The Ministry of Civil Aviation, led by Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and coordinating with airlines to ensure passenger safety and uninterrupted services. On March 9, 45 inbound flights carried 7,407 passengers. Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air are adjusting operations, with Muscat approved as an alternate airport. Passengers have been advised to check with airlines for updates.
Indian refiners have reportedly purchased around 30 million barrels of Russian crude oil after the United States granted approval for such transactions. Sources familiar with the deals said the move comes as India faces a shortfall in Middle Eastern supplies due to the escalating conflict in the region.
India had been gradually reducing its reliance on Russian oil over the past year under US pressure, instead sourcing crude from Saudi Arabia and Iraq. However, with the ongoing strikes in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil, these supplies have been severely disrupted.
A Thai-flagged cargo ship came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the vessel damaged and forcing 23 crew members to evacuate, according to Thai media.
Two races on the Formula One 2026 calendar — the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — face uncertainty due to escalating tensions involving Iran in the Middle East. Security risks and air travel disruptions across Gulf countries have raised concerns for teams and fans, prompting officials to reassess whether the races can proceed safely.
Addressing a rally in Kerala, Narendra Modi assured Indians worried about the conflict in the Gulf and West Asia that the government would not leave its citizens stranded. He said India has always acted to protect its people abroad, recalling past rescue efforts in Iraq and Yemen.
Four people, including an Indian national, were injured after two drones fell near Dubai International Airport, according to the Dubai Media Office. Authorities said two Ghanaian nationals and one Bangladeshi national sustained minor injuries, while the Indian national suffered moderate injuries. Officials added that emergency teams responded quickly and the situation was brought under control.
Thai Cargo Ship MAYUREE NAREE that was attacked in Strait of Hormuz. Pictures from Thai Media. https://t.co/XIFfrSGcAV pic.twitter.com/4pkNErTovm
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 11, 2026
At least nine people have been killed in strikes on the Iranian city of Aligudarz during ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The report said the casualties occurred after strikes hit the area as fighting between Iran and its adversaries continued to intensify across the region.
Masoud Pezeshkian has told Shehbaz Sharif that Iran has no intention of entering into conflict with other countries in the region, according to Iranian state media. The Iranian president also warned that global order and security could be threatened if the international community fails to hold those responsible for the ongoing war accountable.
