Live! India had permitted all 3 Iranian ships, including torpedoed Dena, to dock: EAM
Iranian Foreign Minister expressed his country’s thanks for humane gesture, says Jaishankar; India issues advisory asking citizens in Bahrain to remain vigilant
Israel carried out a fresh wave of strikes in central Iran, targeting security installations and missile launch sites. The targets reportedly included a rocket engine production facility and several long-range ballistic missile launch positions.
Meanwhile, Bahrain sounded sirens on Monday and urged citizens and residents to move to safe locations amid threats from Iran. “The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” the country’s interior ministry said. Earlier in the day, Iranian strikes hit Bahrain’s largest oil refinery, BAPCO, prompting the state oil company to declare force majeure.
The developments come after the US and Israel, for the first time since the conflict began, launched strikes on oil facilities across Iran, including in the capital, Tehran.
In another major development, the UAE’s air defence systems are responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched by Iran, the country’s defence ministry said. Saudi Arabia on Monday issued a stern warning to Tehran, saying it would be the “biggest loser” if attacks on Arab states continue.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss the Iranian strikes on the Gulf nation. The United States has ordered its embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia after Iran carried out attacks on the kingdom.
Earlier, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was named his successor, Iranian state TV announced early on Monday, as the war that began a little over a week ago with his father's killing took a dramatic turn.
Here is the top, trending news of Monday, March 9, 2026, including Iran war, Indian politics, states' politics, geopolitics, federal issues, economics, development issues, sports, entertainment, and so on.
Scroll down for all Live updates.
Live Updates
- 9 March 2026 1:07 PM IST
Lok Sabha adjourned till 3 pm amid protests by opposition seeking debate on West Asia crisis
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 3 pm on Monday amid noisy protests over demand for a debate on the situation in West Asia, with the government accusing the opposition benches of not following basic ethics of the House.
As soon as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar rose to make a statement on the "situation in West Asia", opposition members started raising slogans against the government and demanding a full fledged discussion on the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Jagadambika Pal, who was chairing the proceedings, said the questions being raised by the Opposition through their placards were being elaborately answered by the government.
He said while a resolution to remove Om Birla as the Lok Sabha Speaker is already on the agenda, the Opposition was pushing for a notice for adjournment of the proceedings to discuss West Asia. He wondered how the opposition wants to discuss the two issues on the same day. "If you are not satisfied with the statement, please approach the business advisory committee to seek a discussion on the subject," Pal said.
After Jaishankar completed his statement, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of not following ethics of the House. Rijiju said their notice to remove Birla from office has already been accepted and the government is willing to discuss it but opposition was disrupting the proceedings.
While urging members to go back to their seats, Pal said the no confidence resolution against the Speaker would be taken up when the House is in order. As the opposition refused to relent, he adjourned the proceedings till 3 pm.
- 9 March 2026 12:38 PM IST
Jairam Ramesh says Opposition denied discussion on West Asia, prompting walkout
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday criticised the Rajya Sabha proceedings, saying that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had made a suo moto statement on the West Asia situation, which did not allow MPs to ask questions or seek clarifications. He added that the entire Opposition had sought an immediate discussion on the crisis, but their demand was denied, prompting the Opposition to stage a walkout after raising protests in the House.
- 9 March 2026 12:35 PM IST
Opposition ruckus in Lok Sabha; Rijiju criticises MPs over Birla removal motion
As the Opposition’s protests continued in the Lok Sabha, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed Opposition MPs for acting irresponsibly, with no regard for the Constitution or the Rules of Procedure. Rijiju pointed out that it was the Opposition that wanted the motion seeking the removal of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker to be discussed today, and it had been included in the House agenda. He questioned why the Opposition had now submitted an adjournment motion on the same issue. Rijiju added that the government is prepared to immediately discuss the motion seeking Birla’s removal.
Jagdambika Pal, chairing the proceedings, adjourned the House until 3 pm as the Opposition’s ruckus continued.
- 9 March 2026 12:32 PM IST
West Asia conflict: Oppn MPs stage protest demanding full-fledged debate
Opposition MPs, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, staged a protest in Parliament House complex on Monday, demanding a discussion on the West Asia conflict and slamming the government for its "silence" on critical issues related to it.
Earlier, opposition parties' floor leaders met in Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Kharge's chamber in Parliament House complex to deliberate on the strategy for the second half of the Budget session.
Besides Kharge and Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav, DMK's Dayanidhi Maran, NCP (SP)'s Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut, among others, attended the meeting.
- 9 March 2026 12:14 PM IST
Opposition MPs protest in Lok Sabha, demand discussion on West Asia crisis
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to make a statement in the Lok Sabha on the situation in West Asia. The Opposition, however, demanded a full discussion rather than a ministerial statement. As Jaishankar began his address, Opposition MPs trooped into the Well of the House carrying placards and raising slogans of “We want discussion,” pressing for a debate on the escalating crisis.
- 9 March 2026 12:03 PM IST
Bahrain's state oil company declares force majeure on its shipments after Iran attack
Bahrain's state oil company declared force majeure on Monday for its shipments after an Iranian attack set its refinery ablaze.
The state-run Bahrain News Agency carried the announcement of the force majeure, a legal manoeuvre that releases a company from its contractual obligations because of extraordinary circumstances.
It said the company's operations “have been affected by the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and the recent attack on its refinery complex.” It insisted that local demand could still be met.
- 9 March 2026 11:45 AM IST
Opposition stages walkout in Rajya Sabha during Jaishankar’s West Asia briefing
Amid loud protests by the Opposition, EAM S Jaishankar made a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the situation in West Asia. The Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, on behalf of the Opposition, had urged the Centre, through Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan, to allow a short-duration discussion on the situation in West Asia, particularly its impact on India’s energy security. The request was rejected. After raising slogans demanding a debate, the Opposition staged a walkout while Jaishankar continued with his statement.
- 9 March 2026 11:43 AM IST
India calls for de-escalation in West Asia, maintains dialogue with Iran: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that while high-level contacts with Iran are currently challenging, he has been in touch with the Iranian Foreign Minister.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy, calling for de-escalation, restraint, and the protection of civilians amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.
He emphasised that India continues to advocate a measured approach to the conflict while prioritising the safety of its citizens in the region.
- 9 March 2026 11:39 AM IST
Oil marketing companies, paint stocks tumble amid sharp spike in oil prices
Shares of oil marketing companies and paint manufacturers tumbled on Monday morning trade amid sharp jump in crude oil prices due to the deepening conflict in West Asia.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd tanked 8.67 per cent, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd dropped 8.43 per cent and Indian Oil Corporation declined 7.29 per cent on the BSE.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, surged 24.71 per cent to USD 112.51 per barrel.
Asian Paints fell by 5.12 per cent, Indigo Paints dropped 4.83 per cent, Berger Paints lost 4.80 per cent and Kansai Nerolac Paints declined 4.72 per cent.
The 30-share BSE Sensex crashed 2,494.35 points or 3.16 per cent to 76,424.55. The 50-share NSE Nifty tumbled 752.65 points or 3 per cent to 23,697.80.
"Near-term sentiment remains pressured by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have kept crude oil prices elevated and intensified concerns over inflation risks and India’s rising import bill.
"The sustained surge in energy prices is also reviving fears of macroeconomic strain, adding another layer of caution to market positioning," Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, a line trading and wealth tech firm said.
- 9 March 2026 11:38 AM IST
Jaishankar: Govt committed to safeguarding India’s energy security amid West Asia tensions
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the government remains committed to safeguarding India’s energy security while ensuring that national interests remain the top priority, as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt global oil markets.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said India’s approach to energy procurement will be guided by costs, risks and the availability of supply. “On energy security, the government remains committed, taking into account the costs, risk and availability of sources,” he said.
He emphasised that the government will prioritise the country’s interests while navigating global uncertainties. “The interest of Indians is the top priority. Our national interests will always be paramount,” Jaishankar told the Upper House.
