News for 'diplomacy'

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, directing departments to assist Indian nationals affected by recent developments and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

For weeks, the war skirted the edge of catastrophe without tipping over. Missiles flew, there was much destruction, commanders were assassinated, cities across the Gulf and even in Israel struggled to absorb the shock. But one line held: Energy infrastructure, the arteries of the global economy, remained largely untouched. That is no longer true. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

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.

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 10 hurt by drone debris in Muscat

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 10 hurt by drone debris in Muscat

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman.

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

An Indian-flagged crude tanker safely departed from the UAE's Fujairah after loading oil, despite an attack on the oil terminal. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia to ensure stable fuel supplies and maritime safety.

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

India and New Zealand Explore Enhanced Sports Collaboration

India and New Zealand Explore Enhanced Sports Collaboration

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

India and New Zealand are set to strengthen their sports collaboration through joint training camps, coaching exchanges, and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics, and athlete performance systems, marking 100 years of sporting ties in 2026.

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with leaders from Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, expressing concern over attacks in West Asia and discussing the safety of the Indian community.

2 more Indian ships safely cross Strait of Hormuz

2 more Indian ships safely cross Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Two Indian ships carrying liquified petroleum gas (LPG) from the Gulf countries crossed the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday morning, raising the number of Indian vessels safely passing through the war-hit, narrow shipping lane to three.

How a single diplomatic headline triggers a 1,000-point swing?

How a single diplomatic headline triggers a 1,000-point swing?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

In the present hyper-connected world, there are many domestic and global factors that affect financial markets. Of them, the most powerful and often least predictable are geopolitical events, which often boil down to one diplomatic headline.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Palau-flagged oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman, resulting in injuries. The incident occurred amidst rising tensions in the Middle East following attacks between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

To be sure, Trump is furious, as the trajectory of the war is in a state of Zugzwang, as chess players call it. Trump and Netanyahu stare at two choices -- retreat in humiliation and concede Tehran's demands -- recognition of its rights, reparations, and binding security guarantees -- or perish in a quagmire, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Oscars 2026: The Most Interesting Bits

Oscars 2026: The Most Interesting Bits

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The 98th Academy Awards was a mix of high fashion, subdued politics, flashes of humour and emotions running high.

Pakistan FM Mediates Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Amid Conflict

Pakistan FM Mediates Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Amid Conflict

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been actively involved in mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the outbreak of war, ensuring the safety of Pakistani citizens in affected regions.

'There Could Be More Violence In Pakistan'

'There Could Be More Violence In Pakistan'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

'TTP has vowed to take revenge for the attacks that Pakistan is carrying out against Afghanistan.' 'To diminish this threat, Pakistan is hitting Afghanistan hard.'

7 Adorable Animal Celebs

7 Adorable Animal Celebs

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

As famous as movie stars and global leaders are a bunch of animal celebs that the world grew to positively adore.

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.

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A public exchange of open letters between Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shashi Tharoor reveals a significant rift over foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and the Sabarimala temple issue.

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing it raises doubts about India's foreign policy direction and credibility.

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The vessel sank on March 4, 2026, approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle, after reportedly being struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Jaishankar explains why India let Iran warship dock in Kochi

Jaishankar explains why India let Iran warship dock in Kochi

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirms India's self-determined and 'unstoppable' rise, emphasising the nation's strategic growth and role in the Indian Ocean region amid evolving global dynamics.

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

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.

Can Trump's Diplomacy End Ukraine War?

Can Trump's Diplomacy End Ukraine War?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Trump has played throughout his career as a deal-maker who could deliver where others could not, and Ukraine represents the ultimate test of that image, notes Manish Dabhade.

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'The entire US ecosystem built over decades at the bases in the Gulf region, especially the UAE, costing trillions of dollars have been decimated, dealing a mortal blow to the US Central Command's war capability,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

In a region increasingly shaped by competition and coercion, such collaboration strengthens security without confrontation, builds capacity without dependency and promotes order without domination, points out Dr Kumar.

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israel and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'It is best to remain vigilant. Tarique Rahman arranged arms smuggling to Indian insurgent groups.' 'He has criticised India for sheltering Sheikh Hasina, but has also sought India's support.'

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.

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.

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that progress has been made in the Geneva talks with Iranian authorities, but the two nations stand 'far apart' on certain issues.

Macron's India visit gets a Bollywood twist with Dhurandhar track

Macron's India visit gets a Bollywood twist with Dhurandhar track

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent state visit to India concluded with a tribute video featuring the title track from the Hindi blockbuster 'Dhurandhar,' sparking widespread social media buzz.

Pakistan Declares 'Open War' After Airstrikes on Afghan Taliban

Pakistan Declares 'Open War' After Airstrikes on Afghan Taliban

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Pakistan declared an 'open war' with Afghanistan following airstrikes targeting Taliban fighters in response to alleged cross-border attacks. The situation has drawn international concern, with calls for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.

75 Years Apart: Nehru's Caution Vs Modi's Conviction

75 Years Apart: Nehru's Caution Vs Modi's Conviction

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

India and Israel share a deep historical bond, and Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Knesset marked a bold shift from past diplomatic hesitation to open strategic partnership.