At the United Nations, India strongly criticised Pakistan for what it called a “fabricated” Islamophobia narrative. India’s envoy Parvathaneni Harish accused Islamabad of selectively highlighting religious issues while ignoring concerns such as the treatment of Ahmadiyyas and Afghan refugees. Harish emphasised India’s commitment to multiculturalism and religious diversity, noting its historical coexistence of multiple faiths. He urged a broader approach to tackling religious discrimination globally, rather than focusing on a single faith. The remarks came amid rising regional tensions, including recent airstrikes in Kabul, further intensifying diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.

The Indian government has rejected a report claiming Iran asked New Delhi to release three seized oil tankers in return for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.   A government source called the report “baseless”. The source said there has been “no discussion of this nature” between India and Iran.   Officials also denied that the vessels were owned by Iran.   Earlier reports said Iran raised the issue during talks with officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.   The three tankers were seized by Indian authorities off the Mumbai coast in February. They were suspected to be part of an illicit oil trade network.   The ships were identified as Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia. (PC: X)

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met top leaders of the European Union in Brussels to discuss global security issues and strengthen **India–EU relations. Invited by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Jaishankar participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting with ministers from all 27 member states. He also held bilateral meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several European foreign ministers. The talks covered the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, the Indo-Pacific situation, and cooperation in trade, technology, defence and mobility. The visit follows the recent India-EU summit that concluded a major free trade agreement and a security and defence partnership.

The India government has clarified that it has not held bilateral discussions with the United States regarding deploying naval vessels to secure merchant shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement followed an appeal by Donald Trump, who urged several countries to send warships to keep the strategic waterway open amid rising tensions with Iran. India’s External Affairs Ministry said the issue is being discussed internationally but no bilateral talks with Washington have taken place so far. Meanwhile, European nations have also sought greater clarity from the US on its military strategy in the ongoing conflict before committing support. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Navy has deployed three warships, including INS Surat, to escort India-bound merchant vessels amid rising tensions and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Two ships were already stationed in the region under mission-based deployment, while a third was assigned specifically for escort operations in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The move comes after several attacks on commercial shipping linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Recently, two India-flagged LPG carriers Shivalik LPG carrier and Nanda Devi LPG carrier safely crossed the strategic waterway after diplomatic engagement. (PC: PTI)

An Indian-flagged LPG tanker has reached Gujarat after crossing the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz. The tanker, Shivalik, arrived at Mundra Port on Monday after receiving transit clearance from Iranian authorities. Shipping Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said two Indian LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, were allowed to pass through the strait. The ships were carrying about 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG. “Both vessels safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and are now proceeding towards India,” Sinha said. While Shivalik has reached Mundra, the second tanker, Nanda Devi, is expected to arrive at Kandla on March 17. Officials said 22 Indian-flagged ships remain in the Persian Gulf. (PC: India Today)

The United Arab Emirates has ordered the arrest of 35 people, including 19 Indians, for posting misleading content on social media related to the Iran war. Authorities said the suspects shared manipulated videos, AI-generated clips and false information online. UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the action followed strict monitoring of digital platforms. He said the content aimed to “mislead the public and undermine national security and stability.” Officials said some clips falsely showed explosions or missile strikes in the UAE. Others praised a hostile state and promoted propaganda. The accused will face legal action under UAE law. (PC: AFP)

India on Monday said it has had “no such bilateral discussion” with the United States about joining a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are aware this matter is being discussed bilaterally by several countries. We have had no such bilateral discussion yet.” He was responding to questions about whether India could send naval ships to help reopen the key waterway. The strait carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India’s talks with Iran have helped some Indian ships pass through the strait. Talks are continuing. (PC: PIB)

India hopes its talks with Iran will help ease shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said. The narrow waterway is a key route for global oil trade. Jaishankar said discussions with Tehran have shown some results, though there is no full agreement yet for all Indian ships. Two Indian gas tankers passed through the strait on Saturday after diplomatic talks. However, 22 Indian vessels are still waiting for clearance. The route is crucial as about 40–50% of India’s crude oil imports pass through it. The conflict in West Asia has disrupted shipping and pushed global oil prices higher. (PC: Getty Images)

The government said the India-US trade agreement will be signed only after a new tariff framework is put in place. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the deal will move forward once the United States restores global tariff rates. He spoke during a trade data briefing on Monday. The issue comes after a US Supreme Court ruling struck down some reciprocal tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. Soon after, Trump announced a temporary import surcharge on goods entering the United States. The levy was first set at 10 percent and later raised to 15 percent. India and the United States are continuing talks on the trade pact. Officials said discussions on tariff details are still ongoing. (PC: HT)