Iran has intensified attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider energy crisis. Despite the tensions, two Shipping Corporation of India tankers — Pushpak and Piramal — crossed the strait safely without naval escort overnight. At least three other vessels were struck by Iranian projectiles, including the Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which suffered hull damage while heading to Kandla. Shipping experts said confusion remains in the region. “There is utter confusion in the Persian Gulf as Iranians are talking in multiple voices. The escorts are not being allowed and the tankers are taking chances,” one expert said. So far, 19 ships have reportedly been hit in the Hormuz attacks, leaving seven people dead. (PC: X)

The Donald Trump administration has launched a new trade investigation into manufacturing practices in 16 economies, including India. The probe will be conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the review could lead to new import taxes on some countries. The list includes China, the European Union, Mexico, India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, along with several Southeast Asian economies. Greer said some partners have built production capacity “untethered from market incentives of domestic and global demand.” The move follows a US Supreme Court decision that struck down the administration’s earlier tariff policy declared under an economic emergency. (PC: HT)

An Indian crew member was killed after Iran struck two oil tankers off Iraq’s coast overnight, escalating tensions during the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war. The vessels — the Maltese-flagged Zefyros and the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu — were hit near the Khor Al Zubair port. Officials said an Iranian “suicide” boat targeted the Safesea Vishnu, which is owned by a US company. The identity of the Indian national has not been released. The remaining 27 crew members were rescued and taken to Basra. Iran earlier warned that “not a litre of oil” would pass through the Strait of Hormuz if attacks on it continued. The waterway handles about 20% of global oil trade. (PC: India Today)

In a major diplomatic development, Iran has allowed India-flagged oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional conflict. The move reportedly followed discussions between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Two Indian tankers Pushpak and Parimal are currently transiting the strait safely, while ships linked to the United States, Europe and Israel continue to face restrictions. Earlier, a Liberia-flagged tanker carrying Saudi crude to India also crossed the passage safely and docked in Mumbai. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most crucial energy corridors, carrying about 20 million barrels of oil per day, nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption. Any disruption in this route can significantly impact global energy markets and supply chains. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian national has been killed after Iran reportedly targeted a US-owned oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu, near the waters of Iraq using a “suicide boat”. The attack is part of escalating maritime strikes during the ongoing conflict involving United States, Israel and Iran. According to reports, at least three Indian nationals have died and more than 20 others have been injured in Iranian strikes on merchant vessels in recent days. Earlier attacks also targeted ships such as MV MKD Vyom and MV Skylight near Oman. India has issued advisories for citizens across Gulf nations, where millions of Indians live and work, as tensions continue to rise.

India has welcomed the decision by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release emergency oil reserves to stabilise global markets amid supply disruptions linked to the escalating Middle East conflict. The government said it is closely monitoring developments in global energy markets and remains prepared to take necessary measures if required. As an associate member of the IEA, India emphasised its commitment to global energy cooperation and supporting efforts to maintain stability in international oil supplies. (PC: X)

Eight seafarers from India who survived a missile attack on the oil tanker Sky Light near Oman’s Khasab port are stranded abroad after a fire destroyed their passports, phones and personal belongings. The attack on March 1 occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The vessel’s captain, Ashish Kumar from Bihar, was killed, while another crew member, Dalip Singh from Rajasthan, remains missing. The surviving sailors are currently staying at Khasab Airport and waiting for emergency travel documents from authorities so they can return home. (PC: The Indian Express)

The administration of Donald Trump has launched a new trade investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting 16 major trading partners including China, European Union, India, Japan and South Korea. The probe, announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, focuses on countries suspected of having excess manufacturing capacity that could distort global markets. The move comes after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a key part of Trump’s tariff policy, prompting the administration to explore new legal tools to maintain trade pressure. Officials say the investigation could result in fresh tariffs by summer, as Washington seeks to reduce trade deficits and protect domestic manufacturing. (PC: X/@News18)

Flight prices from Abu Dhabi to Delhi have sharply increased due to the ongoing Iran-US war. Limited flights and rising jet fuel costs have pushed ticket prices as high as Rs 70,000 this week. Only one to two direct flights are operating daily between the two cities. Airlines such as Etihad and Air India Express are running the limited services. On March 12, a direct Etihad flight was priced at about Rs 54,166. On March 14, fares reached nearly Rs 69,678. Normally, tickets on this route cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 21,500. Many Indian travellers in the UAE are struggling to return home due to high prices.

A new proposal in the United States, called the Welcoming International Success Act (WISA), could ease strict rules in the H-1B visa programme. The bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives by lawmaker Bonnie Watson Coleman. It aims to reverse tough rules introduced in 2025, including a $100,000 employer fee and stricter wage conditions. These rules made it harder for companies to hire foreign workers. Indians receive over 70% of H-1B visas, so the change could benefit many professionals and students. However, the proposal is still at an early stage and must pass the House, Senate, and receive presidential approval before becoming law.