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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.
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.
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.
Will India’s Election Commission Provide All Parties a Level Playing Field?
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Two of the commissioners in the three-member body that will conduct elections have recently been appointed by the ruling party.
Bhutan and India: Decoding the Strategic Saga
By Rishi Gupta
Bhutan’s new prime minister just concluded his India visit, and now India’s PM is heading to Bhutan.
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.