News for 'west-asia'

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.

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.com4 days ago

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.

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Rediff.com1 days ago

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is urging the Indian government to take a more proactive role in mediating the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, emphasising the impact on India's energy security and regional stability.

Trump, Putin discuss Iran crisis as Hormuz disruption jolts global energy

Trump, Putin discuss Iran crisis as Hormuz disruption jolts global energy

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iran conflict and its impact on global energy supplies during a phone call.

Indian Scientists Pioneer DME Technology to Replace LPG Amid Supply Concerns

Indian Scientists Pioneer DME Technology to Replace LPG Amid Supply Concerns

Rediff.com7 days ago

Researchers at CSIR-NCL have developed a technology for producing dimethyl ether (DME) as an alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), potentially reducing India's reliance on imports and enhancing energy security.

US now begging India, world to buy Russian oil: Iran

US now begging India, world to buy Russian oil: Iran

Rediff.com6 days ago

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday criticised the United States over its stance on Russian oil, claiming Washington was now "begging" countries across the globe, including India, to purchase Russian crude.

Gulf Conflict: 300,000 Jobs At Risk

Gulf Conflict: 300,000 Jobs At Risk

Rediff.com3 days ago

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

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Rediff.com11 hours ago

Russia has expressed strong concern over a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian port of Bandar Anzali, a key transit hub on the INSTC, warning of the risk of drawing Caspian states into the ongoing conflict.

Ahmedabad Asian Weightlifting Championships rescheduled due to Middle East conflict

Ahmedabad Asian Weightlifting Championships rescheduled due to Middle East conflict

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Asian Weightlifting Championships, originally scheduled for April in Ahmedabad, have been postponed to May due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, ensuring the safety and participation of all delegations.

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

Rediff.com15 hours ago

Travel situation from the Gulf region is gradually improving, with a significant number of passengers already returning to India.

Maharashtra Govt Launches Helpline for Stranded Residents in Middle East

Maharashtra Govt Launches Helpline for Stranded Residents in Middle East

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has launched an emergency WhatsApp helpline for state residents stranded in the Middle East due to airspace closures amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is monitoring the situation and coordinating with central agencies.

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.

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, condemning recent attacks on both countries and emphasising the importance of regional peace and stability.

Urmila, Mouni, Shalini At Shabana Azmi's Holi Party

Urmila, Mouni, Shalini At Shabana Azmi's Holi Party

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

It's a riot of colours at Shabana Azmi's Holi party.

Trump urges countries to send warships to open Hormuz Strait

Trump urges countries to send warships to open Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com6 days ago

Trump also called upon China, France, and Japan, among others, to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz.

Family of Rajasthani Sailor Missing After Tanker Attack Near Oman Gripped by Anxiety

Family of Rajasthani Sailor Missing After Tanker Attack Near Oman Gripped by Anxiety

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The family of a Rajasthani sailor, Dalip Singh, is gripped by anxiety after he went missing following an attack on an oil tanker near Oman. The search continues as the family clings to hope amidst the escalating West Asia crisis.

No Iran deal except unconditional surrender: Trump

No Iran deal except unconditional surrender: Trump

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday declared that there would be 'no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender' amid the escalating West Asia conflict, asserting that Tehran must capitulate before any diplomatic negotiations can proceed.

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

If the conflict continues for a prolonged period, State-run oil companies may have to review retail fuel prices accordingly.

India grapples with LPG supply crunch, but panic buying eases

India grapples with LPG supply crunch, but panic buying eases

Rediff.com14 hours ago

India continues to face LPG supply challenges for the third consecutive week due to disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, though panic buying is showing signs of easing. The government is prioritising domestic household supplies and encouraging alternative fuel sources.

4 South Africa players depart; 9 West Indies stars leave for home

4 South Africa players depart; 9 West Indies stars leave for home

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The ICC said the South African contingent had begun departing for home on Wednesday with "four players and five family members having boarded the flight".

US war narrative echoes Vietnam-era 'Five O'Clock Follies': Iran

US war narrative echoes Vietnam-era 'Five O'Clock Follies': Iran

Rediff.com7 hours ago

Araghchi remarked that US messaging currently echoes the Vietnam War-era "Five O'Clock Follies," suggesting a systematic misrepresentation of military progress.

Markets Crash Nearly 2%: BSE Sensex tumbled 1,342 pts; NSE Sinks Below 24K

Markets Crash Nearly 2%: BSE Sensex tumbled 1,342 pts; NSE Sinks Below 24K

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Indian stock market indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant decline, driven by rising crude oil prices, sustained foreign fund outflows, and selling pressure in major bank stocks.

Iran war impact: LPG shortage threatens hotels, restaurants closures across India

Iran war impact: LPG shortage threatens hotels, restaurants closures across India

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Indian restaurants are grappling with a severe LPG shortage due to the West Asia conflict, forcing them to innovate with menus and cooking methods or face potential closures, impacting the food industry and consumers across the country.

West Indies players stranded in India after T20 World Cup leave on commercial flights

West Indies players stranded in India after T20 World Cup leave on commercial flights

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

West Indies players are leaving India on commercial flights in batches after their departure was delayed due to international airspace closures amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Caribbean side's governing body CWI said on Tuesday.

13 Iran troops killed in airstrike; toll rises to 787

13 Iran troops killed in airstrike; toll rises to 787

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The strike hit the Kerman Air Base, located about 800 km southeast of Tehran.

Santner: 'Wouldn't Mind Breaking a Few Hearts'

Santner: 'Wouldn't Mind Breaking a Few Hearts'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner says the T20 World Cup final against India is 'not just another game' as the Black Caps aim to seize key moments and lift the title.

Iran wanted to talk, I said 'too late': Trump

Iran wanted to talk, I said 'too late': Trump

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Trump said that Iran's leadership, along with its air defence, Air Force, and Navy are 'gone'.

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The BJP has criticised the Congress party for allegedly prioritising its vote bank and outdated ideologies over India's national interest and citizen safety in its foreign policy approach towards Iran.

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the barrage targeted several US military facilities in the region, including bases at Sheikh Isa in Bahrain, Juffair in Bahrain, Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Al Azraq in Jordan.

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Dozens of Indian-flagged ships and over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding areas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

No shortage whatsoever of petrol, diesel, kerosene, assures govt in LS

No shortage whatsoever of petrol, diesel, kerosene, assures govt in LS

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Responding to concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri said it is the foremost priority of the government that the kitchens of over 33 crore families, especially the poor and the underprivileged, do not face any shortage of gas.

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Rediff.com19 hours ago

Addressing the 36th extraordinary session of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) held on Thursday in London, the Indian envoy said, "India remains deeply concerned about the evolving situation and continues to call for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy, with utmost restraint and priority being given to the safety of civilians."

Iran lists three conditions to end war

Iran lists three conditions to end war

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Iran on Thursday spelled out three conditions to end the war with Israel and the United States, which entered its thirteenth day today. Taking to X, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said he reaffirmed the country's commitment to peace during talks with leaders of Russia and Pakistan.

'Iran posed no threat': US counterterror chief resigns

'Iran posed no threat': US counterterror chief resigns

Rediff.com3 days ago

In his resignation letter to US President Donald Trump, Kent called the conflict with Iran unjustified, contending that Washington, DC entered the war due primarily to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby rather than clear, direct threats to national security.

Rupee hits record intra-day low in early trade, falls 12 paise/USD

Rupee hits record intra-day low in early trade, falls 12 paise/USD

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian rupee fell to a record low against the US dollar due to rising crude oil prices, foreign institutional investor selling, and weak domestic equity market sentiment.

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a significant number of aerial threats following a large-scale Iranian attack that commenced on February 28.

Iran confirms killing of intelligence minister Khatib in Israeli strike

Iran confirms killing of intelligence minister Khatib in Israeli strike

Rediff.com2 days ago

The West Asia conflict escalated sharply as Iran launched missiles towards Israel, while Tehran confirmed the killing of its intelligence minister in Israeli strikes, marking the third assassination of a senior Iranian official in two days.

Modi convenes CCS meeting amid escalating tension after Iran attack

Modi convenes CCS meeting amid escalating tension after Iran attack

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) in Delhi to discuss the global situation following the attack on Iran and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Hezbollah intelligence head killed in Israel's Beirut attack

Hezbollah intelligence head killed in Israel's Beirut attack

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

IDF international spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani said the Israeli military targeted several Hezbollah positions, including command and control centres, launch sites and senior operatives.

US warns of 'largest strike package' against Iran, says...

US warns of 'largest strike package' against Iran, says...

Rediff.com1 days ago

Hegseth said the military campaign, code-named Operation Epic Fury, against Iran is "laser focused" and "decisive," with objectives set directly by the US administration remaining unchanged since the start of operations.