News for 'Maritime India'

How An Indian Sailor Survived The Strait Of Hormuz

How An Indian Sailor Survived The Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'We kept our bags packed, ready to jump into the sea. Many times, I felt it could be my last day.'

Rising Crude Prices Threaten Profit Margins of Indian OMCs -- IOC, BPCL, HPCL

Rising Crude Prices Threaten Profit Margins of Indian OMCs -- IOC, BPCL, HPCL

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

S&P Global Ratings warns that Indian oil marketing companies like IOC, BPCL, and HPCL may face reduced profit margins due to rising crude oil prices and government pressure to maintain stable retail prices.

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of weapons and military hardware worth Rs 2.38 crore, including S-400 missiles and medium transport aircraft, to bolster the Indian Air Force's capabilities.

Qatar declares force majeure, gas supplies to Indian industry cut

Qatar declares force majeure, gas supplies to Indian industry cut

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Qatar, India's largest supplier of imported natural gas, has declared force majeure on deliveries following a halt in production in the wake of an Iranian drone strike -- a disruption that has led to a cut in supplies to Indian industry by up to 40 per cent, sources said.

Sagarmala Finance expecting at least Rs 2K cr equity infusion from govt: MD

Sagarmala Finance expecting at least Rs 2K cr equity infusion from govt: MD

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

India's first maritime lender, state-owned Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL) hit the ground running with a Rs 4,300 crore disbursement announcement last Tuesday, within months of being registered as a non-banking financial company (NBFC) in June 2025.

Israel agrees to hold off Iran gas field strikes at Trump's 'request'

Israel agrees to hold off Iran gas field strikes at Trump's 'request'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified sharply with attacks on critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf, even as US President Donald Trump said he had cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against targeting Iran's key South Pars Gas Field.

Navy strengthens anti-submarine arm with second MH-60R squadron

Navy strengthens anti-submarine arm with second MH-60R squadron

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Indian Navy commissioned its second squadron of MH-60R (Romeo) anti-submarine helicopters, INAS 335 'Ospreys', at INS Hansa naval base. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, who emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime security.

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

At least 101 people are missing and 78 are injured after a suspected submarine attack on an Iranian naval ship off Sri Lanka's southern coast on Wednesday, Reuters quoted sources in Sri Lanka's Navy and defence ministry as saying.

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

AI reduces the time taken to find a target and launch a strike. This has led to a major increase in the pace of the conflict, with one report mentioning nearly 900 strikes launched on Iranian targets in the first 12 hours of an operation.

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers to review preparedness and plans in light of the West Asia conflict, emphasising the importance of national unity and enhanced security measures.

'For region to be secure....': Iran urges American exit from West Asia

'For region to be secure....': Iran urges American exit from West Asia

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

On Saturday, it was reported that a drone strike had targeted the Fujairah Port in the UAE, triggering a fire.

'Jag Laadki' carrying 80,886 MT of crude oil reaches Mundra port

'Jag Laadki' carrying 80,886 MT of crude oil reaches Mundra port

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Indian-flagged vessels are navigating the Strait of Hormuz safely despite ongoing tensions in the region, ensuring the continued flow of vital energy supplies to India.

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Trump said that the decision would be "immediately" in effect and that the "order is final and conclusive."

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India voices strong concerns over the safety of its nationals and the potential disruption to energy supplies, urging dialogue and diplomacy for a swift resolution.

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Following the death of Iranian sailors in the Indian Ocean, Iran's navy has threatened 'deadly retaliation,' accusing the US of attacking its warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, escalating tensions in the region.

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has firmly denied allegations that the US Navy is using its ports to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in international conflicts.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

Govt Rejigs Gas Allocation: LPG, CNG, piped cooking gas get top priority

Govt Rejigs Gas Allocation: LPG, CNG, piped cooking gas get top priority

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Indian government has revised its natural gas allocation priorities, placing LPG production alongside CNG and piped cooking gas at the top, due to disruptions in imported gas supplies caused by the conflict in West Asia.

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.

India Working on 30,000 cr Maritime Development Fund

India Working on 30,000 cr Maritime Development Fund

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

The fund will promote domestic shipbuilding of all types and sizes to reduce India's dependence on foreign ships.

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Taking Kharg would give the US control over virtually all of Iran's oil exports and thus provide significant leverage, notes Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War. It would also put American troops within range of Iran's remaining missiles, drones, and artillery on a piece of real estate that is just eight square miles in size, and just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland.

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh declares Iran's unwavering commitment to a 'heroic nationalist defence' against perceived American and Israeli aggression, vowing to resist what he calls an 'invasion' to the very end.

Trump signs defence bill backing deeper US-India ties

Trump signs defence bill backing deeper US-India ties

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

US President Donald Trump signed the National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026 into law, highlighting broadened engagement with India and addressing the challenge posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

Dependence India's biggest rival, solution is...: Modi amid H-1B fee hike

Dependence India's biggest rival, solution is...: Modi amid H-1B fee hike

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

Speaking at the 'Samudra se Samruddhi' event, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones of projects worth Rs 34,200 crore, Modi said all the problems of India have only one solution, and that is self-reliance.

As IAF eyes 80 transport planes, Lockheed offers C-130J mega hub in India

As IAF eyes 80 transport planes, Lockheed offers C-130J mega hub in India

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

If Lockheed Martin gets the opportunity, then it will set up a mega hub in India to produce the "iconic" aircraft and it will be the first such global facility outside of the US, top officials of the company told PTI.

Operation Sindoor redraws India's security goals in 2025

Operation Sindoor redraws India's security goals in 2025

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

In 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a multi-domain combat mission against Pakistan in response to cross-border terrorism. The operation involved precision strikes, military retaliation, and diplomatic measures, marking a significant shift in India's security policy.

Vadhvan Port: Landowners to get Rs 2 crore per hectare

Vadhvan Port: Landowners to get Rs 2 crore per hectare

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The district administration has announced compensation details for people affected by the Vadhvan Port project in Palghar, Maharashtra, with agricultural land receiving over Rs 2 crore per hectare on average.

Big boost for Navy as anti-submarine warship 'Mahe' inducted

Big boost for Navy as anti-submarine warship 'Mahe' inducted

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Equipped with torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets, the first of the Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC) was delivered to the Navy on October 23.

PIX: President Murmu takes submarine sortie onboard INS Vaghsheer

PIX: President Murmu takes submarine sortie onboard INS Vaghsheer

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie onboard the Indian Navy's INS Vaghsheer, highlighting the nation's naval capabilities and commitment to maritime security.

'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day flypast to showcase IAF might

'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day flypast to showcase IAF might

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The Indian Air Force's Republic Day flypast will feature a 'Sindoor' formation of combat jets, symbolizing its dominance during recent hostilities. The flypast will also commemorate Operation Sindoor.

Ports are being developed as hubs of green hydrogen production

Ports are being developed as hubs of green hydrogen production

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The government is developing ports across the country as centres for green hydrogen production and export, Sarbananda Sonowal, minister of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW) said on Tuesday. "Across the country, over 12 million tonnes of green hydrogen-based e-fuel capacity has been announced.

Middle East War: Why Strait Of Hormuz Is Iran's Trump Card

Middle East War: Why Strait Of Hormuz Is Iran's Trump Card

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

If the oil infrastructure is attacked by the United States, the whole area could be flooded with oil, spilling into the Persian Gulf.

Is India Still Buying Russian Oil?

Is India Still Buying Russian Oil?

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Indian private sector and State-run refiners continued to receive crude oil from Russian suppliers even after November 21 -- the winding-down date for US sanctions on supplies from leading Russian oil producers imposed in October -- as new intermediaries sprung up in West Asia to sell the oil, according to senior refining sources and ship tracking data.

Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Economy

Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Economy

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

When missiles fly in this region, they are never just aimed at military targets.

'Iranian Ship Was A Sitting Duck'

'Iranian Ship Was A Sitting Duck'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Torpedoes travel at more than 100 kilometres per hour, about 50-60 knots.' 'It must have been a matter of a few minutes before it detonated under the Iranian ship.' 'The Iranian ship would have probably got three, four minutes and wouldn't have known till they actually heard the whirr of the torpedo.'