News for 'Middle East'

CIA station in Saudi Arabia hit in drone attack

CIA station in Saudi Arabia hit in drone attack

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The US embassy in Saudi Arabia and the US consulate in Dubai were reportedly targeted by suspected Iranian drone attacks amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

'Urge all sides...': India reacts as US-Israel attack Iran

'Urge all sides...': India reacts as US-Israel attack Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Following a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran, India is calling for restraint and de-escalation to avoid further military confrontation in the Middle East.

Lift sanctions, accept nuclear programme: Iran's 10-point peace plan

Lift sanctions, accept nuclear programme: Iran's 10-point peace plan

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Iran has put forward a comprehensive 10-point framework that it says forms the basis of a complete resolution.

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

US Special Representative Sergio Gor met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and Sri Lanka's stance on the Middle East crisis. The visit occurs amidst regional tensions and US efforts to secure trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.

Gold and Silver Prices Soar as West Asia Conflict Intensifies

Gold and Silver Prices Soar as West Asia Conflict Intensifies

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Precious metal prices, particularly gold and silver, experienced a significant surge in the national capital as investors sought safe-haven assets amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East.

Sachin Yadav Finishes Eighth In Diamond League Debut

Sachin Yadav Finishes Eighth In Diamond League Debut

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Indian javelin thrower Sachin Yadav finished eighth in his Diamond League debut in Rome with a throw of 79.18m, significantly below his personal best. Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the event with a historic 92.62m throw, the second longest by an Asian.

Iran's nuclear dust can be turned over to US or destroyed: Trump

Iran's nuclear dust can be turned over to US or destroyed: Trump

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Trump's comment marks a shift in his repeated statements that Iran hand over its enriched uranium to the US as a sticking point of any potential deal.

Sensex, Nifty Extend Losses as Surging Oil Prices and IT Sell-off Hit Markets

Sensex, Nifty Extend Losses as Surging Oil Prices and IT Sell-off Hit Markets

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled over 1 per cent for the third consecutive day, driven by a sharp rally in crude oil prices, massive selling in IT stocks, and unabated foreign fund outflows amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Gold, Silver Prices Poised for Rally Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

Gold, Silver Prices Poised for Rally Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Analysts predict a surge in gold and silver prices as investors seek safe-haven assets due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The impact on domestic prices will depend on the conflict's duration, with geopolitical factors and macroeconomic data also playing a role.

India's exports plunge 7.44% in March; trade with West Asia nosedives

India's exports plunge 7.44% in March; trade with West Asia nosedives

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

India's exports experienced their steepest fall in five months, declining by 7.44 per cent in March to $38.92 billion, primarily due to trade uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, with shipments to West Asia contracting by over 50 per cent.

ED Conducts Fresh Searches In Ex-Cop's Extortion Case

ED Conducts Fresh Searches In Ex-Cop's Extortion Case

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted fresh searches at the Kandi residence of arrested former Kolkata Police officer Santanu Sinha Biswas in connection with the alleged 'Sona Pappu' extortion and land-grab case.

Ispat eyes Europe, Middle East for exports

Ispat eyes Europe, Middle East for exports

Rediff.com1 Jun 2004

Faced with slackening prices in China, steel producer Ispat Industries is now turning to Europe and Middle East which are witnessing northwards movement of demand and prices.

Reliance navigates volatile oil markets with agile sourcing, operational tweaks

Reliance navigates volatile oil markets with agile sourcing, operational tweaks

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

India's largest private refiner, Reliance Industries Ltd, successfully navigated a volatile energy market in the last quarter of FY26 by diversifying crude sourcing and demonstrating operational agility, particularly in response to geopolitical disruptions and cost fluctuations.

Enforcement Directorate Raids Dawood Gang's Drug Trafficker's Assets

Enforcement Directorate Raids Dawood Gang's Drug Trafficker's Assets

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across Maharashtra and Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation against Mohammad Salim Dola, an alleged drug trafficker associated with the Dawood Ibrahim gang.

Gold poised for volatile week as West Asia crisis roils markets

Gold poised for volatile week as West Asia crisis roils markets

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Gold prices are expected to remain volatile next week as investors track geopolitical developments in the Middle East and key macroeconomic data releases that could shape the sentiment in the domestic market, analysts said.

Indian Equities Surge as Crude Oil Prices Drop, Iran-US Peace Hopes Rise

Indian Equities Surge as Crude Oil Prices Drop, Iran-US Peace Hopes Rise

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Indian stock markets extended their gains for a third consecutive day, with the Sensex climbing 753 points and the Nifty closing above 24,550, driven by a drop in crude oil prices and optimism surrounding potential peace talks between Iran and the US.

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative to restore free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainty over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the US and Iran.

Through to Last 32, Norway Celebrate with Viking Row

Through to Last 32, Norway Celebrate with Viking Row

Rediff.com8 hours ago

The jubilant Norwegians edged Senegal 3-2 to reach the last 32 and then celebrated by taking part in a "Viking row" on the pitch.

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, is expected to significantly ease India's crude oil supply risks, lower freight costs, and reduce inflationary pressures, as global oil prices have already dropped.

India's AI Job Market Sees 20% Growth: Minister

India's AI Job Market Sees 20% Growth: Minister

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlights the growing demand for AI-related jobs in India and the transformation needed in the IT industry. He also mentions significant investments in data centres and subsea cable networks to boost digital infrastructure.

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the country refused permission for the US to land two warplanes at Mattala International Airport, citing a commitment to neutrality amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.

RBI dismisses gold sale rumours, confirms physical reserves steady at 880.52 tonnes

RBI dismisses gold sale rumours, confirms physical reserves steady at 880.52 tonnes

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has debunked reports of gold sales, stating that its physical stock of gold remains unchanged at 880.52 tonnes, countering claims of selling approximately USD 12 billion to protect foreign-currency reserves.

Rupee falls 18 paise to close at 91.82 against US dollar

Rupee falls 18 paise to close at 91.82 against US dollar

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar due to rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and foreign fund outflows.

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host talks between the US and Iran to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following reports of Pakistan's involvement in backchannel diplomacy.

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced that a deal to end the war with Iran would be signed on Sunday, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz immediately becoming 'open to all'. This follows indications from Pakistan that negotiations were in their final stages, though Iran has yet to comment on the timeline.

'Conversation going on': Trump rejects reports of breakdown in US-Iran talks

'Conversation going on': Trump rejects reports of breakdown in US-Iran talks

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump has dismissed media reports suggesting that diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran have stalled, maintaining that dialogue persists despite intensifying geopolitical friction across the Middle East.

How India Brought Back Dawood Aide Salim Dola

How India Brought Back Dawood Aide Salim Dola

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully secured the return of Mohammad Salim Dola, a known international drug trafficker and associate of Dawood Ibrahim, from Turkiye.

China's Real Choke Point Starts at Hormuz, Not Malacca: Report

China's Real Choke Point Starts at Hormuz, Not Malacca: Report

Rediff.com29 May 2026

A new report suggests China's maritime vulnerability lies in the Strait of Hormuz, not Malacca, creating strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.

Time To Choose Growth Over Rupee Fear

Time To Choose Growth Over Rupee Fear

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The primary objective should be to figure out a way to grow at 7 to 7.5 per cent with inflation around 4 per cent. Any policy that can help us get there must be experimented with. Those that work should stay. Those that do not should go, suggests Karan Bhasin.

Hormuz Closure Puts Gulf Refining At Risk

Hormuz Closure Puts Gulf Refining At Risk

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

'Refiners may soon be forced to adjust operations, curtailing runs as product exports stall and directing output solely to domestic markets.'

While Security Forces Intercept Thousands Of Drones, The Psychological Toll Is Immense

While Security Forces Intercept Thousands Of Drones, The Psychological Toll Is Immense

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Occasionally, the silence of the night shift would be shattered by an ear-splitting alarm: 'ALERT, ALERT... This is a security warning.' We were drilled to move away from the windows and avoid the lifts, recalls Krishna Kumar NP, a veteran Dubai-based journalist.

Sachin Yadav Set For Diamond League Debut In Rome

Sachin Yadav Set For Diamond League Debut In Rome

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Indian javelin thrower Sachin Yadav is set to make his Diamond League debut in Rome on June 4, marking his first international event since the 2025 World Championships. He will face tough competition, including former world champion Anderson Peters and season leader Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage.

India's Forex Reserves Drop by $7.79 Billion to $690.69 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Drop by $7.79 Billion to $690.69 Billion

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant drop of USD 7.794 billion, settling at USD 690.693 billion for the week ending May 1, as reported by the RBI, reflecting the impact of global events and central bank interventions.

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The start of the West Asia conflict has led to a sharp increase in crude-linked raw material prices, pushing up the price of helmets across the country.

'To ease pressure': Trump on Russian oil waiver to India

'To ease pressure': Trump on Russian oil waiver to India

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

When asked about Bessent's announcement allowing certain Russian oil sales to India and whether the US is considering any other moves, including tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), Trump said, "If there were some, I would do it just to take a little of the pressure off."

Dubai most competitive in Middle East

Dubai most competitive in Middle East

Rediff.com30 Mar 2009

Dubai has the most competitive economy in the Middle East and ranked higher for its competitiveness than Japan, Germany, France and New Zealand, a new study released on Monday said.

Time to change course in the Middle East: Romney

Time to change course in the Middle East: Romney

Rediff.com8 Oct 2012

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney plans pursue a more aggressive policy toward the Middle East, sharply different from that of United States President Barack Obama on Iran, Syria and Libya.

'Dangerous and irresponsible move': China slams US blockade of Hormuz

'Dangerous and irresponsible move': China slams US blockade of Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

China has criticised the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a dangerous and irresponsible move, and urged Washington and Tehran to honour the ceasefire. Beijing also denied aiding Iran militarily and threatened countermeasures if the US imposes tariffs.

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India is the only significant power that all parties trust, or at least do not distrust, notes former defence secretary Ajay Kumar.