News for 'west asia'

'Ready to halt war if Iran changes course': Israel envoy

'Ready to halt war if Iran changes course': Israel envoy

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated that Israel is willing to cease hostilities if Iran changes its course, emphasising that Tel Aviv has consulted diplomatic channels, including the US and regional partners.

Travel chaos ends: Proteas, Windies squads fly home after Gulf airspace crisis

Travel chaos ends: Proteas, Windies squads fly home after Gulf airspace crisis

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The International Cricket Council confirmed that stranded players from the South Africa national cricket team and West Indies cricket team have finally left India after Gulf airspace closures during the West Asia conflict disrupted travel following the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Rupee falls 34 paise as US-Iran uncertainty fuels crude oil surge

Rupee falls 34 paise as US-Iran uncertainty fuels crude oil surge

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee depreciated by 34 paise to close at 93.78 against the US dollar, marking its third consecutive session of decline. This fall is attributed to escalating crude oil prices driven by uncertainty surrounding US-Iran peace talks and fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside significant foreign institutional investor outflows from domestic equity markets.

Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal, presents 10-point plan to end war

Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal, presents 10-point plan to end war

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Iran on Monday formally rejected a US-proposed ceasefire deal amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, instead unveiling its own 10-point plan aimed at permanently ending the ongoing war, as reported by the Iranian state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

Sensex and Nifty Recover as Crude Oil Prices Dip and Bank Stocks Rally

Sensex and Nifty Recover as Crude Oil Prices Dip and Bank Stocks Rally

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded sharply on Monday, driven by a correction in crude oil prices due to ceasefire efforts in West Asia and strong buying in bank stocks.

Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader lauds India as 'land of humanity'

Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader lauds India as 'land of humanity'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India expressed gratitude towards Indians, calling India a land of 'loyalty and humanity'.

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

'Tightening of visa norms for international students around the world are a concern for the university and the education sector, even as the UK continues to offer relatively attractive post-study work opportunities compared to several competing markets.'

US used half of THAAD missile stockpile defending Israel: Report

US used half of THAAD missile stockpile defending Israel: Report

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The US has reportedly depleted nearly half of its advanced missile-defence interceptors while defending Israel during recent hostilities with Iran, raising concerns about future readiness.

Rupee posts biggest annual decline in 14 years, tumbles 9.88% in FY26

Rupee posts biggest annual decline in 14 years, tumbles 9.88% in FY26

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee rebounded against the US dollar after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) restricted banks' net open positions in dollars. This move prompted banks to sell dollars, providing temporary support for the rupee amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices.

Rupee strengthens on US-Iran talks optimism, domestic equity surge

Rupee strengthens on US-Iran talks optimism, domestic equity surge

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee gained 2 paise to settle at 93.33 against the US dollar, driven by positive sentiment in domestic equity markets and renewed hopes for US-Iran talks, despite rising WPI and CPI inflation.

War, Elections Take Backseat As IPL Fever Reigns Supreme

War, Elections Take Backseat As IPL Fever Reigns Supreme

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

In crowded Mumbai trains, passengers, despite being crushed and unable to breathe, watch the IPL action on their phones. Oxygen may be optional, but the live score is not.

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.

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Pakistan's Punjab government has approved a plan to restore the names of several streets and roads in Lahore, aiming to revive the city's pre-Partition heritage, an official said on Monday.

Iran gives fresh proposal as Trump 'still not satisfied'

Iran gives fresh proposal as Trump 'still not satisfied'

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Iran has presented a multi-layered proposal to the US in an attempt to break the deadlock in peace talks, focusing on de-escalation and nuclear programme discussions.

How Many Indians Live In The Middle East?

How Many Indians Live In The Middle East?

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Based on figures currently listed on the ministry of external affairs web site, a large number of Indians reside across West Asia.

India in touch with Iran to secure safe Hormuz passage for its ships

India in touch with Iran to secure safe Hormuz passage for its ships

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

India is in communication with Iranian officials to ensure the safety and secure passage of its ships through the Strait of Hormuz, following recent firing incidents involving Indian vessels.

Family Pleads for Repatriation of Odisha Worker's Body from Qatar

Family Pleads for Repatriation of Odisha Worker's Body from Qatar

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The family of an Odisha migrant worker who died in Qatar is appealing to the government for assistance in bringing his body home. The 25-year-old was the sole earner for his family.

India to Test Bench Strength at Archery Asia Cup Stage 1

India to Test Bench Strength at Archery Asia Cup Stage 1

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India is set to begin the international archery season with a mix of young talent and experienced archers at the Asia Cup Stage 1 in Bangkok, opting to test their squad depth ahead of the Asian Games.

Stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, Pak PM tells MBS in 'restricted meeting'

Stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, Pak PM tells MBS in 'restricted meeting'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to express Pakistan's support for the Kingdom amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, reaffirming their mutual defence pact and commitment to regional stability.

'Worth the cost if...': Trump as oil boils amid Iran war

'Worth the cost if...': Trump as oil boils amid Iran war

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Donald Trump defends the recent surge in global oil prices, arguing it's a necessary short-term cost to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat and ensure global security.

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Oil-marketing companies (OMCs) are set to significantly expand the sale of flex fuel (E85) across India, with plans to reach 5,000 outlets in major cities by the end of next year, according to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. This move aims to boost ethanol demand, reduce crude oil imports, and cut carbon emissions, coinciding with the launch of India's first flex-fuel vehicles by Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp.

Indian tanker clears Hormuz; New Delhi raises concerns with Iran post attacks

Indian tanker clears Hormuz; New Delhi raises concerns with Iran post attacks

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

India has raised concerns with Iran over the safety of merchant shipping after two vessels were fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting them to turn back.

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.

Iran reassures neighbours, rejects US call for 'surrender'

Iran reassures neighbours, rejects US call for 'surrender'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained a stance of defensive necessity, noting that Tehran is "forced to retaliate to attacks" but clarified that this does not imply a dispute with neighbouring countries

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

koda Auto Volkswagen India aims to capture a 5 per cent share of India's passenger vehicle market by 2030, driven by new product launches, including alternate fuel vehicles, and a potential entry into the high-volume sub-4 metre SUV segment.

Born in Tamil Nadu, Made for the World: Hyundai to make TN its EV hub

Born in Tamil Nadu, Made for the World: Hyundai to make TN its EV hub

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) announced plans to make Tamil Nadu its 'flagship EV hub for India', committing over 26,000 crore in investment, enhancing localisation, and creating approximately 2,000 additional jobs over the next five to six years. The company will roll out two new EV models from its Chennai facility this year, including its first mass-market dedicated EV.

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India's private sector activity saw a significant recovery in April, driven primarily by robust growth in manufacturing output and sales, following a three-year low in March attributed to the West Asia conflict.

Where Are India's Rich Investing Money?

Where Are India's Rich Investing Money?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

As the rupee weakens, wealthy families are accelerating investments in global assets.

ATM Interchange Fee May Be Linked to WPI, Fresh Hike Expected

ATM Interchange Fee May Be Linked to WPI, Fresh Hike Expected

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is set to consider linking the ATM interchange fee to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), alongside a potential hike from the current 19 to 21-22, which could impact customer charges for transactions beyond the free limit.

Global Jitters Keep FPIs on Edge, Rs 14,231 Crore Pulled Out in May

Global Jitters Keep FPIs on Edge, Rs 14,231 Crore Pulled Out in May

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn Rs 14,231 crore from Indian equities so far in May, extending the total outflow for 2026 to over Rs 2 lakh crore, driven by persistent global macroeconomic uncertainties including inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical risks.

'England are leaving before us...' De Kock questions ICC's favouritsm

'England are leaving before us...' De Kock questions ICC's favouritsm

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Quinton de Kock lashes out at ICC as England is heading back home ahead of them after T20 WC exit

Elevated Energy Prices May Influence India's FY27 Fiscal Position: Icra

Elevated Energy Prices May Influence India's FY27 Fiscal Position: Icra

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Elevated global crude oil and natural gas prices, driven by geopolitical developments in West Asia, could significantly influence the Government of India's fiscal position for 2026-27, according to a report by ratings agency Icra.

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

IndiGo's Profitability Under Pressure from Fuel, Rupee, and Geopolitical Headwinds

IndiGo's Profitability Under Pressure from Fuel, Rupee, and Geopolitical Headwinds

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) is experiencing significant financial pressure, with its stock falling 18 per cent since the start of the Iran war, due to rising Brent crude prices, a weakening rupee, and disruptions to its West Asia and European flight networks caused by geopolitical tensions.

Airfares May Rise as Jet Fuel Price Surge

Airfares May Rise as Jet Fuel Price Surge

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices have more than doubled to a record high, impacting airlines and consumers, while commercial LPG rates also see a significant increase.

Gandhinagar Hosts Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Gandhinagar Hosts Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships, featuring participants from approximately 30 nations, commenced in Gandhinagar, highlighting India's growing role in international sports.

More use of speciality fertilisers can help tide over supply shocks: Experts

More use of speciality fertilisers can help tide over supply shocks: Experts

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Despite significant price differences, Indian farmers are increasingly adopting non-subsidised speciality fertilisers, which are seen as a potential solution to the rising fertiliser subsidy burden exacerbated by global supply shocks.

'Keep Hormuz open': Xi Jinping steps in as Iran asserts control

'Keep Hormuz open': Xi Jinping steps in as Iran asserts control

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open for normal passage of ships, describing it as an 'international waterway' amid rising tensions between the US and Iran.