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.
An ‘Orchard of Bad Apples’ Weighs on New Afghan Peace Talks
By Associated Press
Escalating violence has all sides pointing the finger at each other as negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban resume.
One Federation, One Election? Narendra Modi’s Push for Simultaneous Elections in India
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The (unlikely) introduction of simultaneous elections in India would favor the richest national parties at the expense of regional parties.
India’s Effort to Reform the United Nations Security Council Demands a New Mindset
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Fence-sitting and ambiguous positions on key international security issues hasn’t served the country’s global ambitions well.
Gunmen Kill Prominent Journalist in Western Afghanistan
By Associated Press
Bismillah Adil Aimaq is the fifth journalist killed in Afghanistan in the past two months.
Pakistani Shiites Rally Against Murder of Coal Miners by Islamic State
By Associated Press
Pakistan’s Hazara community has been targeted many times in recent years by Sunni militant groups, including IS. Now they're demanding government action.
Death Penalty for Rape: An Ineffective Lethal Lottery in South Asia
By Bansari Kamdar
Instead of instituting capital punishment, governments need to address the social and legal problems underpinning the region's epidemic of sexual violence.
India-Bangladesh Relations: Time to Move Beyond Connectivity
By Sudha Ramachandran
A new railway link highlights the warming ties between the two countries; New Delhi must not let them be derailed by domestic politics.
India OKs AstraZeneca and Locally Made COVID-19 Vaccines
By Associated Press
The country's initial immunization plan aims to vaccinate 300 million people by August.
Pakistan Arrests 24 People Over Demolishing of Hindu Temple
By Associated Press
A Hindu temple was set on fire and demolished by a mob led by supporters of a radical Islamist party.
Hindutva’s Realism in Modi’s Foreign Policy
By Ameya Pratap Singh
The influence of Hindutva’s unique brand of realism on Modi’s foreign policy is apparent.
Month On, Women Hold the Fort at India Farmer Protests
By Associated Press
Nearly 75 percent of rural women in India who work full-time are farmers.
Kashmir’s Political Alliance Scores Victory in Local Elections
By Sudha Ramachandran
Kashmir used the elections to send a political message to the Modi government: Autonomy must be restored. Will New Delhi heed that message?