News for 'regional tensions'

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the country believes that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solutions to resolving disputes and that the continued escalation of the conflict serves no one's interests.

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Although extensive air attacks have been carried out to destroy most of Iran's defence capabilities, the latter's resilience and sustenance during the war clearly indicate that the US landing force would encounter severe resistance in the operation, explains Commodore Venugopal Vengalil (retd).

Iranian crude arrives in Indian ports after 7 years

Iranian crude arrives in Indian ports after 7 years

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Historically, India was a major buyer of Iranian crude, importing significant volumes of Iranian light and heavy grades due to strong refinery compatibility and favourable commercial terms.

Do not cross borders without embassy nod, India tells citizens in Iran

Do not cross borders without embassy nod, India tells citizens in Iran

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an advisory urging Indian citizens in Iran to coordinate with the embassy before attempting to cross any land borders, citing potential logistical and immigration difficulties.

Gulf War: Stocks That Tanked The Most

Gulf War: Stocks That Tanked The Most

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

West Asia conflict triggers sharp sell-off in Indian markets, with realty, banking and auto stocks leading losses amid energy shock fears.

2 children killed in bomb attack in Manipur

2 children killed in bomb attack in Manipur

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A tragic bomb attack in Manipur's Bishnupur district has killed two children and injured their mother, igniting protests and raising concerns about ongoing ethnic violence in the region.

Infantino: World Cup 2026 on track despite Iran uncertainty

Infantino: World Cup 2026 on track despite Iran uncertainty

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the 2026 World Cup will proceed as scheduled despite uncertainty over Iran's participation due to security and geopolitical tensions.

Ishaq Dar Urges Diplomatic Engagement to Resolve West Asia Crisis

Ishaq Dar Urges Diplomatic Engagement to Resolve West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for dialogue to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia, emphasising the importance of diplomatic engagement and sustained efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

Strait of Hormuz will be opened, but...: Iran's message to Trump

Strait of Hormuz will be opened, but...: Iran's message to Trump

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Amidst rising tensions, Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz to those not adhering to its new regulations, signaling a potential escalation in the region's geopolitical landscape and raising concerns about global oil supply routes.

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Indian leaders to discuss strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

No nukes, reopen Hormuz: Trump's 15-point plan to end Iran war

No nukes, reopen Hormuz: Trump's 15-point plan to end Iran war

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

In a bid to de-escalate Middle East tensions, the US has presented Iran with a comprehensive 15-point peace plan focusing on nuclear disarmament and regional stability in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran opens Hormuz to all commercial ships; Trump hails decision

Iran opens Hormuz to all commercial ships; Trump hails decision

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Iran has announced the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial vessels, coinciding with a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily, most in Gulf: Govt

Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily, most in Gulf: Govt

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Data reveals a disturbing trend of Indian worker deaths abroad, particularly in Gulf nations, alongside numerous complaints of exploitation and labour rights violations.

Internet Shutdown in Meghalaya Districts After Election Violence

Internet Shutdown in Meghalaya Districts After Election Violence

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Mobile internet services have been suspended in five districts of western Meghalaya following violence related to tribal council elections. Curfews are in place and elections have been postponed.

Manipur Rages: Protests Surge After Bombing Kills Children

Manipur Rages: Protests Surge After Bombing Kills Children

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Thousands in Manipur defy curfew to protest the bombing that killed two children, leading to clashes with security forces and widespread unrest.

Iran sought nod to dock 3 ships in Indian ports, was approved: Jaishankar

Iran sought nod to dock 3 ships in Indian ports, was approved: Jaishankar

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

It is for the first time that a senior minister has said that Iran requested permission for docking three of its ships in Indian ports.

Trump signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Trump signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistan, aiming to allow Tehran's leadership time to form a unified proposal to end the seven-week war.

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The deployment could include infantry and armoured units, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division, which is already stationed in the region.

Won't allow Iran to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Won't allow Iran to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump criticised Iran for attempting to use international waterways for leverage, stating that the United States had restrained itself only to allow space for negotiations.

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

In view of the disruptive situations, the Central government has also announced a financial relief package of Rs 497 crores aimed at helping exporters affected by disruptions in West Asia.

Lee Cronin's The Mummy Review: Boring Horror

Lee Cronin's The Mummy Review: Boring Horror

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

This Mummy is all sound and fury, signifying nothing, discovers Mayur Sanap.

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian government has established a control room to provide crucial support and assistance to the nearly one crore Indian citizens residing in the region.

Pakistan Suicide Bombing: Police Station Targeted, Casualties Reported

Pakistan Suicide Bombing: Police Station Targeted, Casualties Reported

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A suicide car bomb attack on a police station in northwest Pakistan resulted in five deaths and thirteen injuries. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has denied responsibility, alleging the attack was orchestrated by state institutions.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

Omprakash Kadu Faces Conspiracy Charges in Maharashtra

Omprakash Kadu Faces Conspiracy Charges in Maharashtra

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Police in Amravati district, Maharashtra, have filed a case against former state minister Omprakash alias Bachchu Kadu for allegedly conspiring to kill the brother of a BJP MLA.

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Far from it; the country's resistance to the US, its nuclear ambitions, and its pursuit of influence and proxies across the Middle East are driven by a constant search for independence and security. Thus, Iran will never capitulate. Trump will learn this home truth ultimately, and it is going to be a humbling personal experience that may even destroy his presidency, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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'.

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.

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.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Iran denies reports of $2 mn levy on vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Iran denies reports of $2 mn levy on vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The diplomatic intervention follows various media reports which attributed comments to Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, suggesting that merchant vessels were being charged USD 2 million for safe passage through the "conflict-hit Hormuz."

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Trump said that the strait will be "open very soon" if ongoing negotiations with Tehran continue successfully.

Manipur Shooting: Woman Wounded in Ukhrul District

Manipur Shooting: Woman Wounded in Ukhrul District

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

A woman sustained a gunshot wound in Manipur's Ukhrul district after suspected miscreants allegedly opened fire. The incident occurred in Mongkot Chepu village, a Kuki habitation, raising tensions in the region.

Japan issues emergency alert as North Korea fires missile

Japan issues emergency alert as North Korea fires missile

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Tensions flared in East Asia on Saturday as the Japanese government issued an urgent warning following military activity from Pyongyang. The Prime Minister's Office of Japan, in a post on X, alerted the public to the developing situation, stating: '[Emergency alert] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.'

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, the UK, China, and the European Union.

US drops 2,000-pound bunker-buster bomb on Iran's Isfahan; Trump shares video

US drops 2,000-pound bunker-buster bomb on Iran's Isfahan; Trump shares video

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Donald Trump shared a video on Truth Social purportedly showing explosions in Isfahan, Iran, following reports of attacks in Tehran. The authenticity of the video is unverified, but reports suggest a joint US-Israeli strike on an ammunition depot.

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Indian embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave Iran.

Iran Supreme Leader 'unconscious', receiving treatment in Qom: Report

Iran Supreme Leader 'unconscious', receiving treatment in Qom: Report

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's Supreme Leader and a potential successor, is reportedly unconscious and receiving medical treatment in Qom, according to intelligence assessments.

FPIs sell-off continues; pull out Rs 52,704 cr last fortnight amid West Asia conflict

FPIs sell-off continues; pull out Rs 52,704 cr last fortnight amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) withdrew a substantial amount from Indian equities in the first half of March, driven by geopolitical tensions, rupee depreciation, and concerns about crude oil prices.

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.