Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is set for a crucial two-day visit to India, signalling rapid formalisation of ties between Dhaka and New Delhi. He will hold talks with S Jaishankar and Ajit Doval ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit. Discussions will focus on counter-terrorism, border security, maritime stability, and connectivity projects. With disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz crisis, both nations aim to strengthen regional trade routes and energy security. The visit is seen as a “major bilateral move” to align economic and security frameworks while building long-term trust and resolving issues like trade imbalance and water-sharing cooperation. (PC: Reuters)

Nearly a month after an Indian sailor was killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict, his family has approached the Bombay High Court seeking urgent intervention to bring his remains back home. The sailor, identified as Dixit Solanki, died in a missile strike on a merchant vessel near Oman while on duty. His family alleged prolonged delays and lack of clear communication from authorities regarding the repatriation process. Citing the right to dignity after death, they urged the court to expedite the return of the body. The case highlights the hardships faced by families of Indians affected by the escalating regional conflict. (PC: AFP)

India is facing a worsening LPG crisis as the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, delaying shipments. Households across at least 12 states report waiting over a week—and in some cases up to 40 days—for cylinder deliveries that earlier took 1–2 days. Booking systems are strained, long queues have emerged, and many families are switching to coal or firewood. Small businesses and eateries are also hit, with some shutting down. Meanwhile, black market activity has surged, with cylinders sold at inflated prices, exposing gaps between official claims and ground realities. (PC: PTI)

A US‑sanctioned Aframax tanker, Ping Shun, carrying about 600,000 barrels of Iranian crude initially signalled India’s Vadinar port as its destination – potentially marking India’s first Iranian oil import in nearly seven years – under a temporary sanctions waiver from Washington. However, the vessel altered course mid‑voyage and is now signalling Dongying in China, according to maritime tracking data. The rerouting reflects lingering hurdles with sanctions compliance, payment terms, shipping and insurance that continue to complicate Iran‑India oil trade. India has not imported Iranian crude since 2019 due to longstanding US sanctions. The episode underscores geopolitical and commercial complexities in global energy markets amid ongoing Middle East tensions. (PC: Reuters)

A US‑sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil is reportedly en route to India’s Vadinar port, marking the first direct Iranian oil import since 2019. The Eswatini‑flagged Aframax tanker Ping Shun loaded about 600,000 barrels of crude from Iran’s Kharg Island and altered its destination from China to India, according to maritime tracking data. The shipment follows a temporary US sanctions waiver amid global oil supply concerns. If completed, this move signals a potential resumption of India‑Iran energy trade, although regulatory and financial challenges persist. (PC: NDTV)

India highlighted that it is the only country to have lost mariners in recent attacks while calling for unrestricted and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during UK-led talks. Represented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, India stressed the urgent need to protect global shipping routes and ensure maritime security. The meeting, hosted by the United Kingdom, brought together multiple nations amid rising tensions in the region. India also pushed for diplomatic solutions and cooperation to stabilise the crucial oil transit corridor.

Iran reassured India that its ships are “in safe hands” despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz following the ongoing conflict. Tehran said it is allowing passage for “friendly nations,” including India, even as most vessels remain restricted. At least eight Indian ships have successfully exited the strait, while several others carrying LPG, crude oil, and LNG remain stranded. The waterway, which handles about 20% of global energy trade, has seen severe disruptions since late February. India continues to monitor the situation closely amid concerns over energy supply and maritime security in the volatile region. (PC: NDTV)

India joined a UK-led 35-nation virtual summit on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri representing New Delhi. The talks aim to restore safe maritime transit amid disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran conflict. India is simultaneously engaging regional players, including Iran, to ensure unimpeded shipping. Officials said six Indian vessels have recently crossed safely through the corridor. New Delhi also denied reports of paying transit tolls. The United States is not part of the meeting, while the UK emphasised diplomatic coordination to stabilise the crucial energy route and ease global supply pressures.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India is pushing for preferential market access for its exports in ongoing trade talks with the United States, as earlier agreed. He stressed that trade agreements should give countries a competitive edge in global markets. Goyal added that India seeks a fair and balanced deal while protecting sensitive sectors like agriculture. His remarks come as both nations continue negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade pact aimed at improving market access and strengthening economic ties between the two countries. (PC: ANI)

Iran Has Reassured India That Its Ships Are Safe In The Strait Of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions In West Asia. In A Post, Officials Said, “Indian Friends Are In Safe Hands, No Worries.” The Strait Is A Key Route For Global Oil Supply. It Connects The Persian Gulf To The Open Ocean. However, Ongoing Conflict Has Made Shipping Conditions Difficult. The United States Has Accused Iran Of Disrupting Movement In The Region. Reports Of Attacks On Ships Have Raised Concerns. India Depends On This Route For Oil Imports. Iran Called India A Trusted Partner And Promised Safe Passage.