News for 'gulf countries'

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.

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The US has threatened to prosecute those buying or selling sanctioned Iranian oil and has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks failed.

Iran vows to destroy critical energy infra after Trump's Hormuz deadline

Iran vows to destroy critical energy infra after Trump's Hormuz deadline

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

His remarks come after Trump warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route.

Nationwide terror module busted; toy car IED plot foiled

Nationwide terror module busted; toy car IED plot foiled

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have arrested four men from Maharashtra, Odisha, and Bihar for allegedly planning terror activities and attempting to recruit others online. An IED and related materials were seized during the operation.

Indian killed in Iranian strike on Kuwait power plant

Indian killed in Iranian strike on Kuwait power plant

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

An Indian worker was killed in an attack on a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait, according to Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy.

Modi, Macron Discuss West Asia Situation, Stress Diplomacy

Modi, Macron Discuss West Asia Situation, Stress Diplomacy

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the escalating situation in West Asia, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region.

War resumes in Middle East? US-Iran trade fire, Trump says ceasefire...

War resumes in Middle East? US-Iran trade fire, Trump says ceasefire...

Rediff.com8 May 2026

US President Donald Trump maintains that the ceasefire with Iran is still in effect despite recent military engagements near the Strait of Hormuz. He also commented on a recent clash where US forces responded to Iranian attacks on US Navy destroyers.

Saudi Arabia expels Iranian military attache, staff after blatant attacks

Saudi Arabia expels Iranian military attache, staff after blatant attacks

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The official statement highlighted that these "blatant Iranian attacks" have also targeted members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and several other Arab and Islamic nations.

Lashkar's fake ID network busted, several nabbed in Haryana, Rajasthan

Lashkar's fake ID network busted, several nabbed in Haryana, Rajasthan

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with central intelligence agencies, have detained several people from Haryana and Rajasthan for allegedly facilitating the acquisition of fraudulent identities, including passports, by terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The investigation uncovered an interstate module providing logistical support to terrorists by creating fake documents.

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.

Muzychuk Steps In as Humpy Withdraws from Candidates Tournament Over Safety Fears

Muzychuk Steps In as Humpy Withdraws from Candidates Tournament Over Safety Fears

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine will replace Koneru Humpy in the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus after Humpy withdrew due to safety concerns related to the region's proximity to the West Asia conflict.

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Nobody takes Pakistan seriously and therefore Pakistan's sudden mediating with almost immediate results of a ceasefire seems more contrived than real, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Indian Man Hurt by Shrapnel After UAE Intercepts Drone

Indian Man Hurt by Shrapnel After UAE Intercepts Drone

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

An Indian national sustained injuries from shrapnel after a drone was intercepted by the UAE's air defence system. This incident follows similar events involving injuries and fatalities to Indian nationals in the region due to intercepted missiles and drones.

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The US Embassy acknowledged the attack in a post on X, urging Americans to avoid the facility 'until further notice' and announcing that all appointments had been cancelled.

Strait of Hormuz on edge as Trump announces US naval blockade

Strait of Hormuz on edge as Trump announces US naval blockade

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the American Navy will henceforth block all maritime traffic entering the Strait of Hormuz.

Multiple airstrikes reported across Iran as US deadline looms

Multiple airstrikes reported across Iran as US deadline looms

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Tensions between Washington, DC and Tehran have reached a boiling point, as a heavy barrage of aerial strikes was reported across multiple locations in Iran on Tuesday.

No Immediate Plan to Hike Petrol, Diesel Prices: Oil Min

No Immediate Plan to Hike Petrol, Diesel Prices: Oil Min

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Indian government has refuted claims of an impending Rs 25-28 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices post-assembly elections, stating no such proposal is under consideration by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

'We are friends': Iran envoy assures Hormuz passage for Indian ships

'We are friends': Iran envoy assures Hormuz passage for Indian ships

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Fathali further stated that Tehran has instructed its embassy in India to facilitate the Indian government, ensuring smooth operations amid the ongoing regional conflict.

US seizes Iranian ship trying to breach naval blockade near Strait of Hormuz

US seizes Iranian ship trying to breach naval blockade near Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The US Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions as ceasefire talks face uncertainty. The incident raises concerns about the fragile ceasefire and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

'Starting process of...': US warships cross Hormuz for 1st time since Iran war

'Starting process of...': US warships cross Hormuz for 1st time since Iran war

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to clear the Strait of Hormuz to secure the vital oil corridor, citing risks to global energy supplies and criticising other nations' inaction.

CIA station in Saudi Arabia hit in drone attack

CIA station in Saudi Arabia hit in drone attack

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The US embassy in Saudi Arabia and the US consulate in Dubai were reportedly targeted by suspected Iranian drone attacks amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel to discuss the West Asia conflict and explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Pakistan's Offensive Against Afghan Taliban Continues, Ammunition Depot Destroyed

Pakistan's Offensive Against Afghan Taliban Continues, Ammunition Depot Destroyed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Pakistan's military operation against the Afghan Taliban continues with the destruction of an ammunition depot, following attacks on multiple locations along the border.

'For region to be secure....': Iran urges American exit from West Asia

'For region to be secure....': Iran urges American exit from West Asia

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

On Saturday, it was reported that a drone strike had targeted the Fujairah Port in the UAE, triggering a fire.

'Trump's Aims In This War Have Been Inconsistent, Changing, Contradictory'

'Trump's Aims In This War Have Been Inconsistent, Changing, Contradictory'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'What we have yet to see on either the US or the Iranian side is willingness to compromise on their ultimate demands and the flexibility to reach an agreement to end the war.

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Despite Iran allowing 'non-hostile vessels' through the Strait of Hormuz, marine insurance premiums are expected to remain elevated due to persistent high-risk classifications and ongoing geopolitical tensions, with experts cautioning that the threat of attacks and collateral damage still exists.

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, on Saturday informed that five Indians have been killed and one is missing due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He added that Indian missions remain open round the clock and are constantly working to provide assistance.

Who Sleeps The Least? 7 Countries With Sleep Defecits

Who Sleeps The Least? 7 Countries With Sleep Defecits

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Barely 45.45 per cent of South Koreans achieve the recommended nightly rest, highlighting a growing wellness concern. Data from PlushCare places South Korea and several nations in the Middle East among seven nations where people consistently fall short of the expert-advised 8-9 hours of sleep each night, reflecting how modern routines are reshaping global rest patterns.

China, Pakistan unveil five-point peace plan for West Asia

China, Pakistan unveil five-point peace plan for West Asia

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point peace plan to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia, focusing on de-escalation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Dubai could be blown up if UAE enters Iran war: Top US economist

Dubai could be blown up if UAE enters Iran war: Top US economist

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Economist Jeffrey Sachs saw Gulf nations' decision to partner with the US through the Abraham Accords as an "invitation for disaster" as it made them more dependent on American protection.

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers still remain in the western Persian Gulf region

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.

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said it struck several targets in Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz simultaneously over the past 24 hours, targeting sites linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme, air defence systems and military headquarters.

Pak PM Sharif speaks to Iran president, calls for urgent de-escalation

Pak PM Sharif speaks to Iran president, calls for urgent de-escalation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for urgent de-escalation and dialogue in West Asia during a phone call with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing serious concern over ongoing hostilities.

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East crisis, with a focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

No joint statement as BRICS MENA fails to reach consensus on West Asia: MEA

No joint statement as BRICS MENA fails to reach consensus on West Asia: MEA

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Monday said that a joint statement could not be issued following the BRICS deputy foreign ministers and special envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) meeting, which took place on April 24 in the national capital, as member countries were unable to reach a general consensus concerning the conflict in West Asia.

No cash, crypto payments to Iran for Hormuz passage: India

No cash, crypto payments to Iran for Hormuz passage: India

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

India has denied making any payments to Iran to secure safe passage for its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, following reports that Indian vessels were fired upon in the region.

West Asia crisis: Modi asks Indians to 'be ready for every eventuality'

West Asia crisis: Modi asks Indians to 'be ready for every eventuality'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Rajya Sabha, detailing India's strategies to navigate the global energy crisis sparked by the West Asia conflict, including securing diverse energy sources and expanding strategic oil reserves.

'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.'

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses the Indian Ocean Conference, expressing deep concern over the West Asia conflict and its economic repercussions on energy, trade, and food security. India calls for a swift return to peace and opposes targeting civilians and infrastructure.