News for 'The Straits'

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

"The US President's statements are within the framework of efforts to reduce energy prices and gain time to implement his military plans," the ministry stated.

RIL Q4: O2C Slump, Retail Drag to Cap Performance, Jio to See Steady Gains

RIL Q4: O2C Slump, Retail Drag to Cap Performance, Jio to See Steady Gains

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Reliance Industries is expected to report largely flat performance for its fourth quarter (January-March, Q4) of FY26, with weakness in the oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business and muted retail growth likely to offset steady gains in the telecommunications segment.

'Sidelined' in Iran truce: Israeli Oppn slams Netanyahu

'Sidelined' in Iran truce: Israeli Oppn slams Netanyahu

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Lapid said the Israeli military carried out everything that was asked of it, but Netanyahu failed politically and strategically.

Modi Slams TMC, Says Bengal Election Is To Save State's Identity

Modi Slams TMC, Says Bengal Election Is To Save State's Identity

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Mamata Banerjee government of favouring infiltrators over the native population in West Bengal, asserting that the upcoming assembly election is a battle to save the state's identity.

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Admiral Alireza Tangsiri was accused of leading efforts to disrupt maritime trade, including actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'The White House lunch that Trump hosted for Munir last year came just after Munir returned from a visit to Iran, at a moment when Israel and Iran were at war.' 'Trump said after that lunch that the Pakistanis know Iran very well. He likely views Munir as a useful interlocutor that can give helpful insights on Iran.'

Govt steps up fuel security measures; warns against panic buying

Govt steps up fuel security measures; warns against panic buying

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Indian government has increased measures to secure fuel and gas supplies following the Strait of Hormuz closure, urging citizens to avoid panic buying. Refineries are operating at high capacity, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are available nationwide.

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, addressing topics ranging from ceasefire efforts to maritime security and the safe return of Indian nationals. The MEA also addressed the UN Climate Change Conference and the delimitation bill.

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

One of the most uncivilised characteristics of this war has been the total disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

ESMA invoked to ramp up LPG production amid fuel crisis

ESMA invoked to ramp up LPG production amid fuel crisis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The Indian government has directed oil refineries to increase LPG production to ensure a stable supply of domestic cooking gas, amidst concerns over potential disruptions from the escalating Middle East conflict and its impact on imports.

Rupee strengthens on US-Iran talks optimism, domestic equity surge

Rupee strengthens on US-Iran talks optimism, domestic equity surge

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee gained 2 paise to settle at 93.33 against the US dollar, driven by positive sentiment in domestic equity markets and renewed hopes for US-Iran talks, despite rising WPI and CPI inflation.

No nukes, reopen Hormuz: Trump's 15-point plan to end Iran war

No nukes, reopen Hormuz: Trump's 15-point plan to end Iran war

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

In a bid to de-escalate Middle East tensions, the US has presented Iran with a comprehensive 15-point peace plan focusing on nuclear disarmament and regional stability in exchange for sanctions relief.

Inside US-Iran negotiations: No deal, but 'friendly' talks

Inside US-Iran negotiations: No deal, but 'friendly' talks

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Despite disagreements over nuclear ambitions, recent US-Iran peace talks led by Vice President JD Vance have fostered crucial goodwill and a deeper understanding between the two nations, potentially paving the way for future negotiations.

Iran War: 'What Makes Both Sides Trust Pakistan'?

Iran War: 'What Makes Both Sides Trust Pakistan'?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

'American stature has been reduced because they have not been able to achieve their aims.'

'Iran's supreme leader wounded, likely disfigured': US war secretary

'Iran's supreme leader wounded, likely disfigured': US war secretary

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday claimed that Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, is "wounded and likely disfigured" in strikes by the US on the country.

US Trying To Patch Up Ties With India

US Trying To Patch Up Ties With India

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi signals a concerted effort to reset strained Washington-New Delhi ties, with a focus on 'big-ticket' energy and trade deals, including increased Indian imports of US LNG and LPG, and potential cooperation on small modular reactors.

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.

Iran Crisis Impact: India Braces for Oil Price Volatility

Iran Crisis Impact: India Braces for Oil Price Volatility

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Analysts predict India will face oil price volatility and macroeconomic effects due to the escalating Iran crisis, though the country's oil supply chain is not yet structurally insecure.

IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi killed in US-Israeli strikes

IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi killed in US-Israeli strikes

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

A top Iranian intelligence official was killed in an attack, with the Revolutionary Guard blaming the United States and Israel. The incident occurs amid escalating regional tensions, including IDF strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure and ongoing operations in Lebanon.

Vance Leaves Pakistan After Mission Fails

Vance Leaves Pakistan After Mission Fails

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed after 21 hours, exposing deep divisions over nuclear ambitions and sanctions.

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

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.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Iran rejects US proposals, puts 5 tough conditions to end conflict

Iran rejects US proposals, puts 5 tough conditions to end conflict

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The urgency for a resolution is underscored by the military situation, as joint operations by Israel and the US have consistently been "targeting Iran's missile systems, launch sites and other critical infrastructure" since the onset of the conflict.

Iran reports attack on nuclear site, no radiation leak

Iran reports attack on nuclear site, no radiation leak

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Natanz nuclear facility is one of Iran's key nuclear installations and has previously been at the centre of international concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Exit Iran 'Expeditiously': India Issues Fresh Advisory

Exit Iran 'Expeditiously': India Issues Fresh Advisory

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The embassy also said that the exit must be undertaken in coordination with the mission.

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

India significantly increased piped natural gas (PNG) connections in March as the government accelerates the expansion of cleaner fuel networks amid global supply disruptions.

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India has voiced its deep concern over reports of increasing civilian casualties in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, emphasising the protection of civilians and the importance of international law.

RBI Projects 6.9% GDP Growth Amid Global Uncertainties

RBI Projects 6.9% GDP Growth Amid Global Uncertainties

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected a 6.9 per cent GDP growth for the current financial year, citing concerns over commodity prices and supply chain disruptions stemming from the West Asia crisis.

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, on Saturday informed that five Indians have been killed and one is missing due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He added that Indian missions remain open round the clock and are constantly working to provide assistance.

Downed US pilot hid in mountain crevice, hiked 7,000 feet to evade Iranians for 48 hours

Downed US pilot hid in mountain crevice, hiked 7,000 feet to evade Iranians for 48 hours

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

A US Air Force officer was rescued from deep inside Iran after his jet was shot down, following a two-day mission involving US Special Operations forces. The officer evaded Iranian forces for over 24 hours, hiding in a mountain crevice and hiking to high altitudes before being rescued.

US-Iran talks collapse, markets plunge on West Asia conflict fears

US-Iran talks collapse, markets plunge on West Asia conflict fears

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed nearly 1 per cent lower following the collapse of US-Iran negotiations, which heightened concerns of a prolonged conflict in West Asia and drove crude oil prices sharply higher.

West Asia conflict, crude oil prices to steer stock markets this week

West Asia conflict, crude oil prices to steer stock markets this week

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Analysts predict that developments in West Asia and their impact on crude oil prices will heavily influence investor sentiment in the upcoming week. Global market trends, foreign investor activity, and rupee-dollar movement will also play a role.

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire ends, while Pakistan urged both sides to extend the truce and pursue diplomacy.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

PM Modi to Assess Energy Security Amid Middle East Unrest

PM Modi to Assess Energy Security Amid Middle East Unrest

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting with senior ministers to assess the petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors in light of the ongoing situation in West Asia, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable logistics.

PM Modi to Assess Energy Security Amid Middle East Unrest

PM Modi to Assess Energy Security Amid Middle East Unrest

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting with senior ministers to review the petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors in light of the evolving situation in West Asia, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable logistics.

Gold prices fall sharply amid global economic uncertainty

Gold prices fall sharply amid global economic uncertainty

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Gold prices experienced a significant decline in futures trading due to uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions in West Asia and conflicting statements regarding the conflict. Investors are also awaiting key macroeconomic data for further direction on interest rate cuts.

West Asia War: Rs 48.29 Lakh Crore Investor Wealth Wiped Out Since Conflict Began

West Asia War: Rs 48.29 Lakh Crore Investor Wealth Wiped Out Since Conflict Began

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Indian investors have seen their wealth erode by a staggering Rs 48.29 lakh crore since the West Asia war began on February 28, leading to a significant downturn in the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty, driven by geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices.

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.