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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.
Sri Lanka to Vote in Presidential Elections on September 21
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The first election since the mass unrest in 2022 is likely to be a fiercely fought contest.
Is Anyone Buying the Bangladesh Government’s Narrative on the Protest?
By Abu Jakir
It has blamed the opposition BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami for the recent protests, describing those who targeted the security forces as "terrorists" and not students.
India and UK Launch Tech Initiative as New British Foreign Minister Makes His First Official Visit
By Associated Press
New Foreign Secretary David Lammy said his trip to India reflects one of the new government’s top foreign policy priorities: a reset with the Global South.
History’s Key Role in Deadly Student Protests in Bangladesh
By Samata Biswas
In their struggles against authoritarian rule, Bangladesh’s students have always relied on their history’s many artifacts.
Plane Crashes Just After Takeoff From Nepal’s Capital, Kathmandu
By Binaj Gurubacharya
Eighteen people were killed in the crash. A pilot is the lone survivor
Bangladesh Crawls Back to Normalcy After Violent Clashes That Killed Nearly 200 People
By Julhas Alam
The government has issued a circular, accepting a Supreme Court verdict reforming the quota system for government jobs.
Turkey’s Moment for a Diplomatic Thaw with India is Yet to Arrive
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Erdoğan is unwilling to abandon his stance on Kashmir. And New Delhi has been uncompromisingly hostile toward any overseas criticism on Kashmir.
Decoding Newly Appointed Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s Visit to Bhutan
By Rishi Gupta
Misri's visit to Thimphu came on his fourth day in office as the foreign secretary, reflecting Bhutan’s strategic primacy in India’s ongoing border conflict with China.
Modi Government Focuses on Jobs Creation in First Budget After Winning Polls
By Sheikh Saliq
The proposed budget includes a $24 billion package for job creation over the next five years.
India Watches Closely as ‘Friend’ Sheikh Hasina Battles Unrest
By Elizabeth Roche
The Bangladeshi PM has been sensitive to Indian security concerns. Little wonder then that Delhi has chosen to stand by her.
2 BJP State Governments Order Vendors Along Hindu Pilgrimage Route to Display Their Names
By Kavita Chowdhury
The Supreme Court has issued an interim order to stay the controversial directive, which seems aimed at identifying Muslim vendors to destroy their livelihoods.
What a Trump-Vance Administration Would Mean for India
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Ideological lecturing would cease, economic and military ties would continue to grow, and India’s geopolitical position would improve as the U.S. pivots to Asia to counter China.