News for 'maritime control'

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

AI reduces the time taken to find a target and launch a strike. This has led to a major increase in the pace of the conflict, with one report mentioning nearly 900 strikes launched on Iranian targets in the first 12 hours of an operation.

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

According to sources, the Indian Navy warships are on standby to provide assistance or help required by merchant vessels.

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of weapons and military hardware worth Rs 2.38 crore, including S-400 missiles and medium transport aircraft, to bolster the Indian Air Force's capabilities.

Qatar declares force majeure, gas supplies to Indian industry cut

Qatar declares force majeure, gas supplies to Indian industry cut

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Qatar, India's largest supplier of imported natural gas, has declared force majeure on deliveries following a halt in production in the wake of an Iranian drone strike -- a disruption that has led to a cut in supplies to Indian industry by up to 40 per cent, sources said.

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers to review preparedness and plans in light of the West Asia conflict, emphasising the importance of national unity and enhanced security measures.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

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.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Taking Kharg would give the US control over virtually all of Iran's oil exports and thus provide significant leverage, notes Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War. It would also put American troops within range of Iran's remaining missiles, drones, and artillery on a piece of real estate that is just eight square miles in size, and just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland.

Iranian missile hits Israeli town, 9 killed

Iranian missile hits Israeli town, 9 killed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An Iranian missile strike targeted the town of Beit Shemesh, located west of Jerusalem, resulting in significant casualties and structural devastation, as reported by Al Jazeera. The strike caused extensive damage earlier Sunday to several buildings, with one structure completely collapsing under the impact.

ADB flags India's oil vulnerability amid rising West Asia tensions

ADB flags India's oil vulnerability amid rising West Asia tensions

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday warned that India's limited crude oil reserves of about 100 million barrels - sufficient for only 40-45 days of consumption - leave the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war in West Asia.

'Op Sindoor' tableau to showcase India's military might on R-Day

'Op Sindoor' tableau to showcase India's military might on R-Day

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

The Indian military will showcase an Operation Sindoor-themed tableau for the Republic Day parade, highlighting the jointness of the three services and India's military capabilities.

3 Indians among crew on board Russian tanker seized by US

3 Indians among crew on board Russian tanker seized by US

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The US Coast Guard seized a Russian oil tanker, the Marinera, in the North Atlantic. The crew includes three Indian citizens. Moscow has protested the seizure, calling it a violation of international maritime law and demanding humane treatment of the crew.

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Lavrov said that the US has set itself the objective of 'achieving economic domination', adding further to it that Americans want to control the routes to leading countries to provide its energy sources to them.

'Iranian Ship Was A Sitting Duck'

'Iranian Ship Was A Sitting Duck'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Torpedoes travel at more than 100 kilometres per hour, about 50-60 knots.' 'It must have been a matter of a few minutes before it detonated under the Iranian ship.' 'The Iranian ship would have probably got three, four minutes and wouldn't have known till they actually heard the whirr of the torpedo.'

Qatar halts LNG production amid Iran attack, supply to India disrupted

Qatar halts LNG production amid Iran attack, supply to India disrupted

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Qatar has halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after its facilities came under attack amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, disrupting supplies to India and squeezing feedstock availability for key domestic sectors.

'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day flypast to showcase IAF might

'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day flypast to showcase IAF might

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The Indian Air Force's Republic Day flypast will feature a 'Sindoor' formation of combat jets, symbolizing its dominance during recent hostilities. The flypast will also commemorate Operation Sindoor.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

R-Day parade: Navy tableau to feature 5th century ship

R-Day parade: Navy tableau to feature 5th century ship

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The Indian Navy's Republic Day tableau will showcase indigenous platforms like INS Vikrant and a stitched ship from the 5th century CE, highlighting the theme of a 'Strong Navy for a Strong Nation'.

Big boost for Navy as anti-submarine warship 'Mahe' inducted

Big boost for Navy as anti-submarine warship 'Mahe' inducted

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Equipped with torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets, the first of the Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC) was delivered to the Navy on October 23.

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The 15th India-Vietnam Defence Dialogue signalled a move from routine talks to deeper cooperation, with new deals on submarine rescue and defence industry to support stability in the Indo-Pacific, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Himanta Warns Bangladesh Over Threats To North East

Himanta Warns Bangladesh Over Threats To North East

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Bangladesh needed to be clearly told that New Delhi would respond firmly if such rhetoric continued.

Russia is 'ready for war with Europe right now': Putin

Russia is 'ready for war with Europe right now': Putin

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Putin argued that European countries are putting forward demands related to the conflict that Russia cannot accept. He further accused Europe of obstructing initiatives by the United States and President Donald Trump to pursue a negotiated settlement.

Operation Sindoor redraws India's security goals in 2025

Operation Sindoor redraws India's security goals in 2025

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

In 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a multi-domain combat mission against Pakistan in response to cross-border terrorism. The operation involved precision strikes, military retaliation, and diplomatic measures, marking a significant shift in India's security policy.

'Direct threat to US': Trump sanctions Indian firms

'Direct threat to US': Trump sanctions Indian firms

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The Trump administration has sanctioned entities and individuals from India involved in sales of Iran's petroleum and petroleum products, saying the funds from this trade support Tehran's regional terrorist proxies and procure weapons systems that are a direct threat to the US.

Is India Still Buying Russian Oil?

Is India Still Buying Russian Oil?

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Indian private sector and State-run refiners continued to receive crude oil from Russian suppliers even after November 21 -- the winding-down date for US sanctions on supplies from leading Russian oil producers imposed in October -- as new intermediaries sprung up in West Asia to sell the oil, according to senior refining sources and ship tracking data.

India to cut direct Russian crude imports from December

India to cut direct Russian crude imports from December

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

India is set to reduce its direct imports of Russian crude from late November, following new US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, effective November 21.

INS Vikrant To Enhance Maritime Power

INS Vikrant To Enhance Maritime Power

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

The resumption of two-carrier operations signals India's return to the elite clutch of navies that have the ship platforms and experience for operations that simultaneously involve more than one aircraft carrier.

Alert as 3 suspicious containers wash ashore near Mumbai

Alert as 3 suspicious containers wash ashore near Mumbai

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Authorities are treating the sightings as a serious security and environmental matter, putting coastal villages on alert and intensifying patrolling on beaches.

AI Express Delhi-Indore flight makes 'PAN-PAN' call mid-air

AI Express Delhi-Indore flight makes 'PAN-PAN' call mid-air

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Indore, carrying 161 passengers, experienced an engine fault mid-air. The pilot issued a 'PAN-PAN' call, indicating a non-life-threatening emergency, and the plane landed safely in Indore with a slight delay.

'Cataclysmic devastation' if... : Pak army warns India

'Cataclysmic devastation' if... : Pak army warns India

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The Pakistan Army has criticized recent remarks by Indian military officers and political leaders, warning that a future conflict between the two countries could lead to "cataclysmic devastation." The statement follows comments from Indian officials regarding India's ability to cross borders and the potential for military action against Pakistan.

Trishul 2025 Signals New Era in Fighting Wars

Trishul 2025 Signals New Era in Fighting Wars

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

After Operation Sindoor, the Army and Navy now view the IAF as not a supporting arm, but the spearhead of India's warfighting capability, capable of decisive outcomes across domains, explains Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Tensions flare as Chinese, Philippine ships collide near South China Sea

Tensions flare as Chinese, Philippine ships collide near South China Sea

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

China calls the shoal Huangyan Dao. China has already deployed some of its biggest CCG vessels in the area to assert its claims.

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

'Raj Thackeray is working at the behest of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.'

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the 'wholesale attack on the democratic system' currently underway in India is the single biggest risk the country is facing, and asserted that allowing different traditions to thrive is very important as 'we cannot do what China does, which is to run an authoritarian system'. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Speaking at a seminar titled 'The Future is Today' at the EIA University in Medellin, Colombia, Gandhi also alleged that there are 'huge amounts of corruption at a centralised level' in India now. "In India, we have huge amounts of corruption now at a very centralised level. So, three or four businesses taking over the whole economy, having a direct relationship with the prime minister, is rampant in India," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said. "But I believe decentralising power, making things more transparent, bringing people into conversations, and bringing people into processes is the best way forward," Gandhi said while addressing the seminar on Wednesday. Hitting back at the Congress leader for his remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday accused Gandhi of insulting and degrading India on foreign soil. Posting a video clip of Gandhi's speech on X, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, 'Rahul Gandhi does it again, degrades India on foreign soil. From defaming our democracy in London, to mocking our institutions in the US, now in Colombia he spares no chance to insult Bharat globally.' 'This isn't dissent. It's disgrace to the fake Gandhi. Criticising BJP may be your right but dare you malign Mother India for your cheap and petty politics,' Bhatia said. Speaking at the seminar, Gandhi said India has a much more complex system as compared to China and its strengths are very different from that of the neighbouring country. India also has a very old spiritual tradition and a thought system with profound ideas that are useful in today's world, he said, adding that there is a lot that the country can offer in terms of tradition and way of thinking. "I am very optimistic about India, but at the same time, there are fault lines within the Indian structure. There are risks that India has to overcome. The single-biggest risk is the attack on democracy that is taking place in India," the Leader of Opposition said. "India has multiple religions, traditions and languages. India is actually a conversation between all its people. Different ideas, religions and traditions require space. The best method for creating that space is the democratic system," he said. "Currently, there is a wholesale attack on the democratic system in India, so that is a risk. The other big risk is different conceptions -- some 16-17 different languages, different religions... So, allowing these different traditions to thrive, and giving them space to express themselves is very important for a country like India.

INS Tamal armed with BrahMos joins Navy as last foreign-built frigate

INS Tamal armed with BrahMos joins Navy as last foreign-built frigate

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

INS Tamal is the eighth Krivak class frigates to be inducted from Russia over the past two decades.

Any Sir Creek move by Pak will change its history, geography, warns Rajnath

Any Sir Creek move by Pak will change its history, geography, warns Rajnath

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says India achieved all objectives of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that escalating the situation to war with Pakistan was not the aim. He highlighted India's fight against cross-border terrorism and the successful exposure of Pakistan's air defense system.

Theatre Commands Will Target China, Pakistan

Theatre Commands Will Target China, Pakistan

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The final contours of the theaterisation process could involve the establishment of two integrated theatre commands to counter Pakistan and China, along with a third maritime theatre command.