Asia

"India harnessed digital tools to expand...": MEA Secy (West)

George highlighted how digital tools and AI empower 1.4 billion Indians.

2026-03-12T20:23:17.570180+00:00 IST

PM Modi speaks to Iranian President Pezeshkian

"Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure," PM Modi posted on X.

2026-03-12T18:38:51.548177+00:00 IST

India consistently supported Maldives in crisis: Mohamed Nasheed

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

2026-03-12T17:24:56.194121+00:00 IST

"Bangladeshi workers are in devastating situation in Gulf," WARBE

Haque, in a conversation with ANI, said that about four Bangladeshis have died, and 12-13 are injured.

2026-03-12T17:21:08.918193+00:00 IST

MoCA closely monitoring air travel situation in West Asia

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the West Asia region and its impact on air travel between India and countries in the region. Airlines are undertaking necessary operational adjustments in view of the prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and the orderly conduct of flight operations.

2026-03-12T17:01:23.119614+00:00 IST

India rushes to safeguard 9,000 nationals in Iran

India on Thursday highlighted a high-level diplomatic push to protect Indian interests, emphasising the twin priorities of citizen safety and the stability of energy supply chains.

2026-03-12T15:43:06.212574+00:00 IST

"India strongly condemns attacks on merchant ships...": MEA

Speaking during the weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India opposes attacks on merchant shipping "from any quarters" and confirmed that several Indian nationals have been affected in recent incidents.

2026-03-12T14:50:32.440379+00:00 IST

3 Indian seafarers dead in Gulf maritime incidents: Rajesh Sinha

"There have been maritime incidents involving Indian crew on foreign-flagged vessels. Of these vessels, there were 78 Indian seafarers. Of these, 70 are unhurt and escaped. Four sustained injuries over the last few days, but are stable. Unfortunately, there have been three casualties, and one seafarer is missing," he said.

2026-03-12T13:18:28.438171+00:00 IST

"US will never risk sending its navy to open up Strait of Hormuz”

Sibal argued that the US is unlikely to risk a naval operation to forcibly "reopen" the Strait of Hormuz as the deep-water channel necessary for large vessels lies within Iranian territorial waters. Iran does not need sophisticated long-range missiles to defend this corridor; short-range missiles, torpedoes, and mines can easily sink high-value naval assets.

2026-03-12T13:09:11.727524+00:00 IST

China’s expanding system of censorship exposed in Dharamshala

The event titled "Understanding China's System of Political Repression: Voices of Resistance through Art and Journalism" brought together prominent voices critical of China's information control, as reported by Phayul.

2026-03-12T12:48:38.568919+00:00 IST

Jaishankar, Indonesia’s FM exchange perspective on W Asia crisis

In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Pleased to talk to FM Sugiono of Indonesia. Exchanged perspectives on the West Asia conflict. Discussed bilateral ties and agreed to hold the Joint Commission meeting at an early date."

2026-03-12T12:48:16.928403+00:00 IST

India welcomes Nepal’s election results: MEA

India on Thursday welcomed Nepal's successful elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah on their victory, signalling a fresh chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring nations.

2026-03-12T11:55:03.175625+00:00 IST

MEA rejects Pakistan’s statement on India-Canada deal

"We reject this statement made by Pakistan on the matter. India's credentials regarding non-proliferation are impeccable and well recognised by the global community. A country with a well-documented history of clandestine nuclear proliferation can hardly preach the virtues of export controls and proliferation risks. Such ludicrous statements are nothing more than an attempt by Pakistan to distract from its own abysmal record," he said.

2026-03-12T11:20:43.798928+00:00 IST

India rejects Pakistan's "baseless allegations"

India on Thursday rejected Pakistan's allegations of aggravating skirmishes with Afghanistan, calling them "baseless" and accusing Pakistan of blaming others for its own misdeeds.

2026-03-12T11:01:46.454833+00:00 IST

Factoring domestic needs as B'desh, others seek diesel supply

"India is a major exporter of petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. We have been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through waterways, rail and the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline in partnership with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. Diesel exports to Bangladesh have continued since then," he said.

2026-03-12T10:48:43.059107+00:00 IST

Policy delays leave Pakistan short of critical medicines

Pakistan faces a severe shortage of life-saving medicines, including cancer drugs and vaccines, due to government delays in notifying official prices. While global supply remains stable, regulatory hurdles have stalled legal imports, raising concerns over patient survival and the potential rise of unregulated, counterfeit medicines.

2026-03-12T09:29:30.117743+00:00 IST

Bangladesh Parliament elects new Speaker, Deputy Speaker

Bangladesh's 13th Parliament unanimously elected veteran BNP leader Hafizuddin Ahmed as Speaker and Barrister Kayser Kamal as Deputy Speaker. Following the BNP's recent election victory, the two leaders were sworn in by President Shahabuddin in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, marking the new legislative journey.

2026-03-12T08:55:44.484196+00:00 IST

Pakistan’s outdated mandi system stifles agricultural innovation

Pakistan's fruit and vegetable supply remains dominated by traditional middlemen and the "mandi" system, with digital platforms handling only 2-3% of trade. Restrictive provincial laws and lack of infrastructure force farmers into dependency on commission agents, stalling modern technological transformation in the agricultural sector.

2026-03-12T08:26:17.306999+00:00 IST

Hardships grow as Pakistan tightens its grip in Balochistan 

Residents in Balochistan's Zehri and Surab regions are facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to a four-day curfew and military operations. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee reported acute food shortages, blocked healthcare access, and alleged house raids by security forces, urging international bodies to investigate these fundamental rights violations.

2026-03-12T08:10:23.249982+00:00 IST

Tibetan Women’s Association organises protest against China

It's an event to remember the day when Tibetan women from all three provinces of Tibet, for the first time in the history of Tibet, stood together and raised their voice against the brutal Chinese military forces that were occupying Tibet in 1959.

2026-03-12T07:57:45.966054+00:00 IST

"Incident highlights evolving security challenges": DGS

An Indian crew member was killed after the US-owned tanker Safesea Vishnu was attacked by an explosive-laden speedboat near Basra, Iraq. India confirmed that 15 other Indian sailors were successfully evacuated and are receiving diplomatic assistance as regional maritime security challenges continue to escalate.

2026-03-12T07:30:00.076450+00:00 IST