"middle-east-conflict"

The US reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports after renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting fresh military strikes and Iranian retaliation across the Gulf. The escalating conflict has jeopardised ceasefire efforts, disrupted regional security, and heightened concerns over global energy supplies

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cut India’s GDP growth forecast for FY2026 to 6.6% from 6.9%, citing higher energy prices due to the Middle East crisis. Despite the moderation, India remains the fastest-growing major economy.

US President Donald Trump warned of more strikes on Iran after Tehran launched attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. As tensions escalated across the region, diplomatic efforts continued amid concerns that the conflict could further disrupt global energy markets

Government of India plans to promote flex-fuel vehicles and higher ethanol blending up to 85 percent, holding stakeholder meetings to reduce crude oil imports, enhance energy security, and respond to global oil market disruptions driven by Middle East conflict ongoing

Survivors of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena, sunk in a US attack, have left Sri Lanka for Iran. India also allowed another vessel, IRIS Lavan, to dock in Kochi, highlighting humanitarian support amid regional tensions

Gold and silver prices dropped sharply after Donald Trump’s remarks on the Middle East conflict disappointed ceasefire hopes. Weak sentiment, rising oil prices, and limited safe-haven demand pressured bullion markets despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty

IndiGo has announced a hike in fuel charges on domestic and international flights starting April 2, citing a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices due to global supply chain disruptions. The airline has introduced a distance-based surcharge for domestic routes and revised charges for international destinations.

Donald Trump threatened massive strikes on Iran energy infrastructure if no deal is reached soon, as the Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens. Escalating attacks across the Gulf and Israel heighten fears of a widening regional war

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have entered the Middle East conflict, launching missiles at Israel as 2,500 US Marines arrive in the region. The escalation threatens global oil shipping via the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, with casualties reported on both sides

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran is seeking a deal after American strikes severely damaged its military. Senior officials said Iran’s forces were weakened, while diplomatic efforts continue alongside economic and military pressure to push Tehran towards negotiations

Iran targeted the joint UK-US air base at Diego Garcia while its Natanz nuclear facility was struck again as the Middle East war entered its fourth week. The escalating conflict has raised concerns over global oil routes and regional security

Sri Lanka denied US permission to land two warplanes armed with missiles at Mattala International Airport in March, citing neutrality amid Middle East tensions. The move follows naval incidents involving Iranian ships and highlights Colombo’s efforts to maintain a balanced stance

Indian stock markets plunged sharply as rising global tensions and a surge in crude oil prices triggered the steepest single-day fall in nearly two years, with benchmark indices, broader markets and key sectors witnessing significant selling pressure.

A drone attack in the UAE’s Fujairah triggered a fire at an oil facility amid escalating Iran-linked regional tensions. Missile interceptions and airstrikes were reported across the Middle East, including Iran, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, raising fears of wider conflict

Rising fuel prices and Middle East tensions could boost traffic through the Panama Canal as shipping companies seek shorter, fuel-efficient routes, administrator Ricaurte Vasquez said. Higher energy costs may shift global trade routes and LNG shipments if Gulf disruptions continue

Senior US military leaders told lawmakers over 108,000 American soldiers are deployed across 160 countries, maintaining global operations while confronting conflicts in the Middle East and rising threats from China and Russia, despite ongoing readiness challenges such as ageing equipment and maintenance delays

Israel Katz threatened that Iran’s next supreme leader will be “a target for elimination,” following Israel’s strike that killed Ali Khamenei and targeted a building linked to the Assembly of Experts

With 25 days of crude and fuel stocks, plus strategic reserves and diversified imports, India is confident of maintaining supplies even if the West Asia crisis continues, a top oil ministry official said

Gold prices extended gains for a fifth session as Middle East tensions and rising oil prices boosted safe-haven demand. On Multi Commodity Exchange, April gold futures surged, while investors tracked US data and Federal Reserve cues amid inflation concerns

Israel is preparing a large-scale military operation in Gaza City, calling up tens of thousands of reservists even as negotiators push for a ceasefire to end 22 months of war. Human rights groups warn the assault could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.