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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.
Opposition in Maldives Continues Its ‘India Out’ Campaign as Both Countries Deepen Defense Ties
By Sudha Ramachandran
Expanding economic cooperation is an important part of the deepening India-Maldives bond. Yet it is the military component of the relationship that is the target of the Maldivian opposition so far.
Checkbook in Hand, India Continues its Maldives Outreach
By Abhijnan Rej
The Indian foreign secretary’s visit to the Maldives is to follow up on India’s deepening commitments in the island nation.
From Trump to Biden: Will Anything Change for Pakistan in Washington?
By Umair Jamal
Brace for more of the same when it comes to Pakistan-US relations under Joe Biden.
Indian Oil Company Found Drilling in Eco-sensitive Zone Without Mandatory Clearances
By StoriesAsia
A fire at the Baghjan natural gas well in Assam once again brings to fore the recklessness of India’s state-owned companies.
India and the Philippines Must Focus on Climate Change and Disaster Management
By Abhijnan Rej
Greater cooperation and dialogue around softer issues will pave way for greater strategic cooperation.
Pakistan Peoples Party Leader Disavows Nawaz Sharif Comments About the Army
By Abhijnan Rej
With this latest development, the future of the 11 opposition parties’ alliance looks bleak.
In India, Polluted Air Spells Trouble for Virus Patients
By Associated Press
Air pollution in parts of New Delhi has climbed to levels around nine times what the World Health Organization considers safe.
Nepal’s Government is Curtailing the Public’s Ability to Protest Peacefully
By Suraj Ray
Nepal's government has restricted public assembly at a key location in Kathmandu using the ongoing pandemic as an excuse.
Dispelling 5 Myths About Nepal’s Foreign Policy
By Birat Anupam
Despite how the foreign media portrays the country’s foreign policy, Nepal is neither pro-China nor anti-India.
Enemy Attacks Rose Sharply in Run-up to Intra-Afghan Negotiations: Report
By Catherine Putz
From July to September, average daily enemy-initiated attacks in Afghanistan were 50 percent higher than the previous quarter. And then negotiations began.
Indian Army Chief Begins Nepal Visit Amid Modest Improvement in Ties
By Abhijnan Rej
General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s trip follows a public Kathmandu visit by the chief of India’s external intelligence service in October.
Facing Pandemic Economic Woes, Nepal Reopens to Adventurers
By Associated Press
The reopening is mostly limited to those seeking to to climb or trek Nepal’s famous peaks.