Iran is rapidly seeking to revive oil exports to Asia after the US granted a 60-day sanctions waiver, allowing Tehran to approach refiners in India, Japan, South Korea and other markets. Around 68 million barrels of Iranian crude and condensate remain on tankers, with over 80% lacking confirmed destinations. While India is geographically well-positioned to receive cargoes within days, refiners remain cautious due to uncertain US policy, existing supply contracts, insurance and shipping constraints, and ongoing geopolitical risks. Analysts believe China will remain Iran’s primary buyer, while India could emerge as a second-wave customer if sanctions relief proves durable and attractive discounts materialise for refiners. (PC: Reuters)

Global oil prices fell below $80 per barrel as easing geopolitical tensions and growing expectations of a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz improved market sentiment. Brent crude dropped below $80 for the first time since March, while WTI traded near $76. The decline follows progress in a US-Iran framework agreement that could restore normal shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors. However, the International Energy Agency warned that OECD strategic oil reserves have fallen to their lowest level since 1990 after repeated emergency releases. The IEA also lowered its global oil demand outlook for 2026, citing higher fuel costs, trade disruptions and continuing uncertainty. (PC: CNN)

Swiss watchmaker Tissot has identified India as one of its most important growth markets, with the country expected to become its third-largest globally. Rising incomes, a young consumer base, and increasing demand for premium products have fueled strong sales growth. Tissot has expanded its presence through more than 400 retail outlets, exclusive boutiques, and a dedicated e-commerce platform. CEO Sylvain Dolla said India’s digitally savvy and aspirational consumers are reshaping the luxury watch industry. As Swiss watch exports to China slow, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing destinations for high-end timepieces. (PC: Tissot)

Indian equity markets closed higher on Thursday as easing geopolitical tensions and lower crude oil prices lifted investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex gained 254 points, or 0.33%, to settle at 77,409.98, while the NSE Nifty rose 82 points, or 0.34%, to close at 24,168. Markets drew support from the US-Iran peace agreement, which eased concerns over global energy supplies, while Brent crude remained below $80 per barrel. Buying in banking, defence and consumer stocks led the rally. IndiGo, Trent, NTPC and Bharat Electronics were among the top gainers, while IT stocks such as Infosys and Tech Mahindra declined. (PC: X)

Turkish aviation entrepreneur Can Çelebioğlu has described India’s decision to revoke security clearances for Celebi’s Indian subsidiaries after Operation Sindoor as a devastating blow, saying the company lost a $500 million business “overnight.” India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cancelled the clearances on May 15, 2025, shortly after hostilities between India and Pakistan ended. Celebi, which had operated in India for over a decade and provided airport ground-handling and cargo services, was forced to halt operations across multiple airports. The company has challenged the decision legally, while Indian authorities have maintained that national security considerations were the primary factor behind the action.

India is pushing for a steel export quota worth nearly $900 million in the UK market to resolve a dispute that has delayed the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). New Delhi argues that Britain's planned steel import restrictions, including a sharp cut in tariff-free quotas and higher duties on excess imports, could hurt Indian steel exports despite the trade pact. India wants a quota matching its recent export levels to the UK. Officials have also raised concerns over the UK's upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), with both sides continuing negotiations to break the deadlock. (PC: The Indian Express)

Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut in two separate deals worth a combined $2.7 billion, marking a major change for the global pizza chain. The company will sell Pizza Hut’s operations outside mainland China to LongRange Capital for $1.5 billion, while Yum China will acquire the China business for $1.2 billion. The move follows years of weak sales and rising competition in key markets. Alongside the sale, Yum Brands approved an additional $4 billion share buyback program. The company said the deal will help sharpen its focus on faster-growing brands such as KFC and Taco Bell and support future technology investments.  

India's merchandise exports climbed to a record high of $45.2 billion in May 2026, registering an 18% year-on-year increase driven by strong shipments of engineering goods, electronics and petroleum products. However, the country's trade deficit widened to $28.2 billion as imports rose more sharply by over 20% to $73.4 billion, fuelled by higher crude oil prices and increased purchases of petroleum products. Government data showed that while export growth remained robust despite global uncertainties, rising import bills continued to put pressure on the trade balance. Economists say sustaining export momentum will be crucial for India's external sector outlook.  

The US-Iran war has significantly altered India's trade patterns, forcing businesses and policymakers to adapt to disruptions across West Asia. As traditional trade routes faced uncertainty, countries such as Oman emerged as important alternative suppliers and logistics hubs for Indian imports. The conflict also pushed India to diversify sourcing, reduce dependence on vulnerable routes, and explore new trade opportunities in regions including East Africa. Analysts say the geopolitical crisis highlighted the need for supply-chain resilience and strategic diversification. While a recent peace agreement has eased some concerns, the war has already left a lasting impact on India's trade strategy and economic planning.  

Indian stock markets ended sharply higher on Monday, with the BSE Sensex climbing 736 points and the Nifty 50 closing above the 23,850 mark. The rally was driven by optimism over the US-Iran peace framework, which eased geopolitical tensions and pushed global oil prices lower. Falling crude prices are seen as positive for India's economy and helped lift investor confidence. Broad-based buying was witnessed across sectors, while the rupee also strengthened against the US dollar. Analysts said improving global sentiment and lower bond yields added further support to the market rally.