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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.
Grapes of Wrath: Farmers’ Protests Spin Out of Control in Indian Capital
By Abhijnan Rej
The events of January 26 – India’s Republic Day – demonstrate two key weaknesses that plague the Modi government.
The Tipu Sultan Party: In Search of a ‘Secular Sultan’
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The image of Tipu Sultan ranges from one extreme to another: a freedom fighter and a secular ruler or a bigoted tyrant.
Can India Turn the Rohingya Crisis’ Tide?
By Anuttama Banerji
New Delhi shares moral as well as legal obligations in making sure it does its share to redress the humanitarian crisis.
India’s Vaccine Diplomacy: A Potent Card?
By Sudha Ramachandran
While China has faltered in delivering COVID-19 vaccines to South Asian countries, India has stepped in.
Déjà Vu All Over Again in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan’s opposition alliance accuses the ruling party of being close to India and Israel, as its movement show signs of petering out.
‘Timber Mafia’ From India Running Amok in Bhutan
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Illegal logging is depleting forest cover in the region, aggravating the fallout from climate change.
Indian Journalist’s WhatsApp Transcript Causes Storm in Teacup
By Abhijnan Rej
The Indian opposition – and Pakistan – have found much to draw from a divisive TV anchor’s leaked chat messages, which seem to suggest foreknowledge of the 2019 Balakot attack.
India and the US: Ideological Convergence No More?
By Mohamed Zeeshan
A new declassified document suggests that Washington sees New Delhi primarily as a security partner.
India and Nepal Hold Joint Meeting Amid Improvement in Ties
By Abhijnan Rej
The recent thaw in relations, however, does not mean Kathmandu is willing to budge on its boundary position.
The Makwanpur Model: Making Public Healthcare in Nepal Work
By Chitij Karki and Harsh Mahaseth
Administrative decentralization has led to a vast improvement in the delivery of healthcare in Nepal. This is one district’s story.
Connectivity Gaining Greater Currency in India-Bangladesh Relations
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Bangladesh has expressed interest in the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, despite slow progress made to date.
India’s Top Court Suspends Implementation of New Farm Laws
By Associated Press
The move comes after weeks of disruptive protests by Indian farmers.