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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.
Sri Lanka Continues to Back India’s Adani Group
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Foreign Minister Sabry has expressed confidence in the multinational conglomerate’s capacity to complete port and power projects on the island.
Nepal Elects New President Amid Political Uncertainty
By Binaj Gurubacharya
The president is largely a figurehead with little political power, but there has been considerable political turmoil around the selection.
Pakistan’s Alarming Rise in Terrorism Is Fueled by Afghanistan
By Muhammad Nawaz Khan
Data on the number and location of terrorist attacks in Pakistan show a concentration near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
Sri Lankan President’s Plan for Nuclear Power Could Run Into Opposition
By P.K. Balachandran
Notwithstanding the merits of nuclear power from a clean energy perspective, Ranil Wickremesinghe’s plan may face public opposition due to cost and safety issues.
In Sri Lanka, Opposition Parties Allege a Secret CIA Visit
By Uditha Devapriya
Sri Lanka hosted two high-level delegations from the U.S. in February – including one that opposition parties say was cover for a secret mission by the head of the CIA.
Bangladesh Building Explosion Kills At Least 17; Scores Hurt
By Associated Press
The country has a history of fires and industrial disasters, which have been blamed on corruption and lax enforcement of rules.
The Grim Reality of Sexual Violence for India’s Dalit Women
By Kavita Chowdhury
Even as the BJP government celebrates International Women’s Day, yet another Dalit gang rape victim is denied justice.
Turning a New Page in India-Germany Relations
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
German Chancellor Scholz’s recent visit to India was much more consequential than “chai sipping in Chanakyapuri.”
A New Chapter in India-Italy Relations?
By Dario Cristiani
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was the guest of honor of this year’s Raisina Dialogue, where India and Italy upgraded their relationship.
Raisina Dialogue Highlights India’s Global Balancing Act
By Sarang Shidore
India pitched its identity as both a stalwart U.S. partner and a core member of the Global South.
Pakistan’s Parties Bicker Over Elections
By Umair Jamal
The government is unhappy with President Alvi’s announcement and the Supreme Court directive to hold elections for two provincial assemblies in a few months.
Is Hindutva Justifying al-Qaida’s Ghazwa-e-Hind Narrative?
By Shafi Md Mostofa
The jihadist group is attacking Hindutva aggression in India in its publications.