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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.
Pakistan’s Army Chief Calls for Cooperation in Tackling TTP
By Umair Jamal
The country's political parties are using the rising terrorist attacks in the country to score points against each other.
India Establishes Clout in Global Aviation Market
By Mohamed Zeeshan
The country has become the world’s third-largest and fastest-growing market in the aviation sector.
Indian Child Marriage Crackdown Leaves Families in Anguish
By Piyush Nagpal
In Assam, police arrested over 3,000 men on charges of marrying girls below the age of 18.
Changes to Indus Water Treaty Could Raise Hostility Between India, Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Many in Islamabad believe India’s threats are meant to strengthen Prime Minister Modi’s electoral prospects in upcoming general elections.
Amid Hard Times for Multilateralism, New Delhi Triumphant Over G20 Presidency
By Sanjeet Kashyap
India may be optimistic about its G-20 presidency, but the prospects for a transformative multilateralism are currently dim.
India’s Discovery of Lithium Reserve Triggers Hopes, Worries
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
While enthusing India’s EV sector, the news left environmentalists wary of mega-mining initiatives in the geologically and ecologically sensitive Kashmir Valley.
Ruling Taliban Display Rare Division in Public Over Bans
By Rahim Faiez
Without naming Taliban chief Akhundzada, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani criticized his decision-making for “hurting the reputation" of the regime.
The Twin Factors Behind Pakistan’s Growing TTP Problem
By Hamael Kashif and Hamza Basharat
Yes, the Afghan Taliban’s victory emboldened the TTP. But Islamabad also missed its chance to deal the group a decisive blow.
China Expresses Support for Sri Lanka Ahead of Debt Meeting
By Joe McDonald and Bharatha Mallawarachi
Beijing is resisting cuts to Sri Lanka's debts for fear other borrowers will want similar relief.
Can India Emerge a Global Chip Powerhouse?
By Laraib Farhat
While capitalizing on its domestic tech skills, India will need to enter into collaborative tech alliances to make itself an integral part of the global semiconductor industry.
What Do Bangladeshis Really Think of the Rohingya?
By Kristina Kironska and Michał Lubina
A recent Sinophone Borderlands public opinion survey sheds light on Bangladeshi views of the Rohingya, roughly a million of whom have been forced to seek refuge in Bangladesh.
India Ups Its Game in the Middle East
By Husain Haqqani and Aparna Pande
India's response to the earthquake emergency in Turkey and Syria is not just humanitarian. It’s strategic.