News for 'Strategic India'

Major reshuffle in Bangladesh army, India adviser called back

Major reshuffle in Bangladesh army, India adviser called back

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Following the new government's assumption of power, the Bangladesh Army has undergone a significant reshuffle, including the appointment of a new Chief of General Staff and changes in key strategic commands.

PhonePe Introduces 'On-The-Go' Card for Contactless Transit Payments Across India

PhonePe Introduces 'On-The-Go' Card for Contactless Transit Payments Across India

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

PhonePe has launched the 'RuPay On-The-Go' Card, a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) aimed at digitising transit payments across India. The card enables quick, tap-and-pay transactions on NCMC-enabled services like metros, buses, and trains, even without internet connectivity.

Iran has not closed Hormuz: Supreme leader's India representative

Iran has not closed Hormuz: Supreme leader's India representative

Rediff.com7 days ago

Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked, the supreme leader's representative said.

India shifts majority of Indian students out of Tehran

India shifts majority of Indian students out of Tehran

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

India has relocated the majority of its students from Tehran due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The Indian embassy has arranged for their transportation, food, and accommodation outside of Tehran. An advisory remains in place for other Indian nationals in Iran to stay indoors and exercise caution.

BEWARE, India's Enemies!: Agni Varsha Exercise at Pokhran

BEWARE, India's Enemies!: Agni Varsha Exercise at Pokhran

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Troops of the Indian Army's Southern Command showcased their operational preparedness and integrated combat capabilities during Exercise Agni Varsha at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

Samsung Galaxy S26's India Connection

Samsung Galaxy S26's India Connection

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

India contributes roughly 10 per cent of Samsung Electronics' global revenue and hosts over 10,000 engineers across its R&D centres.

Only military conflict...: Modi's big remark amid US-Iran war

Only military conflict...: Modi's big remark amid US-Iran war

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a swift end to the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, emphasising the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. He made the remarks after talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, where they also agreed to a strategic partnership in digitalisation and sustainability.

T20 World Cup, India vs England semi-final: Axar Patel will be one of India's great players: Gavaskar

T20 World Cup, India vs England semi-final: Axar Patel will be one of India's great players: Gavaskar

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Sunil Gavaskar believes Axar Patel's all-round skills and cricketing intelligence will make him one of India's greatest players.

'Contact with Iran difficult': Jaishankar outlines India's position on Middle East war

'Contact with Iran difficult': Jaishankar outlines India's position on Middle East war

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on India's position regarding the escalating conflict in West Asia, emphasising the need for peace, dialogue, and the safety of civilians, while also prioritising India's energy security and trade interests.

Jaishankar explains why India let Iran warship dock in Kochi

Jaishankar explains why India let Iran warship dock in Kochi

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirms India's self-determined and 'unstoppable' rise, emphasising the nation's strategic growth and role in the Indian Ocean region amid evolving global dynamics.

Delhi LG Highlights Importance of Human Element in Digital Nation-Building

Delhi LG Highlights Importance of Human Element in Digital Nation-Building

Rediff.com3 days ago

Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu addressed the Global Confluence 2026, emphasising the importance of maintaining a human element at the heart of digital nation-building. He highlighted India's digital transformation and the role of technology in improving lives, while urging a focus on inclusive development and national security.

Three T20 World Cup titles, total domination: India's T20 dynasty begins

Three T20 World Cup titles, total domination: India's T20 dynasty begins

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

India's recent T20 World Cup victory signals a new era of dominance in the format, driven by strategic gameplay, exceptional talent, and the financial power of the BCCI, while other teams struggle to compete.

Arjun Rao, general partner at Speciale Invest: 'India Must Play to Its AI Strengths'

Arjun Rao, general partner at Speciale Invest: 'India Must Play to Its AI Strengths'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

'There are certain sovereign AI domains where we must build capabilities using our own data, our own language models, and make our own attempts at global models.'

India, Canada sign landmark nuclear agreement

India, Canada sign landmark nuclear agreement

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

India and Canada solidify their partnership with a landmark uranium supply agreement and discussions to finalise a comprehensive economic partnership, signaling stronger ties and cooperation on key global issues.

How Corporate India Can Propel Women into Tech Leadership Roles

How Corporate India Can Propel Women into Tech Leadership Roles

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Top female executives are calling for corporate India to redesign workplace systems to support women's advancement into leadership roles in the technology sector, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence.

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

IRGC said vessels seeking to sail through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz must obtain Iran's approval; otherwise, they could become targets of Iranian attacks.

Jaishankar dials Iranian FM, seeks safe passage for through Strait of Hormuz

Jaishankar dials Iranian FM, seeks safe passage for through Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com7 days ago

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has engaged in multiple conversations with his Iranian counterpart to secure safe passage for Indian merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amidst escalating tensions in West Asia.

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 hours ago

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

'We Wanted To Create A Brand From India For The World'

'We Wanted To Create A Brand From India For The World'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

"There is an India that is embracing global luxury symbols and another which, as it evolves, is comfortable owning its 'Indian-ness'. We're deeply rooted in India, yet global," say Nicobar Design founders Simran Lal and Raul Rai.

Never required permission to buy Russian oil: Officials

Never required permission to buy Russian oil: Officials

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A senior government official asserts India's independence in purchasing Russian oil, stating that US sanctions waivers merely remove friction but do not dictate India's energy policy. The official highlights India's commitment to energy security and affordability for its citizens.

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Sensitive issues remain. Water sharing of the Ganga and Teesta rivers. Treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus. Border management. Trade imbalances. Connectivity projects.What happens next will shape not just bilateral ties, but the balance of South Asia itself, points out Ramesh Menon.

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.

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Rediff.com1 days ago

For weeks, the war skirted the edge of catastrophe without tipping over. Missiles flew, there was much destruction, commanders were assassinated, cities across the Gulf and even in Israel struggled to absorb the shock. But one line held: Energy infrastructure, the arteries of the global economy, remained largely untouched. That is no longer true. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com2 days ago

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Rediff.com1 days ago

In view of the disruptive situations, the Central government has also announced a financial relief package of Rs 497 crores aimed at helping exporters affected by disruptions in West Asia.

Modi makes history in Israel with Knesset's highest award

Modi makes history in Israel with Knesset's highest award

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' in recognition of his contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel, making him the first leader to receive this honor.

Western Coalfields Finds Rare Earth Elements in Maharashtra Mines

Western Coalfields Finds Rare Earth Elements in Maharashtra Mines

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has discovered significant concentrations of rare earth elements and critical minerals in its mines in Maharashtra, potentially transforming waste material into revenue-generating resources and diversifying the company's business.

Over 800 Indians evacuated from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Over 800 Indians evacuated from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that nearly 880 Indian nationals, including students, have been evacuated from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Iran's Consul-General: 'We Hold The Upper Hand'

Iran's Consul-General: 'We Hold The Upper Hand'

Rediff.com48 minutes ago

'Despite the large number of missiles and drones we have already launched, we still possess reserves and missile cities whose doors have not yet been opened,' says Iran's Consul-General Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh.

Anthropic's Scores Big On India Revenue

Anthropic's Scores Big On India Revenue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

India is emerging as Claude.ai's second-largest user base, driven by strong adoption in coding, maths and enterprise AI tasks.

'War Is Brutal. At Sea, Even More Brutal'

'War Is Brutal. At Sea, Even More Brutal'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'India was not obliged to protect the Iranian ship.' 'Once the Iranian ship left Indian waters, she was on her own.' 'Guilt tripping India is wrong.'

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.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com3 days ago

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

T20 WC Semi-final: India Eye Complete Game as England Loom

T20 WC Semi-final: India Eye Complete Game as England Loom

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

India face a tough spin challenge from England in the T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium, as both teams aim for a perfect game in the high-pressure knockout.

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Rediff.com20 hours ago

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.

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Indian government is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination program targeting 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer, utilizing a single-dose vaccine and aiming for equitable access across socio-economic groups.

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Rediff.com6 days ago

According to sources, the Indian Navy warships are on standby to provide assistance or help required by merchant vessels.

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel to enhance defence and trade cooperation amid Middle East tensions. Discussions will include defence, security, and the situation in Gaza.

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.

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.com1 days ago

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.