News for 'West Asia'

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

'Tightening of visa norms for international students around the world are a concern for the university and the education sector, even as the UK continues to offer relatively attractive post-study work opportunities compared to several competing markets.'

New truncated gas allocation regime still faces a large LNG shortfall

New truncated gas allocation regime still faces a large LNG shortfall

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

India's plans to ration the consumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) - in response to reduction in their import owing to war in West Asia - may fall short of what is needed to meet domestic needs.

Xi backs open Hormuz, opposes nuclear-armed Iran: Trump after China visit

Xi backs open Hormuz, opposes nuclear-armed Iran: Trump after China visit

Rediff.com16 May 2026

United States and China have agreed that "Iran can't have nuclear weapons," and that the Strait of Hormuz must be opened, according to US President Donald Trump.

2026 will be a historic, landmark year for China-US ties, Xi tells Trump

2026 will be a historic, landmark year for China-US ties, Xi tells Trump

Rediff.com14 May 2026

US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss trade, technology, Taiwan, and the Iran war. Xi Jinping said that 2026 will be a 'historic, landmark year' for China-US relations.

Geopolitical Tensions, Rising Crude Drive FPIs to Exit Indian Equities

Geopolitical Tensions, Rising Crude Drive FPIs to Exit Indian Equities

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn Rs 19,837 crore from Indian equities in the first two trading sessions of April, extending a significant selling trend from March, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, rising crude oil prices, and a depreciating rupee.

FPIs Pull Out Record 1.04 Trillion In March

FPIs Pull Out Record 1.04 Trillion In March

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Domestic institutional investors, on the other hand, made a net investment of Rs 1.13 trillion during this period.

Sports Authority of India Canteen Shuts Down Amidst LPG Supply Concerns and Pricing Disputes

Sports Authority of India Canteen Shuts Down Amidst LPG Supply Concerns and Pricing Disputes

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The canteen at the Sports Authority of India's headquarters in Delhi has suspended operations due to a vendor complaint about LPG supply shortages, though sources suggest pricing disputes are also a factor. This closure primarily affects staff, as athletes' meals are provided separately.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge in Early Trade, Maruti Jumps 4%

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge in Early Trade, Maruti Jumps 4%

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Indian markets on Dalal Street rallied sharply as easing tensions in the US-Iran conflict and stable oil prices boosted sentiment. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.

'Frustrated' Trump considering resuming war on Iran: Report

'Frustrated' Trump considering resuming war on Iran: Report

Rediff.com12 May 2026

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering military action against Iran due to stalled negotiations and Tehran's approach to its nuclear issue, according to CNN sources. Divisions within the Trump administration have emerged over the next course of action, with some officials advocating for a more aggressive approach through targeted military strikes.

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an online meeting with Loka Kerala Sabha members in the Gulf region to discuss support for the expatriate community amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Stock markets today March 4, 2026: Sensex sinks 1,123 pts, Nifty dives 1.55%

Stock markets today March 4, 2026: Sensex sinks 1,123 pts, Nifty dives 1.55%

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Wednesday, tracking a bearish trend in Asian markets, as the conflict in West Asia widened, driving oil prices higher.

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that nearly 1,000 Indians remain in Iran amidst the West Asia conflict, and 23,000 students in the Gulf region missed CBSE exams due to the turmoil.

Will India See Poor Monsoon This Year?

Will India See Poor Monsoon This Year?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A poor monsoon could drag overall economic growth and compound the impact of the West Asia conflict on the Indian economy.

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India's private sector activity saw a significant recovery in April, driven primarily by robust growth in manufacturing output and sales, following a three-year low in March attributed to the West Asia conflict.

India in touch with Iran to secure safe Hormuz passage for its ships

India in touch with Iran to secure safe Hormuz passage for its ships

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

India is in communication with Iranian officials to ensure the safety and secure passage of its ships through the Strait of Hormuz, following recent firing incidents involving Indian vessels.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Down on Strait of Hormuz Tensions, Weak Rupee

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Down on Strait of Hormuz Tensions, Weak Rupee

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Indian equities on Dalal Street saw volatility as global market trends and weak rupee impacted investor sentiment. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 5, 2026.

Tanker With Iranian Oil Heads To India, First Since 2019

Tanker With Iranian Oil Heads To India, First Since 2019

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil is heading to India, marking the resumption of oil imports from Iran after seven years.

'We will keep the consumer at the centre, use technology to optimise, and continue investing behind brands to drive volume-led penetration'

'We will keep the consumer at the centre, use technology to optimise, and continue investing behind brands to drive volume-led penetration'

Rediff.com11 May 2026

"Our strategy has always been to focus on volume-led penetration growth," said Manish Tiwary, chairman and managing director, Nestle India.

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Congress party has called on the BJP-led government to adopt a unified national approach to restore India's role as a voice for peace, criticising the government's foreign policy and its impact on India's global standing.

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

koda Auto Volkswagen India aims to capture a 5 per cent share of India's passenger vehicle market by 2030, driven by new product launches, including alternate fuel vehicles, and a potential entry into the high-volume sub-4 metre SUV segment.

Foreign investors dump Rs 88,180 cr in Mar; 2026 outflows cross Rs 1 lakh cr

Foreign investors dump Rs 88,180 cr in Mar; 2026 outflows cross Rs 1 lakh cr

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Foreign investors have withdrawn over Rs 88,000 crore from Indian equities this month, driven by geopolitical tensions, a weak rupee, and concerns about rising crude oil prices.

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.

India Imports 361,000 Tonnes Of LPG From US

India Imports 361,000 Tonnes Of LPG From US

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'Historically, India has depended on the Middle Eastern Gulf for nearly 90 per cent of its LPG imports. Shifting to alternative suppliers is not something that can happen quickly.'

Iran has not closed Hormuz: Supreme leader's India representative

Iran has not closed Hormuz: Supreme leader's India representative

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked, the supreme leader's representative said.

Indian tanker clears Hormuz; New Delhi raises concerns with Iran post attacks

Indian tanker clears Hormuz; New Delhi raises concerns with Iran post attacks

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

India has raised concerns with Iran over the safety of merchant shipping after two vessels were fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting them to turn back.

Indian Fuel Shipment to Aid Sri Lanka Amidst Regional Volatility

Indian Fuel Shipment to Aid Sri Lanka Amidst Regional Volatility

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

India is sending a shipment of diesel and petrol to Sri Lanka to help alleviate the country's energy crisis amidst regional instability.

RBI maintains repo rate at 5.25% as global recovery hopes rise post-ceasefire

RBI maintains repo rate at 5.25% as global recovery hopes rise post-ceasefire

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opted to keep its key interest rates unchanged at 5.25%, anticipating a global economic recovery following a ceasefire in the US/Israel-Iran conflict, despite ongoing inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations.

US aircraft on F-15 rescue mission shot down, claims Iran

US aircraft on F-15 rescue mission shot down, claims Iran

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Iran's claim comes after United States President Donald Trump confirmed that the military rescued the second F-15 crew member, who had gone missing after Iran downed the jet amid the West Asia conflict.

Trump holds off Iran strikes on 'Arab leaders' request'

Trump holds off Iran strikes on 'Arab leaders' request'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

US President Donald Trump announced he halted planned military strikes on Iran following requests from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, citing ongoing discussions that could lead to a deal.

IndiGo to face pressure from fuel price spike: Moody's

IndiGo to face pressure from fuel price spike: Moody's

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

IndiGo airline will face near-term pressure on profitability from rising fuel prices following the escalation of conflict in West Asia, though it is likely to pass on higher costs to passengers over time because its ticket booking cycle is relatively short, according to a report by Moody's Ratings.

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that a US team is expected to visit India next month for trade talks, following an earlier Indian delegation's visit to Washington, DC, in April to finalise an interim pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral trade agreement.

'Keep Hormuz open': Xi Jinping steps in as Iran asserts control

'Keep Hormuz open': Xi Jinping steps in as Iran asserts control

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open for normal passage of ships, describing it as an 'international waterway' amid rising tensions between the US and Iran.

Indian National Stranded in Russia Amid Gulf Tensions Seeks Repatriation

Indian National Stranded in Russia Amid Gulf Tensions Seeks Repatriation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Indian government has addressed Parliament regarding a case of an Indian national seeking repatriation from Russia due to the situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. The government also responded to queries about Indian nationals denied entry to South Korea and seafarers detained in foreign countries.

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday signalled the US intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

'48 hours before...': Trump's Hormuz ultimatum to Iran

'48 hours before...': Trump's Hormuz ultimatum to Iran

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Trump's message, posted on his Truth Social platform, is a reminder of his 10-day ultimatum given to the Islamic Republic earlier to make progress toward a deal or reopen the vital shipping lane.

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Following Prime Minister Modi's appeal, Delhi ministers are adopting measures like using public transport, electric vehicles, and virtual meetings to reduce fuel consumption and cut expenditure.

Merchant navy captain from Ranchi dies near Strait of Hormuz

Merchant navy captain from Ranchi dies near Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The family of Captain Rakesh Ranjan, who died on a merchant vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, is seeking assistance from the Indian government to repatriate his body. They claim the ship was stranded due to the West Asia conflict and are urging authorities to expedite the process and ensure the release of his financial dues.

China's Real Choke Point Starts at Hormuz, Not Malacca: Report

China's Real Choke Point Starts at Hormuz, Not Malacca: Report

Rediff.com7 days ago

A new report suggests China's maritime vulnerability lies in the Strait of Hormuz, not Malacca, creating strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.

35 vessels transited via Hormuz in 24 hrs with our 'permission': IRGC Navy

35 vessels transited via Hormuz in 24 hrs with our 'permission': IRGC Navy

Rediff.com22 May 2026

As many as 35 vessels, including cargo carriers and oil tankers, successfully navigated through the strategic maritime chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz over the last 24 hours, according to Iran's state media reports citing a formal declaration by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.