Petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the West Asia conflict poses no immediate threat to India’s energy security, citing crude oil and fuel stocks of 25 days each, besides strategic reserves. India imports over five million barrels per day, with about half transiting the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has slowed after Iranian strikes. The government has set up a 24x7 control room and remains cautiously optimistic. Over 60% of supplies now come from diversified sources including North America, Latin America, West Africa and Russia. While availability remains stable, rising prices are a concern, with Brent jumping 18% past $85 per barrel before easing slightly. (PC: PTI)

Three Indian nationals are feared dead in two separate maritime attacks linked to the Iran-Israel conflict off the Oman coast. Dixit Solanki, 25, from Diu, was killed Monday when an explosive-laden unmanned drone boat struck the oil tanker MKD Vyom 52 nautical miles off Muscat Governorate. According to Oman’s Ministry of Defence, the Maritime Security Centre reported the attack caused a fire and explosion in the engine room, resulting in one crew member’s death. A day earlier, one person from Bihar and another from Rajasthan were learnt to have died in an attack on another vessel, MV Skylight, marking two consecutive deadly incidents involving Indian nationals. (PC: The Indian Express)

An Indian student in Iran’s Urmia shared a video showing a large explosion as Israeli strikes continued on Tuesday. In the clip, a thick plume of smoke rises in the distance. Loud voices are heard in the background. The video could not be independently verified. Explosions were reported in Tehran and Isfahan. Israeli forces also issued evacuation warnings in parts of Iran. Iranian media said airports in Tehran and Bushehr were hit. Iran carried out strikes in central Israel, injuring 12 people. India’s foreign ministry said the safety of Indian nationals in the region is its “utmost priority.”

Indian airlines including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet are collectively operating 12 special repatriation flights from Saudi Arabia and UAE cities to bring home stranded passengers amid the escalating Middle East conflict. Air India is running wide-body relief flights to Jeddah and Dubai on Tuesday, with an additional Mumbai-Dubai service on March 4. Air India Express resumed Muscat services Tuesday, operating three special flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. IndiGo is operating four repatriation flights to Jeddah, while SpiceJet and regional carrier Star Air are flying from Fujairah. Gulf carrier Emirates also resumed Dubai-Delhi and Dubai-Mumbai services, providing critical relief to hundreds of stranded passengers. (PC: X)

India has warned of "serious consequences" for its economy as the Middle East conflict intensifies following US-Israel strikes on Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that nearly one crore Indian citizens live and work across the Gulf region, making their safety a top priority. India's critical trade and energy supply chains pass through the region, with disruptions already impacting the economy. Several Indian nationals have lost their lives or gone missing in recent merchant shipping attacks. India strongly called for dialogue, restraint, and immediate de-escalation. Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar have engaged with regional counterparts. Indian embassies remain actively assisting stranded nationals while monitoring the rapidly evolving situation. (PC: HT)

Hundreds of Indian travellers stranded across the Middle East are gradually returning home as airlines resume limited operations amid ongoing regional conflict. Air India repatriated 149 passengers and 143 crew members from Dubai on Tuesday. Passengers recounted mid-air scares, circling flights, drone interceptions, and blast sounds before emergency landings. One newlywed navigated Dubai-to-Oman by road before flying home. Financial strain hit uninsured tourists as cancellations mounted without compensation. Current NOTAMs show Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria remain fully or partially closed. Emirates, Etihad, Oman Air, Air India, and IndiGo are restoring select routes through designated safe corridors, with schedules subject to real-time security assessments. (PC: X)

Russia has offered to supply more oil to India if the Gulf crisis disrupts global shipments. A Russian source told Reuters that Moscow is ready to help if needed. Tensions in West Asia have raised fears over the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. India imports nearly half of its crude through this passage.   The government said India has enough crude and fuel stocks for about 50 days. Officials are also looking at other suppliers. Brent crude has crossed $80 per barrel. Experts warn prices may rise if the crisis continues, though there is no immediate shortage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Haitham bin Tarik and Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah as tensions rise in the Gulf region. The calls came a day after his talks with leaders of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Modi expressed concern over the recent attacks in Gulf countries. He discussed the safety and well-being of the Indian community living there. The Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and the wider Middle East. It said the security of around one crore Indians in the region remains a major concern. Modi stressed the need for “early restoration of peace and stability.” (PC: HT)

Savitha Shan, a 21-year-old Indian-American student, was among four people killed in a shooting in Austin, Texas. The attack happened early Sunday on West Sixth Street. Police said the gunman opened fire at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden before officers shot him dead. Shan was a senior at the University of Texas at Austin. She was pursuing dual degrees in Management Information Systems and Economics. She was set to graduate in May 2026. Assistant professor Russ Finney called her “one of our superstar students.” He wrote, “Absolutely crushing to lose her.” University president Jim Davis said she was “a loyal friend to many” and “preparing to change the world.” (PC: NDTV)

India on Tuesday voiced serious concern as the Iran-US conflict widened across the Middle East. The Ministry of External Affairs said the situation caused “great anxiety” for India. The MEA said nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries. “Their safety and well-being is of utmost priority. We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them,” it said. India also “firmly opposed” attacks on merchant ships. It said some Indian nationals had died or were missing in recent days. One Indian sailor was killed after a tanker was hit near Oman. India called for “dialogue and diplomacy” and urged an early end to the fighting. (PC: HT)