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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.
As Israel Bombards Gaza, Where Is India, the ‘Voice of the Global South’?
By Muqtedar Khan
By standing with Israel, India has laid bare its fear of being excluded from the cool clubs of the Global North.
Pakistan Court Grants Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif Protection From Arrest – For a Time
By Munir Ahmed
The ruling paves the way for Sharif to return home after four years of self-exile in the United Kingdom.
What is Driving China-Bangladesh Bonhomie?
By Mubashar Hasan
Unlike the U.S., China is making no demands on PM Hasina to ensure that elections are free and fair.
India’s Supreme Court Refuses to Legalize Same-sex Marriage
By Krutika Pathi
It is up to Parliament to decide whether it should expand marriage laws to same-sex unions, the apex court said.
New Maldives President: India’s Friend or Foe?
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
It likely that Malé will remain sensitive to India’s broad strategic concerns around China, but will likely push also for closer ties to Beijing.
Caste Census in India’s Kerala State Could Boomerang Against the Congress Party
By A. Harikumar
Other Backward Classes among Hindus in the state fear that the census could trigger Muslim demands for larger quotas for the community.
What Nawaz Sharif’s Return to Pakistan Means
By Umair Jamal
It signals a fair level of confidence in upcoming elections being fair and inclusive, and that he will be treated fairly by the courts.
India Needs to Hedge its Bets in Bangladesh
By Ahmede Hussain
Its all-out support for the ruling Awami League for decades, even ignoring its undemocratic governance, and reluctance to engage other parties could prove costly.
South Asian Countries Are Divided on Hamas Attacks
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
However, all of them expressed support for a two-state solution.
Sri Lanka Reaches Agreement With China’s EXIM Bank on Debt
By Krishan Francis
This is a key step toward securing the next installment of a $2.9 billion package from the IMF.
The Hole in India’s Definition of Terrorism
By Rashad Khan
Hindutva violence is not included in India’s official conception of terrorism, but rather enjoys the blessing of the state.
India’s Modi Voices Solidarity With Israel After Hamas Attack
By Sudha Ramachandran
This is a huge shift from the past, when India was a vociferous champion of the Palestinian cause.