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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.
Are Bangladesh and Pakistan Relations Moving Toward Rapprochement?
By Muhammad Murad
Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh and Pakistan appear to be on the path toward rapprochement.
20th Anniversary of Indian Ocean Tsunami: Is Sri Lanka Prepared for Another Natural Disaster?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Early warning systems and fostering public awareness have improved. But gaps remain in policy implementation and infrastructure maintenance.
Pakistan Debates Madrassa Reform Rollback
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The rollback of the 2019 reforms will undo the little progress made in modernizing Pakistan’s religious seminaries.
COP29 Failed the ‘Third Pole’: Wither Tibet in the Climate Agenda?
By Varuna Shankar and Jagannath Panda
The U.N. process shows little appetite for addressing the urgent climate crisis on the Tibetan Plateau – in part due to China’s apathy.
India’s Pathways to a Just Energy Transition
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
India’s battle against climate change and toward a just energy transition is saddled with myriad challenges.
US Unveils Sanctions on Pakistan Ballistic Missile Program
By Umair Jamal
Analysts caution that the incoming Trump administration could put Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program under scrutiny, building upon sanctions imposed by Biden.
Is the Haqqani Network Parting Ways With the Taliban Regime?
By Muhammad Murad
A suicide attack killing a senior Haqqani Network leader underscores recent reports of tensions between the group and the Taliban's supreme leader.
Sri Lankan President’s India Visit Energizes Relations
By Rathindra Kuruwita
While agreements promise economic recovery, concerns remain regarding their long-term implications for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and economic independence.
The Fall of Bashar al-Assad May Not Be Good News for the Taliban
By Weiss Mehrabi
The rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria poses a direct ideological and strategic challenge to the Taliban’s hardline rule in Afghanistan.
China-India Border Détente Unlikely to Reduce Turbulence in Bilateral Relations
By Raj Verma
The détente between India and China is beneficial for both sides, but there are several factors that could lead to future crises.
In Manipur, Stepping Into the Territory of the ‘Other’ Could be Fatal
By Kavita Chowdhury
Meanwhile, BJP governments at the center and state are doing little to halt the violence.
US Needs to Accept the Reality of India-Russia Relations
By Rushali Saha
Constraining India’s foreign policy choices will be seen as disregard for its sovereignty and provoke ire.
Sweeping Vaping Ban Takes Effect In Maldives
By Ahmed Naish
Tourists aren’t allowed to bring vaping devices either and cigarette prices have more than doubled after the government hiked tariffs.
The Silk Road’s Hidden Gem: Kashmir’s Enduring Cultural and Historical Ties With Central Asia
By Umar Hayat Hussain
Kashmir's geographical continuity with Central Asia and Tibet has been a defining feature of its historical importance.
Bangladesh-India Relations at Stake: The Way Forward
By Shafi Md Mostofa
While the government transition has exposed underlying tensions, it also presents an opportunity for both nations to redefine their relationship on more equitable and inclusive terms.
Pakistan-Russia Relations Mark Shifting Sands in South Asia
By Prashant Singh
The growing closeness in bilateral ties is both a sign of significant geopolitical change and the continuation of a historical trend.
Maldives Government Offers Concessions to Quell Revolt By Resort Operators
By Ahmed Naish
After staring down disgruntled tourism oligarchs over a requirement to convert foreign currency earnings, President Muizzu has offered a compromise.
Why Sri Lanka’s Minorities Voted for a Sinhalese Party
By Roshni Kapur and Diotima Chattoraj
In the recent general election, residents of the Tamil-dominated north signaled they are tired of ethnic politics and want development and better job opportunities.
With Fall of Bashar al-Assad, India Loses a Friend
By Sudha Ramachandran
Syria under Assad was a strong supporter of India on the Kashmir issue, a rarity in the Muslim world.
How Recent Elections Have Changed National Power Equations in India
By Satish Jha
The crucial role of the RSS means that the recent state election results are not a referendum on Modi’s popularity.
What Lies Ahead for India-China Relations
By Elizabeth Roche
A high-level meeting between Indian and Chinese officials in Beijing is scheduled for later this month.
Clearing the Air: Next Steps for India-Pakistan Climate Diplomacy
By Neeraja Kulkarni
As both sides of the border experience a worsening air pollution crisis, calls for cooperation have gained momentum. Can China-U.S. climate talks show the way?
China-India Disengagement Deal: A Two-level Game
By Tushar Joshi
India must navigate a complex two-level game, balancing domestic demands with global strategic imperatives. But will China view India’s willingness to disengage as a sign of pragmatism or weakness?
Rumor Night: The Yunus Government’s Struggle With Disinformation in Post-Revolution Bangladesh
By Shahadat Swadhin
Disinformation, misinformation, and structured social media propaganda have posed significant challenges for Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ interim government in Bangladesh.