Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian and stressed the need to keep shipping routes open. This was their second call since tensions rose in West Asia.   Modi conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings and expressed hope for peace. He also raised concern over recent attacks on key infrastructure.   He said he “condemned attacks on critical infrastructure” that disrupt supply chains.   The Prime Minister also said “shipping lanes must remain open and secure”.   India remains concerned as several Indian vessels are still stranded in the region. (PC: X)

Two Indian-origin men have been fined about Rs 1.7 lakh each for spitting paan on London streets. The cases were reported in Brent, where authorities are tightening rules on public cleanliness.   Akshitkumar Bhadre Patel, 31, was fined £1,391 after failing to pay an earlier £100 penalty. He was found guilty of spitting paan in Kingsbury in June 2025.   In a similar case, Hitesh Patel, 32, was fined the same amount for an incident in Wembley Hill.   Officials said cleaning paan stains costs over £30,000 a year. “The initial fine was £100… it rose to £1,391,” authorities noted. (PC: X)

India may resume buying Iranian crude after a US waiver allowed sales of oil stuck at sea. The move comes as prices stay above $100 amid the Iran conflict. Indian refiners, already lifting Russian oil under a similar waiver, are exploring Iranian supplies. However, Iran has said it has “no floating crude or surplus available” for export, raising doubts. The government is seeking clarity from Washington on payment rules. Iran has also slowed tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz. India, which imports most of its oil, sees Iranian crude as a good fit for its refineries. (PC: India Today)

An Air India flight to Vancouver returned to Delhi after the airline used an aircraft not cleared for Canada operations. Flight AI185, operated with a Boeing 777-200LR, turned back after about four hours over Chinese airspace. Officials said the route requires a Boeing 777-300ER with specific approvals. “You can’t just send a different aircraft without clearance,” an official said. The airline called it an “operational issue” and said passengers were assisted. The flight later departed again. The incident may lead to financial losses due to fuel use and delays. (PC: HT)

An Indian national was killed in Riyadh amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and regional powers, taking the death toll of Indians to six. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia cited “recent developments” on March 18, when Saudi Arabia intercepted four ballistic missiles targeting the capital. Debris reportedly fell near a refinery, likely causing the fatality. Earlier incidents include deaths in Sohar and Al Kharj. One Indian remains missing. Since the conflict began on February 28, repeated missile and drone attacks have targeted Gulf infrastructure, impacting expatriates and escalating regional risks. (PC: X)

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Mike Duheme said there is currently no evidence linking India to covert operations or transnational repression in Canada, easing tensions between the two nations. His remarks, shared with Ottawa, may shape future diplomatic engagement. However, Duheme clarified this reflects the present situation and does not address past allegations made during Justin Trudeau’s tenure, when Indian agents were accused of involvement in intimidation and killings. India has consistently denied these claims, accusing Canada of politicising intelligence. The development signals a potential reset in strained bilateral relations. (PC: Times Now)

Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma set a world record by climbing the Seven Volcanic Summits in 92 days, 4 hours and 45 minutes, the fastest in the male category. His journey began at Mount Elbrus on October 23, 2024, and concluded at Mount Sidley on January 23, 2025. The challenge spans volcanic peaks across continents, including Ojos del Salado and Mount Damavand. The feat was officially recognised by Guinness World Records in February 2026, highlighting endurance, speed and determination in extreme mountaineering conditions. (PC: X)

An Indian national was killed in a Saudi Arabia strike as the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to escalate across the Middle East. The fatality occurred after a projectile struck a residential area in Al‑Kharj, near Riyadh, killing two people including the Indian citizen and injuring others, according to Saudi civil defence. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh extended condolences and is supporting the family. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reiterated that the conflict will go on, reaffirming ongoing missile production and attacks despite heavy strikes on Iranian forces and facilities. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have intensified diplomatic outreach amid escalating strikes on energy infrastructure in West Asia. They held multiple conversations with global leaders, urging restraint, de-escalation, and a return to dialogue. India emphasised the importance of maintaining energy security and safeguarding trade routes, especially as attacks threaten global oil supplies. The government is also focused on the safety of Indian nationals in the region. Officials reiterated that diplomacy remains the only viable path to reduce tensions and stabilise the increasingly volatile geopolitical situation. (PC: X)

India is diversifying energy imports amid escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel, with 70% of crude sourced outside the Strait of Hormuz, officials said. The Oil Ministry noted increased LNG supplies from the United States and Australia, while confirming all 22 Indian vessels in Hormuz are safe. Despite concerns over potential disruptions, fuel supply remains stable, with no shortages reported and normal refinery operations. The government is promoting a shift from LPG to CNG and expanding PNG networks to ease pressure. However, officials acknowledged the LPG situation remains concerning amid ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting global energy flows. (PC: Times Now)