to start on April 16.
Nepal’s Burn Violence Survivors Await New Law
By Arun Budhathoki
While victims of acid attacks are supported by the Nepal government, oil burn survivors have nowhere to go.
Pakistan Police Arrest Radical Islamist Party Head in Lahore
By Babar Dogar
Saad Rizvi was arrested in the eastern city of Lahore to "maintain law and order.”
Bhutan Vaccinates 93% of Adults in 16 Days
By Associated Press
In just over two weeks, Bhutan has vaccinated more of its population than any country in the world but the Seychelles.
Missing in India’s Upcoming State Elections: Female Candidates
By Sudha Ramachandran
Despite rhetorical commitment to gender parity in politics, India’s major political parties fall far short of that goal.
India Must Settle the Teesta River Dispute With Bangladesh for Lasting Gains
By Anuttama Banerji
The “Golden Era” in India-Bangladesh relations must also lead to resolution of the most vexing issue between the two.
Did Lavrov’s India Trip Reset India-Russia Ties?
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Despite public display of affection, all is not well in the India-Russia relationship.