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.
How India is Trying to Police the Internet
By Mohamed Zeeshan
As the Indian government’s actions during the farmers’ protest demonstrate, it is keen on curbing unfavorable opinion online. And existing laws may be enabling it.
Will Pakistan Come Off the FATF Grey List?
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan may have done enough work to stay on the clear. But that may not be sufficient.
Nepali Women Find Their Freedom of Movement Under Threat
By Harsh Mahaseth and Chitij Karki
A controversial proposal to require women to get permission to travel abroad has reignited a debate on patriarchy in Nepal.
NATO Faces Conundrum as It Mulls Afghan Pullout
By Associated Press
Some say NATO and the U.S. should send a strong message for peace to all sides in Afghanistan's protracted conflict.
Dam Agreement Highlights India’s Soft Power Gambit in Afghanistan
By Priyanjali Simon
Compared to Islamabad, New Delhi has preferred a softer approach towards protecting its interests in Afghanistan.
India and the Quad: 3 Wildcards
By Abhijnan Rej
While New Delhi remains committed to the grouping as of now, the future could bring unpleasant surprises.
Did Iran Carry Out a ‘Surgical Strike’ Inside Pakistan?
By Umair Jamal
A recent news report is unlikely to be accurate, not the least because it goes against established patterns of behavior by both countries.
Disaster Underscores Dam Danger in India’s Uttarakhand
By Sudha Ramachandran
Between climate change effects and multiple hydroelectric power projects, the Himalayan Indian state could face an environmental catastrophe in the future.
Mother Tongue: Preserving the Saura Language in India
By Abhijit Mohanty
Cultivation of indigenous languages is an imperative in ensuring tribal identities are not erased -- in India, and elsewhere.
When Did India’s BJP Lose Its Hawkishness on China?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
To diplomatically stand up to China, all the BJP needs is to do is to revive some of its past rhetoric.
India and Myanmar: Business as Usual Despite Power Grab
By Sudha Ramachandran
While New Delhi’s approach toward its Southeast Asian neighbor was once shaped by its commitment to democratic values, realpolitik now rules the roost.
India’s Modi Government and Twitter Jostle Over Account Bans
By Abhijnan Rej
How long can an uneasy peace between the two, forced through narrow self-interest, persist?