Germany extends ban on arms export to Saudi Arabia

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.

"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.

Liberia-flagged ship 'Shenlong Suezmax' has reached Mumbai port, it was captained by an Indian and was loaded with crude oil from the Saudi port Ras Tanura

Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple drones targeting the "Shaybah oil field" as regional tensions soar. Amid the conflict, Russia and Saudi Arabia "emphasised the need" for international efforts to prevent escalation. Meanwhile, the US warned Russia not to intervene, despite Trump and Putin discussing "opportunity for some peace" in Ukraine.

MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, said that the Indian Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational and is on high alert. The government is assisting Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who wish to leave the country. He further added that those choosing to exit Iran via land, the embassy is assisting citizens in crossing into Armenia and Azerbaijan, from where they can board commercial flights to return to India.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan on the need to make efforts to prevent further escalation of the Middle East crisis.

Amid the developing security situation in West Asia, the Indian Embassy in Qatar provided an update, where it mentioned that about 1000 Indian passengers have travelled back to New Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi. It further said that temporary transit visas of 96 hours' validity had been issued for Indian nationals through the Salwa border to Saudi Arabia and underlined that the Embassy's 24/7 control room remains functional.

China has announced a 7 per cent increase in its 2026 defence budget to roughly USD 277 billion. Amidst regional conflicts and military purges, Beijing is prioritising modernisation and "sovereign rights." While feeling vulnerable due to energy dependencies, China is choosing diplomatic engagement over direct military involvement in current global wars.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have condemned a drone strike on the UAE's Iraqi consulate as a "clear violation" of international law. Australia is deploying military assets to bolster UAE defences, while US President Trump described the regional conflict as a "short-term excursion" that could end soon.

Calling the actions a blatant violation of international charters and law, Saudi Arabia said that it retains the full right to take all measures for safeguarding the country's security, sovereignity and safety of people.