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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 Lankan President Seals Several Deals in China
By Rathindra Kuruwita
China’s Sinopec has agreed to set up an oil refinery with an investment of $3.7 billion in Hambantota.
China in Pakistan’s Power Sector: The Hidden Costs Behind Pakistan’s Energy Overcapacity
By Nishant Yadav
Contracts with Chinese power producers have left Pakistan footing a massive bill for inefficient supply – all while electricity shortfalls continue.
Will the Trump Administration Grant the Iran-Pakistan Pipeline Project a Sanctions Waiver?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
If Pakistan does not keep its part of the pipeline agreement with Iran, it will have to shell out a potential $18 billion to Tehran.
Tiny Steps for TAPI in the Taliban’s Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
The Taliban authorities say that around 3 kilometers of the pipeline has been completed, out of more than 770 km needed to bring Turkmen gas to the Pakistani border.
Political Outbidding in India on Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants
By Sucharita Sengupta
As elections in Delhi draw near, political parties take to anti-immigrant rhetoric and penal action.
Can Hasina’s Awami League Make a Comeback in Bangladesh’s Next Election?
By Shahadat Swadhin
The Awami League is unlikely to make a swift comeback in Bangladesh's political landscape
Will PTI’s Talks With Government Shield Imran Khan From Imprisonment?
By Umair Jamal
The former Pakistan PM’s conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case is imminent, say government officials.
Growing Taliban-India Closeness: Should Pakistan be Worried?
By Muhammad Murad
Is Pakistan on the verge of losing its erstwhile friend, the Afghan Taliban, to its arch-rival India?
Confronting India’s Silent Killer: Silicosis
By Arkaprabha Sau
Preventing silicosis demands integrating technological, public health, and sustainable livelihood solutions.
India Reimposes Restrictions on Foreign Nationals Visiting Three Northeastern States
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
There have been instances of foreigners engaging in activities considered harmful to national security in the volatile region.
Afghanistan Continues to Refine Its Extraction Strategy
By Patrick Yeager
The Taliban are gradually increasing revenue streams from resource extraction operations in an effort to minimize the impact of Western pressure.
Cracks in Pakistan-Taliban Relations: Time for a New Alliance in Kabul?
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
While a reconciliation between the two estranged partners – the Taliban and Islamabad – seems impossible, the rift has opened up opportunities for New Delhi to step in.