The war between Iran and Israel continues to intensify across West Asia, drawing in regional actors and disrupting global energy markets. The conflict began after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites in late February 2026, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran and its allies. Fighting has spread to Lebanon, the Gulf, and key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supplies. Hezbollah rockets, Israeli airstrikes, and attacks on tankers have caused heavy casualties and displacement. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, while world powers including Russia and the UN urge immediate de-escalation. (PC: ANI)

India is negotiating with Iran to secure safe passage for over 20 oil and gas tankers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing regional conflict. According to reports, the discussions are being handled by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The vital waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and carries about one-fifth of global crude shipments, has seen major disruptions after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reportedly spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi regarding the situation. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India’s fuel supply remains stable despite the crisis. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is “doing everything possible” to safeguard India’s energy security amid a global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia involving Iran and the United States. Speaking at the NXT Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi said the crisis has affected countries worldwide but India has taken steps to strengthen its energy resilience. He highlighted the expansion of strategic petroleum reserves, noting that before 2014 India had minimal storage capacity but now possesses significant reserves. Modi added that the government’s push toward energy self-reliance and diversified supply sources is helping the country manage global fuel shocks and protect domestic consumers. (PC: ANI)

India is in talks with Iran to secure safe passage for more than 20 oil, LPG, and LNG tankers stranded near the Strait of Hormuz as the ongoing regional conflict disrupts shipping routes. The vessels were delayed after tensions escalated following US-Israel strikes on Iran. Indian officials said negotiations are being handled through diplomatic channels to protect the country’s energy supplies. S. Jaishankar has spoken several times with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about maritime safety and energy security. India relies heavily on Middle Eastern imports for crude oil, LNG, and LPG, making uninterrupted tanker movement crucial for the country’s energy needs. (PC: X)

An Indian national was killed after a suspected Iranian explosive-laden “suicide boat” attacked the US-owned oil tanker Safesea Vishnu in Iraqi waters near Basra on March 11. The vessel, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was struck near the Khor Al Zubair Port, triggering explosions and fire on board. The Embassy of India in Iraq confirmed the death and said the remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated safely. Another tanker was also damaged in the incident. The attack comes amid escalating regional tensions and growing threats to commercial shipping routes in West Asia. 

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has reportedly assured India that oil tankers flying the Indian flag will be allowed safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. An Indian source said the understanding came after diplomatic discussions between S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart to safeguard Indian shipping. The route carries nearly 40% of India’s crude oil imports, making it critical for the country’s energy security. However, an Iranian source outside the country denied that any formal agreement exists. The development comes amid attacks on merchant vessels and rising regional conflict, raising concerns over global oil supplies and maritime safety. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian sailor was killed after a US-owned oil tanker was attacked near Iraq’s Basra port on March 11 amid the Iran–Israel war. The vessel, MT Safesea Vishnu, was carrying about 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha during ship-to-ship cargo loading operations. The Directorate General of Shipping said the tanker was struck by an explosive unmanned speedboat around 9 PM UTC. A total of 16 Indian crew members were on board. The Indian Embassy in Iraq said the remaining 15 sailors were evacuated safely. “One Indian crew member unfortunately lost his life. The remaining 15 Indian crew have since been evacuated to a safe place,” the embassy said. The death takes the number of Indian sailors killed in the conflict to three. (PC: The Indian Express)

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)