News for 'West Asia'

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased by Rs 3 per litre each, marking the first rate hike in over four years. This decision follows a period of stable prices during recent state elections, despite rising global crude oil prices and significant losses for fuel retailers.

Javelin Star Neeraj Chopra Set For Doha Diamond League Return

Javelin Star Neeraj Chopra Set For Doha Diamond League Return

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to make his competitive return at the Doha Diamond League on June 19 after recovering from a back injury. He had previously achieved a 90m throw at the same venue last year and has been named in India's Commonwealth Games squad.

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Rediff.com20 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from May 23-26 to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, and energy, attending meetings with senior Indian officials and participating in a Quad group meeting in New Delhi.

Israel urges India to designate Iran's IRGC a terror outfit

Israel urges India to designate Iran's IRGC a terror outfit

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The IRGC is the most powerful branch of Iran's armed forces and operates independently of the country's regular military, answering directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Industrial output growth slows to 4.9% in April, new base year introduced

Industrial output growth slows to 4.9% in April, new base year introduced

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

India's industrial production expanded at a slower pace of 4.9 per cent in April, primarily due to tepid growth in the energy sector amidst the West Asia crisis. This data marks the first release under the newly revised base year of 2022-23 for the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

Vance reaches Zurich for talks with Iran's 'Minab 168' delegation

Vance reaches Zurich for talks with Iran's 'Minab 168' delegation

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

US Vice President J D Vance is currently in Switzerland, leading critical technical talks with Iran to advance diplomatic efforts on Iran's nuclear programme and secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon, following a recently signed memorandum of understanding aimed at de-escalating West Asian hostilities.

Trump officials, Iranian FM on way to Switzerland for talks

Trump officials, Iranian FM on way to Switzerland for talks

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are reportedly heading to Switzerland for a new round of US-Iran negotiations, following a recently announced memorandum of understanding to end hostilities in West Asia and a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

India's services sector growth hits 5-month high in April

India's services sector growth hits 5-month high in April

Rediff.com6 May 2026

India's services sector growth reached a five-month high in April, with the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index rising to 58.8, primarily driven by robust domestic demand and a shift from international to local suppliers amidst the West Asia crisis.

After Trent, Noel Tata to step down as Voltas chairman

After Trent, Noel Tata to step down as Voltas chairman

Rediff.com1 days ago

Noel Tata, a veteran of the Tata group, announced his decision to step down as the chairman of Voltas, following a similar move at Trent, citing the development of a new generation of leaders within the company.

Modi-Trump G7 meeting to focus on trade deal, strategic ties

Modi-Trump G7 meeting to focus on trade deal, strategic ties

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are set to hold comprehensive talks focusing on a bilateral trade deal, defence cooperation, and energy and critical minerals sectors during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.

Sensex Down 757 Points on Heavy Selling in IT Shares

Sensex Down 757 Points on Heavy Selling in IT Shares

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, snapped a three-day rally, tumbling nearly 1 per cent due to heavy selling in IT stocks, a jump in crude oil prices, foreign fund outflows, and fears of prolonged instability in West Asia.

Agnikul Partners With ICEYE To Develop, Launch Satellites

Agnikul Partners With ICEYE To Develop, Launch Satellites

Rediff.com5 hours ago

'With this deal, we may see even 50 launches a year within the next few years.'

US, Iran reach tentative 60-day deal to ease tensions; awaiting Trump's nod

US, Iran reach tentative 60-day deal to ease tensions; awaiting Trump's nod

Rediff.com29 May 2026

In a significant diplomatic development, US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly reached a tentative 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and paving the way for formal talks regarding Iran's nuclear programme.

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has emphasised India's commitment to safe maritime transit and condemned attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict and global energy market disruptions.

India welcomes US-Iran truce, 'hopes' for lasting peace

India welcomes US-Iran truce, 'hopes' for lasting peace

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

India has welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran, advocating for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy to secure lasting peace in West Asia.

Was minutes away from striking Pak, reveals Navy chief

Was minutes away from striking Pak, reveals Navy chief

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi revealed that the Indian Navy was on the verge of striking Pakistan during Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack, but kinetic actions were stopped. He also discussed the impact of the West Asia conflict on maritime traffic.

Govt Defends Soft Approach To Fuel Crisis

Govt Defends Soft Approach To Fuel Crisis

Rediff.com16 May 2026

'PM Modi is trying to reduce the volume of fuel consumed instead of raising prices sharply.'

Gulf no longer shield for US bases, warns Khamenei

Gulf no longer shield for US bases, warns Khamenei

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Khamenei urged the pilgrims for unity and called on them to pray for "the liberation of Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the alleviation of the great hardships afflicting Muslims, and the attainment of ultimate victory against global arrogance."

Indian Equities Extend Losses as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Indian Equities Extend Losses as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Indian equity markets, including the Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant downturn for the second consecutive day, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and persistent foreign fund outflows.

Rising Fuel Prices, Monsoon Worries Pressure India's Consumption Stocks

Rising Fuel Prices, Monsoon Worries Pressure India's Consumption Stocks

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India's consumption stocks, which have outperformed the broader market, are now facing significant pressure due to a gradual rise in fuel prices and the potential for higher inflation. Analysts warn that companies may be forced to pass on increased input costs to consumers, potentially hurting demand across both staples and discretionary categories, with a looming threat of deficient monsoon rainfall further exacerbating inflationary concerns.

June Is A Cruel Month For Airlines, Airports

June Is A Cruel Month For Airlines, Airports

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Airlines are cutting not only international services but also domestic flights, especially on routes projected to remain unprofitable in the coming weeks due to weak demand and high fares.

'Too early to assess impact of gold curbs'

'Too early to assess impact of gold curbs'

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Titan will continue investments, even as it notes it is too early to assess how customer sentiment and store footfalls will be impacted by the Prime Minister's appeal to reduce gold consumption and the recent hike in import duty.

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has waived customs duty on critical petrochemical products until June 30 to ensure supply stability and provide relief to consumers amid disruptions caused by the crisis in West Asia.

US Vice Prez Vance rejects claims of $24 bn sweetener for Iran deal

US Vice Prez Vance rejects claims of $24 bn sweetener for Iran deal

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

US Vice President JD Vance on Friday dismissed reports suggesting that Iran would receive financial incentives merely for signing the peace deal between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the hostilities in West Asia, calling such claims "fake information".

Wholesale Price Inflation Spikes to 42-month high of 8.3%

Wholesale Price Inflation Spikes to 42-month high of 8.3%

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India's wholesale price inflation surged to 8.30 per cent in April, up from 3.88 per cent in March, primarily driven by a significant increase in the prices of fuel, power, and crude petroleum, according to data from the commerce and industry ministry.

No double standards in fight against terror: Ajit Doval

No double standards in fight against terror: Ajit Doval

Rediff.com29 May 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called for decisive action against terrorism and said there cannot be 'double standards' in the fight against it, while addressing an international security forum in Russia.

No plans to meet US at any level in coming days: Iran

No plans to meet US at any level in coming days: Iran

Rediff.com18 hours ago

Iran on Tuesday said that the Islamic Republic has "no plans" to hold any meetings with the United States in the coming days at any level, even as diplomatic engagements continue separately in Doha on the related implementation of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the hostilities in West Asia.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty opens red on geopolitical tensions, FII outflows

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty opens red on geopolitical tensions, FII outflows

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty traded lower amid volatile trends, influenced by escalating geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia and fresh outflows from Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs).

Crude Oil Futures Climb Over 3%; Brent breaches $107

Crude Oil Futures Climb Over 3%; Brent breaches $107

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Crude oil prices surged over 3% in futures trade after US President Donald Trump expressed doubts about the Iran ceasefire, reigniting fears of supply disruptions from West Asia and pushing Brent crude above USD 107 per barrel.

India maintaining balance of power in Indian Ocean: US

India maintaining balance of power in Indian Ocean: US

Rediff.com30 May 2026

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised India's military modernisation efforts at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, highlighting its growing industrial and logistics capacity.

Pak holds second round of talks with Iran on resolving conflict

Pak holds second round of talks with Iran on resolving conflict

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been in Tehran meeting with Iranian officials in an attempt to mediate and resolve the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. This marks Naqvi's second visit in less than a week as Pakistan seeks to bridge the differences between the two nations and establish long-term stability in the region.

India's Forex Reserves Surge Past $703 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Surge Past $703 Billion

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 2.362 billion to reach USD 703.308 billion for the week ending April 17, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Forex reserves drop by $10.29 billion to $688.06 billion

Forex reserves drop by $10.29 billion to $688.06 billion

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves decreased by USD 10.288 billion to USD 688.058 billion during the week ending March 27, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This decline follows a previous decrease and comes after the reserves reached an all-time high in February.

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.

Despite Q4 Loss, Analysts See Strong Future for IndiGo

Despite Q4 Loss, Analysts See Strong Future for IndiGo

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Despite reporting a weaker-than-expected net loss of Rs 2,536 crore for Q4FY26, largely due to a significant non-cash forex loss, analysts remain optimistic about IndiGo's long-term prospects, citing strong demand trends, a favourable pricing outlook, and strategic cost-control measures.

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Air India has deferred annual salary increments for its staff by at least one quarter and urged a "relentless focus on costs" due to external headwinds like the closure of Pakistan airspace, West Asia conflict, rupee depreciation, and a significant surge in aviation turbine fuel prices, though the airline has assured there will be no layoffs.

Testing time, not just for us, but for world: India on Iran war

Testing time, not just for us, but for world: India on Iran war

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia, India is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to protect its energy security interests and ensure the safety of its diaspora in the region.

Trump says Iran shot down US helicopter over Hormuz, vows response

Trump says Iran shot down US helicopter over Hormuz, vows response

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of bringing down an American military helicopter near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, prompting a strong declaration that the United States 'must' respond to this significant incident.

Israel strikes in Beirut delays US-Iran peace deal by a few hours

Israel strikes in Beirut delays US-Iran peace deal by a few hours

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The signing of the US-Iran deal to end the conflict in West Asia has been delayed by a few hours due to Israel's strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, US President Donald Trump told local media in Washington, DC.

Trump by his side, Modi raises Indian sailors' deaths at G7

Trump by his side, Modi raises Indian sailors' deaths at G7

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Modi's comments on underlining the importance of ensuring the safety of seafarers came against the backdrop of growing anger in India over the killing of the three Indian crew members in a US military attack on a merchant ship off the coast of Oman last week.