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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.
India Votes in Second Phase of National Elections
By Ashok Sharma
Around 160 million people in 88 constituencies across 13 states are eligible to vote in this phase of the election.
Extreme Heatwaves in Bangladesh: The Environmental Governance Perspectives
By Sharif Mustajib
Extreme weather reflects the country’s environmental vulnerability and weak environmental governance.
Delhi’s Dilemma: A Growing Economy and Growing Unemployment
By Rajat Kathuria
India is on its way to becoming the third-largest economy in the world, yet unemployment among young people with graduate degrees is at an all-time high.
Pakistan, Iran to Enhance Efforts at a ‘United Front’ Against Afghanistan-based Militants
By Munir Ahmed
The two countries allege that the TTP and Islamic State are operating from bases in Afghanistan.
TikTok May Be Banned in the US. Here’s What Happened When India Did It.
By Krutika Pathi
In India, the app was banned nearly four years ago. Most users and content creators migrated to other platforms without much trouble.
Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring Talks With Private Bondholders Hit a Snag
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Is the government quibbling over small details to signal to the public that it is driving a hard bargain?
Why a Bhutan-India Tourism Meeting Excited Entrepreneurs in Nepal
By Birat Anupam
Bhutan’s embrace of regional tourism could be a major boost for connectivity in the entire BBIN subregion.
Iran and Pakistan Vow to Boost Trade to Mend Diplomatic Rift
By Munir Ahmed
The two sides discussed a multi-billion gas pipeline project, on hold since 2014, during Iranian President Raisi’s visit to Islamabad.
Era of Wars Could Complicate Modi’s Moment
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Unlike on Ukraine, in the Israel-Gaza conflict, India has been rendered an outlier in the developing world, where most countries are in solidarity with Palestine.
Muizzu’s People’s National Congress Storms to Power in Maldives
By Ahmed Naish
With the support of allies, the PNC has the required numbers in parliament to remove judges and push through constitutional amendments.
President Muizzu’s Party Sweeps Maldives Parliamentary Elections
By Mohameed Sharuhan
The pro-China People's National Congress won 70 out of 93 seats, while the pro-India Maldivian Democratic Party got just 15 seats in Parliament.
AI and India’s General Elections
By Saqlain Rizve
Parties are using AI to communicate with voters across linguistic divisions but also to malign each other.