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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.
From Dependency to Dominance: India’s Critical Mineral Crusade
By Manish Vaid
India's pursuit of critical minerals isn’t just an economic prerogative; it’s a strategic imperative.
India-Maldives War of Words on Social Media Triggers Diplomatic Row
By Sudha Ramachandran
Neither Modi nor Muizzu can absolve themselves of responsibility for the spat.
Many Questions Remain About the Afghan Fund, and Its Frozen $3.5 Billion
By Catherine Putz
It’s hard to separate the financial welfare of the Afghan state from the conditions of the people, just as it is difficult to disentangle the Afghan state as it is today from the Taliban.
Bangladesh’s Opposition-Less Election Returns Hasina to Power
By Shannon Tiezzi
The result was never in doubt. The question of what comes next is more interesting.
An Invisible Killer Hangs in the Air of Asia’s Cities
By Karn Vohra
Air pollution deaths increase by 150,000 in rapidly growing South and Southeast Asian cities.
Sri Lanka Navigates the Seas of Geopolitics
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Pressure from India and the U.S. on the docking of Chinese research vessels at its ports appears to have prompted Sri Lanka to impose a one-year moratorium on visits by foreign research vessels.
Outlawed ULFA Faction Signs Agreement with Indian Government
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
New Delhi has agreed to consider re-verification of the National Register of Citizens if found necessary after the Supreme Court judgment.
Jihadi Seminaries Under the Taliban: A Looming Threat
By Gul Hassan Mohammadi
The Taliban’s jihadi seminaries not only function as recruitment bases, but as centers of extremist indoctrination they pose a significant threat to the entire world.
How Social Media Will be Weaponized in Bangladesh’s Election
By Md. Sayeed Al-Zaman
As Bangladesh preps for its election, social media is overflowing with information – and being weaponized by political parties.
The Long History of Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan
By Samand Muhammad Shahi
Baloch protesters are demanding an end to the decades-old problem of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Pakistan’s government is trying to justify the practice.
India Turns the Page on Ties with Russia After Ukraine War
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Over the past two years, India was wary of being perceived as aligned with an isolated Russia. That changed during Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s visit to Moscow.
‘Himalayan Declaration’ Lays Bare Deep Divide Among Sri Lankan Tamil Groups
By Mark S. Cogan
Diaspora groups have slammed the Global Tamil Forum for not including them in a recent dialogue with a Buddhist delegation.