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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.
What Does a Chastized Modi Mean for the World?
By Mohamed Zeeshan
The Western personalized approach of building rapport with Modi to secure India’s strategic cooperation will have to change.
Modi’s Third Term Likely to See Closer India-US Defense Ties
By David Rising and Ashok Sharma
The opposition Congress party is unlikely to challenge Modi's defense reforms but could pressure him on his handling of the border dispute with China.
Was Pakistan’s ISI Involved in the Nepal Royal Massacre of 2001?
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
A new book co-authored by a former Indian ambassador to Nepal claims that Dawood Ibrahim, with the support of the ISI, instigated the crown prince to kill King Birendra and others.
Electric Vehicles Sales Boom in Nepal
By Binaj Gurubacharya
The shift is helping to save on oil imports and alleviate smog.
The Consequences of India’s Election Surprise
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Modi, and the BJP, will return to power but with their smallest majority to date. What, if any, are the consequences for Indian domestic and foreign policy?
Is India Making a Good Bet on Iran?
By Monish Tourangbam and Sarabjit Kaur
The recurrent nature of tensions between Washington and Tehran will continue to test India’s balancing act.
Under Modi 3.0, India Will Retain Its Foreign Policy Course
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The incumbent BJP’s electoral victory was weaker than expected, but that won’t affect New Delhi’s foreign policy.
Drop in Support for Narendra Modi Will Force Him to Rely on Coalition Partners
By Krutika Pathi, Sheikh Saaliq and David Rising
Allies can be expected to “extract their pound of flesh, both in terms of policymaking and government formation,” in exchange for their support.
Bangladesh’s Vulnerable Coastlines on the Frontline of Climate Effects
By Parvez Uddin Chowdhury
Experts say the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove in the world, pays a price as it serves as a first line of defense against cyclones.
Modi Wins But Is Shackled. Muslims Get Respite From Hindutva
By Muqtedar Khan
The election result will restore the faith of Indian Muslims in their own power to shape politics. Their overwhelming vote for the opposition helped prevent a landslide victory for Hindutva.
What Will Modi 3.0 Mean for India’s Foreign Policy?
By Rishi Gupta
Among its top priorities, the BJP aims to make India the third-largest economy by 2027 and cement its status as a global leader.
Modi Wins a Third Term But the Opposition INDIA Bloc Cuts Incumbent BJP Down to Size
By Kavita Chowdhury
In a telling blow, the BJP even lost in the constituency that includes the Ram Temple, in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh.