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.

The ongoing Iran conflict has raised concerns over undersea internet cables in the Gulf and Red Sea. These cables carry most of the world’s data. Experts say nearly 60% of India’s internet traffic passes through this route from Mumbai to Europe. Any damage could affect services across the country. The International Telecommunication Union says most global data depends on such cables. Industry expert Amajit Gupta said, “It is not as if the internet will ever be shut down, but it could get slowed down.” If cables are hit, data may shift to other routes. This can cause slower speeds, delays, and service issues. (PC: X)

Indian sailors, including Ketan Mehta and Captain Vijay Kumar, endured detention and war in Iran after their tanker MT Valiant Roar was seized on December 8 over unproven smuggling allegations. Held for around 50 days, they were released on February 26, only to face escalating conflict. Stranded in Bandar Abbas, the crew received evacuation advice from Indian authorities. With limited options, they undertook a risky 2,000-kilometre road journey to Armenia amid missile strikes, waited days for clearance, then flew via Dubai to India. They reached Mumbai on March 29, crediting Indian missions for crucial support during their ordeal. (PC: Times Now)

Russian photographer Julia Buruleva has launched a support petition for herself after backlash over a photoshoot involving Chanchal, a 65-year-old elephant painted pink in Jaipur in November 2025. The elephant died weeks later in February, sparking outrage online. Buruleva denied any link between the shoot and the death, stating the elephant died of old age and accusing media of spreading misinformation. The owner also claimed only organic gulaal was used briefly. Despite her defence and claims of receiving threats, social media users criticised the act, arguing the elderly animal was exploited and subjected to unnecessary stress for artistic content.