News for 'Saudi Arabia'

UAE on cusp on FIFA World Cup spot; Iraq on course

UAE on cusp on FIFA World Cup spot; Iraq on course

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan and Jordan have already taken six of Asia's eight guaranteed spots at next year's 48-team World Cup.

India's imports of Russian oil under spotlight after Trump tariffs

India's imports of Russian oil under spotlight after Trump tariffs

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

From just 0.2 per cent before the Russia-Ukraine war to now accounting for 35-40 per cent of total crude imports, India's reliance on Russian oil has surged -- drawing fresh scrutiny with US President Donald Trump announcing a penalty on top of a 25 per cent tariff, or tax, on all goods going to the US.

Saudi placates Pakistan. What about India?

Saudi placates Pakistan. What about India?

Rediff.com30 Dec 2019

With Modi's international image seriously damaged -- perhaps, irrecoverably -- and Indian foreign policy finding itself in drift, we move on to the New Year in a depressing scenario, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

World Cup: Saudis stun Egypt despite Salah strike

World Cup: Saudis stun Egypt despite Salah strike

Rediff.com25 Jun 2018

Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah scored with a lob in the 22nd minute before Saudi Arabia's Salman Al-Faraj levelled the score at 1-1 by half-time from the penalty spot in Monday's Group A game, the last match of the tournament for the two already-eliminated teams.

Indian Archery Team Grapples With Issues Ahead Of World Cup

Indian Archery Team Grapples With Issues Ahead Of World Cup

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Indian archery faces poor planning and the absence of a full-time foreign coach as they prepare for the World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, raising concerns ahead of the Asian Games.

What is Saudi Prince doing in India after G20 summit?

What is Saudi Prince doing in India after G20 summit?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2023

Bin Salman is currently on a State visit to India following end of the G20 Summit.

Amid IndiGo chaos, Hyd-bound flight diverted over bomb threat

Amid IndiGo chaos, Hyd-bound flight diverted over bomb threat

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

An IndiGo flight from Kuwait to Hyderabad was diverted to Mumbai following a bomb threat email. The flight landed safely, and security checks were conducted.

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the country believes that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solutions to resolving disputes and that the continued escalation of the conflict serves no one's interests.

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Rediff.com13 May 2026

US President Donald Trump received a red carpet welcome in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade, the Iran war, and other key issues. The visit underscores the importance both nations place on their relationship amid ongoing tensions.

New F1 Rules Divide Drivers Ahead Of Five-Week Break

New F1 Rules Divide Drivers Ahead Of Five-Week Break

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Formula One's new energy rules face criticism after the Japanese GP, with drivers questioning racing quality and safety ahead of a five-week break.

'Israel won't strike Iran': Trump after Tehran hits world's largest LNG plant in Qatar

'Israel won't strike Iran': Trump after Tehran hits world's largest LNG plant in Qatar

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening massive retaliation if it attacks Qatar again, following reports of an Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gas field and an attack on Qatar's LNG facilities.

B'deshi model Meghna Alam accused of $5 mn honey trap on Saudi envoy

B'deshi model Meghna Alam accused of $5 mn honey trap on Saudi envoy

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A former Bangladeshi beauty queen, Meghna Alam, has been detained for allegedly setting up a honey trap for a former Saudi ambassador in Dhaka, in an attempt to extort USD 5 million. Alam, who runs a charity, was initially detained without charge under the controversial Special Powers Act. Her arrest sparked a media outcry and concerns by rights watchdogs. Alam denies the allegations, claiming the diplomat wanted to marry her. The Saudi embassy has not commented, but media reports suggest the envoy left Bangladesh as the scandal unfolded.

We must overcome West Asia fallout together: Modi in Mann Ki Baat

We must overcome West Asia fallout together: Modi in Mann Ki Baat

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on Indian citizens to unite and overcome the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, cautioning against politicisation and rumour-mongering.

India eye first win as Goa hosts Asian Cup qualifier

India eye first win as Goa hosts Asian Cup qualifier

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

The group winners will qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, which will feature 24 teams in all, including the hosts.

Multiple airstrikes reported across Iran as US deadline looms

Multiple airstrikes reported across Iran as US deadline looms

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Tensions between Washington, DC and Tehran have reached a boiling point, as a heavy barrage of aerial strikes was reported across multiple locations in Iran on Tuesday.

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.

Haryana Rice Exporters Face Disruptions After Iran Strikes

Haryana Rice Exporters Face Disruptions After Iran Strikes

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Rice exporters in Haryana are facing potential payment delays and shipment disruptions to Iran and Afghanistan following recent military strikes on Iran.

Palak, Sara, Sunny Serve Stunning Bikini Looks

Palak, Sara, Sunny Serve Stunning Bikini Looks

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Whether it is summer or winter, bikinis are a holiday staple for Bollywood's celebs and they know just how to rock them.

Can Modi get Saudis to invest their promised $100 bn?

Can Modi get Saudis to invest their promised $100 bn?

Rediff.com6 Nov 2019

'The Saudis are in the driving seat in navigating the relations with India; they set its compass and calibrate its pace,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Historic! Two Saudi women to compete in Dakar Rally

Historic! Two Saudi women to compete in Dakar Rally

Rediff.com16 Dec 2021

Women were not allowed to drive cars in Saudi Arabia until a ban was lifted in 2018. "I soon realised that I was unlocking doors and breaking down barriers with my achievements. We are paving the way for females to understand the journey we are taking and to join us."

'India must hit Pakistan hard where it hurts the most'

'India must hit Pakistan hard where it hurts the most'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'We need to raise the costs and consequences for Pakistan. It is long overdue. Our initial surgical strike was effective for about six months. Then, the Balakot strike provided a deterrent for perhaps two to three years. But we cannot operate under the assumption that such limited responses will suffice for decades to come.'

2026 FIFA World Cup draw: Check out the groups

2026 FIFA World Cup draw: Check out the groups

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Next year's 48-team World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Saudi Arabia: Gang-rape victim gets 200 lashes, si

Saudi Arabia: Gang-rape victim gets 200 lashes, si

Rediff.com15 Nov 2007

In a shocking verdict, a Saudi Court has ordered a gang rape victim to undergo 200 lashes and six months in prison for "being in the car of an unrelated male" when the crime was committed.

No date yet for next round of US-Iran talks, says Pakistan

No date yet for next round of US-Iran talks, says Pakistan

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Pakistan is playing a key role in facilitating talks between the US and Iran, but the future of these negotiations remains uncertain. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, no dates have been set for a second round of discussions.

PM Modi calls on Saudi King Salman, meets top ministers to deepen bilateral ties

PM Modi calls on Saudi King Salman, meets top ministers to deepen bilateral ties

Rediff.com29 Oct 2019

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Riyadh late Monday night on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to participate in the high-profile financial summit Future Investment Initiative, dubbed "Davos in the desert", an initiative of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Trump says Saudi prince vows 'full' probe into missing journalist

Trump says Saudi prince vows 'full' probe into missing journalist

Rediff.com17 Oct 2018

Trump tweeted that the Saudi Crown Prince "told me that he has already started, and will rapidly expand, a full and complete investigation into this matter. Answers will be forthcoming shortly."

Roma takes Dakar lead as Ford goes one-two

Roma takes Dakar lead as Ford goes one-two

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

The 410km stage from Wadi Ad Dawasir to the overnight bivouac, first half of a marathon stage, was won by 21-year-old Polish non-factory Toyota driver Eryk Goczal.

PIX: Toney brace sinks Ronaldo's Al Nassr; Milan go top

PIX: Toney brace sinks Ronaldo's Al Nassr; Milan go top

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Al-Nassr top the standings and are two points clear of second-placed Al-Hilal. Al-Ahli are fourth on 25 points.

'Ameriki papa ne war rukwa di kya': Cong's swipe at govt

'Ameriki papa ne war rukwa di kya': Cong's swipe at govt

Rediff.com14 May 2025

With United States President Donald Trump reiterating his claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the Congress on Wednesday asked what do the 'typically loquacious' Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have to say about this revelation and did they 'mortgage' India's security interests in the face of US 'pressure'.

Iran confirms killing of intelligence minister Khatib in Israeli strike

Iran confirms killing of intelligence minister Khatib in Israeli strike

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The West Asia conflict escalated sharply as Iran launched missiles towards Israel, while Tehran confirmed the killing of its intelligence minister in Israeli strikes, marking the third assassination of a senior Iranian official in two days.

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that nearly 1,000 Indians remain in Iran amidst the West Asia conflict, and 23,000 students in the Gulf region missed CBSE exams due to the turmoil.

Over 1.7 million tonnes of India's fuel stuck in Strait of Hormuz

Over 1.7 million tonnes of India's fuel stuck in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Hundreds of Indian seafarers are stranded on vessels carrying crude oil, LPG, and LNG in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, causing disruptions to India's energy supplies.

FIFA World Cup PIX: Plucky Poland down Saudi to close in on last 16

FIFA World Cup PIX: Plucky Poland down Saudi to close in on last 16

Rediff.com26 Nov 2022

IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group C match played between Poland and Saudi Arabia at Education City Stadium on Saturday.

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Will rising tensions between US-Israel and Iran threaten crude oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, putting India's fuel prices, imports, and economic stability at risk?

'Incredible': Why Trump praised Munir and Sharif

'Incredible': Why Trump praised Munir and Sharif

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Former US President Donald Trump claims Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir support his plan to end the Gaza conflict, citing their involvement in negotiations and a recent statement of full support.

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an online meeting with Loka Kerala Sabha members in the Gulf region to discuss support for the expatriate community amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Iran conflict: 'My sister reported loud explosions'

Iran conflict: 'My sister reported loud explosions'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Indian parents express growing anxiety and fear for the safety of their children studying in Iran, as the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates. They are appealing to the Indian government for immediate evacuation.

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged its citizens to immediately depart from several Middle Eastern countries, citing "serious safety risks."

Siraj performs Umrah at Mecca

Siraj performs Umrah at Mecca

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

He posted a picture on X and captioned it 'ALHAMDULILAH'.

China Snaps Up Iran Oil, India Misses

China Snaps Up Iran Oil, India Misses

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Indian refiners have access to only limited Iranian volumes compared with Russian oil, and even the barrels on offer come with 'too many hassles'.