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.

Dinesh K Tripathi said the Indian Navy was “minutes away from striking Pakistan” during Operation Sindoor. He said the strike was stopped after Pakistan requested a halt in action. The operation followed the Pahalgam terror attack last year. The Navy maintained a “highly aggressive posture” and showed strong readiness. Speaking at a ceremony in Mumbai, he praised naval forces for quick deployment. He also said global tensions have increased at sea due to ongoing conflicts. Many ships remain stranded in West Asia. The Navy continues to stay alert and prepared for any future threats.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to attend the BRICS summit scheduled in September in India, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. Speaking in Colombo, he said Moscow would support New Delhi’s efforts to build consensus among member nations. He also confirmed that Russia will honour all existing oil export contracts despite its decision to ban gasoline exports from April 1 due to price fluctuations. The assurance comes amid global energy uncertainty, signalling Russia’s intent to maintain reliability in ongoing commitments while managing domestic market pressures through export restrictions on refined fuel supplies. (PC: AP)

A tanker carrying about 600,000 barrels of crude from Iran is heading to Gujarat, raising hopes of oil trade with India resuming. The vessel Ping Shun is expected near Vadinar on April 4. The buyer is not confirmed. This could be the first such shipment since 2019. The move follows a 30-day waiver by the United States for pre-loaded cargo. One analyst said trade has “flickered back to life” amid supply concerns. However, tracking data may change and final delivery is not certain yet. (PC: X)