Month: March 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday asserted that the government is working to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens stranded in West Asia amid escalating tensions.

MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, said that the Indian Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational and is on high alert. The government is assisting Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who wish to leave the country.

He further added that those choosing to exit Iran via land, the embassy is assisting citizens in crossing into Armenia and Azerbaijan, from where they can board commercial flights to return to India.

“Others continue to be there. Our embassy is in regular touch with them. We have also relocated some students and other visitors, pilgrims, to different cities to ensure their safety. We are also assisting–our embassy in Tehran is assisting–people who want to make a land border crossing and go into Armenia and Azerbaijan, and from there take the commercial flights to come back home. So that option is also available to those who want to take and take advantage of that. And we have been helping these people,” he said.

Jaiswal urged Indians to follow advisories and stay in touch with embassies and consulates while providing updates regarding the safety, status, and assistance being offered to the Indian community in the region.

“Please do follow all our social media handles and our press releases and statements for more updates on the welfare of our Indian community in the Gulf region, as also on developments concerning us and how we are engaging and dealing with those in that region. In Iran, there’s a lot of interest because we have students and we have Indian nationals there as well, some 9,000 of them. Of these, several of our students and others who were there, paying heed to our advisories to leave the country, returned home,” he said.

Indian missions across the region are continuously monitoring the situation, issuing updated advisories, and providing support to community members.

Jaiswal further said that the government prioritises the welfare of its 10 million-strong diaspora in the Gulf region, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaging with regional leaders.

“The Ministry of External Affairs has kept you abreast of the developments in the region. I would like to add a few elements to that, as well as to reiterate some of the points that we’ve made earlier. As you know, we have a large diaspora in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, numbering around 10 million, or a crore. The welfare of our diaspora is of utmost high priority and importance to us,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have maintained regular communication with their counterparts in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Israel, and Iran to emphasise the safety of the 10-million-strong Indian diaspora in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

“You would have seen we have put out statements where our Prime Minister has spoken to several leaders in the region, including leaders from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Israel. The External Affairs Minister has also been in regular touch with his counterparts in these countries, as well as Iran. Today, he also had several conversations with his counterparts, and those details have also been made available to you,” he said.

Jaiswal said that Indian missions are in touch with those stranded. The Ministry of External Affairs has set up a control room to address queries and concerns.

“Just want to say that we remain committed to the welfare of our citizens, our nationals who reside in the GCC and the West Asian countries. All our missions in the region are in regular touch with our community members. We have issued advisories and are regularly updating them. For more details on those, my colleague would like to add a few more details on that. I would also like to update you that we have, in the Ministry of External Affairs, started a control room, which is functioning throughout the day,” he said.

“We have been receiving a lot of phone calls, a lot of emails regarding Indian nationals and their welfare, from friends and families, and we have been guiding them in all possible manner. Just to give you an update, yesterday we received 75 phone calls and 11 emails, and those were responded to. Today again, our people are there manning the control room and doing their very best,” said Jaiswal.

Jaiswal also noted that there were certain casualties in the region. Two Indians dies and one is missing, and efforts are being made to trace him.

“There have been reports of some casualties, and on that, I would like to update you. We have two Indian nationals who we lost, and one remains missing. We express our condolences to the families. These three Indian nationals–they have died, or they are missing–this happened when they were on ships, merchant vessels, and that merchant vessel came under attack. Few Indians who suffered injuries in the GCC region are being looked after, they are being treated, and our embassy and our consulate is in close touch with them to ensure their well-being,” he said.

Another Indian is injured and is receiving medical attention in Dubai, Jaiswal said.

“One Indian national, as was–you would have seen those reports as well, was injured in Israel. He was taken to the hospital. He is receiving treatment, and he is recuperating well. This morning, you would have seen reports that an Indian national was injured in Dubai. This gentleman, our consulate is in touch with him. He is also receiving treatment at a hospital, and we are in regular touch with him to ensure his welfare and well-being,” he said.

Indian missions across the region are continuously monitoring the situation, issuing updated advisories, and providing support to community members. (ANI)

The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has reported significant damage to civilian infrastructure across Iran following the ongoing military campaign by US and Israeli forces, which began on February 28, 2026.

The IRCS said that more than 19,000 civilian units across the country have been damaged as a result of US-Israeli airstrikes.

The head of the humanitarian organisation, Pir-Hossein Koulivand, said in a statement on Tuesday that based on preliminary assessments, a total of 19,734 civilian units have been damaged nationwide.

This figure includes 16,191 residential units, 3,384 commercial units, 77 pharmaceutical and medical centres, and at least 69 schools.

He added that relief operations are currently underway at full capacity to assist those affected across the country.

The head of the Red Crescent Society highlighted the swift response of emergency teams, saying that rescue teams reached incident sites in under four minutes.

A significant number of injured individuals have been rescued from under the rubble and transported to medical facilities, he said.

Koulivand further stated that women and children under the age of 12 have been among the victims of the attacks, which have also targeted the emergency response infrastructure itself.

According to the latest figures, 13 Red Crescent centres and branches, along with several relief and rescue bases, have been damaged so far.

During rescue operations, seven rescue workers were injured, and one Red Crescent rescuer was martyred.

Koulivand said currently, the Red Crescent rescue teams, ambulances, and operational vehicles are working around the clock across all affected areas.

Relief efforts include search and rescue operations, medical transfers, emergency housing, and the distribution of essential living supplies.

Meanwhile, the governor of Iran’s Lorestan province said that 52 schools and five medical centres have been damaged in the US and Israeli strikes so far, Al Jazeera reported, citing its sources.

The attacks have destroyed more than 2,500 residential and commercial units across 10 of Lorestan’s counties, while 13 sports centres and two Red Crescent and rescue bases were also attacked, Al Jazeera reported, quoting the governor. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the ongoing war with Iran would end “soon”, claiming that there is “practically nothing left to target” after sustained military strikes.

In a brief phone interview with Axios, Trump said the military campaign had progressed faster than initially anticipated and inflicted more damage than expected.

“The war is going great. We are way ahead of the timetable. We have done more damage than we thought possible, even in the original six-week period,” Trump said as quoted by Axios.

Speaking about the timeline of the conflict, Trump said it could conclude whenever he decides to bring it to an end.

“Little this and that… Any time I want it to end, it will end,” he told Axios during the five-minute call.

Trump also alleged that Iran’s actions extended beyond its confrontation with Israel and the United States, claiming that Tehran had posed a broader threat to countries across the Gulf region.

“They were after the rest of the Middle East. They are paying for 47 years of death and destruction they caused. This is payback. They will not get off that easily,” Trump said as quoted by Axios.

Trump has previously offered varying timelines for the end of the conflict; however, on Monday, he said that the military operation in Iran would be over “very soon”, but did not give any details of the timeline.

When asked by a reporter about his previous remarks of calling Iran an excursion and when the military operation would end, Trump said, “Very soon.”

“Everything they have is gone, including their leadership. In fact their two levels of leadership and even actually as it turns out more than that, but two levels of leadership are gone. Most people have never even heard about the leaders that they’re talking about. So it’s obviously been very, very powerful, very effective,” the US President said during a press conference in Florida.

Trump’s comment has significantly contradicted the administration’s remarks on the timeline of the ongoing war.

On Tuesday, his Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, said that the US will continue its operations until its objectives are achieved, while asserting that the campaign is being carried out on Washington’s own timeline.

“We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated. But we do so on our timeline and at our choosing,” he said.

Hegseth made his remarks in a briefing at the Pentagon along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine. (ANI)

After celebrating India’s big win at the T20 World Cup, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav appears ready to begin a new chapter in his personal life.

According to reports, the cricketer is set to marry his fiancee, Vanshika, on March 14. The wedding is expected to take place in Mussoorie.

Kuldeep and Vanshika reportedly got engaged in June last year during a private ceremony in Lucknow attended by close family members.

News of the wedding comes shortly after Team India’s dominant performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. The match, played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, saw India comfortably defeat New Zealand.

India posted a massive total of 255 runs, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson. New Zealand struggled to chase the target and were bowled out for 159.

Following the win, Kuldeep Yadav expressed his happiness over the victory, calling it an important moment for the team. Speaking to ANI, he said, “It is an important victory. The tournament went very well for us, and we have been preparing for this for a long time. This is what you play cricket for. Every time you participate in an ICC tournament, you want to win the trophy. I congratulate the team and also thank the fans for supporting us. I am very happy for Sanju Samson, who performed exceptionally well.”

“I have shared my cricketing journey with him since the Under-12s, and I am very happy to see him reap the rewards of his hard work over the years,” he added. (ANI)

Ileana D’Cruz recently gave fans a small glimpse with fans into how she spends her life as a mother of two.

The Barfi! actress shared a candid moment from her day while taking a short break from feeding her newborn son, Keanu Rafe Dolan.

On Tuesday, Ileana took to her Instagram account and posted a monochrome close-up selfie. In the picture, the actress is seen looking straight into the camera while her hair falls naturally around her face. The simple photo captured a quiet moment from her day as she paused briefly between caring for her baby.

Along with the picture, Ileana also added a caption that read, “Nothing profound. The light was gorgeous and I had 3 seconds between feeding my feral little toddler. hi .”

Take a look

The actress welcomed her second child in June last year. She had shared the happy news with fans through a social media post where she introduced her baby to the world. The post read, “introducing KEANU RAFE DOLAN. BORN ON JUNE 19TH 2025.” Along with the photo, she had written, “Our hearts are so full.”

Ileana married Michael Dolan in 2023. The couple is now parents to two children.

On the work front, Ileana has been part of many Hindi and South Indian films over the years. One of her most loved roles came in Barfi!, where she starred alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. The film and her performance continue to be remembered by many fans. (ANI)

South Korea on Wednesday said its deterrence posture against North Korea would remain unaffected even if some military assets of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) are relocated from the Korean Peninsula amid the conflict in West Asia, Yonhap News Agency reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, citing a senior official at Cheong Wa Dae, the executive office of the president of South Korea said that the country possesses sufficient military capability to maintain a strong deterrence posture regardless of any potential redeployment of USFK assets.

“Given our level of military capability, defence spending, defence industry capacity and the high morale of our troops, there is no problem with deterrence against North Korea regardless of whether some USFK assets are relocated overseas,” the official said as quoted by Yonhap News Agency.

The remarks come amid reports claiming that the USFK has relocated parts of its air defence systems, including elements of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, from South Korea as conflicts continue in West Asia.

However, the official declined to confirm or deny the reports, saying it would be inappropriate for the government to comment on operational military matters between Seoul and Washington, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The official further emphasised that South Korea and the United States remain in close coordination to maintain a strong combined defence posture, adding that both countries will continue to work together through close communication and coordination to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across the broader region.

“It is not appropriate for our government to comment on military operations between Korea and the US,” the official said, as quoted by Yonhap News Agency

“Korea and the US will maintain a robust combined defence posture to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. To that end, the two countries will continue close communication and coordination,” the official added.

Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said earlier today that Beijing is willing to play a “constructive role” in easing tensions and restoring peace in the region, noting that the country will be in touch with all parties involved in the conflict.

The conflict in the region escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. (ANI)

A Thai-flagged cargo vessel was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, leaving three crew members unaccounted for, while 20 others were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman, the Bangkok Post reported, citing the Royal Thai Navy.

According to the Bangkok Post, citing the Maritime Traffic and Vessel Control Centre, the bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, operated by SET-listed Precious Shipping Plc, had departed from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates and was bound for Kandla port in Gujarat, India, when it came under attack around 10 in the morning.

Two projectiles struck the vessel above the waterline, causing explosions near the stern and in the engine room and triggering a fire on board. All 23 crew members on the ship were Thai nationals.

Twenty crew members evacuated the vessel using liferafts and were later rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman and taken safely to Khasab in Oman, the Bangkok Post reported.

Search and rescue operations are underway for the remaining three crew members, who are believed to still be on board the damaged vessel.

According to the Bangkok Post, citing maritime security agencies and sources, the Thai carrier was one of three vessels targeted by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, with the Mayuree Naree reportedly suffering the most severe damage.

The Royal Thai Navy said it is coordinating the response through the Combined Maritime Forces headquarters in Bahrain and is working closely with Thai embassies in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

It is also collaborating with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) to support ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Authorities added that coordination is underway with the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Marine Department and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre to assist the crew members and arrange their safe return to Thailand.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, through which a significant portion of global oil and gas supplies passes. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted maritime activity in the region and heightened security concerns for commercial vessels. (ANI)

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Wednesday directed all its zonal offices to make alternative arrangements at catering units across railway stations amid a growing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders triggered by the ongoing crisis in West Asia, sources said on Wednesday.

The directive comes amid heightened concerns over energy supplies following escalated tensions in West Asia after the killing of 86-year-old Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials in joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Meanwhile, RK Gupta, the National Vice President of the LPG Association, has said that there is no shortage in the supply of domestic LPG.”According to the oil companies, there is no shortage in supply. Commercial LPG cylinders have not been issued since yesterday, but an exemption has been given to hospitals and educational institutions. There is no shortage in the supply of domestic LPG,” Gupta told ANI.

The Central government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to regulate the supply, availability and distribution of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas, including LNG and re-gasified LNG, ensuring critical sectors receive priority supply.

According to the order, the supply of natural gas to certain sectors shall be treated as priority allocation and shall be maintained subject to operational availability to one hundred per cent. of their average past six-month gas consumption. These sectors include: Domestic Piped Natural Gas supply; Compressed Natural Gas for transport; LPG production, including LPG shrinkage requirements; Pipeline compressor fuel and other essential pipeline operational requirements.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has prioritised domestic LPG supply to households and ordered oil refineries to increase LPG production. It has formed a committee of three Executive Directors of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to review requests from restaurants, hotels and other commercial users.

Amid the supply disruption, the Central government has mandated a new 25-day inter-booking period for domestic LPG refills.

India relies on imports of liquefied natural gas to meet its demand, a significant share of which comes from suppliers in West Asia. (ANI)

In his latest address, the former crown prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi has called on citizens to remain inside their homes, prepare for a decisive phase of political struggle, and continue a nationwide strike, describing the current moment as a critical stage in a broader campaign against authorities.

In the statement addressed to “fellow compatriots,” Pahlavi warned that the situation had reached a highly sensitive point and urged people to prioritise their safety while maintaining unity through peaceful means of resistance.

“Dear fellow compatriots, we are now in a very sensitive stage of our final struggle,” the message said.

The statement appealed to citizens to make necessary preparations and avoid public spaces, suggesting that tensions in the streets could escalate. Emphasising personal safety, the speaker advised people to remain indoors while continuing to participate in the ongoing strike.

“I ask you to prepare your essential needs as soon as possible, and for the sake of your own security, leave the streets and stay in your homes. Continue the strike and do not show up for work. To demonstrate your unity, keep up the nighttime chants with full force,” the message added.

The call for citizens to stay away from workplaces and sustain strike action suggests an attempt to apply economic and social pressure while limiting the risk of confrontation in public areas.

In addition to addressing civilians, the message also directly appealed to members of the military and security apparatus, urging them to reconsider their alignment with the authorities and side with the public.

“To the military and security forces: This is the last chance to separate yourselves from the repressive forces and join the people,” the statement said.

The message concluded with a brief indication that further instructions could follow, suggesting that supporters should remain prepared for the next stage of mobilisation.

“Await my final call.”

Reza Pahlavi has been guiding the locals of Iran since the beginning of the year, when Iranians were protesting the economic conditions.

Currently, the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran escalated in late February 2026 after joint US-Israeli airstrikes targeted several Iranian cities and military sites. The strikes reportedly killed senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a major regional conflict. Iran retaliated by launching drones and ballistic missiles at Israel and US military bases across the Gulf region. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured that the Indian government is providing security and all facilities to Indians stuck in the Gulf region amid the West Asia conflict.

Addressing a rally in Ernakulum, PM Modi asserted that the new India doesn’t leave their people in trouble and has always used all its strength to protect them.

“It’s natural for all of you to be concerned about what’s happening in West Asia today. Millions of our brothers and sisters work there. But you must remember that the BJP-NDA government is in power today. Whenever any of our countrymen has been in trouble, we have used all our strength to protect them. Today’s India doesn’t leave its people in trouble. We are providing security all facilities to Indians stuck in the war,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Gulf countries for ensuring the safety of Indians.

“I am satisfied that our friendly countries in the Gulf are taking care of our citizens. Our embassies and missions are 24/7 helping them. They are offering food, residents, protections to them,” he said.

Targeting the Congress over their criticism of the Government’s handling of the West Asia Conflict, PM Modi accused them of “willingly giving provocative statements” to endanger the safety of Indians.

“It is unfortunate that the Congress party is looking for politics at this time of global crisis. Congress is willingly making provocative statements to cause disruptions. Our people get stuck there so they can abuse Modi. This is thier play,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that the Congress party is looking for politics at this time of global crisis. Congress is willingly making provocative statements to cause disruptions. Our people get stuck there, so they can abuse Modi. This is thier play,” he added.

PM Modi also urged people to break the pattern of electing UDF and LDF governments for Keralam’s development.

“You have given Congress and the Left more than 70 years. Now give a chance so that the BJP-NDA serves you. You will see a great glimpse of Viksit Keralam,” he said. (ANI)