Prime Minister Narendra Modi held phone calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as tensions rose in West Asia.   The talks came after US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s missile response across the region. Modi said the situation is “a matter of concern” and stressed the need for peace and stability.   He also discussed the safety of Indian citizens living in Gulf countries. On Sunday, Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and strongly condemned the recent attacks on the UAE. (PC: X)

India and Canada agreed on a series of deals as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Delhi. The leaders said they want to reset ties after tensions in recent years.   They agreed to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of 2026. They also set a goal to raise trade to $50 billion by 2030. Canadian firm Cameco signed a long-term deal to supply uranium to India.   Both sides pledged cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, space and education. Modi called it a “new chapter” in ties. Carney said both countries would deepen economic and strategic cooperation. (PC: X)

An Indian mariner was killed after a bomb-carrying drone boat hit an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, authorities said. The Oman News Agency identified the vessel as MKD VYOM. The tanker was sailing off Muscat when the blast took place.   Ship manager V.Ships said the vessel suffered “an explosion and subsequent fire” after being struck by a suspected projectile. “One crew member… has died,” it added.   The attack comes as tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has warned vessels in the area amid the ongoing conflict.   It was not immediately clear who carried out the strike. (PC: X)

Narendra Modi on Monday said the situation in West Asia is a “matter of grave concern” for India. Speaking at a joint press briefing with Mark Carney, he said India supports dialogue and diplomacy.   “India wants all conflicts to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said. He added that India will work with countries in the region to ensure the safety of Indians.   Modi said India has always called for peace and stability. He also said India and Canada agree that terrorism and extremism are major global challenges.   He did not name any country during his remarks.

Thousands of Indians in the Gulf are seeking help as the conflict in the Middle East shuts airspace and sparks fear. Workers, students and tourists have posted appeals online. “I came here for a livelihood, but I am now seeking bomb shelter,” a worker in Dubai said. Indian students in Tehran said missiles are “raining here” and asked for quick evacuation. The Ministry of External Affairs has issued emergency helpline numbers and said it is closely monitoring the situation. Indian missions are in touch with citizens and advising them to stay indoors. No evacuation plan has been announced yet due to closed airspace. (PC: India Today)

Nearly 10 million Indians living across the Gulf are facing fear as the US-Iran conflict spreads. Families in India are glued to their phones, waiting for calls. “I started praying when I heard about the attacks,” said Asiya from Karnataka, whose sons live in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. In Dubai, S P Singh Oberoi said, “One can see drones and missiles in the sky.” Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have shut after missile strikes. Flights were cancelled and many Indians are stranded. Authorities have asked residents to stay indoors as debris from intercepted missiles falls in some areas. (PC: The Indian Express)

After the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, attention has returned to a small village in Uttar Pradesh linked to the founders of Iran’s ruling system. Kintoor village in Barabanki district is the ancestral home of Ruhollah Khomeini. His grandfather, Syed Ahmed Musavi, was born there in the early 19th century before moving to Najaf and later settling in Iran. He kept the title “Hindi”, showing his Indian origin. Khomeini led the 1979 Islamic Revolution and became Iran’s first Supreme Leader. After his death in 1989, Khamenei took over. With Khamenei now killed, this Indian link has drawn fresh attention aslo raised questions about Iran’s future leadership. (PC: X)

India’s state-run refiners, led by Indian Oil, met government officials to plan for supply risks after fighting near the Strait of Hormuz slowed oil flows. The route carries nearly half of India’s daily crude imports. Officials said India has stocks that may last about two weeks, including reserves. One option is to buy more Russian crude. About 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are in Asian waters, sources said. India had cut such imports under US pressure. Refiners are also seeking more supplies from Saudi Arabia and may adjust output to boost LPG for homes. (PC: HT)

The Indian rupee slipped past Rs 91 per US dollar marking  its lowest level in approximately a month as escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions triggered sharp risk-off sentiment across markets. Rising global crude oil prices, surging safe-haven dollar demand, and broader market risk aversion are collectively weighing heavily on the currency. Analysts warn the rupee could slide further toward Rs 91.50, potentially testing fresh lows when markets open Monday. Traders are bracing for continued volatility should Middle East tensions persist, with higher crude import costs expected to compound pressure on India's current account and currency outlook in the near term. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an emergency Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to assess the escalating West Asia crisis following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. With an estimated 9.6 million Indian nationals across the region including 10,000 in Iran, the CCS expressed serious concern over their safety. The panel reviewed stranded travelers, students facing disrupted exams, and broader economic implications. All departments were directed to assist affected Indians. New Delhi is not immediately considering evacuations due to airspace closures. The MEA has issued advisories and activated embassy helplines across Tehran, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Damascus, while EAM Jaishankar urged both Iran and Israel to exercise restraint. (PC: PMO)