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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.
Does India's New Defense Minister Have a Plan?
By Ankit Panda
India's new defense minister, Manohar Parrikar, has set out an ambitious agenda for India's defense.
Modi 'Acts East' at East Asia Summit
By Ankit Panda
The Indian Prime Minister called for greater India-ASEAN cooperation on a variety of topics.
Chinese Perceptions of Modi’s Foreign Policy
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Alongside growing momentum for reconciliation, significant bilateral problems remain.
The Paradox in Legitimizing India’s Nuclear Status
By Ji Yeon-jung
Striking a balance with the NPT regime requires a careful regional and global calculus.
Indian Politics: Out With the Left, In With the Right
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Why India’s left collapsed and why its political future is with the right.
In Afghanistan, Democracy and Opium Production Go Hand-In-Hand
By Ankit Panda
Afghanistan's presidential elections may have caused an increase in poppy cultivation.
Who Is Responsible for Persecuting Pakistan’s Minorities?
By Kiyya Baloch
Islamists in Balochistan are targeting minorities, yet NGOs are beginning to blame the government too.
Could China Broker Talks Between the Afghan Government and the Taliban?
By Ankit Panda
China has submitted a proposal to the Afghan government that suggests it could broker reconciliation talks.
India’s Strategic Vietnam Defense Relations
By P K Ghosh
India is seeking to counter Chinese ambitions by training and supplying Vietnam’s military.
Afghanistan Hit by Coordinated Multiple Bombings
By Ankit Panda
A series of coordinated bombings suggests the Taliban is ramping up its attacks ahead of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A Multilateral Test for Modi
By Neelam Deo
Upcoming multilateral summits give India an opportunity to enhance regional position and economic links.
Pakistan Needs to 'Create a Scene' on Sexual Harassment
By Shehzad Ghias
As recent cases demonstrate, Pakistan needs to change its discourse on sexual harassment and abuse.