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.
What’s Happening at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port?
By Zofeen T Ebrahim
Despite big promises, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is yet to deliver local benefits.
Can Pakistan Afford CPEC?
By K.S. Venkatachalam
There are concerns that the secretive agreement will lead to unsustainable debt for Pakistan while China reaps the benefits.
It's Official: India's Modi Will Meet Trump At Last
By Ankit Panda
The meeting will be the first between the two leaders and a chance for Modi to lock in continuity in U.S.-India ties.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister to Appear Before Panama Papers Joint Investigation
By Umair Jamal
What does Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s appearance before the JIT tell us about Pakistan’s politics?
Can China Help Mediate Between Afghanistan and Pakistan?
By Catherine Putz
There's ample room for cynicism, but Beijing may just be able to pull Pakistan back to the table.
Pakistan Issues First Death Sentence for Digital Blasphemy
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
The ruling is a reminder that Pakistan's blasphemy law is an existential threat for the state.
Japan’s Outreach to Northeastern India
By Tridivesh Singh Maini and Sandeep Sachdeva
Japanese investment will play an important role in linking India's northeast with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Does Afghanistan Seek Rapprochement With Pakistan?
By Umair Jamal
Where are Pakistan and Afghanistan’s relations are headed after the peace conference in Kabul?
Good News for India as North-South Trade Corridor Takes Shape
By Roshan Iyer
India's preferred alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative has seen progress in the past months.
Kabul Process Falters as Taliban Support Rises
By Bismellah Alizada
Complex geopolitical rivalries make it unlikely that the Kabul Process will bring peace to Afghanistan.
The SCO Illusion Takes India
By Harsh V. Pant
As India joins the SCO, it must keep in mind certain geopolitical realities.
Afghanistan's 'Kabul Process' Kicks Off Amid Regional Shifts
By Aveek Sen
A new Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive peace process kicks off.