News for 'regional stability'

Iran-US peace talks hang in balance amid tensions

Iran-US peace talks hang in balance amid tensions

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Uncertainty surrounds the planned second round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, as both sides engage in brinkmanship. Despite Pakistan's security preparations, Iran has yet to confirm its attendance, citing a lack of seriousness from the US in pursuing diplomacy and violations of the ceasefire.

The Hotspot For Indian Weddings In 2025 Was...

The Hotspot For Indian Weddings In 2025 Was...

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Indian wedding bookings to Sri Lanka are projected to grow 20-25 per cent annually over the next few years.

Modi condemns drone attack on UAE that injured Indians

Modi condemns drone attack on UAE that injured Indians

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the attacks on the United Arab Emirates' port city of Fujairah, which resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals, and reiterated India's support for peaceful resolution through dialogue.

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's overall unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above decreased to 5.1 per cent in July 2026, down from 5.5 per cent in June 2026, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

India backs 14 nations' reminder to China over South China Sea claims

India backs 14 nations' reminder to China over South China Sea claims

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India has reiterated its support for freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the South China Sea, backing a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling that rejected China's extensive territorial claims. This stance aligns with a recent joint statement by the US, UK, and other nations, emphasising peaceful resolution of maritime disputes under UNCLOS.

Pakistan Reviews Security Amid Regional Tensions

Pakistan Reviews Security Amid Regional Tensions

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review regional and internal security in light of recent events in Iran and Afghanistan.

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

For India, the guiding principle should remain clear: Engage Bangladesh as a sovereign nation and society rather than through the prism of any individual leader or political party, suggests Manoj Mohanka.

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India has condemned an attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, which resulted in one Indian crew member going missing. The incident occurred amidst escalating hostilities between Iran and the US in West Asia, prompting India to call for immediate de-escalation and an end to targeting commercial shipping in the region.

Spain deploys military to Ceuta border after massive migrant influx, 9 dead

Spain deploys military to Ceuta border after massive migrant influx, 9 dead

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Spain is deploying its military to the Ceuta border with Morocco to restore order after thousands of migrants poured into the Spanish territory, resulting in at least nine fatalities during the crossings.

Kishan, Tilak slam 50s as India crush Zimbabwe to seal T20I series

Kishan, Tilak slam 50s as India crush Zimbabwe to seal T20I series

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Ishan Kishan and Tilak Verma led an intent-filled batting effort with well-paced 81 and an unbeaten 60 respectively to help India crush Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20I and seal the the three-match series 2-0.

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative to restore free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainty over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the US and Iran.

Pak's CDF Munir meets Saudi defence minister amid Iran war

Pak's CDF Munir meets Saudi defence minister amid Iran war

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Pakistan's defence chief visited Saudi Arabia to discuss regional security and the mutual defence pact between the two nations, focusing on de-escalation strategies.

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire ends, while Pakistan urged both sides to extend the truce and pursue diplomacy.

RBI keeps key interest rate same amid inflation, global risks

RBI keeps key interest rate same amid inflation, global risks

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained its benchmark policy rate at 5.25 per cent for the fourth consecutive meeting, prioritising clarity on inflation trends, particularly concerning energy costs and geopolitical developments.

Islamabad likely to host next round of US-Iran technical talks on July 11

Islamabad likely to host next round of US-Iran technical talks on July 11

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Pakistan capital Islamabad is emerging as the leading venue for the next round of technical negotiations between the US and Iran, a media report said Sunday.

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha introduced four significant bills on Monday, including amendments to mines and minerals regulations, the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission, and the renaming of Kerala to Keralam, all while facing continuous protests from opposition members demanding a discussion on the July 20 police crackdown on students.

India's gold demand falls 6% in Q2 on weak seasonal sales

India's gold demand falls 6% in Q2 on weak seasonal sales

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's gold demand saw a 6 per cent year-on-year decline in the April-June quarter of 2026, reaching 131.4 tonnes, primarily due to subdued seasonal sales, increased Customs duty, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to reduce gold purchases, according to a World Gold Council report.

As US helicopter crashes near Hormuz, Trump predicts 'total victory' over Iran

As US helicopter crashes near Hormuz, Trump predicts 'total victory' over Iran

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A US military Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with its crew successfully rescued, as US President Donald Trump confidently declared an imminent 'total victory' over Iran within two weeks and a new nuclear deal, despite ongoing regional volatility and a recent de-escalation between Iran and Israel.

US-Iran peace talks stall in Pakistan: What derailed the deal

US-Iran peace talks stall in Pakistan: What derailed the deal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The US and Iranian delegations left Pakistan after failing to reach an agreement in historic talks aimed at resolving the West Asia conflict and stabilising global energy markets.

Who's Rahul Gandhi's favourite BJP politician? He reveals

Who's Rahul Gandhi's favourite BJP politician? He reveals

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Rahul Gandhi recently connected with Gen Z through an engaging 'Ask Me Anything' session on Instagram, offering candid responses on student protests, his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and even his philosophy on pet ownership.

Setback for peace talks as Iranian FM leaves Pak, Trump cancels envoys' trip

Setback for peace talks as Iranian FM leaves Pak, Trump cancels envoys' trip

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, concluded high-level meetings in Islamabad, delivering an 'official list of demands' to Pakistani leaders for the US and Israel. This comes as President Trump cancelled his envoys' visit to Islamabad amid ongoing efforts to facilitate peace talks between Iran and the US.

Amid West Asia tensions, Iran FM Araghchi dials Jaishankar to discuss crisis

Amid West Asia tensions, Iran FM Araghchi dials Jaishankar to discuss crisis

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke with Indian counterpart S Jaishankar to discuss the West Asia crisis, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A senior Pakistani official has affirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia, even before assistance is explicitly requested, amidst ongoing conflict in West Asia. This pledge underscores the close ties between the two nations and Pakistan's role in regional stability.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Decline Amid US-Iran Tensions

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Decline Amid US-Iran Tensions

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade, driven by persistent concerns over the unresolved US-Iran situation and continued outflows from foreign institutional investors.

Sensex, Nifty extend losses as Middle East tensions fuel market uncertainty

Sensex, Nifty extend losses as Middle East tensions fuel market uncertainty

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, recorded their fourth consecutive day of declines, driven by selling in FMCG, financial, and auto sectors. The downturn is attributed to fresh tensions in the Middle East, uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran 60-day ceasefire, and elevated crude oil prices.

US hits Iran's Qeshm Island; Tehran targets Kuwait, Bahrain

US hits Iran's Qeshm Island; Tehran targets Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The United States military and Kuwaiti air defence forces successfully intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, with Iran's state broadcaster claiming American military installations in Kuwait were deliberately targeted.

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Talks between Iran and the US in Pakistan concluded without a deal due to disagreements over key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions, despite efforts to find common ground.

Blasts in Syria near hotel where French PM was to stay

Blasts in Syria near hotel where French PM was to stay

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Several explosions were reported in Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday, with two occurring near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was expected to stay during his first official visit to the country. The blasts caused plumes of smoke but no immediate casualties were reported. This incident follows a recent bomb blast in central Damascus on July 3 that killed five people.

Modi dials Iran's Prez; stresses free navigation in Hormuz, backs dialogue

Modi dials Iran's Prez; stresses free navigation in Hormuz, backs dialogue

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discussing recent developments in West Asia and reiterating India's emphasis on the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Modi welcomed the recent peace understanding between the US and Iran, stressing dialogue and diplomacy for regional stability. India will also send representatives to the burial ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader.

Kuwait intercepts missiles, drones amid rising US-Iran tension

Kuwait intercepts missiles, drones amid rising US-Iran tension

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Kuwaiti Army reported intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks, while tensions escalate between the US and Iran with reported strikes and confrontations near the Strait of Hormuz.

Gulf region braces for low-key Eid amid conflict, security concerns

Gulf region braces for low-key Eid amid conflict, security concerns

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Citizens and residents across the Gulf region are preparing for Eid amidst regional conflict, impacting festivities and daily life.

Jaishankar dials Iranian FM, seeks safe passage for through Strait of Hormuz

Jaishankar dials Iranian FM, seeks safe passage for through Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has engaged in multiple conversations with his Iranian counterpart to secure safe passage for Indian merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amidst escalating tensions in West Asia.

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the US and Iran does not include provisions regarding Tehran's ballistic missile programme. This statement followed talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Sharif emphasising Iran's right to its defence capabilities and Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran peace process.

Chinese FM Wang Yi to attend BRICS NSA meet in New Delhi from June 22 to 23

Chinese FM Wang Yi to attend BRICS NSA meet in New Delhi from June 22 to 23

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to attend the BRICS National Security Advisors meeting in New Delhi on June 22-23. The high-level gathering will address international security challenges, regional issues, and prepare for the upcoming BRICS Summit in India. Wang Yi is also expected to hold bilateral talks with India's NSA Ajit Doval, focusing on India-China border issues.

India playing 'big role' in addressing West Asia crisis: Trump

India playing 'big role' in addressing West Asia crisis: Trump

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump has lauded India as an 'essential partner' and 'trusted ally' in addressing regional challenges, particularly its 'big role' in West Asia peace efforts, following discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit.

Indonesian fighter jets escort Modi's plane in grand welcome

Indonesian fighter jets escort Modi's plane in grand welcome

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand welcome on his arrival in Jakarta on Monday, with Indonesian Air Force fighter jets escorting the PM's aircraft upon entering Indonesian airspace, marking a ceremonial welcome.

China tells Quad to stay out of its maritime backyard

China tells Quad to stay out of its maritime backyard

Rediff.com28 May 2026

China on Wednesday reacted strongly to the Quad Ministerial meeting that voiced serious concerns over the situation in the East and South China Sea, saying they should stop meddling in maritime affairs in its neighbourhood.

Trump set to detail 'Op Epic Fury' success, Iran withdrawal timeline

Trump set to detail 'Op Epic Fury' success, Iran withdrawal timeline

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump is set to provide an "operational update" on the progress of 'Operation Epic Fury' during a national address scheduled for 9 PM Wednesday (US local time).

Israel doesn't need US aid, says Netanyahu, rejects Palestinian State

Israel doesn't need US aid, says Netanyahu, rejects Palestinian State

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a significant policy shift, declaring that Israel's robust economy no longer requires American financial assistance. He also reiterated strong opposition to Palestinian statehood, affirmed an aggressive national defence strategy, warned of pre-emptive strikes against Iran, and confirmed the continued military presence in southern Lebanon.