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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.
Why is Narendra Modi Nervous Ahead of India’s General Elections?
By Kavita Chowdhury
Possibly for the first time in a decade, Modi's government finds its image dented by revelations of corruption.
Months After Banning Research Vessels, Sri Lanka Permits German Vessel’s Docking
By Rathindra Kuruwita
It underscores yet again the inconsistent and ad hoc foreign policy under President Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership.
China Courts Nepal’s New Left Alliance Government
By Rishi Gupta
Less than three weeks after taking office, Nepal's new foreign minister is on a week-long tour of China.
Will Pakistan Go Ahead and Build the Gas Pipeline With Iran?
By Umair Jamal
Iran has threatened to take Pakistan to court over its failure to complete the pipeline project. But U.S. sanctions on Iran are an obstacle.
Suicide Attack in Pakistan Kills 5 Chinese Nationals and Their Local Driver
By Riaz Khan
The victims were construction workers and engineers working at the Dasu Dam, Pakistan’s largest hydropower project.
Protests in India’s Ladakh Enter 3rd Week
By Aijaz Hussain
Locals demand protection of fragile ecology, land autonomy, and statehood for the union territory.
How Modi Has Changed Indian Foreign Policy
By Mohamed Zeeshan
In a geopolitically fractious world, the Indian PM has managed to elicit extraordinary support from the U.S. while publicly courting its biggest foes.
Why Assam Is up in Arms Against Controversial New Indian Citizenship Law
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The CAA 2019 extends the deadline for determining citizenship that was agreed upon under the Assam Accord, and could pave the way for a fresh influx of Bangladeshi non-Muslims.
Will the Fortune It Made in the Election Bond Scheme Hurt India’s Ruling BJP?
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The revelations about the scheme are striking, but corruption alone has rarely brought down governments in India.
Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal’s Arrest Triggers Protests Across India
By Sheikh Saaliq and Krutika Pathi
Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party is popular in the Indian capital and with its ally, the Congress party, was expected to dent the ruling BJP’s performance.
Why is Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus Alone and Alienated in Bangladesh?
By Mubashar Hasan
His silence over the Awami League’s authoritarian rule together with the declining influence of his allies in the West in Bangladesh has weakened his position.
There Is No North-South Divide in India
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
However, there is another emerging divide in India — that between the western and eastern halves of the country.