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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.
Key Ally of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Demands End to Ban on X, Formerly Twitter
By Munir Ahmed
Two months after the ban went into effect, Farhatullah Babar, a senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, publicly called for access to the social media platform to be restored.
Labor Diplomacy to Bolster Ties Between India and Israel
By Muhsin Puthan Purayil and Nanda Kishore
Both governments recognize that an influx of Indian migrant workers could finally forge a strong people-to-people aspect in India-Israel relations.
Indian Democracy’s Tryst With Trust
By Ajay Gudavarthy
Elections in India represent a paradoxical see-saw between trust and crises of legitimacy.
Why Indians Want Modi Again: Understanding the BJP’s Popularity
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The BJP’s vision for India is more in sync with what most Indians want – an India that is a military and economic power that they can be proud of.
Why Is the BJP Courting Muslims in Assam?
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Only a year ago, Chief Minister Sarma proclaimed that the party would not seek the votes of minorities.
Deceived and Deployed: Indian Workers Trapped in Russia’s War
By Nishtha Gupta
The exploitation of Indian workers in Russia highlights the need for a proactive approach by the Indian government to uphold the rights and ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
Will the BJP Gain a Toehold in Southern Indian States of Tamil Nadu and Kerala?
By Sudha Ramachandran
The party may increase its vote share in these states but votes may not translate into seats in parliament.
Once a Fringe Ideology, Hindu Nationalism is Now Mainstream, Thanks to Modi
By Krutika Pathi and Sheikh Saaliq
Modi has made Hindu nationalism acceptable, even desirable, to a nation of 1.4 billion that for decades prided itself on pluralism and secularism.
Death Toll From 4 Days of Rains Rises to 63 in Pakistan, With More Rain Forecast
By Riaz Khan
The heaviest downpour in decades flooded villages in Balochistan and collapsed buildings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
BJP Election Manifesto 2024 Focuses on Narendra Modi, Not the Party
By Kavita Chowdhury
The opposition has dismissed the manifesto as a "jumla patra," a document of fake promises.
Pakistan in a Difficult Spot Amid Escalating Iran-Israel Tensions
By Umair Jamal
The government cannot afford to annoy Western countries, whose support it needs for loans. But the Pakistani public is angry with Israel.
Divided INDIA Bloc Could Help BJP in India’s Jammu & Kashmir
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The upcoming general election is the first in J&K since the Modi government’s controversial decision in August 2019 to revoke its autonomy and strip it of its statehood.