Sergio Gor said, “It’s for India to decide,” on joining Middle East peace efforts. He added the US would welcome India’s role. Donald Trump supports wider global participation. Gor spoke after meetings in Washington with top officials. He also confirmed Marco Rubio will visit India soon. Meanwhile, Narendra Modi and Trump discussed the conflict and stressed keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. Tensions remain high after the US blockade of Iranian ports.

Narendra Modi and Donald Trump held a 40-minute phone call on Tuesday as the West Asia conflict remains in a stalemate. This was their third call this year. The leaders discussed the ongoing tensions after failed talks in Islamabad. India stressed the need for peace and de-escalation. Modi also highlighted the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. The conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. A temporary truce is in place until April 22. Talks between the US and Iran may resume soon. (PC: HT)

India has resumed imports of Iranian crude for the first time in seven years, following a temporary waiver from the United States. Two tankers carrying oil from Iran have reached Indian ports, including the Iran-flagged Felicity at Sikka and the Curacao-flagged Jaya at Odisha. The shipments mark the first such delivery since May 2019, when US sanctions halted trade. The waiver, set to expire on April 19, has enabled refiners like Indian Oil Corporation and Reliance Industries to procure Iranian oil. The move reflects shifting energy dynamics amid global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

S. Jaishankar and Israel Katz held discussions on escalating regional tensions, focusing on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and the situation in Lebanon. The Israeli side stressed the need for a firm United States stance in negotiations to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, including restrictions on uranium enrichment and removal of existing stockpiles. Concerns were also raised over threats to maritime security in Hormuz, with emphasis on ensuring safe navigation for India and Gulf nations. The dialogue highlights growing diplomatic coordination amid rising geopolitical tensions and risks to global energy supply routes.

An exhibition titled “Angels of Minab” at the Iranian Embassy showcases drawings recovered from a girls’ school in Minab destroyed during February 28 US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The attack, reportedly caused by a Tomahawk missile targeting error, killed over 165 children and staff. The artwork, restored from debris by Red Crescent teams, highlights the human cost of conflict and lost innocence. The initiative aligns with Iran’s diplomatic messaging following failed US-Iran talks. A symbolic tribute by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf further underscored the tragedy, drawing global attention to civilian casualties.

Mohammad Fathali stated that Indian tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz have not paid any tolls and will continue to pass freely despite escalating tensions. He emphasised strong India-Iran ties and ongoing coordination to ensure safe passage. The statement follows Donald Trump’s warning to block vessels paying Iran. India’s government reiterated that no payments were made and no such discussions occurred. Around half of India’s crude oil and LPG imports rely on this route, with 15 Indian-flagged vessels currently stranded in the Persian Gulf amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. (PC: X)

Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council said India and China should give more foreign aid. He said, “it’s time” they support global relief efforts. He also warned that cutting aid to boost defence spending is a “major strategic mistake”. Egeland said many countries are reducing aid while crises grow. He noted that the United States cuts have already affected humanitarian work. He added that lack of aid could increase migration and instability. He urged nations to balance security spending with support for vulnerable people. (PC: Ed Prior/Norwegian Refugee Council)

The Indian vessel Jag Vikram is set to cross the Strait of Hormuz and is being escorted towards India. It will be the ninth Indian ship to pass through the route. The tanker carries LPG and has 24 Indian crew members onboard. Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the update. The movement follows a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Tensions remain after failed talks and a US blockade warning. Around 15 Indian vessels are still waiting for safe passage. (PC: AP)

An Indian techie’s message about caring for his newborn has gone viral online. He asked his US manager for flexible hours as he needed to look after his baby in the evening. He assured her, “I will make up this time by working early or late.” The manager responded kindly, saying, “This is wonderful,” and suggested he block the time as “OOO” to avoid conflicts. The techie shared that such support motivates him to work better. He also compared work cultures, saying freedom abroad feels “next level.” Social media users praised both the manager’s understanding and the employee’s honesty and clear communication.

Indian astronaut-designates, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Air Commodore Balakrishnan Nair, have hailed Artemis II as a “watershed moment” following its successful completion. The mission marked humanity’s first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit in over 50 years, with astronauts travelling farther from Earth than ever before and safely splashing down after a 10-day lunar flyby. Indian space representatives described it as a shared global achievement that inspires future exploration. They emphasized its significance for India’s own space ambitions, highlighting collaboration under the Artemis Accords and renewed momentum toward human missions to the Moon and beyond. (PC: ISRO)