In a major diplomatic development, Iran has allowed India-flagged oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional conflict. The move reportedly followed discussions between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Two Indian tankers Pushpak and Parimal are currently transiting the strait safely, while ships linked to the United States, Europe and Israel continue to face restrictions. Earlier, a Liberia-flagged tanker carrying Saudi crude to India also crossed the passage safely and docked in Mumbai. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most crucial energy corridors, carrying about 20 million barrels of oil per day, nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption. Any disruption in this route can significantly impact global energy markets and supply chains. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian national has been killed after Iran reportedly targeted a US-owned oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu, near the waters of Iraq using a “suicide boat”. The attack is part of escalating maritime strikes during the ongoing conflict involving United States, Israel and Iran. According to reports, at least three Indian nationals have died and more than 20 others have been injured in Iranian strikes on merchant vessels in recent days. Earlier attacks also targeted ships such as MV MKD Vyom and MV Skylight near Oman. India has issued advisories for citizens across Gulf nations, where millions of Indians live and work, as tensions continue to rise.

India has welcomed the decision by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release emergency oil reserves to stabilise global markets amid supply disruptions linked to the escalating Middle East conflict. The government said it is closely monitoring developments in global energy markets and remains prepared to take necessary measures if required. As an associate member of the IEA, India emphasised its commitment to global energy cooperation and supporting efforts to maintain stability in international oil supplies. (PC: X)

Eight seafarers from India who survived a missile attack on the oil tanker Sky Light near Oman’s Khasab port are stranded abroad after a fire destroyed their passports, phones and personal belongings. The attack on March 1 occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The vessel’s captain, Ashish Kumar from Bihar, was killed, while another crew member, Dalip Singh from Rajasthan, remains missing. The surviving sailors are currently staying at Khasab Airport and waiting for emergency travel documents from authorities so they can return home. (PC: The Indian Express)

The administration of Donald Trump has launched a new trade investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting 16 major trading partners including China, European Union, India, Japan and South Korea. The probe, announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, focuses on countries suspected of having excess manufacturing capacity that could distort global markets. The move comes after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a key part of Trump’s tariff policy, prompting the administration to explore new legal tools to maintain trade pressure. Officials say the investigation could result in fresh tariffs by summer, as Washington seeks to reduce trade deficits and protect domestic manufacturing. (PC: X/@News18)

Flight prices from Abu Dhabi to Delhi have sharply increased due to the ongoing Iran-US war. Limited flights and rising jet fuel costs have pushed ticket prices as high as Rs 70,000 this week. Only one to two direct flights are operating daily between the two cities. Airlines such as Etihad and Air India Express are running the limited services. On March 12, a direct Etihad flight was priced at about Rs 54,166. On March 14, fares reached nearly Rs 69,678. Normally, tickets on this route cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 21,500. Many Indian travellers in the UAE are struggling to return home due to high prices.

A new proposal in the United States, called the Welcoming International Success Act (WISA), could ease strict rules in the H-1B visa programme. The bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives by lawmaker Bonnie Watson Coleman. It aims to reverse tough rules introduced in 2025, including a $100,000 employer fee and stricter wage conditions. These rules made it harder for companies to hire foreign workers. Indians receive over 70% of H-1B visas, so the change could benefit many professionals and students. However, the proposal is still at an early stage and must pass the House, Senate, and receive presidential approval before becoming law.

India on Wednesday condemned the attack on a Thai-flagged cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, which was sailing to Gujarat’s Kandla port through the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being targeted in the West Asia conflict.” The ship was reportedly hit by two projectiles, causing a fire and damage to the engine room. Twenty crew members were rescued, while three remain missing. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later claimed responsibility for the strike. India urged all sides to avoid targeting commercial vessels and endangering civilian crew members during the ongoing conflict in the region. (PC: AP)

Two Indian nationals were killed and another remains missing after merchant vessels were attacked during the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Indian government confirmed. The seafarers were part of the crew on commercial ships sailing in the Gulf region when the vessels came under attack amid rising tensions linked to the Iran-US-Israel conflict. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, authorities are working with shipping companies and regional governments to locate the missing crew member and assist affected families. The incident highlights growing risks for international shipping routes and seafarers as the war disrupts maritime traffic and security in West Asia. (PC: X)

A Thai-flagged cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, travelling to Kandla Port in Gujarat, India, was attacked near the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid escalating Middle East tensions. The vessel had departed from the UAE when it was struck by projectiles, triggering explosions and a fire in the engine room. Around 20 crew members were rescued by the Omani Navy, while three sailors remain missing after the blast. The incident comes during the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict, with Iran warning that ships linked to its adversaries could be targeted in the vital shipping lane. Attacks on multiple vessels have raised global concerns about maritime safety and disruptions to oil and trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: X)