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Tuesday, April 21, 2026
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New Zealand PM seeks backing for India FTA, hits back at ‘butter chicken tsunami’ criticism

Legal verification of free trade agreement has been completed, with both countries agreeing it will be signed on 27 April in New Delhi.

West Asia war HIGHLIGHTS: Iran says ‘no decision’ on second round of peace talks with US

US intercepted an Iranian cargo ship. JD Vance will reach Pakistan Monday but Iran has not confirmed its attendance so far. Follow live updates on the war

What’s the extent of India’s dependence on maritime chokepoints & why alternatives are stunted

Bulk of India's trade and energy supplies passes through 4 maritime chokepoints—the Malacca Strait, Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and Bab al-Mandab.

Recovery of energy flows will be ‘gradual rather than immediate’ as Hormuz re-opens post ceasefire

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz eases supply fears, but controlled shipping, slow output recovery, and high costs may delay oil flow normalisation for months.

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open’ as Lebanon ceasefire kicks in

“In line with ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for remaining period of ceasefire,” Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said.

US ends oil waivers but Russian crude flows to India ‘likely to remain steady’ amid Hormuz disruption

India will need to recalibrate crude sourcing strategy as US ends waivers for Russian & Iranian oil, energy experts say. But Russian crude will likely remain central to energy basket.

West Asia war: Trump ‘prohibits’ Israel from bombing Lebanon; Netanyahu doubles down

Trump says US and Iran are close to making a deal as a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect.

2nd attempt in less than a year: LeT co-founder Amir Hamza shot at by unidentified gunmen in Lahore

Amir Hamza was recruited by LeT commander Lakhvi. Attack took place Thursday in Lahore when Hamza was travelling in vehicle owned by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s TV channel.

LNG shortage triggers extensive blackouts in Pakistan

Shortfall reached 4,500 MW with load shedding stretching beyond two hours and up to 14 hours in places as supplies from Qatar remain hit.

Dead on arrival to revival: IMEC regains momentum as India, UAE & US look for new trade route

US has begun discussing India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), whose infra has remained dormant amid West Asia turmoil but digital ecosystem sees growth with India-UAE efforts.

On Camera

University townships — India’s chance to build its own version of what America got right

India’s university towns initiative is an opportunity to do something we have never managed at scale: build knowledge ecosystems rather than knowledge silos.

FTA partners drive India’s trade surge as reliance on non-FTA countries dips, says NITI Aayog report

Share of trade with FTA partners rose from 4.6% in 2006 to 28.8% in 2024. India is currently negotiating or advancing agreements with US, Israel, GCC, Canada & Mexico.

Japan overhauls post-World War II pacifist military approach, lifts restrictions on defence exports

Since October last year, Japan PM Sanae Takaichi has planned to increase defence spending target to 2 percent of GDP.

Trump, Netanyahu’s Iran gamble: The regime change rebound

American objectives are unmet. They neither have muscle nor motivation to resume the war. As for Iran, the regime didn’t just survive, it’s now led by more radical individuals.