Iran’s parliament has approved potential closure of Strait of Hormuz in response to US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, but country’s top security body is yet to take final call.
Despite contraction in exports, India’s merchandise trade deficit improved in 2023-24, owing to steeper drop in imports. However, the trade deficit with China & Russia widened.
India was the top buyer of Russian oil last year after other groups retreated from purchases following Western sanctions on Moscow for its invasion on Ukraine in February 2022.
Just because India's increased oil imports proved beneficial after Russia-Ukraine war doesn't mean Modi govt should continue with it. Israel-Hamas conflict could hurt us now.
As Houthis attack ships in Red Sea in solidarity with Palestine, shippers are considering alternative routes. Delay in oil supplies to India could force it to buy more from Middle East.
European Union ban on Russian crude imports from 5 Dec will drive European refiners to buy more Middle East oil, putting them in competition with Asian buyers.
India’s industrial output growth saw a 10-month low in June, with Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growing by mere 1.5% as against 1.9% in May 2025.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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