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.
India’s COVID-19 Cooperation With the Middle East
By Alvite Ningthoujam
Indian aid and cooperation amid the pandemic has extended to its increasingly close partners in the Gulf region.
Islamic State Terror in the Maldives as COVID-19 Arrives
By Azim Zahir
The Islamic State is exploiting the COVID–19 pandemic.
COVID-19 and India’s Addiction to Colonial-Era Laws
By Ameya Pratap Singh and Dhruva Gandhi
India’s lockdown raises concerns about the legitimacy of colonial-era laws that have been used to administer emergencies.
Unraveling Urban India’s Water Challenges Amid COVID-19
By Soumyadip Chattopadhyay
India’s urban poor lacked decent access to safe water before handwashing became a matter of life and death.
Taliban Say US Bombing Insurgents at Home Contrary to Deal
By Associated Press
The U.S. military has refused to address the Taliban's specific complaint but has said that it is abiding by the agreement.
China to the Rescue in Sri Lanka
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Beijing first stepped forward to assist Colombo, a move with geopolitical ramifications.
Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir Are India’s Newest Union Territories. What Does That Mean in Practice?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
In August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir lost its autonomous status. How much power has it retained?
Amid COVID-19, a Governance Crisis Looms in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan faces a likely ruling class reshuffle in due time—once the COVID–19 crisis clears.
COVID–19 Imperils Nepal’s High Economic Ambitions
By StoriesAsia
Nepal was rebuilding its economy since 2016 and aimed to achieve a target growth of 9.6 percent. That won't happen anymore.
COVID-19 Boosts India’s Growing Surveillance State
By Aadil Brar
India has been developing a surveillance mechanism for years. The COVID-19 crisis has given the government the chance to test it out.
Pakistan Seeks Extradition of IS Leader From Afghanistan
By Associated Press
Aslam Farooqi is a Pakistani national wanted in connection with attacks claimed by IS in Pakistan.
Afghanistan Frees 100 Taliban, But Group Hasn’t Verified
By Associated Press
The prisoner release is a critical first step to intra-Afghan negotiations aimed at bringing an end to decades of war in Afghanistan.