Asia

"Russia's policy is very dangerous": Polish Institute of International Affairs Director urges India to pivot beyond Russian crude

International experts at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 underscored India's strategic autonomy and evolving global role. Amidst a 30-day US waiver for Russian oil, diplomats from Poland, the OECD, and Austria emphasised that while diversification is key, India remains a trusted, essential partner in navigating complex global energy and security challenges.

2026-03-06T08:59:14.941608+00:00 IST

Bodies of two missing men found in Balochistan; BYC slams Pak

Two bodies were found in Panjgur, Balochistan, raising concerns over enforced disappearances. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee alleged both victims were previously taken by armed men linked to security forces. Rights groups highlighted a continuing pattern of disappearances and killings in the region, while Pakistani authorities have not issued an official response.

2026-03-06T08:18:25.314701+00:00 IST

Vikram Misri discusses meets Special Advisor to Japanese PM

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday discussed defence technology and economic security with Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister Sadamasa Oue in the backdrop of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

2026-03-06T08:03:46.419156+00:00 IST

"We have not closed the Strait of Hormuz": Iran’s Dy FM

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh dismissed claims that Tehran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, calling Iran an "anchor of stability" in the Gulf. Labelling the conflict an "existential war" driven by US-Israeli "aggression," he advocated for diplomacy and warned of a firm response to any unprovoked attacks.

2026-03-06T08:02:13.799764+00:00 IST

"You can’t appoint mayor of New York...." Iran Dy FM mocks Trump

Further, Khatibzadeh dismissed claims that Iran had shut down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that Tehran continues to act as a stabilising force in the Gulf despite the escalating war with Israel and the United States. He stressed that Tehran remains a responsible power in the Gulf despite escalating tensions with Israel and the United States.

2026-03-06T07:27:18.995494+00:00 IST

"India is an essential partner to the US": Meredith Walker 

International experts at Raisina Dialogue 2026 underscored India's pivotal role in global energy and technology. US economist Meredith Walker called India an "essential partner" for energy stability, while Bhutan's Tshering Cigay Dorji lauded India's leadership in making AI inclusive and accessible for smaller nations through its "seven pillars" initiative.

2026-03-06T07:21:00.319742+00:00 IST

"Global South emanates from shared history": EAM Jaishankar

EAM S Jaishankar stated that the era of "big deals" between dominant powers is over, as multipolarity is now an irreversible reality. He argued that the Global South is defined by shared historical experiences, while noting a growing "differentiation" within the previously unified Global West.

2026-03-06T06:21:16.458332+00:00 IST

"Cost of multipolarity is too high": Finnish President Stubb

Finnish President Alexander Stubb warned of a "detachment" of the United States from the global West, noting it increasingly acts without consultation. Citing conflicts in West Asia, Ukraine, and Sudan, he called for a "new covenant" because the current cost of uncoordinated multipolarity is "too high."

2026-03-06T05:49:30.771001+00:00 IST

"No country today is an overall hegemon": EAM S Jaishankar

EAM S Jaishankar stated that freezing the post-1945 world order was "unrealistic," as power has "spread out" across various domains. Predicting a more multipolar future driven by technology and demographics, he argued that no single country can remain an "overall hegemon" in today's rapidly changing global landscape.

2026-03-06T05:36:23.669399+00:00 IST

"Will resist to the last bullet": Iran's Saeed Khatibzadeh

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated Tehran has "no option" but to resist American and Israeli "invasion" to the "last bullet." Describing the conflict as a "heroic nationalist defence," he accused the US of "Nazi" tactics and reiterated the importance of Indo-Persian civilizational ties.

2026-03-06T05:19:21.599575+00:00 IST

"Destruction of ballistic missile capability": Bonnie Glick

Bonnie Glick, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, stated the US aims to destroy Iran's ballistic and nuclear capabilities, predicting the conflict could end within weeks. Meanwhile, Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of ORF America, emphasised that India's priorities remain the safety of its 1 crore diaspora and energy supplies.

2026-03-06T04:58:15.083604+00:00 IST

Raisina Dialogue 2026 Inaugurated by PM Modi and President Stubb

President Stubb emphasised the importance of the Global South for shaping growth and progress.

2026-03-06T04:27:41.597508+00:00 IST

Theaters are bleeding together": Experts on West Asia spillover

Experts at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 warned that global conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine are "bleeding together" with Indo-Pacific security. While the US maintains its ability to respond to Taiwan tensions despite Middle East involvement, speakers noted that expanding regional wars are creating a complex, interconnected global crisis.

2026-03-06T04:19:38.281147+00:00 IST

Odisha: Japanese Consulate General organises An Evening in Japan

Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata organised 'An Evening in Japan' in collaboration with India-Japan Friendship Centre and the Hotel Association, Puri in Odisha.

2026-03-06T04:05:49.092721+00:00 IST

Lankan Presidentcalls for peace amid West Asia conflict

Lankan President Anura Disanayake has stated that Sri Lanka will remain non-aligned during the current West Asia conflict calling for all parties to demonstrate a commitment to peace.

2026-03-06T03:53:37.419879+00:00 IST

"US will respond if needed": Bonnie Glick on Taiwan tensions

Bonnie Glick, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, stated at the Raisina Dialogue that the US can manage the Iran conflict while maintaining its ability to respond to China regarding Taiwan. She described India as Washington's most important democratic ally, based on shared values rather than just economics.

2026-03-06T03:49:27.760274+00:00 IST

"Unexpected arrangements likely": ORF's Dhruva Jaishankar

Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of ORF America, stated at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 that global conflicts necessitate "unexpected arrangements" and "carve outs" to balance geostrategic competition with economic stability. He noted that even during crises, the US remains conscious of global energy markets, requiring nations to navigate these contradictions.

2026-03-06T03:28:54.261217+00:00 IST

"Conflict has become regional, consequences far-reaching": Ramful

Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful warned that the Middle East crisis has become a regional conflict impacting food and energy security. Speaking to ANI, he lauded India's maritime leadership in the Indian Ocean and reaffirmed Mauritius' legal sovereignty over the Chagos Islands following international tribunal rulings.

2026-03-06T03:06:12.992176+00:00 IST

"Elect those who are on side of peace, good governance": KP Oli

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed that the election must help restore stability and democratic order in the country, while expressing confidence that his party would secure a strong mandate in the General Elections 2026.

2026-03-06T00:37:30.835931+00:00 IST

Finland reiterates support for India’s permanent UNSC membership

In the joint statement released during the state visit of Finnish President Alexander Stubb to India, the Finnish President reaffirmed Helsinki's backing for India's permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council, emphasising the need for comprehensive reforms to make the body more efficient, representative and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities.

2026-03-05T17:50:13.327765+00:00 IST

Nepal sees around 60% voter turnout in general elections

Nepal's general elections saw a preliminary voter turnout of around 60%, mostly from the Gen Z demographic, contributing to the "unprecedented" energy at the polls. The Election Commission attributed the successful conduct to improved voter education, cooperation from political parties, and robust security measures.

2026-03-05T17:32:36.225407+00:00 IST