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.
The Time Is Finally Right for a Third Front in India
By Ambar Kumar Ghosh
The political landscape, marked by a shrinking Congress Party and invincible BJP, calls for a coalition of regional forces.
Overcoming India and Pakistan's Perpetual Standoff in Kashmir
By Amina Afzal
Increasing tensions between the two countries don’t augur well for the fragile South Asian peace.
India and China Reduce the Temperature Ahead of High-Level Meetings
By Ankit Panda
The complex relationship between New Delhi and Beijing is returning to its pre-Doklam equilibrium.
The Regional Fallout From Trump's Afghanistan Approach
By Sudha Ratan
President Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy means tough times for Afghanistan.
Why Russia Exaggerates Islamic State's Presence in Afghanistan
By Samuel Ramani
The notion that the United States is facilitating the rise of ISIS in Afghanistan resonates powerfully within Russia.
How Fake News Spreads in India
By Alisha Sachdev from StoriesAsia
Clickbait, votes, WhatsApp journalism: Your primer on what really drives fake news in India.
How the Indian Government Polices Journalists To Curb 'Fake News'
By Priyanka Borpujari
India's push to regulate "fake news" lays bare the poor state of press freedom in the country.
Why Did Nehru Want the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations?
By Nabarun Roy
What history tells us about India’s support for the PRC in the 1950s.
Why Pakistan Is TAPI's Biggest Hurdle
By Shoaib A. Rahim
The pipeline would bring substantial benefits to all 4 member countries. For Pakistan, that's exactly the problem.
Quetta Attack a Gory Reminder of Islamic State's Presence in Balochistan
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
The Pakistan Army continues to deny that ISIS is active in Pakistan, despite the mounting evidence.
In Afghanistan, Peace Must Come Without Compromising Hard-Earned Gains
By Said Sabir Ibrahimi
Progress on freedom of speech, political participation, and women’s rights in Afghanistan cannot be compromised.
India’s Growing Role in the Middle East
By Rachel Brandenburg and Bharath Gopalaswamy
A recent agreement to allow an Indian airline to run flights to Israel through Saudi airspace illustrates Delhi’s increasing clout.