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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.
India’s Modi Opens Controversial Hindu Temple in Ayodhya
By Biswajeet Banerjee, Sheikh Saaliq and Krutika Pathi
The building of the Ram temple at the site of a demolished 16th century mosque is expected to provide a shot in the arm to the Hindu nationalist BJP’s prospects in upcoming elections.
Indian Government to Terminate Free Movement Regime With Myanmar
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Concerns over illegal migration from Myanmar, rising criminal activities including the poppy trade, and cross-border militant activity underlies the government decision.
Hindutva Activists Target Tamil Film ‘Annapoorani’
By Kavita Chowdhury
The movie’s claim that the Hindu deity Ram was a meat eater has raised the hackles of Hindu hardliners.
India’s Judicial Crisis
By Prem Singh Gill
A judicial backlog of over 50 million criminal and civil cases is not merely a statistical anomaly but a reflection of systemic issues exacerbated by political interference.
Impasse at Torkham: Pakistan’s Border Closure a Pressure Tactic on the Taliban
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Pakistan is leveraging the border as a tool of pressure to secure its political interests vis-a-vis Afghanistan.
Securing India’s Digital Future: Cybersecurity Urgency and Opportunities
By Shruti Sharma
Despite the looming specter of cyber attacks in India, there exists untapped potential and opportunities that the nation can harness to bolster cybersecurity.
Pakistan’s Precarious Crossroads: Elections and Beyond
By Syed Mushahid Hussain Naqvi
The upcoming elections in Pakistan are much more than a routine political event. They are a decisive moment for the nation's future.
With Surprise Air Raids, Iran Loses Goodwill in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
To not hit back was not an option for Pakistan, as that would have been interpreted as a sign of weakness at home and in New Delhi and Kabul.
Modi’s Leading Role at Ram Temple Marks a New Indian Republic
By Mohamed Zeeshan
He has set a precedent for Indian PMs to perform religious functions, thereby effectively rendering non-Hindus unelectable for that position.
The Politicization of the Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony
By Rashad Khan
Opposition parties and Hindu religious leaders alike have questioned what role a prime minister has in consecrating an idol.
Maldives’ Muizzu Throws in With China
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Malé is playing India and China against each other and trying to get the best deal, but Muizzu appears to have gone a bit overboard this time.
Indian Foreign Policy in an Election Year
By Raymond E. Vickery, Jr.
In his latest book, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar shows that his thinking on statecraft has progressed in significant ways.