News for 'West Asia'

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, condemning recent attacks on both countries and emphasising the importance of regional peace and stability.

Rajnath discusses border with Chinese defence minister in Bishkek

Rajnath discusses border with Chinese defence minister in Bishkek

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun in Bishkek to discuss maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and broader regional security concerns.

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2026

'We should expect extreme heat, extreme rains, floods, landslides and maybe cyclones. Not just this year, in the coming year as well.'

Indian Teams Secure Decisive Wins at Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships

Indian Teams Secure Decisive Wins at Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Indian girls and boys teams secured dominant victories against Sri Lanka and Maldives respectively at the ITTF-ATTU Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships.

Ceasefire in danger as Iran blocks Hormuz again after Israel attack

Ceasefire in danger as Iran blocks Hormuz again after Israel attack

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The fragile ceasefire in West Asia between the US and Iran to halt the hostilities in the region for two weeks faces renewed uncertainty as Tehran reportedly moved to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz once again due to Israel's intensified offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Iranian state media Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), which US President Trump says was "not included" as part of the ceasefire deal.

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Trump said that the strait will be "open very soon" if ongoing negotiations with Tehran continue successfully.

Missing F-15 crew member rescued, says Trump

Missing F-15 crew member rescued, says Trump

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

The United States Special Forces have rescued the second F-15 crew member alive, who went missing after Iran downed the jet amid the West Asia conflict, President Donald Trump has confirmed.

Gulf War: Stocks That Could Buck The Trend And Shine

Gulf War: Stocks That Could Buck The Trend And Shine

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

10 stocks from the Nifty 200 index that offer good growth potential and scope to deliver decent returns from current levels, based on brokerage estimates.

RBI net-bought $7.4 bn in Feb, highest since Mar '25

RBI net-bought $7.4 bn in Feb, highest since Mar '25

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) net-bought $7.4 billion from the spot foreign exchange market in February, its highest buy since March 2025, before heavily intervening by selling dollars in March as the rupee declined over 4 per cent following a spike in crude oil prices.

US to end Russia, Iran oil waiver; India to feel heat

US to end Russia, Iran oil waiver; India to feel heat

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States has announced it will not renew sanctions exemptions for the purchase of Russian and Iranian oil, ending a 30-day waiver that allowed some countries, including India, to continue importing Russian oil despite sanctions related to the Ukraine war.

'Bullying, excessive demands': Why Iran is wary of US talks

'Bullying, excessive demands': Why Iran is wary of US talks

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran's National Security Committee, stated that diplomatic talks with the US are governed by national interest and security, viewing negotiations as an extension of military efforts.

Vance leaves for peace talks in Pakistan, no word on Iranian delegation

Vance leaves for peace talks in Pakistan, no word on Iranian delegation

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

US Vice President JD Vance leads a delegation to Islamabad for talks with Iran, expressing optimism while warning against bad faith negotiations from Tehran.

Why It Is Time To Double Your SIPs

Why It Is Time To Double Your SIPs

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'You set up your SIPs and you do not touch them. Not during COVID, not during a war scare, not when your neighbour tells you the market is finished. You let the noise pass over you.' 'The beauty of this approach is that it does not require courage or conviction in the moment. It just requires inertia -- keep the SIP running and do not look at your portfolio too often.'

Bajaj Auto gears up for festival season with new Pulsar models

Bajaj Auto gears up for festival season with new Pulsar models

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Bajaj Auto is set to launch new Pulsar motorcycles in the 125cc and 150-250cc segments in Q2 FY27, aiming to capitalise on the upcoming festival season surge. This move follows strong growth in the 150cc-plus segment, where refreshed Pulsar models already account for over 50 per cent of Bajaj's sales.

Iran launches new wave of missiles after US bombs Kharg Island

Iran launches new wave of missiles after US bombs Kharg Island

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The incident came shortly after a spokesperson from Iran's military warned that Tehran could target ports and docks in the United Arab Emirates following recent United States strikes on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran's oil exports.

Sri Lanka Private Bus Operators Threaten Strike Over Fuel Price Surge

Sri Lanka Private Bus Operators Threaten Strike Over Fuel Price Surge

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Private bus operators in Sri Lanka warn of potential service disruptions and a nationwide strike due to significant fuel price increases, impacting public transport and raising concerns about inflation.

DME Blending: A Path To Reducing India's LPG Dependence

DME Blending: A Path To Reducing India's LPG Dependence

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A new report suggests that blending 20 per cent dimethyl ether (DME) with LPG could significantly reduce India's LPG imports, leading to substantial savings in foreign exchange.

IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi killed in US-Israeli strikes

IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi killed in US-Israeli strikes

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

A top Iranian intelligence official was killed in an attack, with the Revolutionary Guard blaming the United States and Israel. The incident occurs amid escalating regional tensions, including IDF strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure and ongoing operations in Lebanon.

Will FY27 Be The Year Of Equities?

Will FY27 Be The Year Of Equities?

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Fixed deposits from nationalised banks delivered higher returns than equities, outperforming both inflation and stock market benchmarks.

Gold price volatility: Lenders demand more collateral or partial repayment if LTVs breached

Gold price volatility: Lenders demand more collateral or partial repayment if LTVs breached

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Lenders are actively monitoring gold price volatility, prompting them to ask borrowers for additional gold collateral or partial principal repayment when loan-to-value (LTV) thresholds are breached, particularly for loans disbursed in February.

One Indian oil tanker crosses Hormuz, four others turn back

One Indian oil tanker crosses Hormuz, four others turn back

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

One Indian oil tanker successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, while others turned back after Iran signalled the waterway's closure, amidst rising tensions and disruptions to global energy flows.

'Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran': US

'Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran': US

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Despite the escalation in US military action, the War Secretary noted that Iran's missile response has declined in the last 24 hours.

Eid celebrated in India with prayers, protests

Eid celebrated in India with prayers, protests

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Eid al-Fitr was celebrated across India with prayers for peace and brotherhood, alongside protests condemning US-Israel actions in West Asia.

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.

Fitch warns costlier oil could lift inflation, slow India's growth in H1FY27

Fitch warns costlier oil could lift inflation, slow India's growth in H1FY27

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Fitch Ratings on Friday said persistently higher oil prices could cause India's retail inflation to rise faster than the expected gradual pace, and lead to a slowdown in economic growth in the first half of financial year 2026-27 (FY27).

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.

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet are opposing the government's directive to offer 60% of seats for free selection, arguing it will lead to increased airfares to compensate for lost revenue.

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.

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Iran has denied sending a delegation to Islamabad for peace talks with the United States, contradicting Pakistan's claims of mediating the negotiations. The denial highlights a lack of confidence in Pakistan's ability to ensure security for high-level participants and underscores the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran.

Stock Markets Rally: Sensex Climbs 500 Pts Amid Easing Geopolitical Tensions

Stock Markets Rally: Sensex Climbs 500 Pts Amid Easing Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rallied nearly 1 per cent, driven by optimism over easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and fresh foreign fund inflows, with the Sensex gaining over 500 points.

Rupee falls 32 paise to 92.83 against US dollar, global tensions weigh

Rupee falls 32 paise to 92.83 against US dollar, global tensions weigh

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee depreciated by 32 paise to close at 92.83 against the US dollar, influenced by escalating global tensions, particularly the US-Iran conflict, and the deadline for the RBI's instructions to banks to curb overnight positions.

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

After the Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars Gas Field on Wednesday night, in retaliation, Iran struck Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, resulting in extensive damage, as per the country's Ministry of Defence.

Sensex Rises Over 700 Points, Nifty Crosses 23,600 Amid Positive Market Sentiment

Sensex Rises Over 700 Points, Nifty Crosses 23,600 Amid Positive Market Sentiment

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw gains in early trade, driven by strong performance in banking shares and positive sentiment from Asian markets, alongside optimism surrounding the ongoing US-China Summit.

Iran agreed to hand over 'nuclear dust': Trump's big claim

Iran agreed to hand over 'nuclear dust': Trump's big claim

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Former US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran has agreed to return its "nuclear dust" to the United States as part of broader assurances not to pursue nuclear weapons. He expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations and a potential deal.

India's forex reserves drop $11.41 billion to $698.346 billion

India's forex reserves drop $11.41 billion to $698.346 billion

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves decreased by USD 11.413 billion to USD 698.346 billion during the week ending March 20, primarily due to a significant reduction in gold reserves, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Netanyahu directs talks with Lebanon after deadly strikes

Netanyahu directs talks with Lebanon after deadly strikes

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called for the opening of direct negotiations with Lebanon, as tensions persist along the border despite a two-week ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities in West Asia.

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.

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.'

Rupee likely to stabilise at 92-93 per dollar: EAC-PM chairman

Rupee likely to stabilise at 92-93 per dollar: EAC-PM chairman

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

S Mahendra Dev, chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, expressed confidence that the rupee would stabilise around the 92-93 level against the US dollar, despite geopolitical tensions, and that foreign investment flows would return.

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'Every year we import approximately $70 billion worth of gold -- closer to $72 billion in 2025-2026, an all-time record.' 'There is no parallel for this anywhere in the world. And this love for gold will not disappear overnight.'