Gulf Countries

Invading our islands will make Gulf run with blood: Iran Parliament speaker

Iran's parliament speaker said Thursday that any invasion of Iran's islands will "make the Persian Gulf run with the blood of invaders." It wasn't immediately clear what prompted Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf's comments, which again escalated the rhetoric surrounding the ongoing Iran war. Iran holds three islands it took from the United Arab Emirates before its formation in 1971. There also has been speculation that the United States could target Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, Iran's main oil terminal.

West Asia conflict clouds cast shadow on India-Gulf labour corridor

Rising tensions in West Asia are slowing recruitment of Indian workers to Gulf countries, potentially delaying over 300,000 overseas job placements in the coming months

West Asia crisis: Oil market chaos to deepen as more Gulf giants cut output

For oil analysts, executives and traders, that has meant ever-louder warnings that the war is bringing crude to a tipping point, and closer to the psychological $100-a-barrel threshold

StatsGuru: West Asia conflict threatens India's stakes in the region

As the Israel-Iran conflict escalates, India's deep trade, energy and remittance links with West Asia highlight the economic stakes

Additional war-risk insurance lifts Gulf airfares three to four times

Airfares between India and the West Asia have jumped three to four times as airlines face steep war-risk insurance premiums, higher ATF prices and severe operational disruptions

West Asia conflict casts shadow on Gulf's glittering wedding season

Rising West Asia tensions disrupt Dubai's booming destination wedding season, leaving Indian families stranded and millions in bookings on hold

Why West Asian conflicts send shockwaves through global energy markets

As tensions rise in West Asia, disruptions at major oil and gas hubs are shaking global energy markets, highlighting how deeply the world depends on the region's powerful producers

Indian missions step up aid for passengers amid flight disruptions in Gulf

The Embassy of India in Kuwait, in a post on X, said it remains 'fully engaged' in assisting Indian nationals affected by the disruption

West Asia conflict: From oil to remittances, how exposed India is to crisis

Iran-Israel conflict: Rising tensions in West Asia put India's oil supplies, trade routes and millions of workers in Gulf nations at risk, raising concerns over remittance flows and safety

Centre prepared to bring back Indians stranded in West Asia: Pralhad Joshi

The Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Monday. In a statement, Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation. "Whenever Kannadigas and other Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the Central Government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority," he said. Joshi said information has been received about Kannadigas facing hardship due to the severity of the IranIsrael conflict, and urgent consultations have been held with senior ministers to take necessary measures for their protection. Reassuring anxious families, the Minister said there was no need to panic and that the government is committed to bringing back all Indians ...

Rice exporters warned against CIF contracts to Iran amid West Asia crisis

An association of Indian rice exporters on Sunday advised its members to avoid new 'cost, insurance and freight' commitments to Iran and Gulf destinations, amid deteriorating geopolitical situation in West Asia and possible restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 'Cost, insurance, and freight' (CIF) is a shipping agreement that ensures a seller covers the costs, insurance, and freight of a buyer's order when cargo is transported via a waterway. The advisory comes after the US and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on February 28, with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed early on Sunday. The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) asked its members to conclude sales on free-on-board (FOB) terms, wherever feasible, so that freight, insurance and related risks remain with the international buyer. The organisation said that developments in Iran and the United Arab Emirates could have an immediate impact on bunker (supplying fuel to ships) prices and

West Asia airspace closures disrupt travel as US, Israel strike Iran

Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Israel and Iran imposed airspace restrictions as airlines suspended, cancelled or rerouted flights across the Gulf region following escalating military action

What is Somaliland and why Israel's recognition has stirred tensions?

Israel's recognition of Somaliland has triggered opposition from Somalia, the African Union and Arab nations while drawing a cautious response from the US

Dubai approves 2026-28 budget, with $82.41 billion in expenditures

The state news agency described the budget cycle for Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates and a regional trade and tourism hub, as the largest in the Gulf country's history

Ashok Leyland partners with FAMCO Qatar to boost presence in Gulf markets

Commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland on Wednesday said it has partnered with Qatar-based Al-Futtaim Group's firm FAMCO Qatar to strengthen presence in the country off the Persian Gulf as part of its overseas expansion plans. The move builds on Ashok Leyland's expansion into Saudi Arabia with FAMCO KSA last year, reinforcing the strong strategic alliance between Al-Futtaim and Ashok Leyland. Through its partnership with FAMCO Qatar, Ashok Leyland said, it will introduce its full commercial vehicle range, including the new electric bus, tailored to the needs of local businesses and communities. The comprehensive product portfolio includes the flagship 'Falcon' and 'Oyster' buses, along with the versatile 'Boss' and 'Partner' light and medium-duty trucks, the company said, adding the partnership leverages Al-Futtaim's strong regional network to deliver reliable fleet and after-sales support. "We are introducing Ashok Leyland's best-in-class commercial vehicles in Qatar, in partners

Gulf countries back Trump's Gaza plan even without Hamas agreement

Trump gave Hamas until 6 p.m. ET on Sunday to respond to his administration's plan, warning of harsh consequences should the group fail to accept

Titan mulls shifting some production to Gulf to dodge US tariff hike

Last month, Titan also announced that its has signed an agreement to acquire a 67% stake in Damas LLC, the holding company for the Damas jewellery business in the GCC region

Debate around bilateral rights 'silly': Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves

Staggered increase in bilateral rights needed now between India and Abu Dhabi, he added

'Omanisation' last key issue in concluding India-Oman FTA talks: Official

The negotiations for the proposed India-Oman free trade agreement are nearing conclusion with both sides discussing the last issue of the Gulf country's labour-related 'Omanisation' policy, as New Delhi wants the current regime to remain unchanged for its workers, an official said. Omanisation is a policy implemented by Oman to boost the employment of its citizens in the private sector. The policy mandates companies to meet specific quotas for hiring Omani nationals. These quotas vary by sector and are periodically revised. "There is a requirement in Oman for companies to employ a specified percentage of Omani nationals, which varies by sector - 15 per cent or 20 per cent or 30 per cent...What we want is that this current regime of Omanisation should remain permanent for us, so that it does not become more restrictive in the future after the FTA is finalised," the official said. The negotiations received a much-needed impetus after the visit of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush