Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani to review escalating military developments and their global security implications. Both sides emphasized peaceful conflict resolution and the urgent need to ensure freedom of navigation in critical maritime routes. The situation has directly impacted shipping, with 16 Indian-flagged vessels reportedly stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit chokepoint. The developments underline growing risks to international trade, energy supplies, and regional stability amid intensifying geopolitical uncertainty.

Members of Sikhs for Justice held protests outside Hindu temples in Brampton and Surrey. The rallies came days after Canada’s House of Commons passed Bill C-9 on hate crimes. The protests took place near Triveni Mandir and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. Demonstrators raised slogans while police kept them at a distance. The proposed law will ban intimidation at places of worship. Hindu groups welcomed the move for safety. Police said they support peaceful protest but warned that unlawful acts will not be allowed. Security was tightened around both sites. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Navy guided LPG vessel Green Asha through the Strait of Hormuz as part of Operation ‘Urja Suraksha’. The ship is expected to reach India within 24 to 36 hours.   This is the ninth vessel assisted under the mission. Earlier, Green Sanvi crossed the route and is heading to Dahej with LPG cargo.   The Navy is giving real-time guidance to ships in the Persian Gulf. Warships take over escort after vessels exit the Gulf.   Officials said the mission is closely monitored at the top level. More ships, including Jag Vikram, are waiting for clearance to pass safely. (PC: India Today)

India has helped eight of its ships cross the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing tensions. Sixteen India-flagged vessels still remain in the Persian Gulf. Officials said India is in touch with Iran to ensure safe passage. Iran has allowed ships from countries it considers friendly to pass through with coordination. Most of the ships that crossed are LPG tankers. One more vessel is currently moving through the strait. The route is key for global oil trade. Around one-fifth of oil and gas supplies pass through this channel. (PC: The Indian Express)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a sharp warning to India, stating that any “future misadventure” by New Delhi could lead to retaliatory strikes, specifically mentioning Kolkata as a potential target. The remark comes amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, following strong statements from Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about an “unprecedented response” to provocations. Asif also suggested a “false flag” narrative, further intensifying the war of words. The exchange highlights growing volatility in bilateral relations and increasing concerns over regional security. (PC: X)

Iran shared a message for India after the seventh LPG tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict. The tanker, named Green Sanvi, completed its passage on Friday. The Iranian Consulate in Mumbai said India and Gujarat hold a “cherished place” in shared history. It was replying to Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who called the move a “victory for Indian diplomacy”. Iran also referred to ancient links, likely pointing to Lothal, which connected early trade routes between regions. (PC: India Today)

Indian-origin writer and translator Padma Viswanathan has been shortlisted for the 2026 International Booker Prize. She translated On Earth As It Is Beneath by Brazilian author Ana Paula Maia from Portuguese into English. Judges called the book “brutal, haunting and hypnotic”. They said it builds “an entire moral universe” in a remote prison setting. The prize is worth GBP 50,000, shared between author and translator. Each shortlisted work gets GBP 5,000. The winner will be announced on May 19 in London. (PC: X)

Pakistan’s defence minister Khwaja Asif warned India of action if it stages a “false flag operation.” He said, “we will take it to Kolkata.” The remark came after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned of “decisive action” against any misadventure. Asif accused India of planning operations using detained Pakistanis. He said Pakistan would respond strongly. Tensions between the two countries remain high. The warning follows ongoing global conflict and security concerns in the region. Meanwhile, Indian agencies said they stopped a Pakistan-linked sabotage plan in Uttar Pradesh. Officials arrested four people before they could carry out an attack. (PC: Reuters)

At least 8 Indian vessels have crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing blockade. India is now among the countries with the highest number of ships using this route. The vessels carried LPG, crude oil, and fuel. Iran said “non-hostile vessels” can pass if they follow its rules. Ships linked to the US and Israel are restricted. Indian Navy warships stayed ready to support merchant vessels. The government also held talks with Iran to ensure safe passage. The strait remains tense after the conflict began in February. Iran has warned it may expand pressure to other key global shipping routes.

Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, India-flagged LPG tanker Green Sanvi successfully crossed the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, becoming the seventh such vessel to do so. Carrying around 44,000–46,000 tonnes of LPG, the tanker used a designated corridor through Iranian waters, reflecting coordinated diplomatic efforts between India and Iran. The move highlights Iran’s willingness to allow “non-hostile” nations safe transit, with India leveraging historical ties to secure energy routes. Despite this progress, about 17 Indian vessels remain in the region awaiting clearance. The development is crucial for maintaining India’s cooking gas supply amid global disruptions. (PC: India Today)