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.
Will Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu Tilt Towards China?
By Nalinie Sharma
He can be expected to adopt a more independent, balanced and diversified foreign policy rather than a pro-China one.
Nepal Registers First Same-Sex Marriage
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The order by the Supreme Court is interim, and the registration is temporary. Nepal has still a long way to go.
Multiple Climate Reports Warn of Water Conflict in South Asia
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The region is expected to suffer the most significant impacts of changing water availability this century. Yet tight-fisted governments are quibbling at COP28 over climate financing.
Anti-War Advocate Accused of Terrorism in Pakistan, Inspiring Global Protests
By Freshta Jalalzai
Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, has been arrested under mysterious circumstances.
Bangladesh’s Blueprint for Engineering an Election
By Ali Riaz
The ruling Awami League has taken lessons from the previous engineered polls in 2014 and 2018 to hone its strategy for 2024.
State Election Victories Give Modi a Head Start for 2024
By Bharat Bhushan
The ruling BJP's success in three of five state elections has put Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in prime position for national elections in 2024.
What’s the Buzz at the India-Bangladesh Border Fence?
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
India has decided to install beehives along its eastern frontier to curb infiltration and deter smugglers and traffickers.
Are Pro-LTTE Elements Trying to Revive the Eelam Movement?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
A deep-fake video of a woman identifying as Tiger Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran’s daughter went viral recently.
Nepal Seeks Return of Citizens Killed With Russian Army
By Catherine Putz
Kathmandu has urged Russia to discourage the recruitment of its citizens, drawn to the conflict in Ukraine with promises of payment.
Justice a Distant Dream for Acid Attack Survivors in South Asia
By Sebanti Chatterjee
Despite various legal provisions to address the issue, acid attack as a form of gender violence does not get the attention it deserves.
Pakistan Gets Ready for Elections
By Umair Jamal
Parties and politicians are accusing each other of receiving support from the caretaker government.
Illegal Myanmar Immigrants Languish in Jails and Detention Centers in India
By Aaisha Sabir
They entered Manipur without valid documents. They are paying a heavy price.