India has warned of "serious consequences" for its economy as the Middle East conflict intensifies following US-Israel strikes on Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that nearly one crore Indian citizens live and work across the Gulf region, making their safety a top priority. India's critical trade and energy supply chains pass through the region, with disruptions already impacting the economy. Several Indian nationals have lost their lives or gone missing in recent merchant shipping attacks. India strongly called for dialogue, restraint, and immediate de-escalation. Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar have engaged with regional counterparts. Indian embassies remain actively assisting stranded nationals while monitoring the rapidly evolving situation. (PC: HT)

Hundreds of Indian travellers stranded across the Middle East are gradually returning home as airlines resume limited operations amid ongoing regional conflict. Air India repatriated 149 passengers and 143 crew members from Dubai on Tuesday. Passengers recounted mid-air scares, circling flights, drone interceptions, and blast sounds before emergency landings. One newlywed navigated Dubai-to-Oman by road before flying home. Financial strain hit uninsured tourists as cancellations mounted without compensation. Current NOTAMs show Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria remain fully or partially closed. Emirates, Etihad, Oman Air, Air India, and IndiGo are restoring select routes through designated safe corridors, with schedules subject to real-time security assessments. (PC: X)

Russia has offered to supply more oil to India if the Gulf crisis disrupts global shipments. A Russian source told Reuters that Moscow is ready to help if needed. Tensions in West Asia have raised fears over the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. India imports nearly half of its crude through this passage.   The government said India has enough crude and fuel stocks for about 50 days. Officials are also looking at other suppliers. Brent crude has crossed $80 per barrel. Experts warn prices may rise if the crisis continues, though there is no immediate shortage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Haitham bin Tarik and Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah as tensions rise in the Gulf region. The calls came a day after his talks with leaders of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Modi expressed concern over the recent attacks in Gulf countries. He discussed the safety and well-being of the Indian community living there. The Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and the wider Middle East. It said the security of around one crore Indians in the region remains a major concern. Modi stressed the need for “early restoration of peace and stability.” (PC: HT)

Savitha Shan, a 21-year-old Indian-American student, was among four people killed in a shooting in Austin, Texas. The attack happened early Sunday on West Sixth Street. Police said the gunman opened fire at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden before officers shot him dead. Shan was a senior at the University of Texas at Austin. She was pursuing dual degrees in Management Information Systems and Economics. She was set to graduate in May 2026. Assistant professor Russ Finney called her “one of our superstar students.” He wrote, “Absolutely crushing to lose her.” University president Jim Davis said she was “a loyal friend to many” and “preparing to change the world.” (PC: NDTV)

India on Tuesday voiced serious concern as the Iran-US conflict widened across the Middle East. The Ministry of External Affairs said the situation caused “great anxiety” for India. The MEA said nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries. “Their safety and well-being is of utmost priority. We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them,” it said. India also “firmly opposed” attacks on merchant ships. It said some Indian nationals had died or were missing in recent days. One Indian sailor was killed after a tanker was hit near Oman. India called for “dialogue and diplomacy” and urged an early end to the fighting. (PC: HT)

An Emirates flight from Mumbai to Dubai made two sharp turns in the air after a missile alert in the UAE on Tuesday. The flight, EK501, was briefly held outside UAE airspace, according to Flightradar24 data.   The UAE defence ministry said air defences were engaging ballistic missiles launched from Iran. Live tracking showed the plane turning back toward Mumbai before resuming its route. It later made another reverse move before landing safely in Dubai.   The incident comes as fighting between the US, Israel and Iran spreads across West Asia. Several Gulf airports had earlier suspended flights due to drone and missile threats. (PC: X)

India has started an evacuation plan as Middle East airspace disruptions affect travel. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is working with airlines to bring back stranded Indian passengers. On Tuesday, special relief flights by IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet landed in India from Dubai.   Airlines are adjusting schedules and using alternative routes to avoid restricted airspace. IndiGo also planned special flights from Jeddah. The government said passenger safety is the top priority. Travellers have been advised to check flight status with airlines before leaving for airports. Authorities are reviewing the situation regularly. (PC: News18)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed Class 10 and Class 12 board exams scheduled on March 5 and 6 in several Middle East countries. The exams were to be held in CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The board cited the current security situation in the region.   New exam dates will be announced later. CBSE said it will review the situation on March 5 before deciding on exams from March 7 onwards. Students have been advised to stay in touch with their schools and follow official updates.

Nearly 700 tankers are stuck near the Strait of Hormuz as fighting in West Asia disrupts oil movement. Data shows crude traffic has dropped sharply in recent days. Oil prices have risen, with Brent touching around $80 per barrel.   India, which depends heavily on Gulf oil and LPG, is reviewing the situation. Reports say the government may limit fuel exports and consider LPG rationing if delays continue. The oil ministry said supplies are being monitored closely. India has reserves that can cover several weeks of demand. However, a long crisis could strain fuel supply and raise prices further.