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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.
Women’s Rights in the Balance as India Weighs Criminalizing Marital Rape
By Saumya Uma
India's Supreme Court is poised to deliver a landmark judgement that may make marital rape a crime, a fiercely debated subject with roots in colonial law.
Bhutan Takes Another Step Forward on Democratic Path
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
Voting in the first phase of elections to the National Assembly – the fourth since the Himalayan kingdom democratized in 2008 – will take place on November 30.
Western Powers and India Spar Over New Delhi’s Alleged Assassinations Abroad
By Angshuman Choudhury
Lacking the clout of Israel or China makes it all the more difficult for India to get away with pre-emptive assassinations of individuals it views as threats to its security.
Domino Effect: Can 2023 State Elections Upset the Modi Machine in 2024?
By Nikhil Sehra
India's state elections don’t usually foretell national polls, but this time around, many will be looking for signs of a winning strategy.
Momentum in the India-Australia Relationship on Display With 2+2 Strategic Dialogue
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Canberra and New Delhi look at each other as vital partners playing critical roles in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
A China-US Thaw Would Be Both Good and Bad for India
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Despite sundry differences with India, so long as the United States needs to contain China, it will feel compelled to overlook problems in its ties with Delhi.
Bangladeshis Look to the US for Restoration of Democracy
By Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb
Are the US pressure tactics aimed at strengthening democracy or securing concessions from the present regime in Bangladesh?
Leaked Pakistani Documents Point to Indian Assassination Program
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan is trying to capitalize on the negative publicity that India has garnered over its alleged assassination of Kashmir and Khalistan activists living in Pakistan.
China Seeks an Image Makeover in Sri Lanka
By Rathindra Kuruwita
To project itself as a more benevolent power, it is providing dry rations to Sri Lankans.
The BJP Tries on a New Image: Champion of ‘Good Governance’
By Satish K. Jha
With state and national elections ahead, the party moves away from its time-tested appeal to Hindu nationalism.
Afghan Embassy in New Delhi Says It Is Permanently Closing
By Associated Press
It is now up to the Indian government to decide whether to keep it shut or consider alternatives, including handing it over to Taliban officials.
Protests, Crackdowns, Boycott Calls Complicate Bangladesh’s Election Scenario
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Amidst a boycott call by the opposition BNP, several new parties have thrown their hats into the electoral ring.