News for 'West Asia'

19 India-bound oil, gas ships stranded in Hormuz raising supply concerns

19 India-bound oil, gas ships stranded in Hormuz raising supply concerns

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict in West Asia has resulted in 19 ships carrying essential energy resources for India being stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the country's energy supply.

Core Sector Output Contracts 0.4% in March, First Decline in Five Months

Core Sector Output Contracts 0.4% in March, First Decline in Five Months

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

India's core sector output contracted by 0.4 per cent in March, marking the first decline in five months, with coal, crude oil, fertiliser, and electricity production falling, according to official data.

High Crude Prices, Global Cues Drag Indian Stock Markets Lower

High Crude Prices, Global Cues Drag Indian Stock Markets Lower

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed nearly 1 per cent lower due to surging crude oil prices, weak global market trends, and significant foreign fund outflows, with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns further dampening investor sentiment.

Pak PM Sharif speaks to Iran president, calls for urgent de-escalation

Pak PM Sharif speaks to Iran president, calls for urgent de-escalation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for urgent de-escalation and dialogue in West Asia during a phone call with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing serious concern over ongoing hostilities.

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Nobody takes Pakistan seriously and therefore Pakistan's sudden mediating with almost immediate results of a ceasefire seems more contrived than real, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Rediff.com22 May 2026

India's football faces a setback as it receives only one play-off slot for the 2027-28 AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asia's club structure, due to administrative issues and declining performance.

Reality check gets India on investors' realty list

Reality check gets India on investors' realty list

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia are prompting investors with exposure to Dubai's real estate market to reassess their portfolios. And, in this rejig, India is emerging as a stable destination for capital investment and long-term growth.

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

As the negotiations continued, the Iranian government said on social media that "talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad entered the expert-level stage as economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees joined in".

Gulf War: Energy Shock Pushes India Towards Atmanirbharta

Gulf War: Energy Shock Pushes India Towards Atmanirbharta

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

We cannot simply have a 60-65 per cent import dependency in LPG, the bulk of which comes from just one volatile region -- West Asia, points out R Jagannathan.

After GST-led surge, car sales growth may decelerate in FY27

After GST-led surge, car sales growth may decelerate in FY27

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

India's passenger vehicle (PV) industry is projected to experience moderated growth in FY27, following a strong rebound in H2FY26, primarily due to the high base effect, absorbed pent-up demand, and the lingering impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

Rediff.com6 days ago

"Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary"

US, Iran 'very close' to peace deal, Strait of Hormuz in focus

US, Iran 'very close' to peace deal, Strait of Hormuz in focus

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The United States and Iran are engaged in indirect talks aimed at developing a framework for a possible agreement, according to Iran's ISNA News Agency. Intensive mediation efforts are underway, but it remains uncertain whether a final agreement is within reach.

Putin speaks with Iran Prez amid war, calls for de-escalation

Putin speaks with Iran Prez amid war, calls for de-escalation

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Russian President Vladimir Putin is actively calling for de-escalation and political resolution, engaging with Iranian and US counterparts to navigate the complex conflict landscape.

Delhi govt mandates WFH, Metro rides for ministers, officials to save fuel

Delhi govt mandates WFH, Metro rides for ministers, officials to save fuel

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Delhi government has announced a series of measures to conserve fuel, including work from home for government offices, increased use of public transport, and reduced fuel quotas for officers.

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Opposition parties are demanding a full Parliament discussion on the West Asia conflict, criticising the government's silence and calling for a contingency plan to protect India's energy security and citizens.

Why RBI Should Stop Defending Rupee

Why RBI Should Stop Defending Rupee

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The measures announced by it risk backfiring, disrupting the foreign exchange market, and intensifying the very pressures they seek to contain, with broader consequences for the economy points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The broader conflict in West Asia, the largest international market for Indian carriers, has forced a sharp reduction in daily flights relative to the summer schedule.

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India should not stay on the margins of this initiative. There should be a serious debate about what would be in India's best interests asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his trip to Islamabad was "very productive" and involved "good consultations" with Pakistan's top leadership amid uncertainty over the second round of peace talks to resolve the war in West Asia.

Just inches away from...: Iran blames US for failed talks

Just inches away from...: Iran blames US for failed talks

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Iran blames the US for 'maximalism' and 'shifting goalposts' leading to the collapse of the Islamabad talks.

'He is alive': Israeli envoy to India dismisses Netanyahu death rumours

'He is alive': Israeli envoy to India dismisses Netanyahu death rumours

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has refuted rumours circulating about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's death, attributing the disinformation to Iran and its allies.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 fall in early trade dragged by IT firms

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 fall in early trade dragged by IT firms

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced a decline in early trade, ending a three-day rally, primarily due to heavy selling in IT stocks and concerns over prolonged instability in West Asia.

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to discuss a range of issues, including trade frictions and the war in Iran.

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with leaders from Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, expressing concern over attacks in West Asia and discussing the safety of the Indian community.

US-Iran War: Koneru Humpy Pulls Out Of FIDE Women's Candidates In Cyprus

US-Iran War: Koneru Humpy Pulls Out Of FIDE Women's Candidates In Cyprus

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has withdrawn from the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament, citing concerns over her personal safety amidst the West Asia conflict.

Why Did Shah Rukh Khan Cancel King Shoot?

Why Did Shah Rukh Khan Cancel King Shoot?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Shah Rukh Khan's King has been forced to relocate its April shooting schedule from the Gulf to Mumbai.

After Spain, Italy denies US aircraft access to military base

After Spain, Italy denies US aircraft access to military base

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Italy has denied the United States the use of the Sigonella military base for flights heading to West Asia, citing a lack of consultation and concerns over the nature of the flights. This decision reflects Italy's stance on avoiding escalation in the region, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government emphasises its desire to stay out of war.

US-Iran peace talks stall in Pakistan: What derailed the deal

US-Iran peace talks stall in Pakistan: What derailed the deal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The US and Iranian delegations left Pakistan after failing to reach an agreement in historic talks aimed at resolving the West Asia conflict and stabilising global energy markets.

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.

ATM Interchange Fee May Be Linked to WPI, Fresh Hike Expected

ATM Interchange Fee May Be Linked to WPI, Fresh Hike Expected

Rediff.com3 days ago

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is set to consider linking the ATM interchange fee to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), alongside a potential hike from the current 19 to 21-22, which could impact customer charges for transactions beyond the free limit.

Modi shares glimpses of Italy visit, 'Melody moment'

Modi shares glimpses of Italy visit, 'Melody moment'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy concluded with the elevation of India-Italy relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation across various sectors.

Pak gets 2nd tranche of $1bn loan from Saudi Arabia

Pak gets 2nd tranche of $1bn loan from Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Pakistan has received the second and final tranche of USD 1 billion from Saudi Arabia, completing a USD 3 billion aid package aimed at boosting its foreign reserves, the state bank said.

'Economically, nobody is winning this war'

'Economically, nobody is winning this war'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Markets never fully lose hope. But an important shift could come if the Strait remains closed -- moving from high prices to no prices.'

Indian Navy ships escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Rajnath

Indian Navy ships escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Rajnath

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assures India's energy security amidst West Asia tensions, highlighting naval protection of tankers and readiness to counter cross-border terrorism.

No petrol, diesel price hike after assembly polls: Govt

No petrol, diesel price hike after assembly polls: Govt

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The government has dismissed speculation of an imminent increase in petrol and diesel prices, assuring citizens that there are no plans for a hike despite rising crude oil costs.

Mumbai Police Investigate Theft of 27 LPG Cylinders

Mumbai Police Investigate Theft of 27 LPG Cylinders

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Mumbai police are investigating the theft of 27 LPG cylinders from a delivery vehicle in Kandivali, amid concerns about potential supply disruptions.

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.

Hero to roll out flex-fuel versions of motorcycles, but concerns remain

Hero to roll out flex-fuel versions of motorcycles, but concerns remain

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Flex fuel motorcycles can deliver "3 per cent higher torque and 7 per cent higher peak power".

ICICI Bank's Q4 consolidated net profit rises 9.28% to Rs 14,755 crore

ICICI Bank's Q4 consolidated net profit rises 9.28% to Rs 14,755 crore

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

ICICI Bank reported a 9.28 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 14,755 crore for the March quarter of FY26, primarily driven by a nearly 90 per cent reduction in provisioning. The bank's executive director, Sandeep Batra, noted strong asset growth but expressed caution regarding the geopolitical situation in West Asia.

Maruti Suzuki's mini-car sales jump 147% in April-May as production eases

Maruti Suzuki's mini-car sales jump 147% in April-May as production eases

Rediff.com2 days ago

Maruti Suzuki India reported a significant 147 per cent year-on-year increase in mini-car sales (Alto and S-Presso) during April-May 2026, reaching 32,341 units, driven by eased production constraints and a surge in demand for CNG vehicles amidst rising fuel prices.