LIVE: Missile debris kills Indian in Abu Dhabi; Trump issues fresh threat to Iran

Ten dead as bus returning from MP CM event rams pick-up lorry

Ten persons were killed while 31 received injuries, three to four critically, after a bus returning from a public function attended by the state's chief minister, Mohan Yadav, collided with a pick-up vehicle in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara on Thursday evening, officials said.

The incident took place near Simaria on Nagpur road, some 25 kilometres from district headquarters, Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey told news agency PTI.

"Six men, three women and a child were killed in the accident," he added.

Chhindwara Collector Harendra Narayan told the agency that 31 people have been injured, as per doctors. "Of the injured, three to four are critical. One of them has been rushed to a hospital in Nagpur in neighbouring Maharashtra for advanced treatment," he said.

The bus was carrying more than 40 passengers at the time of the accident, Kotwali station house officer Ashish Kumar added.

Reliance rejects reports of Iranian oil purchase despite US sanctions waiver

Reliance Industries has announced that it has not procured crude oil from Iran after the US temporarily lifted sanctions to alleviate price pressures resulting from its ongoing conflict with Tehran. Israel is also a party in the war against Iran. 

In its statement, Reliance described the claims regarding its purchase of Iranian oil as unfounded and inaccurate.

It said it "categorically rejects recent media reports that the company has purchased crude oil of Iranian origin". Earlier this week, the Centre said resuming the buying of Iranian oil will be based on techno-commercial feasibility.

India has been a major buyer of Iranian crude, importing significant volumes of Iranian Light and Heavy grades due to strong refinery compatibility and favourable commercial terms.

However, following sanctions tightening in 2018, imports ceased from May 2019, with volumes replaced by Middle Eastern, US and other grades. At peak, Iranian crude accounted for 11.5 per cent of India's total imports.

Last weekend, the US waived sanctions on the purchase of Iranian oil at sea for 30 days in its latest attempt to ease oil prices that have been driven up by the US-Israeli war on Iran.

'Iran begging to make a deal, not me,' says Trump

US President Donald Trump, who recently decided to take a five-day pause over attacking Iran's power infrastructure, on Thursday mocked the West Asian nation, saying it is the latter which is "begging to make a deal" and not him. However, he also called Iranians "great negotiators" while ridiculing them as "lousy fighters".

Trump's words come a day after Tehran dismissed his 15-point ceasefire plan and issued its counterproposals. 

According to White House sources, Trump said, "Anybody who saw what was happening over there would understand why they want to make a deal. But they say, we're not talking to them... They're not fools. They're very smart, in a certain way. I say they're lousy fighters, but they're great negotiators. They are begging to work out a deal.

"I don't know if we'll be able to do that. I don't know if we're willing to do that. They should have done that four weeks ago. They should have done it two years ago. Or they should have done it when we first came into office..."

It's almost a month since Israeli and American forces started bombing from the sky, assassinating its supreme leader Ali Khamenei and killing thousands. 

Pakistan confirms backchannel role as US, Iran deliberate ‘15-Point’ peace proposal

Pakistan has confirmed that it has been facilitating communication between the US and Iran, currently in the middle of fierce military exchanges, asserting that dialogue and diplomacy are the sole means to resolve the conflict in West Asia.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that "brotherly" countries such as Turkiye and Egypt are backing this initiative, as Pakistan strives to contribute to regional stability.

"The US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan. In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being deliberated upon by Iran. Brotherly countries of Turkiye and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative," Dar, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, posted on X.

"Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward," he added. The Pakistani leader also tagged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US President Donald Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff in the post.

A day before, a top government official had said on condition of anonymity that Islamabad was relaying messages between Tehran and Washington to help de-escalate the West Asia conflict. 

Sri Lanka turns to Russia for oil as West Asia conflict disrupts global supplies

Officials of Sri Lanka and Russia on Thursday began talks in Colombo with the aim of the island-nation buying Russian oil and strengthen bilateral energy cooperation, authorities said.

The talks were headed by the visiting Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin, the Russian Embassy said.

It was hoped that Sri Lanka would be able to buy refined petroleum from Russia. Earlier, the Sri Lankan government said talks would be held with India on oil purchases in view of the volatile situation in West Asia due to US military action.

The talks are to continue between the Russian deputy energy minister and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to focus on strengthening collaboration between Sri Lanka and Russia, including potential partnerships in fuel supply, energy security and long-term cooperation.

British high commissioner in India wants de-escalation in West Asia

Lindy Cameron, the British high commissioner to India, has said that the UK is eager to witness a "de-escalation" in West Asia, with the ultimate goal of the conflict coming to a conclusion, as well as the resumption of oil flow, to prevent any adverse effects on its economy.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi, she also said the UK, however, is "supportive of defensive action to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, which is prolonging the conflict and causing damage to allies and people in the region".

The diplomat, who has been the high commissioner to India since April 2024, spoke at the Times Now Summit 2026.

Asked how the UK is looking at the conflict that began nearly a month ago and its impact, she said, "We are keen to see de-escalation." "We are also worried about the impact on some of our allies in the wider Gulf, and I am sure you are too. And, we would like to see this end, frankly, and oil able to move again, so that the oil price doesn't rise."

Delhi airport gives emergency slots to foreign carriers amid West Asia crisis

The operator of Delhi airport, DIAL (Delhi International Airport Limited), has allocated extra slots to several foreign airlines for a limited duration amid capacity limitations arising from flight disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is the country's largest airport.

One of the sources told the agency that these slots have been allotted for April and May for the foreign carriers, including KLM and Air Canada, to cater to the traffic demand. Specific details were not immediately available.

In a report on Wednesday (March 25), credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings said it expected the Iran war to have a limited impact on Delhi airport's passenger volumes, for the time being.

Will have to shut petrol pumps if people don't stop camping outside: Omar Abdullah

Trump's fresh threat to Iran

Debris from missile strike kills Indian, Pakistani in Abu Dhabi