News for 'West Asia'

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.

What Can We Do To Minimise The LPG Misery?

What Can We Do To Minimise The LPG Misery?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Let us start with ourselves. If we can reduce our LPG consumption by half, the problem is solved. Reduce wastage. Alter eating styles. Diversify methods of food preparation, suggests Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Nomura, Citi slash year-end Nifty 50 target

Nomura, Citi slash year-end Nifty 50 target

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Foreign brokerages have started to cut their year-end targets for the Nifty 50 index amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'Mojtaba Khamenei supervised the most recent repression in December 2025 and January 2026 which remains ongoing.'

Stock Market Today March 6, 2026: Sensex, Nifty dive over 1% on boiling crude price

Stock Market Today March 6, 2026: Sensex, Nifty dive over 1% on boiling crude price

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant decline, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices.

US strikes Iranian naval vessels near Hormuz Strait

US strikes Iranian naval vessels near Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

According to the Pentagon, the vessels were targeted as part of efforts to prevent the deployment of naval mines in the strategically vital passage through which a significant portion of global crude oil shipments transits.

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

By appearing to privilege ideological affinity over strategic balance, India risks eroding the trust painstakingly built across West Asia. Once the perception takes hold that India's friendship is conditional and transactional, rebuilding credibility will be difficult, warns Amberish K Diwanji.

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

Elon Musk joined Trump-Modi phone call on Gulf War: Report

Elon Musk joined Trump-Modi phone call on Gulf War: Report

Rediff.com7 days ago

Elon Musk reportedly participated in a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Iran crisis, raising questions about his involvement in diplomatic discussions.

Maharashtra Govt Launches Helpline for Stranded Residents in Middle East

Maharashtra Govt Launches Helpline for Stranded Residents in Middle East

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has launched an emergency WhatsApp helpline for state residents stranded in the Middle East due to airspace closures amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is monitoring the situation and coordinating with central agencies.

RBI takes measured steps on liquidity amid tax outflows

RBI takes measured steps on liquidity amid tax outflows

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

To meet liquidity pressure because of advance tax outflows this month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has adopted a measured approach with its latest announcement of open-market operations (OMOs), worth Rs 1 trillion.

Pak's CDF Munir meets Saudi defence minister amid Iran war

Pak's CDF Munir meets Saudi defence minister amid Iran war

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Pakistan's defence chief visited Saudi Arabia to discuss regional security and the mutual defence pact between the two nations, focusing on de-escalation strategies.

Iran sought nod to dock 3 ships in Indian ports, was approved: Jaishankar

Iran sought nod to dock 3 ships in Indian ports, was approved: Jaishankar

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

It is for the first time that a senior minister has said that Iran requested permission for docking three of its ships in Indian ports.

War to go on till US faces permanent humiliation: Iran refutes Trump

War to go on till US faces permanent humiliation: Iran refutes Trump

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Iranian military on Thursday issued a strongly worded response to remarks made by United States President Donald Trump, warning that the ongoing conflict will persist until Washington, DC faces what it described as 'permanent humiliation, regret, and surrender', as reported by Iranian state media Press TV.

Urmila, Mouni, Shalini At Shabana Azmi's Holi Party

Urmila, Mouni, Shalini At Shabana Azmi's Holi Party

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

It's a riot of colours at Shabana Azmi's Holi party.

Rupee set for worst year since FY14, hits fresh low of 93.72 per dollar

Rupee set for worst year since FY14, hits fresh low of 93.72 per dollar

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The rupee plunged to a fresh low of 93.72 against the dollar on Friday, falling 1.15 per cent in a single session - its sharpest one-day decline since February 24, 2022 - as elevated crude oil prices and strong dollar demand from oil-marketing companies and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) weighed on the currency.

Massive 'No Kings' Protests Erupt in US Against Iran War

Massive 'No Kings' Protests Erupt in US Against Iran War

Rediff.com6 days ago

Protests were held from coast to coast, with massive marches in major cities and smaller gatherings in suburban and rural areas across both traditionally Republican and Democratic states.

Ali Larijani, Iran's Security chief killed in airstrike, claims Israel

Ali Larijani, Iran's Security chief killed in airstrike, claims Israel

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Reports are emerging that Ali Larijani, a key Iranian security official, was allegedly targetted in an Israeli airstrike, escalating tensions in the region.

Oil Prices Tumble as US Pauses Military Action Against Iran

Oil Prices Tumble as US Pauses Military Action Against Iran

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Crude oil prices experienced a sharp decline after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to military strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, easing geopolitical tensions and supply disruption fears.

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar suffers hairline fracture after fall

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar suffers hairline fracture after fall

Rediff.com5 days ago

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar sustained a hairline fracture in his shoulder after a fall during a reception for his Egyptian counterpart. Despite the injury, he continued with scheduled meetings throughout the day.

'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.

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Speaking to North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly on Tuesday, Kim accused the United States of carrying out 'terrorism and invasions' across regions, referring to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Stock Market Today March 9, 2026: Sensex tanks 1,353 points

Stock Market Today March 9, 2026: Sensex tanks 1,353 points

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Indian equity markets experienced a significant downturn, with the Sensex and Nifty plummeting due to rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and continuous foreign fund outflows.

Pak rejects collapse of bid to facilitate Iran-US talks

Pak rejects collapse of bid to facilitate Iran-US talks

Rediff.com3 hours ago

Pakistan's Foreign Office has refuted media reports suggesting that its efforts to facilitate peace talks between the US and Iran have stalled, calling the reports baseless and speculative.

Iranian parliament speaker warns against US ground invasion

Iranian parliament speaker warns against US ground invasion

Rediff.com5 days ago

He also warned the Gulf countries, which are allowing the US to launch an attack from their soil, vowing to "punish" the regional partners.

Iran rejects Pak mediation, shifts focus to Qatar as tensions escalate

Iran rejects Pak mediation, shifts focus to Qatar as tensions escalate

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Islamabad's attempt to position itself as a mediator in the West Asia conflict has come to naught with the Iranian side refusing to meet any US-led delegation in Pakistan, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Israel Military on Verge of 'Collapse' Due to Troop Shortage: IDF Chief

Israel Military on Verge of 'Collapse' Due to Troop Shortage: IDF Chief

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

IDF chief stressed the urgent need for legislative measures, including a conscription law, a reserve duty law, and an extension of mandatory military service.

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

Rediff.com7 hours ago

The big question is whether Trump is any longer in command of the situation. For all practical purposes, the war seems set to cascade as the US is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran and threatens to destroy 'bridges next, then electric power plants', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

ICC Arranges Flights For Teams Stranded In India

ICC Arranges Flights For Teams Stranded In India

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amid West Asia crisis, England, South Africa and West Indies to depart over the weekend.

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.

Iran drop star striker Azmoun before World Cup warm-ups

Iran drop star striker Azmoun before World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the squad for World Cup warm-ups amid reports of expulsion over alleged disloyalty, sparking controversy.

Family of Rajasthani Sailor Missing After Tanker Attack Near Oman Gripped by Anxiety

Family of Rajasthani Sailor Missing After Tanker Attack Near Oman Gripped by Anxiety

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The family of a Rajasthani sailor, Dalip Singh, is gripped by anxiety after he went missing following an attack on an oil tanker near Oman. The search continues as the family clings to hope amidst the escalating West Asia crisis.

Fuel curbs brew concern over Darjeeling first flush

Fuel curbs brew concern over Darjeeling first flush

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Tea planters in Darjeeling have raised that a shortage of commercial LPG, triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, could hit tea processing during the first flush, the delicate early-season harvest that commands the highest premiums and often sets the tone for the year.

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Rediff.com5 days ago

Delhi should keep all its options open in what is essentially a transitional period in the geopolitics of energy rather than remain a gatekeeper serving Trump's 'America First', suggests Ambasssador M K Bhadrakumar.

India's Infrastructure Growth Dips Amid Output Contraction

India's Infrastructure Growth Dips Amid Output Contraction

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Production growth in India's eight core infrastructure sectors slowed to a three-month low of 2.3 per cent in February, impacted by contractions in crude oil, natural gas, and refinery products output.

Indian Manufacturing Growth Hits Four-Year Low: What's Behind the Slowdown?

Indian Manufacturing Growth Hits Four-Year Low: What's Behind the Slowdown?

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's manufacturing sector growth slowed to a four-year low in March, impacted by cost pressures, competition, market uncertainty, and the Middle East conflict, according to the HSBC India Manufacturing PMI.

Iran blames US amid intensifying energy crisis

Iran blames US amid intensifying energy crisis

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran has blamed the US for disruptions in oil and gas shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, citing 'destabilising actions' as the cause amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and rising energy prices.

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Rediff.com2 days ago

Trump emphasised that diplomatic discussions remain ongoing. At the same time, he issued a stark warning, saying that failure to reach an agreement could trigger military action.

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

If the conflict continues for a prolonged period, State-run oil companies may have to review retail fuel prices accordingly.