News for 'West Asia'

Iranian supertanker bypasses US Navy blockade

Iranian supertanker bypasses US Navy blockade

Rediff.com3 May 2026

An Iranian tanker successfully bypassed the US Navy to deliver crude oil to the Asia-Pacific region, despite ongoing tensions and a US blockade.

Russia refuses to disclose data on crude export to India

Russia refuses to disclose data on crude export to India

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The Kremlin has announced it will not disclose data on crude oil exports to India, citing concerns about 'ill-wishers'. This decision follows reports of increased Russian oil supplies to India and China amid geopolitical tensions.

Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Leader Over Shelter To Accused

Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Leader Over Shelter To Accused

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has accused AIMIM corporator Matin Patel of double standards for allegedly harbouring Nida Khan, who is accused in a Nashik TCS sexual harassment and forced conversion case.

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Former US President Donald Trump has criticised Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a form of 'extortion' amid ongoing negotiations for a peace deal. The remarks come as Iran considers imposing transit fees on vessels crossing the strategic waterway.

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Rediff.com12 May 2026

India possesses two months of fuel stockpiles and faces no supply concerns despite global energy disruptions, according to Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. However, state-run fuel retailers are incurring losses of up to Rs 1 lakh crore in a single quarter due to elevated crude prices and unchanged retail fuel prices, raising questions about the sustainability of these losses.

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to mediate between the US and Iran to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in West Asia, following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran. Sharif has been in contact with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other nations to promote dialogue and diplomacy.

We'll have to start dropping bombs again: Trump on Iran truce

We'll have to start dropping bombs again: Trump on Iran truce

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the US prefers a negotiated settlement and expects cooperation from Iran on securing nuclear-related materials.

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

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

Rediff.com29 May 2026

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

India condoles Khamenei killing amid Opposition criticism

India condoles Khamenei killing amid Opposition criticism

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has expressed condolences over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following a joint US-Israel strike, amidst rising tensions in West Asia and criticism over the sinking of an Iranian warship.

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India has capped gold imports under the Advance Authorisation scheme at 100 kg, a day after significantly increasing import duties on precious metals. This move aims to tighten conditions for duty-free gold imports by jewellery exporters and curb non-essential imports amidst a ballooning import bill.

Gulf War: Nasscom Warns Firms Of Cyber Threat Surge

Gulf War: Nasscom Warns Firms Of Cyber Threat Surge

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Periods of geopolitical uncertainty often see a rise in coordinated cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and infrastructure targeting.'

Oil surges over 25% to $116.5 per barrel

Oil surges over 25% to $116.5 per barrel

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Brent crude prices surged sharply on Monday, rising by more than 25 per cent to $116.5 per barrel, amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has made crude prices bullish.

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.

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'At the first sign of real trouble, that money will move. There will be a run.'

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Air India and Air India Express are introducing a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights due to rising jet fuel prices, impacting travel costs for passengers.

No date yet for next round of US-Iran talks, says Pakistan

No date yet for next round of US-Iran talks, says Pakistan

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Pakistan is playing a key role in facilitating talks between the US and Iran, but the future of these negotiations remains uncertain. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, no dates have been set for a second round of discussions.

India 'deplores' attack on Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

India 'deplores' attack on Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

India has condemned the escalating attacks on commercial shipping in West Asia, particularly after a Thai-flagged vessel en route to India's Kandla Port was targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks have disrupted global oil and gas supplies, impacting India's energy imports.

Rupee Recovers After Hitting Record Low Amid Gulf Tensions

Rupee Recovers After Hitting Record Low Amid Gulf Tensions

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The rupee recovered to 95.18 against the US dollar after hitting an all-time intra-day low of 95.44. The recovery was supported by possible RBI intervention amid renewed Gulf tensions and rising crude oil prices.

Taking all steps to address LPG crisis: Centre to HC

Taking all steps to address LPG crisis: Centre to HC

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Central government has assured the Bombay High Court that it is taking steps to address the LPG shortage caused by the conflict in West Asia. The court accepted the submission and disposed of a petition filed by LPG distributors.

Conflict and Ramzan Reduce Foreign Participation at Para Athletics Grand Prix

Conflict and Ramzan Reduce Foreign Participation at Para Athletics Grand Prix

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi has been significantly affected by the conflict in West Asia and the month of Ramzan, leading to a sharp decline in international participation.

US envoys to hold direct talks with Iranian delegation in Pak

US envoys to hold direct talks with Iranian delegation in Pak

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are travelling to Pakistan for direct talks with an Iranian delegation as part of efforts to end the seven-week war, the White House announced.

Indian Equities Rebound: BSE 500 Up 12.1% in April Amidst Geopolitical Risks

Indian Equities Rebound: BSE 500 Up 12.1% in April Amidst Geopolitical Risks

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Indian equities are experiencing their sharpest rebound in years, with the BSE 500 index rallying 12.1 per cent so far this month, echoing Covid-era recoveries despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and earnings risks.

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing the LPG crisis, lack of energy security, and concerns over the Economic Stabilisation Fund.

ITC's Net Profit Up 6.1% in Q4FY26, Driven by Cigarettes and FMCG

ITC's Net Profit Up 6.1% in Q4FY26, Driven by Cigarettes and FMCG

Rediff.com22 May 2026

ITC reported a 6.1 per cent year-on-year growth in its consolidated adjusted net profit from continuing operations, reaching ~5,469.74 crore in the January-March quarter (Q4FY26), primarily fuelled by strong performances in its cigarettes and non-cigarette fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses.

India Yet To Plug EV Gap In Race With Asian Peers

India Yet To Plug EV Gap In Race With Asian Peers

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India's EV ecosystem is growing, but remains too underdeveloped to cushion a major oil supply shock.

Stock markets recover on buying in IT, PSU bank stocks

Stock markets recover on buying in IT, PSU bank stocks

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Indian equity markets experienced a volatile session, with the Sensex and Nifty recovering some ground after a significant plunge the previous day. Gains were driven by PSU bank, IT, and metal stocks, but concerns over rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions limited the recovery.

Ready for 'negotiations with dignity': Iranian Prez

Ready for 'negotiations with dignity': Iranian Prez

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is considering various paths to address regional tensions, including negotiations conducted with dignity and authority, while emphasising that military gains should be reinforced through diplomacy.

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

India significantly increased piped natural gas (PNG) connections in March as the government accelerates the expansion of cleaner fuel networks amid global supply disruptions.

RBI: Forex market interventions are temporary, not structural shifts

RBI: Forex market interventions are temporary, not structural shifts

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that recent regulatory measures to address foreign exchange market volatility, such as capping banks' net open positions, are temporary and aligned with current market conditions, not signalling any structural shift in policy.

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.

Despite wars in Europe and West Asia, oil shock fears yet to materialise

Despite wars in Europe and West Asia, oil shock fears yet to materialise

Rediff.com7 May 2024

The oil industry experienced three upheavals between 1973 and 1991, which seem to be etched in the memory of the industry's decision makers. Naturally, at the sign of a new crisis, the decision makers like to dip into those tumultuous decades to find ways to deal with the new shock, in addition, of course, to expert reports and forecasts. So, the industry bigwigs turned the pages of history to get a peek into the future of oil price movements after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Israel attacked Gaza in 2023, Iran-linked Houthi rebels pounded tankers crossing the Red Sea in support of Palestine the same year, and Iran rained missiles on Israel in 2024.

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.

Bank credit grows at 16.08% in FY26, deposits rose by 13.47%, fastest since FY24

Bank credit grows at 16.08% in FY26, deposits rose by 13.47%, fastest since FY24

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Indian bank credit expanded by 16.08 per cent year-on-year in FY26, marking its fastest pace since FY24, while deposits grew by 13.47 per cent, according to RBI data. Experts caution that year-end figures may be inflated due to reporting date changes, but acknowledge strong momentum in corporate, MSME, and retail segments.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

India must not rent its intelligence future: Adani

India must not rent its intelligence future: Adani

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani group, emphasised that energy and intelligence are inseparable national priorities, asserting that India must build its own capabilities in these sectors rather than relying on external sources, especially in the context of global conflicts and shifting supply chains.

Gold, silver sell at huge discount after tariff hike

Gold, silver sell at huge discount after tariff hike

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Despite a sharp increase in import duties on gold and silver to 15 per cent, the precious metals are trading at significant discounts in the domestic market, with gold seeing discounts of up to $200 an ounce and silver up to $6 an ounce.

US, Iran likely to resume talks in Islamabad next week

US, Iran likely to resume talks in Islamabad next week

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The United States and Iran could resume negotiations as early as next week in Islamabad, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with the matter.