West Asia

Precautionary transfers boost flows; FCNR (B) deposits may offer near-term support

Today's opinions explore India's external vulnerabilities, the concentration of global capital in US technology, energy reforms, disclosure norms, and a nuanced portrait of Kashmir through the Chenab

The rupee appreciated for the third straight session on Tuesday to close 5 paise higher at 94.53 (provisional) against the US dollar, supported by easing West Asia tensions and extended fall in crude oil prices. Forex traders said that with the reported de-escalation of the US-Iran conflict and diplomatic agreements regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the immediate threat to global energy supplies has significantly reduced. Moreover, softening of the US dollar and a decline in US treasury yields also supported the USD/INR pair, they said. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 94.69 against the US dollar and traded in the range of 94.48-94.71. Eventually, it settled at 94.53 (provisional), up 5 paise from its previous close. "We expect the rupee to trade with a positive bias as global markets cheer the US-Iran deal, which has boosted global risk sentiments. Declining US dollar and falling crude oil prices may further support the rupee. "Easing inflation concerns and ..

Industry executives expect war-risk insurance rates to soften further if the US-Iran agreement leads to sustained reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lower regional tensions

An end to the West Asia conflict augurs well for India, but it should not lull the government into policy inaction

Qatar plans to restore most of its LNG export capacity within two months of Hormuz reopening, easing pressure on global gas markets

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia are driving Gulf-based NRIs towards Indian term insurance plans, attracted by lower premiums and GST exemptions

Shipping data firm Kpler estimates that daily transits may rise to around 40 vessels within the first month - less than half the pre-war average of 100, says Mohammed Imran, of Mirae Asset Sharekhan.

From geopolitics and women's empowerment to manufacturing, the rupee and technology, lasting progress depends less on hope and more on building capacity

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia are driving Gulf-based NRIs towards Indian term insurance plans, attracted by lower premiums and GST exemptions

Dubai's residential property market continues to attract buyers despite the West Asia conflict, with some investors viewing price corrections as an entry opportunity

The US will not impose new sanctions and lift existing sanctions in accordance with an agreed timetable and release $25 billion of Iran's frozen assets

After months of conflict, the US and Iran have agreed to a peace deal. The move could lower oil prices, support the rupee, revive India's exports and ease inflation concerns

The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, offering relief to the global economy more than three months since fighting began. Full details of the deal were not immediately available. The signing will be Friday in Switzerland. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a deal had been reached and said he had authorised an end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. "Congratulations to all!" he wrote on social media, without providing details. He added, "Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!" The U.S. previously said it would ease its blockade of Iranian ports as the strait reopens, and would agree to relax sanctions to allow Iran to sell more of its oil and strengthen its battered economy. Iranian state TV showed a banner asserting: "US was forced to sign an agreement to end the war." But Iran's government had yet to comment. Iranian state media reported key mediator Pakistan's ...

The West Asia crisis affected India through higher oil prices, pressure on the rupee, weaker trade, rising aviation costs and inflation. Here's how the economy absorbed the shock

Indian stock markets rallied sharply on June 12, with the Sensex soaring nearly 1,700 points to an intra-day high of 75,608.02, and the Nifty50 surged more than 450 points to touch 23,645.35.

After more than three months of conflict, the US and Iran have agreed to a peace framework that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting nuclear negotiations

A tripartite pact - amid the promise of removing Afspa from almost all of the Northeast - revives hydrocarbon exploration along the Assam-Nagaland border after decades of dormancy

Iran, energy security and trade tensions dominate the G7 agenda as Trump meets Middle East partners and key allies in France

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders, days after three Indian seafarers onboard MT Settebello were killed after the US military strike on the commercial vessel off the Oman coast. DG Shipping in a circular said masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, are advised to maintain heightened security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings received and advisories issued from Security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and Company Security Procedures. "This Directorate further reiterates that all RPSL companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) are advised to restrict deployment or send Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew change in emergency