SAUDI ARABIA
Hajj vs Umrah visas 2026: What Indian pilgrims must know as Saudi Arabia bars visit visas, tightens entry norms
Saudi Arabia has implemented stricter entry rules for Hajj 2026, barring visit visa holders and requiring official permits for access to holy cities. Umrah visas are currently suspended, with authorities emphasizing the mandatory Hajj permit for entry to Mecca to manage crowds and enhance safety.
Committed to advancing regional peace and security: Pakistan PM to Iranian President
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. Sharif highlighted Pakistan's dedication to regional peace and security. He thanked Iran for sending a delegation for talks in Islamabad. The leaders discussed the current regional situation. Sharif also updated Pezeshkian on his meetings with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye. Pezeshkian acknowledged Pakistan's commitment to peace efforts.
NSA Ajit Doval holds high-level talks in Riyadh, discusses bilateral, regional issues with Saudi ministers
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Saudi Arabia for high-level talks. Discussions covered bilateral ties, energy cooperation, and regional issues. This visit followed a meeting with Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council Secretary. Both engagements focused on strategic dialogue and geopolitical concerns. India reiterated its stance on peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
Pakistan to repay USD 1.5 billion outstanding UAE debt by April 23
Pakistan's central bank plans to settle a USD 1.5 billion loan with the United Arab Emirates by April 23. This move follows a USD 2 billion repayment to the UAE, supported by a USD 2 billion deposit from Saudi Arabia. The country anticipates a USD 1.2 billion disbursement from the International Monetary Fund.
LeT’s ‘Khargosh’ flees India, surfaces in Saudi Arabia via fake identity
A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, Umer Harris, has reportedly escaped India to Saudi Arabia using a forged passport. Srinagar Police investigations have uncovered a deep-rooted inter-state terror module. This operation has exposed systemic loopholes in passport verification and security. Authorities are working to bring Harris back to India. Several arrests have been made in connection with the module.
Saudi Arabia bars visit visa holders from Hajj, entry restricted without permit
Saudi Arabia has prohibited all visit visa holders from performing Hajj this year, restricting entry to Mecca and holy sites solely to those with official permits. This strict measure, enforced from the start of Dhu Al Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah, aims to regulate pilgrim movement and ensure safety.
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt FMs meet in Antalya
Foreign Ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt met in Antalya. They discussed strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The ministers also exchanged views on regional dynamics. Dialogue and diplomacy were reaffirmed for peace and stability. This meeting follows previous talks between the four nations.
Pakistan's military chief concludes three-day visit to Iran
Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, concluded a three-day visit to Tehran. He met with top Iranian leaders to discuss ending the Middle East war. This visit underscores Pakistan's commitment to a negotiated settlement and regional peace. Talks between the US and Iran are expected soon in Islamabad. Iran also issued a warning regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
First batch of 431 Haj pilgrims leaves from J&K
The first batch of 431 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departed for Saudi Arabia for the annual Haj on Saturday, officials said. The group, comprising 230 men and 201 women, left in three flights from Srinagar.
Saudis now want sports to make money, clouding LIV Golf’s future
Saudi Arabia is reportedly scaling back its ambitious sports investments, including LIV Golf, shifting focus from cultural influence to financial returns. The Public Investment Fund, having spent over $5 billion on LIV, now seeks profitability, impacting other sports ventures like women's tennis and ATP events. This strategic pivot follows a successful bid for the 2034 World Cup.
Loss of energy output in Middle East will take about two years to recover, IEA says
Energy output in the Middle East will take about two years to recover from conflict losses. Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, warns of significantly higher energy prices if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. New oil and gas shipments were not loaded in March, creating a noticeable gap.
Massive repatriation effort: Nearly 1 million Indians return from West Asia amid regional turmoil
India has facilitated the return of about 9,84,000 citizens from West Asia since February 28 amid airspace disruptions. The MEA said missions are operating round the clock, coordinating flights and providing consular support. Limited flight services continue across the region. Special assistance has been given to students and fishermen, while authorities remain on alert due to evolving security conditions.
Saudi to focus $925 billion fund on domestic economy under new 5-year plan
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is shifting focus to domestic growth. A new five-year strategy prioritizes six key themes including tourism, urban development, and clean energy. The fund aims for 80% of investments to be local. This move signals a pivot away from costly giga-projects like The Line, which is no longer a top priority for the NEOM project.
China surpasses US as India's largest trading partner in FY26; trade gap swells to USD 112.16 bn
India's trade with China reached USD 151.1 billion in 2025-26, making it the largest partner. The trade deficit with China widened significantly. The US was previously the top partner for four years. India's exports to China saw substantial growth, while imports also increased. Trade with the US showed marginal export growth and increased imports, leading to a reduced trade surplus.
Saudi Arabia imposes heavy fines for illegal Hajj participation ahead of pilgrimage season
Saudi Arabia is implementing stringent rules for the upcoming Hajj season. Unauthorized pilgrims and those assisting them face hefty fines up to SR100,000. Violators will be deported and banned from the Kingdom for a decade. Authorities urge compliance and reporting of any breaches. These measures aim to manage the massive gathering effectively.
Pakistan says Saudi Arabia pledges $3 billion more in financial support
Saudi Arabia will provide $3 billion in fresh support to Pakistan and extend a $5 billion deposit rollover to help it manage upcoming debt repayments, including obligations to the United Arab Emirates.
For a few billion dollars, Pakistan has landed in dire straits
Pakistan is facing big economic stress after the UAE has demanded repayment of a multibillion-dollar deposit. This has strained the country's thin foreign exchange reserves. Rising oil prices and limited financing options have added to the pressure. Pakistan is seeking new funding sources, including international bonds and bilateral aid.
India activates global diplomatic grid to secure 9.5 lakh citizens amid West Asia crisis
India has evacuated nearly 9.5 lakh nationals from West Asia amid escalating conflict, with the Ministry of External Affairs coordinating large-scale air and land operations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is leading diplomatic outreach, while missions across the region provide 24x7 assistance, special evacuation routes and support for stranded citizens, including students and seafarers.
Over 9 lakh people evacuated from West Asia: MEA
As the security situation evolves in West Asia and the Gulf region, a senior MEA official said on Monday that wide-scale efforts are underway to ensure the safety and movement of the Indian community in the region, with over 9 lakh Indians having been brought back to the country.
Saudi Arabia restricts Makkah entry from April 13; permit mandatory for residents and foreign nationals
Saudi Arabia has implemented new Hajj season regulations. Foreign nationals and residents without official permits are barred from entering Makkah from April 13. This measure aims to manage pilgrim flow and ensure safety. Umrah visa holders must depart by April 18. Makkah entry will be restricted to Hajj visa holders from April 18. Strict adherence to rules is urged.
Iran, UAE set to come face to face at BRICS India meet
India hosts a crucial BRICS meeting under its presidency. Senior officials from the UAE and Iran will meet for the first time since the West Asian conflict. The agenda covers regional issues, with particular attention on the current situation and its impact on Gulf states. India is working to ensure a successful outcome for the discussions.
Saudi Arabia raises Hajj hospitality penalties, tightens compliance rules
Saudi Arabia has implemented stricter penalties for hospitality providers in Mecca and Medina during Hajj to enhance pilgrim services. Repeat violations will now incur higher fines, potential closures, and license cancellations, with penalties escalating based on offense frequency and business size. These measures aim to ensure better standards for pilgrims during the peak season.
India, Saudi Arabia discuss strengthening trade relations, enhancing energy supply
India and Saudi Arabia are boosting trade ties. Discussions focused on enhancing energy supply cooperation. Both nations are pushing for progress on a trade agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This comes as regional conflicts impact supply chains. India is also supporting its exports to Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
Did 3 identical Iranian planes land in Pakistan to safeguard FM Abbas Araghchi, and US to unfreeze Iran's funds or not? Major diplomacy, ceasefire talks, and Pakistan mediation explained
Did 3 identical Iranian planes land in Pakistan to safeguard FM Abbas Araghchi, and US to unfreeze Iran's funds or not? Reports say Iran used decoy planes to protect officials during Islamabad talks. US and Iran met in Pakistan for ceasefire negotiations. Iran demanded Lebanon ceasefire and release of frozen funds. Pakistani troops reached Saudi Arabia under defense pact. Talks involve global mediators amid war, oil disruption, and regional tensions.
Saudi Arabia says Pakistan sends fighter jets to kingdom under defence pact
Pakistan has deployed fighter jets and military forces to Saudi Arabia. This action strengthens security under a defense pact. The move follows recent Iranian attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure. The deployment aims to enhance joint defense cooperation. Saudi Arabia has also offered financial support to Pakistan. This deepens a long-standing security partnership between the two nations.
Piyush Goyal holds talks with Saudi Arabia trade minister on stronger supply chains
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with Saudi Arabia's Trade Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi. They discussed strengthening supply chains affected by the West Asia crisis. Both ministers expressed optimism for early progress on the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The discussions also focused on ensuring smooth trade flows and recovering from disruptions.
Trump and Starmer discuss need for 'practical plan' on Strait of Hormuz: UK
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump on Thursday agreed the "need for a practical plan" to get shipping moving again through the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Iran ceasefire, the UK leader's office said. "The leaders discussed the need for a practical plan to get shipping moving again as quickly as possible," and agreed to speak again, Downing Street said.
US-Iran mediation efforts via Pakistan continue, say sources
Pakistan is working to broker talks between the US and Iran. However, recent Iranian strikes on Saudi facilities have complicated these efforts. These attacks threaten to end the dialogue and could involve Pakistan due to a defense pact. Iran is reportedly showing some flexibility but also demanding preconditions for negotiations. The situation remains critical.
Iran has attacked Saudi Arabia's Jubail petrochemical complex, IRGC says
Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for attacking Saudi Arabia's Jubail petrochemical complex. This action was reportedly a retaliation for alleged strikes on Iran's Asaluyeh plants. Video showed smoke and flames near Jubail. Saudi air defenses intercepted missiles near energy facilities. Aramco declined comment. This escalation follows a US ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
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