The Ministry of External Affairs, India has conducted an inter-ministerial briefing on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, emphasizing India’s active engagement with all key interlocutors in the region. Authorities confirmed that India is closely monitoring developments, coordinating with diplomats, and ensuring the safety of Indian citizens and energy interests abroad.

Breaking: India Holds Inter-Ministerial Briefing on West Asia Conflict

The Government of India has assured that petrol and diesel supplies are adequate across the country, amid recent concerns over fuel availability. Authorities confirm that production and distribution channels are functioning normally, ensuring uninterrupted access for consumers and industries.

Breaking: Indian Govt Confirms Petrol & Diesel Supplies Adequate Nationwide

The United States has carried out strikes on military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, a key strategic location in the Persian Gulf and a major hub for Iranian oil exports. US President Donald Trump said American forces destroyed military installations on the island while deliberately avoiding oil infrastructure.

Kharg Island handles the majority of Iran’s crude exports and lies close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Trump also warned that oil facilities could be targeted if shipping through the strait is disrupted.

Meanwhile, two Indian vessels are expected to cross the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the continued risks to commercial shipping as the conflict disrupts maritime traffic in the Gulf. The strait normally carries a significant share of the world’s oil shipments, making any disruption a major global concern.

US Bombs Kharg Island: Iranian Media Provides Detail of Attack 

US-Iran War | Trump: Military Targets on Kharg Island Destroyed; Shares Video of Strikes

India has developed multiple strategies to manage global oil price shocks while keeping petrol and diesel prices relatively stable for consumers. The Government of India uses a mix of diversified crude imports, strategic reserves, tax adjustments, and coordination with public sector oil companies to cushion the impact of volatile global markets.


How India Balances Oil Shocks While Keeping Fuel Prices Steady

The Narendra Modi-led Government of India has warned of strict action after reports of large-scale hoarding of domestic LPG cylinders across parts of India. Authorities say some distributors and traders are allegedly stockpiling cylinders amid supply concerns and rising demand.


India Reports Hoarding of LPG Cylinders, PM Modi Warns of Action

The ongoing West Asia war is causing disruptions to global energy supply chains, including critical LPG imports to India. Reports of hoarding of LPG cylinders have emerged, prompting the Prime Minister to issue a stern warning against such practices. Authorities are monitoring supplies to ensure that citizens have access to cooking fuel amid rising geopolitical tensions. The conflict in the Middle East has sent ripples across international energy markets, affecting prices and supply stability. India’s government is taking proactive steps to prevent shortages and maintain energy security while navigating the global crisis caused by the war.

LPG Crisis In India: India Alerts on LPG Hoarding Amid West Asia Energy Crisis

PM Narendra Modi expressed “deep concern” over the escalating West Asia conflict during a phone call with Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran. The Indian prime minister stressed that protecting Indian nationals and ensuring stable global energy flows remain India’s top priorities.


US-Iran War: PM Modi Calls Iran’s President Amid War; India Prioritises Citizens & Energy Security 

Scenes of chaos unfolded in India’s Parliament as the Petroleum Minister issued an important statement during a heated session in the Lok Sabha. Opposition members raised strong objections, leading to loud protests and disruptions inside the House.

The minister addressed concerns related to fuel supply, global oil tensions, and India’s energy security amid the ongoing geopolitical crisis affecting global oil routes. The statement comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are impacting international oil shipments.

Ruckus In Parliament Over LPG Crisis: How Will India Navigate Through West Asia Conflict?

The Indian government has said alternative fuel options are being activated as global energy markets remain volatile amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Officials say the move is aimed at ensuring stable fuel supplies and protecting the country from potential disruptions to oil shipments, especially through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. India imports a large share of its crude oil from the Middle East, and authorities say contingency plans are in place to maintain energy security and prevent major supply shocks for consumers.


Indian Govt: Alternative Fuel Options Are Being Activated

Amid rising tensions across West Asia, the India government has intensified evacuation efforts to bring its citizens home safely. The first batch of Indian nationals stranded in Lebanon has already returned, while more than 500 Indians have been evacuated from Qatar.

Authorities issued urgent advisories to Indian nationals in the region as additional flights, including services by Qatar Airways, are scheduled to bring more evacuees back to New Delhi and other destinations.

US-Iran War: India Expands Evacuation Operations Amid West Asia Conflict 

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has addressed the escalating US-Israel war with Iran during its weekly media briefing, expressing deep concern over the worsening security situation in West Asia. The MEA urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and prioritize the safety of civilians. New Delhi also highlighted concerns about maritime security and energy supplies, as the region is critical for India’s oil imports and global shipping routes. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held talks with Iranian officials while the government continues to monitor the safety of Indian nationals in the conflict zone.


US-Israel War With Iran: India's Ministry of External Affairs Briefing on West Asia War 

Amid the escalating US-Israel war with Iran, India has intensified diplomatic outreach to Tehran. According to reports, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have spoken three times in the past few days to discuss the rapidly evolving crisis in West Asia. The conversations focused on regional stability, energy security, and the safety of maritime shipping routes critical for global trade and India’s oil imports.


US-Israel War with Iran: 'Jaishankar & Araghchi Held Talks Thrice in Last Few Days'

In a big development, Iran has allowed India's crude vessel to pass through Strait of Hormuz and the tanker has reached Mumbai Port. This came a day after Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar held detailed conversation with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its briefing on Thursday (Mar 12) that in the last conversation between the two leaders the safety of shipping was discussed. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, after the US and Israel launched pre-emptive attack on the Islamic Republic on Feb 28. It has declared that any vessel passing through the passage would require Iran's prior approval, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard stating that it would "not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region to the US" through the strait. Brent Crude is trading around $100.25 per barrel as of Mar 12. The closure of Strait of Hormuz has raised global fears for energy and oil needs as it is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global crude oil and natural gas shipments transit. The latest development may be termed as India's Iran diplomacy paying off amid heightened tensions in the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-four-weeks-to-war-is-very-complete-to-not-won-enough-trump-contradicts-himself-about-endgame-of-iran-war-khamenei-dead-netanyahu-israel-1773117026231">From 'four weeks' to 'war is very complete' to 'not won enough': Trump contradicts himself about endgame of Iran war</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260312/image-1773292492767.png"></figure>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-goal-in-iran-war-is-not-regime-change-destroying-nuclear-weapons-program-senator-makes-big-claims-1773222254709">US goal in Iran war is NOT regime change, destroying nuclear weapons program: Senator makes BIG claims</a>&nbsp;The crude vessel that reached the Mumbai port was Liberian flagged tanker captained by an Indian. It became the first India-destined vessel to safely transit the waterway, where maritime traffic has all but halted since the US and Israel attacked Iran. Liberia-flagged tanker ship was named 'Shenlong' and was captained by an Indian and was loaded with crude oil from the Saudi port Ras Tanura.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Liberian-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax arrives at Mumbai port carrying Saudi crude, becoming the first India-bound shipment to navigate the volatile Strait of Hormuz since the war in West Asia. The tanker was captained by an Indian mariner. Video: ANI <a href="https://t.co/4HIzV98jzM">pic.twitter.com/4HIzV98jzM</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2032005772025217520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Earlier, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said that two ships that had ignored Iran's warnings were targeted in the Strait. "Were the ships assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This should be asked from the crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree, who today, trusting in empty promises, ignored the warnings and intended to cross the Strait, but were caught. Any vessel intending to pass must obtain permission from Iran," the Iranian general said in a post on X.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260312/image-1773294749966.png"></figure>&nbsp;On March 5, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the passage is closed to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe and their Western allies. Modifying its order on March 10, IRGC said that it will grant those countries “unrestricted passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, that expel Israeli and American ambassadors from their territory.&nbsp;Moreover, Iranian sources denied any transit being allowed though Strait of Hormuz to every Indian flagged ships.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iran sources deny any transit being allowed though Strait of Hormuz, when asked if Indian flagged ships are allowed&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/2031972033362608283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Iran has allowed Indian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The move aims to protect India’s energy imports amid raging war in West Asia

In a big development, Iran has allowed India's crude vessel to pass through Strait of Hormuz and the tanker has reached Mumbai Port. This came a day after Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar held detailed conversation with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its briefing on Thursday (Mar 12) that in the last conversation between the two leaders the safety of shipping was discussed. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, after the US and Israel launched pre-emptive attack on the Islamic Republic on Feb 28. It has declared that any vessel passing through the passage would require Iran's prior approval, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard stating that it would "not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region to the US" through the strait. Brent Crude is trading around $100.25 per barrel as of Mar 12. The closure of Strait of Hormuz has raised global fears for energy and oil needs as it is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global crude oil and natural gas shipments transit. The latest development may be termed as India's Iran diplomacy paying off amid heightened tensions in the region. Also Read: From 'four weeks' to 'war is very complete' to 'not won enough': Trump contradicts himself about endgame of Iran war Also Read: US goal in Iran war is NOT regime change, destroying nuclear weapons program: Senator makes BIG claims The crude vessel that reached the Mumbai port was Liberian flagged tanker captained by an Indian. It became the first India-destined vessel to safely transit the waterway, where maritime traffic has all but halted since the US and Israel attacked Iran. Liberia-flagged tanker ship was named 'Shenlong' and was captained by an Indian and was loaded with crude oil from the Saudi port Ras Tanura.

Iran has allowed Indian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The move aims to protect India’s energy imports amid raging war in West Asia

India's crude vessel reaches Mumbai port after Iran's nod, MEA says 'shipping safety was discussed' in call with Iran FM, Jaishankar

India’s premier counter-terror agency National Investigation Agency has carried out multiple raids in Poonch, located in Jammu and Kashmir, as part of a sweeping crackdown on terror financing and support networks. The searches focused on areas including Mohalla Khorinar and Hari-Surankote, where investigators are probing suspected links to funding channels and logistical support for militant groups. Officials say the operation is part of a broader effort by the India government to dismantle terror infrastructure in the region.


NIA Crackdown In J&K: Raids In Poonch Target Terror Funding Networks

India is navigating rising energy demand with sufficient coal reserves, currently enough to last approximately 88 days, according to the government. This move aims to stabilize electricity supply and prevent disruptions amid global energy volatility.

India’s Energy Strategy Amid Shocks | Coal Reserves Enough for 88 Days

In a landmark decision, India’s top court has allowed passive euthanasia for a 32-year-old man who has remained in a permanent vegetative state for the past 13 years after a fall. The ruling permits doctors to withdraw life support, recognising the constitutional right to die with dignity in exceptional circumstances.

The court noted that the man’s condition is medically irreversible and that continuing life support would not improve his health. The decision came after a detailed medical evaluation and consent from the family, marking one of the rare cases where withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment has been legally permitted.

India: Top Court Allows Passive Euthanasia For Man In Vegetative State

North Korea has conducted a test of a new naval cruise missile, further strengthening its maritime strike capabilities. State media reported that the weapon is designed to be launched from warships and target enemy vessels with high precision.


North Korea Missile: North Korea Tests New Naval Cruise Missile 

Rising tensions between Israel and Iran are triggering fears of a possible fuel price hike in India, leaving motorists and cab drivers worried about the impact on their daily earnings.

Drivers across major Indian cities say even a small increase in petrol prices could significantly affect their livelihoods, as fuel accounts for a major portion of operating costs for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles. Many drivers fear prolonged volatility in global oil markets could force oil companies to raise prices at the pump.

India imports nearly 85–88% of its crude oil, making the country highly sensitive to global supply disruptions and price fluctuations

Israel-Iran War Sparks Fuel Price Fears As Indian Drivers Brace

The escalating Iran war has now struck the heart of Gulf energy infrastructure. A suspected drone strike triggered a fire at the massive Ruwais Industrial Complex in the United Arab Emirates, forcing authorities to shut down the country’s flagship refinery as a precaution.

The facility is operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and can process around 922,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it one of the largest single-site refineries in the world. Emergency teams rushed to contain the fire after the strike, though officials say there were no reported injuries.

US-Iran War: Drone Strike Shuts UAE’s Ruwais Refinery As Iran War Hits Gulf Oil 

Global pop star Shakira is set to perform in three Indian cities as part of her return to the country. The tour will include concerts in Mumbai and New Delhi, marking a major moment for fans as the singer makes her historic return to India.


India: Shakira To Perform In India After Years, Mumbai And New Delhi On Tour List | WION

Sri Lanka’s Navy has rescued and brought ashore more than 200 crew members from the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Bushehr after the ship reported engine problems near its waters. The sailors were transported to Colombo Port and later moved to the Welisara Naval Base for medical checks and processing. The vessel is expected to be escorted to Trincomalee as authorities manage the humanitarian situation.

India Confirms Docking Of Iris Lavan: Another Iranian Ship Near Sri Lanka Coast? 

Global supply chains face heightened risk after QatarEnergy halted LNG production amid escalating regional conflict, removing about 20% of worldwide LNG exports and contributing to shipping disruptions. Rising insurance costs and blocked transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz further threaten energy and goods movement, intensifying global market uncertainty.

LPG Crisis: India Faces Cooking Gas Cylinders Shortage 

Global supply chains face heightened risk after QatarEnergy halted LNG production amid escalating regional conflict, removing about 20% of worldwide LNG exports and contributing to shipping disruptions. Rising insurance costs and blocked transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz further threaten energy and goods movement, intensifying global market uncertainty.


US-Iran War | Reports: Commercial LPG Shortage Hits Mumbai, Bengaluru

Energy Crisis: 'India First' Approach Guides Decision To Keep Oil Reserves Intact

The Government of India has invoked the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955, effective March 2026, to address potential energy supply disruptions caused by raging war in West Asia after Israel and the US attacked Iran on Feb 28. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued specific directives to regulate the production and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and natural gas to ensure their availability for domestic and critical sectors. This simply means the oil refining&nbsp;companies have been ordered to maximise production of LPG and make&nbsp;it&nbsp;available to domestic consumers only. The order invokes clauses 3 and 5 of the&nbsp;ECA&nbsp;which also&nbsp;sets&nbsp;supply limits for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260310/image-1773131873280.png"></figure>&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-determine-iran-rejects-trump-s-war-very-much-complete-claims-says-this-about-oil-export-to-us-1773110587663">'We will determine...': Iran rejects Trump's 'war very much complete' claims, says THIS about oil export to US</a><h2>What is Essential Commodities Act (ECA)?</h2>The Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 is a central legislation designed to ensure the delivery of specific goods whose supply, if obstructed by hoarding or black marketing or any other external factor. In 2020, the Indian Parliament amended the Act, restricting the Centre’s authority to regulate cereals, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oilseeds and oils only during situations like war, famine, or severe natural calamities.&nbsp;The Act empowers the government to regulate the production, supply, distribution, and pricing of these commodities to ensure they are available to consumers at fair prices in crucial times as well. The Central Government can add or remove items from the "Schedule" of the Act based on public interest. Since 2020, the Centre has invoked the ECA five times citing the need to control food prices and safeguard domestic supply.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-four-weeks-to-war-is-very-complete-to-not-won-enough-trump-contradicts-himself-about-endgame-of-iran-war-khamenei-dead-netanyahu-israel-1773117026231">From 'four weeks' to 'war is very complete' to 'not won enough': Trump contradicts himself about endgame of Iran war</a>&nbsp;As the Act has been invoked now, all oil refining companies must maximise production of LPG using available propane and butane streams. Refiners are prohibited from diverting propane or butane for manufacturing petrochemical products or other downstream derivatives. Public sector OMCs — IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL— must supply the procured LPG exclusively to domestic households. A new Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 prioritises gas allocation to domestic PNG, CNG, and fertiliser plants. To prevent hoarding, government has mandated a 25-days window for fresh cylinder bookings.

India has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to safeguard LPG and natural gas supplies amid fears of energy disruptions due to the West Asia war. Refiners have been ordered to maximise LPG output, while OMCs must prioritise domestic consumers 

The Government of India has invoked the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955, effective March 2026, to address potential energy supply disruptions caused by raging war in West Asia after Israel and the US attacked Iran on Feb 28. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued specific directives to regulate the production and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and natural gas to ensure their availability for domestic and critical sectors. This simply means the oil refining companies have been ordered to maximise production of LPG and make it available to domestic consumers only. The order invokes clauses 3 and 5 of the ECA which also sets supply limits for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Also Read: 'We will determine...': Iran rejects Trump's 'war very much complete' claims, says THIS about oil export to US What is Essential Commodities Act (ECA)? The Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 is a central legislation designed to ensure the delivery of specific goods whose supply, if obstructed by hoarding or black marketing or any other external factor. In 2020, the Indian Parliament amended the Act, restricting the Centre’s authority to regulate cereals, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oilseeds and oils only during situations like war, famine, or severe natural calamities. The Act empowers the government to regulate the production, supply, distribution, and pricing of these commodities to ensure they are available to consumers at fair prices in crucial times as well. The Central Government can add or remove items from the "Schedule" of the Act based on public interest. Since 2020, the Centre has invoked the ECA five times citing the need to control food prices and safeguard domestic supply. Also Read: From 'four weeks' to 'war is very complete' to 'not won enough': Trump contradicts himself about endgame of Iran war As the Act has been invoked now, all oil refining companies must maximise production of LPG using available propane and butane streams. Refiners are prohibited from diverting propane or butane for manufacturing petrochemical products or other downstream derivatives. Public sector OMCs — IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL— must supply the procured LPG exclusively to domestic households. A new Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 prioritises gas allocation to domestic PNG, CNG, and fertiliser plants. To prevent hoarding, government has mandated a 25-days window for fresh cylinder bookings.

India has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to safeguard LPG and natural gas supplies amid fears of energy disruptions due to the West Asia war. Refiners have been ordered to maximise LPG output, while OMCs must prioritise domestic consumers&nbsp;

Indian govt invokes Essential Commodities Act to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply amid West Asia war: What this means

Spring has arrived in Srinagar as the historic Badamwari Garden opens its gates for the annual almond blossom festival. The garden, known for its centuries-old almond trees, comes alive each year with pink and white blossoms that signal the beginning of spring in Kashmir.


India: Spring Arrives in Srinagar as Badamwari Hosts Almond Blossom Festival

The India-Japan joint military exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 has successfully concluded, strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations, tactical coordination and interoperability between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. 


India-Japan Joint Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 Culminates 

Indonesia has agreed to procure BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, marking a major boost to defence ties between the two nations. The deal is part of Jakarta’s efforts to modernise its military and strengthen maritime and coastal defence capabilities. Developed jointly by India and Russia, the BrahMos missile is known for its supersonic speed and precision strike capability.


Indonesia to Buy Brahmos Missiles from India Amid Defence Boost 

Indonesia is set to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from India as part of efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities. The deal marks a significant step in growing defence cooperation between New Delhi and Jakarta.

The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea and air platforms.

The potential acquisition highlights Indonesia’s push to modernise its armed forces amid rising security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.

India: Indonesia to Buy India’s BrahMos Missile in Major Defence Deal | WION 

India and Japan have launched the 7th edition of their joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian 2026’ in Chaubatia in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The exercise aims to strengthen defence cooperation and improve interoperability between the armies of the two countries.

‘Dharma Guardian’ is a bilateral military drill conducted between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The exercise focuses on joint tactical operations, counter-terror training and coordination between the two forces.

India, Japan Hold ‘Dharma Guardian 2026’ Joint Military Exercise in Uttarakhand | WION

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