Iran condemned the US submarine attack that sank its naval frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, calling it an attack on a “guest of India”.   Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the ship was returning from naval exercises in India when it was struck.   “The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea… Frigate Dena, a guest of India’s Navy, was struck in international waters without warning,” he wrote on X.   The attack killed 87 Iranian sailors. More than 60 remain missing.   Thirty-two survivors are being treated in a hospital in Galle, Sri Lanka.   The United States said the strike was part of its campaign against Iranian naval forces. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said military conflict cannot solve any issue as fighting between the US and Iran spreads across West Asia.   Speaking at a joint press conference with Alexander Stubb in New Delhi, Modi said India supports dialogue and diplomacy.   “India and Finland believe in rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. Only military conflict cannot solve any issue, whether it is Ukraine or West Asia,” he said.   The region has seen heavy missile and drone attacks after US-Israel strikes on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei last week.   An Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, was also hit off Sri Lanka, killing several sailors.

Actor Sonu Sood has offered free accommodation to travellers stranded in Dubai amid disruptions linked to the US–Iran Conflict. Flights were cancelled after rising tensions in the Middle East, leaving many passengers unable to return home. In a video message on Instagram, Sood asked affected travellers to contact him or Dugasta Properties for help. “Anyone who’s stranded in Dubai because of the ongoing crisis… we will make sure you get free-of-cost accommodation,” he said. Sood added the offer is open to people of any nationality. The actor earlier helped migrant workers travel home during the COVID-19 lockdown in India. (PC: HT)

India has rejected as “fake and false” claims that the United States is using Indian ports or naval bases to conduct strikes against Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a fact-check statement after former US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor, speaking on One America News Network, alleged that American forces were relying on Indian facilities. The MEA cautioned against “baseless and fabricated comments.” The denial comes amid escalating US-Israel-Iran hostilities, including missile exchanges and the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. India has expressed deep concern over the conflict, urging restraint, de-escalation and prioritisation of civilian safety as casualties mount.

At least 37 Indian-flagged ships carrying 1,109 seafarers are stranded around the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions. The Indian National Shipowners’ Association confirmed the vessels are positioned across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, with some awaiting cargo and others fully laden, and urged government intervention to secure safe passage. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced closure of the strait and threatened action against vessels attempting transit, sharply reducing maritime traffic. Nearly 46 per cent of India’s crude imports pass through Hormuz, and about a fifth of total imports could face disruption. Prolonged instability risks higher freight, insurance costs, inflation and supply chain pressures. (PC: X)

A US submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, about 40 km south of Galle, within Sri Lanka’s search and rescue zone. Sri Lankan naval teams rescued 32 Iranian sailors, while up to 148 remain missing as search efforts continue. Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa told NDTV the strike raises serious concerns for Sri Lanka, India and the wider South Asian region, questioning whether Colombo had prior knowledge. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the vessel was destroyed by a torpedo, calling it a demonstration of American reach. US officials said over 20 Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed in the ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran.

At least 87 people were killed after a US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, AFP reported. The Moudge-class warship had recently participated in MILAN 2026 in India and was returning home when attacked off Sri Lanka’s coast. While Washington has not confirmed casualties, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the strike, calling it the first US torpedo sinking of an enemy ship since World War II. The Pentagon released rare near real-time submarine footage. Sri Lanka has recovered 87 bodies, rescued 32 survivors and continues searching for 61 missing sailors as regional tensions escalate further. (PC: NDTV)

Veeraswamy, Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant, is facing closure after a lease dispute with the Crown Estate, prompting campaigners to submit a petition to King Charles III. Founded in 1926 by Edward Palmer, the Regent Street institution is regarded as a pioneer of fine Indian dining in the UK and has hosted royalty and dignitaries, including catering twice for Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown Estate plans to modernise Victory House, stating renovations would make the current entrance unviable but offering compensation and relocation support. Co-owners Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi allege shifting eviction reasons and lack of compromise. With over 20,000 signatures and celebrity chef backing, supporters hope to preserve the century-old culinary landmark. (PC: X/@Shorts91)

An Austrian tourist, Britta Schlagbauer, shared a disturbing Holi experience from Vrindavan, reigniting debate around safety and consent during celebrations. Posting a viral Instagram reel, she said her day began with festive energy but turned chaotic for many women as strangers threw colours at them. She alleged that someone later hurled ground colour mixed with stones into her eyes, leaving her in severe pain and with blurred vision days later. Calling Holi “wild and beautiful,” she advised women to celebrate cautiously. Her video drew widespread support online, with users apologising and acknowledging concerns about harassment and unsafe street celebrations.

Russia is ready to divert about 9.5 million barrels of crude oil to India to offset Middle East supply disruptions, an industry source told Reuters. The cargoes, currently in vessels near Indian waters, could arrive within weeks and help refiners manage shortages. India remains vulnerable, with crude stocks covering roughly 25 days of demand and limited inventories of refined fuels. Nearly 40% of its crude imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, now near-inaccessible after Iranian attacks following US-Israeli strikes. Russian oil’s share of India’s imports rose to around 30% in February. Moscow is also prepared to supply LNG as Qatar halted production. (PC: X)