NEW DELHI DAILY - 5 MARCH 2026
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Signs Khamenei Condolence Book, India's First Formal Gesture Since Iran Supreme Leader's Death; Emirates Announces Partial Flight Resumption; Nitish Kumar Files Rajya Sabha Nomination As Bihar CM Exit Looms
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signs condolence book for slain Khamenei at Iran Embassy
India's Foreign Secretary signed condolence book at Iranian Embassy following Supreme Leader Khamenei's death in US-Israeli strikes. This marks India's first formal diplomatic gesture since the crisis began.
India has 25 days of crude oil reserves as Iran war disrupts supply chains
Government sources confirm India maintains 25 days of energy products amid Middle East conflict disrupting oil flows. Officials engaging with Canada, Australia, OPEC for alternative LPG and LNG supplies.
PM Modi calls for dialogue and peace amid Middle East tensions at Finland summit
PM Modi emphasized importance of dialogue and peace during joint press briefing with Finnish President Stubb. Highlighted historic India-EU trade deal and entering golden era of partnership.
US Deputy Secretary warns on Russian oil purchases at Raisina Dialogue 2026
Christopher Landau stated hope India seeks alternate oil sources as global supply faces pressure from Iran war. Comments reflect US pressure on India's energy diversification amid crisis.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: Foreign Secretary Vikram MISRI signed the condolence book for Ayatollah KHAMENEI at the Iranian Embassy on March 5, marking India's first formal diplomatic gesture since the supreme leader's death, per News18 and Mint. Emirates announced March 5 that over 100 flights would depart from and return to Dubai on March 5-6, offering the first signal of partial Gulf air operations resumption, according to The Hindu. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish KUMAR filed Rajya Sabha nomination papers March 5 with Union Home Minister Amit SHAH beside him, triggering JD-U party office vandalism by supporters protesting his departure, per India Today and News18. Prime Minister MODI told Finnish President Alexander STUBB in a March 5 joint press briefing that "military conflict is never a solution" and called for dialogue to resolve the Ukraine and West Asia conflicts, per News18 and Mint. At Raisina Dialogue 2026, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher LANDAU stated that "U.S. foreign policy is to advance our national interests" while advocating for "collaborative partnership with India," per The Hindu. Government sources clarified March 5 that Iranian frigate IRIS Dena "was not India's guest" after departing February 25 from the International Fleet Review in Vizag—the U.S.-Israeli strike occurred March 4 off Sri Lanka, three days after IRIS Dena ceased to be under Indian protocol, per Mint. Congress criticized the government's restrained Iran stance, with Sonia GANDHI earlier writing that New Delhi's silence represented an "abdication of sovereignty principles," per earlier cables, while BJP spokesperson Amit MALVIYA retorted March 5 that "Congress wants India to blindly side with Iran, even China distancing itself from Tehran," per The Hindu.
