News for 'West Asia'

Allies in India have been good actors: White House

Allies in India have been good actors: White House

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The US has temporarily permitted India to accept Russian oil already on ships to ensure energy supplies amid the conflict with Iran. This short-term measure is not expected to significantly benefit Russia financially.

Qatar halts LNG production amid Iran attack, supply to India disrupted

Qatar halts LNG production amid Iran attack, supply to India disrupted

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Qatar has halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after its facilities came under attack amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, disrupting supplies to India and squeezing feedstock availability for key domestic sectors.

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.

'We were kept in jail for 50 days': Indian sailors recount escape from Iran

'We were kept in jail for 50 days': Indian sailors recount escape from Iran

Rediff.com3 days ago

A group of Indian sailors recount their harrowing experience of being detained in Iran on suspicion of smuggling, and their subsequent escape from the country as regional tensions escalated into open conflict.

Iran confirms killing of intelligence minister Khatib in Israeli strike

Iran confirms killing of intelligence minister Khatib in Israeli strike

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The West Asia conflict escalated sharply as Iran launched missiles towards Israel, while Tehran confirmed the killing of its intelligence minister in Israeli strikes, marking the third assassination of a senior Iranian official in two days.

Haryana Government Takes Action Against LPG Black Marketing, Seizes Hundreds of Cylinders

Haryana Government Takes Action Against LPG Black Marketing, Seizes Hundreds of Cylinders

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Haryana government is taking strict measures to combat the black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, registering FIRs and seizing hundreds of cylinders. Officials assure citizens of sufficient LPG supply despite global concerns.

India has adequate fuel stocks, commercial LPG restored to 70%: Govt

India has adequate fuel stocks, commercial LPG restored to 70%: Govt

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The ministry of petroleum and natural gas on Friday reiterated that India has sufficient stock of crude oil, petrol and diesel, while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of LNG and LPG despite disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Rediff.com2 days ago

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has accused the ruling LDF in Kerala and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "B-team" and of secretly joining hands with the BJP, alleging a compromised leadership and lack of accountability.

Iran lists three conditions to end war

Iran lists three conditions to end war

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Iran on Thursday spelled out three conditions to end the war with Israel and the United States, which entered its thirteenth day today. Taking to X, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said he reaffirmed the country's commitment to peace during talks with leaders of Russia and Pakistan.

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Mottaqi, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, emphasising the need for political and diplomatic solutions.

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a series of military operations against US and Israeli targets in retaliation for earlier airstrikes. The IRGC claims to have launched multiple missile and drone strikes, and has warned against any potential ground operations within Iranian territory.

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Travel situation from the Gulf region is gradually improving, with a significant number of passengers already returning to India.

IndiGo Manchester flight returns to Delhi due to airspace curbs

IndiGo Manchester flight returns to Delhi due to airspace curbs

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Manchester was forced to return to its origin due to last-minute airspace restrictions related to the ongoing situation in West Asia. The flight was using a leased Boeing 787 aircraft.

'Jag Laadki' carrying 80,886 MT of crude oil reaches Mundra port

'Jag Laadki' carrying 80,886 MT of crude oil reaches Mundra port

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Indian-flagged vessels are navigating the Strait of Hormuz safely despite ongoing tensions in the region, ensuring the continued flow of vital energy supplies to India.

'50 jets destroyed Khamenei's bunker': IDF releases strike video

'50 jets destroyed Khamenei's bunker': IDF releases strike video

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The Israeli military said the strike dismantled the bunker during ongoing operations against Iranian military infrastructure.

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's handling of the Iran crisis reflects a growing strain between strategic autonomy and geopolitical alignment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

US war narrative echoes Vietnam-era 'Five O'Clock Follies': Iran

US war narrative echoes Vietnam-era 'Five O'Clock Follies': Iran

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Araghchi remarked that US messaging currently echoes the Vietnam War-era "Five O'Clock Follies," suggesting a systematic misrepresentation of military progress.

Muzychuk Steps In as Humpy Withdraws from Candidates Tournament Over Safety Fears

Muzychuk Steps In as Humpy Withdraws from Candidates Tournament Over Safety Fears

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine will replace Koneru Humpy in the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus after Humpy withdrew due to safety concerns related to the region's proximity to the West Asia conflict.

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Will rising tensions between US-Israel and Iran threaten crude oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, putting India's fuel prices, imports, and economic stability at risk?

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has briefed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation in West Asia. This follows Pakistan's offer to host talks between the US and Iran to resolve the ongoing conflict.

Gulf War Fallout: DGCA Allows Longer Pilot Duty Hours

Gulf War Fallout: DGCA Allows Longer Pilot Duty Hours

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Federation of Indian Pilots, said the union has written to the DGCA raising concerns over the extension.

'Indians have been good actors': Trump aide on Russian oil waiver

'Indians have been good actors': Trump aide on Russian oil waiver

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The US has granted India permission to buy Russian oil already in transit to ease global supply pressures amidst the West Asia conflict. This decision comes after India agreed to halt sanctioned Russian oil purchases and substitute them with US oil.

Iran quietly approaches CIA for talks: Report

Iran quietly approaches CIA for talks: Report

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

It remains unclear whether United States President Donald Trump or Iranian authorities will pursue the offer.

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that long-term oil supplies are 'abundant' and there are no worries regarding that, but in the short term, there is a need to get oil on the market.

Bhowneesh Mendiratta spearheads India's challenge at ISSF Shotgun World Cup after Olympics setback

Bhowneesh Mendiratta spearheads India's challenge at ISSF Shotgun World Cup after Olympics setback

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Bhowneesh Mendiratta leads the Indian shooting contingent at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Tangier, Morocco, aiming for a strong start to the season after missing the Paris Olympics. The team faces a tough challenge with experienced and debutant shooters competing.

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.

Middle East conflict: 28 Indian ships with 778 crew stuck in Persian Gulf

Middle East conflict: 28 Indian ships with 778 crew stuck in Persian Gulf

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

28 Indian vessels carrying 778 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, prompting government monitoring and coordination to ensure their safety and security.

Banerjee Calls for Modi's Resignation Over Voter List Allegations

Banerjee Calls for Modi's Resignation Over Voter List Allegations

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation, alleging manipulation of voter lists during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal. She also questioned the abrupt resignation of Governor C V Ananda Bose and accused the BJP of anti-women policies and spreading misinformation.

China announces $200,000 aid after deadly strike on Iran's school

China announces $200,000 aid after deadly strike on Iran's school

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

China has condemned the attack on an elementary school in Iran and pledged USD 200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance.

Hezbollah drones target Israeli air base

Hezbollah drones target Israeli air base

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

According to Hezbollah, it fired a swarm of drones at radar sites and control rooms at the base on Tuesday, describing the move as retaliation for Israeli strikes.

India grapples with LPG supply crunch, but panic buying eases

India grapples with LPG supply crunch, but panic buying eases

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

India continues to face LPG supply challenges for the third consecutive week due to disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, though panic buying is showing signs of easing. The government is prioritising domestic household supplies and encouraging alternative fuel sources.

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Following attacks in West Asia, hundreds of Indians, including prominent personalities, are stranded in Dubai and other key hub airports due to flight disruptions, prompting appeals for government assistance.

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

President Trump asserts the US military has decimated Iran's forces and no longer requires assistance from NATO allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier requests for support.

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Addressing the 36th extraordinary session of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) held on Thursday in London, the Indian envoy said, "India remains deeply concerned about the evolving situation and continues to call for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy, with utmost restraint and priority being given to the safety of civilians."

Stock Market Today March 5, 2026: Sensex, Nifty Surge as Global Equities Recover

Stock Market Today March 5, 2026: Sensex, Nifty Surge as Global Equities Recover

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded, closing over 1% higher, mirroring a global equities recovery after recent losses due to geopolitical tensions.

Govt to end LPG supply to households refusing PNG switch

Govt to end LPG supply to households refusing PNG switch

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The government has mandated that cooking gas LPG supply to households will be discontinued if consumers fail to switch to piped natural gas where such connectivity is available, under a new order aimed at accelerating gas network expansion and reducing reliance on a single fuel.

Several US jets crash, fire at embassy compound: Kuwait

Several US jets crash, fire at embassy compound: Kuwait

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Kuwaiti Defence Ministry said all crew members of the crashed aircraft ejected safely and were taken to a hospital for medical check-ups.

Passenger Vehicle Sales Surge to Record High in India, Driven by GST 2.0

Passenger Vehicle Sales Surge to Record High in India, Driven by GST 2.0

Rediff.com3 days ago

Passenger vehicle sales in India reached a record high of 4.7 million units in FY26, boosted by strong performances from major automakers and the implementation of GST 2.0.

Phew! India Secures Month-Long LPG Supply

Phew! India Secures Month-Long LPG Supply

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Around one full month of supply is firmly arranged with additional procurement being continuously finalised, and oil companies are successfully delivering over 5 million cylinders every day.

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.