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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.
Padmaavat and Beyond: India is Being Terrorized by Those Intolerant of Movies With Mythical Female Figures
By Priyanka Borpujari
The Karni Sena's furor reveals India's contemporary struggles with free expression and bigoted chauvinism.
The Raisina Dialogue: India's Answer to World Disruptions
By Sophie Boisseau du Rocher and Françoise Nicolas
India is increasingly staking its claim as a global player.
Kashmir: The Politics of Interlocutors
By Yaqoob ul Hassan
India's approach to managing Kashmir won't work in the long term. Is there an alternative?
Pakistan's Ongoing Media Crackdown Takes Aim at RFE/RL
By Catherine Putz
Pakistani intelligence says RFE/RL's Pashto-language Radio Mashaal aired programs "against the interests of Pakistan."
The Politics of Electioneering in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
The stakes are high for civilian supremacy in Pakistan in the leadup to the next elections.
The Future of India's Ties With ASEAN
By Harsh V. Pant
As ASEAN leaders converge on New Delhi, what are India's priorities for Southeast Asia?
Islamic State Claims Attack on Save the Children Office in Jalalabad
By Catherine Putz
As of writing, official sources indicate that at least three people have been killed and 20 injured.
Japan Claims a Stake in Sri Lanka’s Ports
By Lasanda Kurukulasuriya
Sri Lanka is caught between the need for foreign investment and the risk of being the object of a great power tug-of-war.
India Lacks a Competitive Trade Strategy for Chabahar
By Ali Malik
India needs a sound economic and political strategy to maximize the benefits it receives from Chabahar.
Why It Matters That ASEAN Leaders Are Heading to India
By Rupakjyoti Borah
Heads of state and government from the ten ASEAN states are heading to India. Here's why that matters.
What Russia’s Changing Role in South Asia Means for Pakistan
By Kashif Hussain
Russia's embrace of Pakistan should be viewed through the lens of the Afghan security crisis.
Eastern India's Embrace of China
By Tridivesh Singh Maini
West Bengal, in particular, is seeing growing interest from China.