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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.
Taliban’s Outreach to Iran Worsens Pakistan’s Afghanistan Dilemma
By Muhammad Shoaib
The Taliban government is trying to anticipate Pakistan’s potential moves and limit whatever leverage Islamabad holds over Afghanistan.
Will the Tiprasa Accord Bring Peace to India’s Tripura?
By Anurug Chakma
Peace agreements in Northeast India have a dismal track record. Will the latest deal be different?
India’s Election Will Stretch Over 44 Days. Why Does It Take So Long?
By Krutika Pathi
India’s 28 states and eight federal territories will vote at different times, with the first phase held on April 19 and the last on June 1.
India Suffering a Quiet Decline in Foreign Direct Investment
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Since 2016, net FDI inflows have fallen from about 1.7 percent of GDP to a little over 0.5 percent, according to the RBI.
Pakistani Airstrikes Target Suspected Pakistani Taliban Hideouts in Afghanistan
By Munir Ahmed and Rahim Faiez
A few hours later, the Afghan Taliban retaliated by targeting Pakistani military posts near the border.
Nepalis Stuck in the Russian Army: A Familiar Tale for Nepal
By Rishi Gupta
Once again, Kathmandu finds itself ill-equipped to defend the interests of its citizens abroad.
Where Do Taliban-Pakistan Relations Stand Now?
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
One reason driving Islamabad’s renewed efforts in Afghanistan may be India’s continuing moves to expand its dealings with the Taliban.
How Should Bangladesh Handle Myanmar’s Fleeing Soldiers?
By Shahariar Sadat and Arafat Reza
More and more Myanmar troops are seeking refuge in Bangladesh. Dhaka can use this situation to its advantage.
An ‘India Out’ Campaign Gathers Pace in Bangladeshi Social Media
By Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb
Activists have called for a boycott of Indian products in protest against India’s support of the Awami League’s manipulation of elections in Bangladesh.
PM Modi Begins Implementing Controversial Citizenship Law Ahead of Elections
By Kavita Chowdhury
It is aimed at the communal polarization of India to solidify Hindu votes, and deflect attention away from disclosures of the government’s controversial party funding scheme.
Catalyzing Renewable Energy: Path to Afghanistan’s Economic Revival
By Hamayun Khan
Developing water, solar and wind power could reduce Afghanistan’s import of electricity from abroad and help it emerge a regional renewable energy hub.
From India to China, Nepal’s Maoist Prime Minister Displays His Hindu Diplomacy
By Birat Anupam
While it has foreign policy overtones, PM Dahal's embrace of Hindu diplomacy is more motivated by domestic politics.