Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of conversations with global leaders, including France, Oman, and Malaysia, amid escalating tensions in West Asia. He emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy as the conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel intensifies. A key focus was ensuring safe and free navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which carries a significant share of global oil trade. Modi also condemned threats to sovereignty and highlighted the wider global economic impact of the crisis, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional stability and energy security. (PC: X)

An Iranian missile strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility has disrupted global gas supply and raised concerns for India. The attack halted production at the world’s largest LNG plant. It came as part of Iran’s response to US-Israel strikes. Energy markets reacted with rising prices and supply fears. India depends on imports for about half of its gas needs. Nearly 20% comes from Qatar. Energy expert Kirit Parikh said, “India will need to curtail its gas consumption.” Some supplies have already been disrupted. The Strait of Hormuz also faces risks, slowing tanker movement. India is now looking for alternative LNG sources to manage the impact. (PC: X)

The U.S. Intelligence Community has warned that tensions between India and Pakistan continue to pose a risk of nuclear conflict, according to its Annual Threat Assessment presented to the US Senate. The report noted that while both nations do not seek direct war, the presence of terrorist actors creates conditions that could trigger crises and escalation. It also highlighted that Donald Trump’s intervention helped de-escalate the most recent tensions. The assessment underscores persistent regional instability and the potential for miscalculation despite diplomatic efforts to maintain peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. (PC: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The United Arab Emirates intensified diplomatic outreach after Iranian missile attacks, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan holding talks with global counterparts, including S Jaishankar of India. According to the UAE foreign ministry, discussions focused on Iran’s continued missile strikes targeting the UAE and other regional countries, described as unprovoked. The leaders emphasised coordination and collective efforts to tackle escalating security threats. The engagement reflects growing concern over regional stability as tensions rise across the Middle East, prompting urgent diplomatic consultations to prevent further escalation and strengthen international cooperation. (PC: X)

The arrest of American national Matthew VanDyke in India has revealed significant national security concerns. VanDyke, among seven foreigners detained, is accused of involvement in a conspiracy against India. According to the National Investigation Agency, the group allegedly crossed into Myanmar illegally via India to train ethnic armed organisations and banned groups operating within India. Investigators examining his phone and social media uncovered links to multiple overseas military conflicts and operations, raising questions about his role and objectives. Authorities are now probing how he entered India’s northeast and the nature of his mission. The US Embassy acknowledged awareness but declined further comment. (PC: NDTV)

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor held an "extremely fruitful" meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, covering critical security and geopolitical issues amid escalating regional tensions. Gor confirmed that strategic cooperation between Washington and New Delhi continues advancing, with discussions encompassing defence coordination, intelligence sharing, and regional security concerns. The meeting addressed ongoing bilateral priorities including Indo-Pacific cooperation, supply chain resilience, counterterrorism efforts, and technology policy. Both governments described their relationship as pivotal for regional stability amid rapidly shifting geopolitical conditions across Asia. The high-level engagement comes as India navigates complex diplomatic challenges surrounding the West Asia conflict, Russian oil imports, and its evolving strategic partnerships with major global powers.

India's Ministry of External Affairs informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee that approximately 1,000 Indian nationals remain in Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, though not all wish to leave. Simultaneously, 23,000 Indian school students based in Gulf nations have been unable to appear for their ongoing CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations due to regional turmoil. Committee chairman Shashi Tharoor confirmed consultations between MEA and the Ministry of Education are underway to ensure remedial examination arrangements. MPs raised pointed questions regarding India's conspicuous silence on condemning Supreme Leader Khamenei's killing and civilian deaths, but MEA officials provided no direct answers, leaving critical diplomatic questions unresolved. (PC: India Today)

A Russian oil tanker, Aqua Titan, originally bound for China, has reversed course in the South China Sea and is now heading to India's New Mangalore port, expected to arrive March 21 carrying Urals crude. The diversion follows Washington's temporary green light allowing India to increase Russian oil purchases amid severe Middle Eastern supply disruptions caused by the Iran war. Indian refiners purchased a massive 30 million barrels of Russian oil in just one week following the US concession. At least seven Russian oil tankers have similarly redirected from China to India mid-voyage. The return of buyers including Japan and South Korea is expected to push global oil prices higher. (PC: NDTV)

At least seven Russian oil tankers, initially bound for China, have rerouted to India as global energy markets react to disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. The vessels, carrying Russian crude, changed course due to shifting demand dynamics and supply uncertainties linked to tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. India has stepped up crude purchases to secure energy needs, aided by temporary flexibility from the United States on Russian imports. The sudden diversion highlights India’s growing role as a key buyer of discounted Russian oil, while China appears to be adjusting its procurement strategy amid volatile geopolitical conditions. (PC: India Today)

Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar issued an emotional appeal following deadly Pakistani airstrikes on a Kabul rehabilitation hospital that reportedly killed over 400 people and injured hundreds. He highlighted the devastating impact on civilians and urged global attention to the crisis. In his message, Ghazanfar described India as a “close friend” and expressed a desire for stronger engagement. The strikes, denied by Pakistan, have intensified tensions between the two countries. His statement reflects growing concern within Afghanistan over civilian suffering and escalating regional instability amid the ongoing conflict. (PC: X)