Amid geopolitical fragmentation, India maintains constructive ties across competing blocs

Sarabjeet S Parmar | March 13, 2026 9:37 PM

New Delhi: The ongoing conflict in West Asia, particularly the rising escalation involving the US, Israel, and Iran, has sucked in the Gulf states and has created one of the most volatile environments in recent decades. For India, whose economic and strategic interests are deeply tied to West Asia, the crisis presents both challenges and opportunities. New Delhi has responded with a carefully calibrated policy of strategic neutrality, emphasising restraint, dialogue, and diplomatic engagement rather than overt alignment with any side. This posture reflects India’s broader foreign policy doctrine of strategic autonomy and plurilateralism, which seeks to maintain balanced relationships with multiple actors.

West Asia crisis: Indian diplomacy characterised by restraint and balance

IANS | March 13, 2026 9:27 PM

Abu Dhabi, March 13 (IANS) Amid ongoing conflict in West Asia, India has pursued a diplomatic path, prioritising the safety of its citizens while engaging with all partners in the region. India's response has remained measured, responsible and humane., a report has highlighted

US Embassy in Islamabad extends suspension of visa services until March 20

IANS | March 13, 2026 7:53 PM

Islamabad, March 13 (IANS) The US Embassy in Islamabad on Friday extended the suspension of its visa services until March 20 while stating that all consular services at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore also remain suspended.

Iran is losing military power fast: US

IANS | March 13, 2026 7:23 PM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) The US said Friday that its military campaign against Iran had sharply degraded Tehran’s armed forces, with more than 6,000 targets struck and Iranian naval power rendered “combat ineffective” as the conflict entered its 13th day.

Pentagon blames Iran for Strait of Hormuz disruption

IANS | March 13, 2026 7:12 PM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) The Pentagon on Friday said Iran, not the United States or its allies, was responsible for disruptions to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Conducted airstrikes on Pakistan's strategic military installations: Afghan Defence Ministry

IANS | March 13, 2026 6:20 PM

Kabul, March 13 (IANS) Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence said on Friday that it has conducted strikes on Pakistani military centres and installations in Kohat district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in retaliation to the airstrikes launched by Islamabad on Thursday night which resulted in several civilian casualities on the Afghan side.

ISI eyes high-ranking officials in planned honeytrap spy network

Vicky Nanjappa | March 13, 2026 12:21 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The ISI is engaging India in an unconventional battle whereby it is using social media to pull out sensitive information.

West Asia war: PM Modi speaks to Iranian Prez, stresses safety of Indians and energy transit

IANS | March 12, 2026 11:40 PM

New Delhi, March 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to review the serious situation unfolding in the West Asia region.

Operation Epic Fury: 6,000 targets, 90 Iranian vessels hit, claims US

IANS | March 12, 2026 10:54 PM

Washington, March 12 (IANS) The United States has struck about 6,000 targets in Iran and damaged or destroyed more than 90 Iranian vessels, including over 60 ships and at least 30 minelayers, as part of the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, according to an official U.S. military fact sheet released on Wednesday.

Indian Coast Guard carries out timely medical evacuation near Gujarat

IANS | March 12, 2026 10:23 PM

Veraval, March 12 (IANS) In a swift and coordinated search and rescue operation on Thursday, an injured fisherman was safely evacuated by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) after a distress call from a fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea.