Energy Diplomacy: Jaishankar, Puri & Misri Deployed

India has launched an aggressive energy diplomacy drive in the wake of the Iran-US ceasefire, deploying three senior Modi government figures to secure vital oil and gas supplies. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is heading to the UAE on April 11-12 for high-level talks on energy cooperation, trade, investment and regional stability, positioning the Gulf powerhouse as a strategic buffer against Hormuz disruptions. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is in Qatar—supplier of 47 per cent of India’s LPG and its largest LNG provider—to stabilise flows and contain price spikes after Iranian strikes damaged 17 per cent of Qatar’s export capacity. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is simultaneously engaging Washington on supply diversification and geopolitical coordination.

The calibrated outreach reflects New Delhi’s clear strategy: rapidly diversify import sources, deepen Gulf partnerships and balance ties with Tehran and Washington to shield the economy from future shocks.

FM Skipped US Visit to Finalize MSME Relief Package Amid West Asia Crisis?

As per reports Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has cancelled her scheduled US visit to focus on an urgent relief plan for India’s MSME sector, which is facing renewed stress from the escalating West Asia crisis. The government is weighing a ₹2.5 lakh crore credit guarantee scheme and a possible loan moratorium to cushion small and medium enterprises hit by surging energy costs, supply disruptions, and export slowdowns. Top officials from the Finance Ministry, RBI, and SIDBI have been holding back-to-back meetings to finalize the contours of the package. The proposed measures aim to ease liquidity pressure and prevent large-scale defaults in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and textiles. Sources said the Centre wants to move swiftly, mindful of the ripple effects on jobs and regional economies. An official announcement could come after the Prime Minister’s review early next week.

IPS Officers resigns to join politics

Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Manoj Ninama, who took voluntary retirement on April 7 has joined BJP.He is 2006 batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre.