News for 'regional stability'

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister of Assam for a second consecutive term, along with four other ministers, marking the formation of the third successive NDA government in the state.

Why The Energy Crisis Will Get Worse

Why The Energy Crisis Will Get Worse

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted some 20 per cent of the global flows but even if it opens, damages to production facilities in the region will take time to repair, points out Sunita Narain.

Pahalgam Memorial Honours Terror Attack Victims

Pahalgam Memorial Honours Terror Attack Victims

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

A memorial has been erected in Pahalgam to honour the victims of a terror attack last year. Security has been increased across Kashmir ahead of the anniversary.

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The BJP's tally may dip, but the NDA is likely to retain power.'

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the second round of peace talks with the US, according to Pakistani media reports. This follows a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Araghchi regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.

Iran-US talks may resume in Pakistan within two days: Report

Iran-US talks may resume in Pakistan within two days: Report

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Pakistan is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to facilitate negotiations between the US and Iran, with hopes of hosting a second round of talks in Islamabad.

Pak to host Saudi, Turkish, Egyptian FMs for talks on Iran war

Pak to host Saudi, Turkish, Egyptian FMs for talks on Iran war

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Pakistan is set to host the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to discuss a range of issues, including de-escalating tensions in West Asia.

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The two leaders also emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

19 Indians arrested in UAE for posting misleading content amid war

19 Indians arrested in UAE for posting misleading content amid war

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

According to a statement, the move follows rigorous monitoring of digital platforms to combat the spread of fabricated information and artificial content intended to incite public disorder and undermine general stability.

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticises the AAP-led Punjab government for political instability and lack of industrial development, while promoting Haryana's investor-friendly policies and industrial growth initiatives.

270 Taliban, 12 Pak soldiers killed as Islamabad declares open war on Kabul

270 Taliban, 12 Pak soldiers killed as Islamabad declares open war on Kabul

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Pakistan launched a retaliatory operation, 'Ghazab lil Haq,' against the Afghan Taliban following alleged border attacks, resulting in reported casualties and destruction of Taliban infrastructure.

Trump to meet Xi Jinping on Wednesday to discuss Iran conflict, trade issues

Trump to meet Xi Jinping on Wednesday to discuss Iran conflict, trade issues

Rediff.com12 May 2026

US President Donald Trump is set to visit China for talks with President Xi Jinping on trade, global issues, and the Gulf war. The visit aims to address trade frictions and other key issues, with high expectations for progress.

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.

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India has voiced its deep concern over reports of increasing civilian casualties in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, emphasising the protection of civilians and the importance of international law.

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.

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Rediff.com13 May 2026

In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage

Gulf Conflict: 300,000 Jobs At Risk

Gulf Conflict: 300,000 Jobs At Risk

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'If movement remains stalled for three to four months, more than 300,000 recruitments from India could be affected.'

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.

UAE consulate in Iraq hit by drone strike

UAE consulate in Iraq hit by drone strike

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The UAE consulate in Erbil, located in Iraq's Kurdish region, suffered structural damage in the aerial attack. Officials said there were no casualties.

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India voices strong concerns over the safety of its nationals and the potential disruption to energy supplies, urging dialogue and diplomacy for a swift resolution.

Pakistan hits back at India over comments on Afghan military action

Pakistan hits back at India over comments on Afghan military action

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Pakistan has rejected India's criticism of its military campaign in Afghanistan, calling India's statement 'baseless' and 'misleading'.

Azad Concerned Over Escalating Middle East Conflict, Urges Restraint

Azad Concerned Over Escalating Middle East Conflict, Urges Restraint

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, urging restraint and diplomacy from all parties involved.

Iran rejects US 15-point plan, tables own demands

Iran rejects US 15-point plan, tables own demands

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Iran on Monday described the 15-point proposal from the United States to end the conflict in West Asia and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz as 'excessively demanding', stating that it has prepared its own set of demands to end hostilities, which have now entered their second month.

Pakistan, Afghanistan announce 'temporary pause' in fighting

Pakistan, Afghanistan announce 'temporary pause' in fighting

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Pakistan has announced a temporary pause in its ongoing operation against the Afghan Taliban in response to requests from Islamic countries and in view of the upcoming Eid festival, following accusations from Afghanistan regarding an attack on a rehabilitation hospital in Kabul.

Indian Congress Party Denounces Kabul Hospital Air Strike

Indian Congress Party Denounces Kabul Hospital Air Strike

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Indian National Congress has strongly condemned the air strike by Pakistan that hit a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in a high number of casualties. The party calls for global rejection of such acts of barbarism and expresses solidarity with the Afghan people.

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.

Mojtaba Khamenei's face disfigured but 'mentally sharp': Report

Mojtaba Khamenei's face disfigured but 'mentally sharp': Report

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's Supreme Leader, is reportedly recovering from injuries sustained in an attack. Reports indicate he is participating in meetings and decision-making despite his condition.

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.

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.

'Hormuz is still closed': Iranian embassy mocks Trump as 'idiot'

'Hormuz is still closed': Iranian embassy mocks Trump as 'idiot'

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa has launched a biting social media attack on US President Donald Trump, using a viral maritime audio clip to label him an "idiot".

Why Congress-DMK split threatens INDIA bloc's existence

Why Congress-DMK split threatens INDIA bloc's existence

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The INDIA bloc faces a significant challenge as the Congress and DMK part ways, raising questions about the alliance's future and unity.

India Urges Diplomacy as West Asia Situation Worsens

India Urges Diplomacy as West Asia Situation Worsens

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in West Asia, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes. India is closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of its citizens in the region.

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee's defeat in West Bengal marks a significant turning point in her political career, challenging her ability to rebuild and regain influence after a long period of dominance.

Iran, US engage in clash of words at UN amid Middle East crisis

Iran, US engage in clash of words at UN amid Middle East crisis

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Tensions escalate at the UN Security Council as the US and Israel defend their military actions against Iran, while Iran condemns the strikes as war crimes, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticises Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary conduct, accusing him of being unduly influenced by advisors and questioning his casual attire in the House.

India Responds to West Asia Crisis: Six Nationals Dead, One Missing

India Responds to West Asia Crisis: Six Nationals Dead, One Missing

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the deaths of six Indian nationals and one missing person amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia, detailing ongoing efforts for repatriation and diplomatic engagement.

UAE intercepts 12 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, 19 UAVs from Iran

UAE intercepts 12 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, 19 UAVs from Iran

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The ministry of defence of the United Arab Emirates on Monday said its air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats launched from Iran, as tensions in the region continue to rise.

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.

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Ashok Lahiri, a distinguished economist with experience in government, the private sector, and electoral politics, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, tasked with strengthening India's reform trajectory and policy-making.

India indispensable for peace in Indo-Pacific: Trump administration

India indispensable for peace in Indo-Pacific: Trump administration

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A senior US official has emphasised India's crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and ensuring a balanced power dynamic in Asia, advocating for stronger defence ties between the two nations.