Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has expressed caution regarding 'extreme volatility' risks stemming from the West Asian conflict, which could impact global oil demand and the company's margins, while also noting that near-term retail consumption demand may remain sensitive to macro conditions. Chairman Mukesh Ambani, in the annual report, remained silent on the timeline for Jio Platforms' anticipated public listing, stating the group will 'continue to evaluate strategic pathways'.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the central bank is closely monitoring whether the supply shock from the West Asia conflict will lead to a generalised price rise, potentially necessitating monetary policy action.
Escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia are beginning to disrupt India's automotive supply chain, leading to rising commodity prices, logistics bottlenecks, material shortages, and pressure on consumer demand, with two-wheeler makers already raising prices.
Indian cement manufacturers, despite a stable Q4FY26, are bracing for significant profitability pressures from Q1FY27 onwards due to escalating input costs, primarily driven by the West Asia conflict's impact on coal and petcoke prices.
A prolonged supply shock can transmit to lower incomes, and dampen confidence and sentiment, warns Aditi Nayar, chief economist, head-research and outreach, ICRA.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, mirroring weak global trends, as escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly a drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear facility, pushed crude oil prices higher. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 18, 2026.
The economic fallout of the West Asia crisis, the prevailing security situation in the Indo-Pacific and ways to boost cooperation in critical minerals and technology are expected to top the agenda at a crucial meeting of the Quad foreign ministers on Tuesday.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has urged India to take the lead in bringing peace to West Asia, highlighting the UAE's role in stalling BRICS consensus on the conflict. Gharibabadi also discussed a new framework with Oman for merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
"There is a sharp jump that we have seen in bookings of EVs... The jump, at least in our case, in just two months, it is about 2 to 2.5 times of what it used to be"
India has expressed serious concerns about the West Asia crisis and its potential impact on energy supplies and maritime stability, urging BRICS nations to find practical solutions to geopolitical challenges and unilateral sanctions.
Team India secured a dominant 2-0 victory over Kazakhstan in their opening Group C match at the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships in Yatsushiro, Tokyo, sealing their spot in the quarterfinals. The Indian team showcased strong performances in both sets, preparing for their upcoming clash against Chinese Taipei.
Europe has overtaken Asia as India's biggest arms supplier, reflecting New Delhi's evolving defence procurement strategy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed various aspects of India-US bilateral ties, focusing on defence, trade, energy, and technology. Rubio extended an invitation from President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the US.
Even if there is an early agreement on a cessation of hostilities in West Asia, the price shock will not go away easily, points out A K Bhattacharya.
The escalating crisis in West Asia and its impact on the global energy supply chain are expected to dominate deliberations at a two-day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers to be hosted by India.
'We may be able to wind back some of the schedule reductions we'd taken in recent months.'
Following a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran to resolve the West Asia conflict, eleven India-bound vessels have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz. This development signals a positive shift for maritime trade, with more Indian-flagged ships expected to pass through the crucial waterway soon.
Akasa Air, despite facing headwinds from the West Asia conflict and rising aviation turbine fuel prices, expects to maintain a 30-40 per cent growth trajectory over the next five years and aims for an initial public offering (IPO) within two to four years, according to CFO Ankur Goel.
Bank of Baroda economists project India's GDP to grow 6.5-6.8 per cent in FY27 but warn that the fiscal deficit could overshoot the budgeted 4.3 per cent target, potentially reaching 4.7-4.8 per cent of GDP due to subsidy overruns, excise duty cuts, and oil marketing company losses.
The CBI has raided multiple locations across India, arresting one person in Lucknow, as part of an investigation into the trafficking of Indian nationals to Southeast Asian countries for forced cyber fraud operations.
Indian rugby player Sumit Kumar Roy highlights the critical role of international exposure and the Rugby Premier League in the team's recent success, including a silver medal in Asia's top rugby sevens competition. The team aims for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics, learning from global players and focusing on discipline. Uruguay's Diego Ardao also emphasizes the need for skilled coaches and dedicated players to develop the sport in India, acknowledging the nation's vast potential despite the long road ahead for Olympic aspirations.
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the Gulf region are increasingly purchasing term life insurance policies from India, driven by geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia and the significant cost advantages offered by Indian products, with the GCC region now contributing over half of the total NRI demand.
Mumbai's Kiaan Shah, representing Rayo Racing, achieved his best international karting result with a second-place finish in round 2 of the RMC Asia Trophy in Pattaya, Thailand.
The Indian junior women's hockey team, led by Khaidem Shileima Chanu, will undertake an exposure tour of the United Kingdom from July 5 to 14. Under new coach Tim White, the 24-member squad will play seven matches against teams from Scotland, the United States, England, and Belgium, aiming to fine-tune strategies for upcoming international competitions like the Junior Asia Cup.
The Indian U18 ice hockey team, led by Gurtej Singh Bhatti, will participate in the U18 Asia Cup in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 27 to May 3, according to the national federation.
India defeated Macau 8-1 in the U-18 Ice Hockey Asia Cup, with captain Gurtej Singh Bhatti scoring four goals in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The Indian U18 ice hockey team, led by Gurtej Singh Bhatti, is set to participate in the U18 Asia Cup in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 27 to May 3, according to the national federation.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the Indian men's volleyball team for winning the country's first-ever medal at the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup. India secured a bronze medal by defeating Bahrain, marking a historic achievement and reflecting the sport's growth in the nation. This success is expected to inspire young athletes and boost volleyball's development.
The Indian U-21 men's hockey team is set to undertake a crucial tour of Belgium, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands in July 2026. This tour, featuring six high-intensity matches, is a vital preparation phase for the upcoming men's junior Asia Cup under new coach Frederic Soyez, aiming to build team cohesion and identity.
The Indian women's cricket team has secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the top-ranked Asian team in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The men's team will need to be the continental leaders in world rankings by the end of 2026 to qualify directly. Cricket is making its return to the Olympics after a century, featuring six teams in both men's and women's competitions, with qualification criteria unveiled by the ICC.
The government will lift restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel to commercial and industrial consumers from July 1, easing emergency measures imposed to manage fuel supplies.
US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that Iran had requested a meeting with the US after the recent military escalation between the two sides over the Strait of Hormuz and announced that talks with Tehran would take place in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, despite Iranian officials stating that no technical meetings have been scheduled this week.
US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very tough negotiator" and hinted at a future visit to India during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where they discussed trade, defence, and the West Asia crisis.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the qualification criteria for cricket's return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028. The Indian men's team needs to be Asia's highest-ranked in T20Is by end of 2026, while women's teams will qualify based on continental performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Harjai Milkha Singh and Krish Chawla led India to victory in the boy's team event at the APGC Junior Golf Championship in Colombo, finishing one shot ahead of South Korea and Thailand. Harjai also secured a runner-up finish in the individual category.
Indian stock markets experienced a significant sell-off, with the Sensex tumbling over 1,300 points, driven by escalating crude oil prices due to US-Iran tensions and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity measures, which amplified investor concerns about India's economic outlook.
India's pharmaceutical industry is experiencing increased bulk drug prices, particularly for APIs from China, following the escalation of the West Asia crisis in March. While current inventories provide a temporary buffer, concerns are mounting over the availability of key solvents and feedstocks, potentially leading to manufacturing disruptions and shortages in specific drug categories.
OpenAI has appointed Prabhjeet Singh as its Managing Director for India, a key market for the AI company. Singh, formerly President of Uber India and South Asia, will oversee consumer growth, enterprise adoption, partnerships, and regulatory engagement, reinforcing OpenAI's commitment to India's rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the understanding between the United States and Iran to end the conflict in West Asia, expressing hope that the pact will restore peace, stability, and ensure freedom of navigation in the region. The deal, aimed at ending a 107-day war that caused a global energy crisis, is set for signing on June 19.
India's men's volleyball team achieved an unbeaten run to the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup semi-finals, propelling them to World No. 42. Head coach Dragan Mihailovic attributes this success to discipline and a structured system but stresses the need for consistent international exposure, longer national camps, and a robust development pathway to sustain and build upon this momentum, especially amidst administrative uncertainty in Indian volleyball.
