New Delhi in the news: India boosts fuel prices, eyes conservation amid global oil shocks; serves as PM Modi’s hub for BRICS, AI talks, and regional security. Capital of India, seat of government.
Energy disruptions caused by the Iran war are leading to increased use of charcoal and firewood in Africa and Asia. This shift is undermining efforts to promote cleaner fuels, damaging forests, increasing poaching, and threatening wildlife habitats. Rising fuel costs are also impacting food security and conservation funding.
India is expanding its ethanol-blend program amid war-induced fuel disruptions, with policymakers aiming to cut imports and emissions while acknowledging mileage and supply-chain challenges. Public transport is being emphasized as a key measure.
BRICS foreign ministers conference in New Delhi is ongoing as members push for reform of global governance while clashing over Israel-Gaza war, Iran-UAE tensions, and regional security. India chairs the group for 2026; no joint closing statement has emerged amid conflicting positions.
The White House has stated that Trump and Xi have held a productive meeting, agreeing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy. Xi has reportedly shown interest in increasing U.S. oil imports to reduce dependency on the strait, though Beijing's readout does not confirm this. Iran’s foreign minister has accused the UAE of direct involvement in military actions against Iran during a BRICS meeting, while Tehran calls for the UAE to reconsider its policy toward Iran.
BRICS foreign ministers have convened in New Delhi amid persistent divisions over the U.S.-Israel conflict in the Middle East. India’s chairmanship has highlighted calls for reform of global governance while specific language on Gaza and regional security has faced reservations from some members. Iran has urged condemnation of Western actions, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia are cited as key divisive players.
India has raised gasoline and diesel prices amid a global energy squeeze. Delhi is enforcing austerity measures while Modi’s government links higher prices to energy security. Blending ethanol and new oil deals with the UAE are part of the strategy.
The UAE has reaffirmed its sovereign-rights to respond to threats after Iran-linked strikes and at BRICS discussions in New Delhi. Officials say around 3,000 drone and missile attacks have targeted civilian sites since the Feb. 28 start of the US-Israel war on Iran, and the UAE is coordinating with partners while asserting it will deter aggression.
A series of extreme weather events across southern Asia has intensified, with heavy rainfall triggering floods in parts of China while India and Pakistan endure ongoing heatwaves. Authorities warn of continuing heat and flood risks in coming days as climate-linked patterns drive extreme conditions.
Severe rainfall has triggered floods and resettlement across southern and central China. Authorities warn of more downpours as rescue efforts continue and emergency responses are under way in Hunan, Hubei, Guangxi and other provinces.
US officials have signalled plans to shrink the pool of military capabilities available to NATO — including halving strategic bombers, cutting fighter deployments and reducing naval and submarine contributions — while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been visiting India to repair trade and energy ties and to attend a Quad foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi (as of 02 Jun 2026).
The India-Africa Forum Summit has been postponed due to the evolving Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health authorities in DR Congo have confirmed cases and deaths, prompting officials to delay the event to ensure African leaders’ full participation in a safe setting.
The United States has told reporters diplomacy is giving every chance to succeed before considering alternatives with Iran. Doha-hosted talks among Iran, the U.S. and allied mediators focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with discussions also touching on Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and potential release of frozen funds as part of a final deal.
The government has ordered the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its premises, citing public interest and security needs. The club, a historic hub for India’s elite, faces eviction on a timeline that faces court challenges and wide public debate. The clash highlights Modi-era efforts to curb elite institutions linked to the colonial past.