News for 'West Asia'

Trump signals winding down Iran ops as US sends more troops

Trump signals winding down Iran ops as US sends more troops

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

In a post on Truth Social, Trump outlined key goals of the campaign, including degrading Iran's missile capabilities, dismantling its defence industrial base, eliminating naval and air power, preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear capability, and protecting United States allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Trump weighs US-Iran 'joint venture' to secure Hormuz after truce

Trump weighs US-Iran 'joint venture' to secure Hormuz after truce

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Washington is considering a "joint venture" with Iran to secure the Strait of Hormuz, following his announcement of a two-week ceasefire.

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee saw a significant appreciation against the US dollar following President Trump's suspension of military strikes against Iran and the Reserve Bank of India's decision to maintain its key interest rate. Market sentiment was further buoyed by positive comments from the RBI regarding the health of the banking sector.

Iran claims missile attack on US aircraft carrier

Iran claims missile attack on US aircraft carrier

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

According to an official Iranian military statement, Qader anti-ship cruise missiles were launched at the carrier, forcing it to alter its position in the region.

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the barrage targeted several US military facilities in the region, including bases at Sheikh Isa in Bahrain, Juffair in Bahrain, Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Al Azraq in Jordan.

Top end luxury cars power Mercedes over entry-level models

Top end luxury cars power Mercedes over entry-level models

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

What we will not do is discount deeply, neither will we compromise on product substance, says Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD&CEO) Santosh Iyer.

Basmati rice exports rose 22% till February FY24 on West Asia demand

Basmati rice exports rose 22% till February FY24 on West Asia demand

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

Exports of high-quality basmati rice from India grew by 22 per cent to $5.2 billion during April 2023-February 2024, amid robust demand, primarily from West Asia. According to data compiled by the commerce department, exports of basmati rice increased to 4.68 million metric tonnes (MMT) in April-February, from 4.1 MMT during the same period a year ago, registering a growth of 14 per cent.

Rupee breaches 93/dollar for the first time, down 19 paise

Rupee breaches 93/dollar for the first time, down 19 paise

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee weakened to a record intra-day low against the US dollar due to a strengthening greenback, continuous foreign capital outflows, and elevated global crude oil prices amidst the West Asia conflict.

Moscow Expresses Concern Over Possible US Control of Bagram Airbase Amid Tensions

Moscow Expresses Concern Over Possible US Control of Bagram Airbase Amid Tensions

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

A senior Russian diplomat has expressed apprehension over the possibility of the US attempting to regain control of the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, amidst escalating military tensions in the region.

No knowledge of peace talks, Iran ops continue: Israel counters Trump

No knowledge of peace talks, Iran ops continue: Israel counters Trump

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Addressing a media stakeout at the United Nations on Tuesday, Israel's envoy said the country's primary objective remained preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.

Govt steps up fuel security measures; warns against panic buying

Govt steps up fuel security measures; warns against panic buying

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Indian government has increased measures to secure fuel and gas supplies following the Strait of Hormuz closure, urging citizens to avoid panic buying. Refineries are operating at high capacity, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are available nationwide.

LPG Crisis Triggers Reverse Migration Across Cities

LPG Crisis Triggers Reverse Migration Across Cities

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'It would be similar to what happened during COVID-19.' 'They are not just losing income, but being pushed into distress.'

Do not cross borders without embassy nod, India tells citizens in Iran

Do not cross borders without embassy nod, India tells citizens in Iran

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an advisory urging Indian citizens in Iran to coordinate with the embassy before attempting to cross any land borders, citing potential logistical and immigration difficulties.

Pete said, 'Let's do it': Trump puts onus of Iran war on Pentagon chief

Pete said, 'Let's do it': Trump puts onus of Iran war on Pentagon chief

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Donald Trump claims a senior defence official urged military action against Iran, revealing escalating tensions and ongoing negotiations in the Middle East.

Why Noida's Industrial Hub Erupted In Protest

Why Noida's Industrial Hub Erupted In Protest

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'Workers are being pushed into 12- to 14-hour shifts under poor conditions. These largely leaderless protests are likely to continue.'

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

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.

When US, Israel Attacked Iran

When US, Israel Attacked Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

On Saturday, February 28, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran marking a significant escalation in Middle East tensions.

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

If Trump wants peace with Iran, Pakistan will offer to help. If Trump seeks Pakistan's aid to spy on Iran, then too Munir will not hesitate to chip in. At the same time, the ISI will not hesitate to tip off Iran now and then, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

'Israeli Assassinations In Iran Will Continue'

'Israeli Assassinations In Iran Will Continue'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'Much will depend on the position of the United States.' 'It will have to be seen to what extent the US will be more interested in achieving some form of a deal and to what extent Israel will be allowed to continue to carry out both airstrikes and the killing of Iranian officials.'

10 Airports Passengers Love The Most

10 Airports Passengers Love The Most

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

SKYTRAX's annual airport rankings for 2026, based on a global passenger poll, placed four Indian gateways within the top 100. Delhi moved up to 28th and led the India-South Asia region, while Hyderabad climbed to 43rd and earned praise for staff service. Goa and Mumbai improved to 64th and 66th respectively.

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The US blockade on Iranian ports is aimed to curb Iranian energy exports, thereby crippling its economy to force Iran back to the negotiating table, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha defends his request for LPG cylinders for Jain temples, claiming criticism is part of a larger anti-Hindu narrative.

Markets Crash Nearly 2%: BSE Sensex tumbled 1,342 pts; NSE Sinks Below 24K

Markets Crash Nearly 2%: BSE Sensex tumbled 1,342 pts; NSE Sinks Below 24K

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Indian stock market indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant decline, driven by rising crude oil prices, sustained foreign fund outflows, and selling pressure in major bank stocks.

Rupee hits record intra-day low in early trade, falls 12 paise/USD

Rupee hits record intra-day low in early trade, falls 12 paise/USD

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee fell to a record low against the US dollar due to rising crude oil prices, foreign institutional investor selling, and weak domestic equity market sentiment.

Will Iran Have The Last Laugh In The Gulf War?

Will Iran Have The Last Laugh In The Gulf War?

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

16 days into the war, US forces were already running out of ground-attack missiles and Israel is about to expend its entire Arrow interceptor missiles by end March. To be sure, the Iranians are watching closely and that explains their defiant stance that 'Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its conditions are met', notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Rs 14 Trillion Investor Wealth Wiped Out

Rs 14 Trillion Investor Wealth Wiped Out

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Sensex and Nifty post steepest weekly loss in over a year, falling nearly 3 per cent.

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that the country has held no "direct" talks with the United States as of now and added that it has received messages through some mediators regarding the US' desire for negotiations.

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions in West Asia following a series of strikes and counter-strikes, the United States Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday instructed its staff to shelter in place.

Trump urges countries to send warships to open Hormuz Strait

Trump urges countries to send warships to open Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Trump also called upon China, France, and Japan, among others, to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz.

'This War Is Only About Iran's Fight For Survival'

'This War Is Only About Iran's Fight For Survival'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'Strikes into the Gulf countries are proof that the security guarantees offered by the US are ineffective and that the Gulf countries cannot rely on American security assurances for their safety.'

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

'When we looked outside, we saw a missile'

'When we looked outside, we saw a missile'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Indians returning from the Middle East share their experiences of fear and uncertainty as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran disrupts travel and daily life, leaving many stranded and facing financial strain.

Oil price crash as Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, easing 'war-risk' premium

Oil price crash as Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, easing 'war-risk' premium

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Global energy markets saw a significant correction as oil prices nosedived following Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz has been fully reopened, dismantling the 'war-risk' premium that had gripped the market.

T20 World Cup, India vs West Indies: Sanju Samson has got the success he deserves: Gavaskar

T20 World Cup, India vs West Indies: Sanju Samson has got the success he deserves: Gavaskar

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Batting great Sunil Gavaskar hailed Sanju Samson after his match-winning knock powered India to a five-wicket victory in the must-win match against West Indies in the T20 World Cup.

TCS Q4 net profit jumps 12% to Rs 13,718 cr; adds 2k employees as layoffs end

TCS Q4 net profit jumps 12% to Rs 13,718 cr; adds 2k employees as layoffs end

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced a 12.22 per cent increase in its net profit for the March quarter, reaching Rs 13,718 crore, alongside a 9.64 per cent rise in revenue from operations.

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus, prompting the UK to allow US defensive operations and consider evacuation plans for British citizens in the region.

Don't rush me to end Iran war; won't use nukes: Trump

Don't rush me to end Iran war; won't use nukes: Trump

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump stated he would not set a deadline for ending the conflict with Iran, claiming Iran's military capabilities have been severely weakened. He also said he would not use nuclear weapons and maintained the US has complete control over blockade measures against Iran.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticises the Union government over the hike in commercial LPG prices, accusing the Centre of 'taking' from people while the Mamata Banerjee administration provides relief. He also challenged the BJP to present a report card of its work in Rajganj constituency.

Gold futures plunge Rs 8,089 to Rs 1.36 lakh/10g on global selloff, inflation fears

Gold futures plunge Rs 8,089 to Rs 1.36 lakh/10g on global selloff, inflation fears

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Gold prices experienced a significant drop in futures trading due to global selloff, inflation concerns, and a strong US dollar. Analysts predict a continued downward trend amid geopolitical tensions and potential rate hikes.

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.