Page 48 - Latest Updates on West Asia Conflict

Indian Embassy condoles demise of Indian national in Abu Dhabi incident

The Indian national was among the two people who tragically lost their lives following a ballistic missile interception over Abu Dhabi on Thursday

West Asia war sparks global fertiliser shortage, threatens food prices

Farmers around the world are feeling the squeeze of the Iran war. Gas prices have shot up and fertiliser supplies are waning due to Tehran's near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israeli bombing. The fertiliser shortage is putting the livelihood of farmers in developing countries - already troubled by rising temperatures and erratic weather systems - further at risk, and could lead to people everywhere paying more for food. The poorest farmers in the Northern Hemisphere rely on fertiliser imports from the Gulf, and the shortage comes just as planting season begins, said Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the World Food Programme. "In the worst case, this means lower yields and crop failures next season. In the best case, higher input costs will be included in food prices next year." The war halts supplies of key nutrients ----------------------------------------------- Iran is seriously limiting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passa

IDF chief warns Israeli military could 'collapse' due to manpower shortage

The IDF chief made the remarks during a security cabinet meeting, where he flagged serious concerns over the army's preparedness.

Iran starts to formalise its chokehold on Hormuz with a 'toll booth' regime

Iran appears to be setting itself up as the gatekeeper for the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important artery for oil shipments. The move could cement Tehran's de facto chokehold over the crucial waterway and formalize its ability to keep its own oil flowing to China. Iranian communications to the United Nations maritime authority and the experience of ships transiting the Strait suggest the creation of something akin to a "toll booth." Ships must enter Iranian waters and be vetted by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. At least two vessels have paid for passage. Traffic through the Strait has fallen by 90% since the start of the Iran war, sending global oil prices skyrocketing and inflicting alarming shortages on the Asian nations that get their oil from Persian Gulf countries via the Strait. Only about 150 vessels, including tankers and container ships, have transited since March 1, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence shipping information firm. That's a little more

Tehran asked for 7 days; I gave 10: Trump on pause of strikes on Iran

Trump said Iran had approached his administration requesting more time as part of the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two sides amid the conflict in West Asia

Energy prices, inflation to ease once Iran war ends: US treasury secy

The Treasury Secretary expressed strong confidence in the resilience of global trade routes, suggesting that shipping traffic will continue to increase on a daily basis, even before Strait is secured

'Talks going well': Trump extends pause on Iran energy strikes till April 6

US President Donald Trump extended a pause on planned attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, citing productive negotiations even as tensions in West Asia persist

Air India to run 22 flights to West Asia on March 27 amid high demand

All other Air India flights connecting to North America, Europe, Australia and other global regions will operate as scheduled

US Centcom confirms death of IRGC commander Tangsiri in Israeli airstrikes

US Centcom Commander said the elimination of Tangsiri 'makes the region safer' asserting that the IRGC-N under his leadership had harassed merchant vessels and attacked ships

Jaishankar, French Foreign Minister discuss situation in West Asia

The two leaders agreed to continue coordination to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is safe

Iran targets Haifa port in drone strike as IRGC expands attacks in region

The aerial operation was carried out in response to what Tehran termed the US-Israeli enemy's claim that Iran's missile and drone capabilities have been significantly degraded

Best of BS Opinion: Governance reforms advance but execution gaps persist

Here are the best of Business Standard's opinion pieces for today

Seizing Iran's oil supply 'an option', says Trump amid West Asia tensions

However, Trump did not elaborate about it when asked about the possibility amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia

Why Iranian oil may not plug India's widening crude sourcing gap

Indian refiners find the Iran oil supply chain difficult to navigate, especially within the limited waiver window set by Washington for the oil to be delivered and paid for

West Asia conflict: Bankers suggest Covid-like moratorium for MSMEs

Flag cash-flow risks to RBI, Centre amid West Asia war

Gulf conflict may have global consequences like Covid, says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said no one, including the perpetrators of the Gulf conflict, can foresee its grave consequences for the world, comparable only to the Covid pandemic. Addressing the delegates of the congress of the powerful Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), the Russian leader said the escalation of the conflict incited by the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran has jeopardised a wide range of industries, and there's no telling what further consequences may follow. "The armed conflict in the Middle East is increasingly impacting the current situation and causing significant disruption to international logistics, manufacturing, and supply chains," he said. Starting February 28, the US and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran, which in turn retaliated, spreading the war to the entire Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important choke point for the world's energy supplies. The strait, a narrow shipping lane that connects

Trump says Iran's 'present' to US was letting 10 oil tankers pass Hormuz

Trump made the comments at a Cabinet meeting in the White House, elaborating on what he had previously described as a "present" from Iran

Poor sentiment is a good vintage for building a portfolio: Vikas Khemani

Selective IT services companies with strong digital portfolios, diversified clients, and disciplined cost structures could indeed present a contrarian opportunity, he said.

West Asia conflict impact: A peek into the biggest losers on bourses

West Asia conflict triggers sharp sell-off in Indian markets, with realty, banking and auto stocks leading losses amid energy shock fears

Energy crisis: Let prices adjust for a sustainable long-term solution

The cost of the Indian basket, however, has increased more sharply to over $156 per barrel due to disruptions in supplies from West Asia