Chinese tech giant Huawei said on Monday it had developed a new way of making semiconductors that could get around its U.S.-enforced lack of access to the most advanced chipmaking equipment. Huawei has in recent years been at the centre of a geopolitical standoff after Washington warned its
World Tarot Day 2026: The most misunderstood tarot cards and what they actually meanPeople tarot as entertainment or fear it because of the dramatic social media readings. But tarot was never meant to work through fear; it is a symbolic tool. Updated on: May 25
From mirrors to mood lighting, these 5 budget-friendly decor tricks can make small homes look surprisingly luxuriousWant to upgrade your home into a luxurious space? Here are some budget-friendly decor ideas you can consider for a beautiful home. Published on: May 25
A Bahraini court sentenced nine defendants to life in prison and two others to three years in jail for collaborating with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to carry out what it described as “hostile and terrorist acts” against Bahrain
Tarot vs Astrology: Which one can predict your future better? An expert breaks it downAstrology explains cosmic timing and patterns. Tarot explains your emotional experience of those patterns. One gives you the map, the other acts like a mirror. Updated on: May 25
Can propaganda on Iran allowing Indian ships hide Modi government’s failure to secure gas supply?
India had no role to play in starting the Iran war. But outside of the Gulf states, it is one of the countries most affected. Indians are seeing widespread shortages of cooking gas given India is highly dependent on the supply from West Asia and the country has almost no storage capacity.
Faced with rising public anger over shortages, the Modi government reached for its most familiar tactical weapon: media manipulation.
Much of the past week saw news in the Indian media claiming Iran had exempted India from its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. On Thursday, ANI, India’s largest news wire, quoted unnamed sources to claim that Tehran will “allow Indian-flagged ships to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz”. Two days later, India’s largest English newspaper, The Times of India, made the same point in a headline.
A rather excitable Bharatiya Janata Party social media handle even claimed that this was a result of the “civilisational leadership of the Priest-King Modiji”.
On Sunday, no less than India’s external affairs minister refuted this. Speaking to the Financial Times, S Jaishankar made it clear there is no “blanket arrangement” with Tehran for Indian vessels and the movement of each ship through the strait was being negotiated.
Why did the BJP need to depend on media misinformation to combat LPG shortages due to the Iran war? India has no role in the war at all. The Modi government could, in theory, have said this was a consequence of something that was out of the administration’s control. We have already seen this play out with Covid, where voters did not blame the government for an overtly harsh, unplanned lockdown in 2020 since the pandemic was seen as an act of God.
Part of the answer might lie in the fact that while India has no direct role in the war, the Modi government has identified Indian foreign policy quite closely with the United States-Israel alliance.
For example, Prime Minister Modi was in Israel just before it launched attacks on Iran, killing its head of state, Ali Khamenei. Even after this, India was slow to acknowledge the attack on Iran. It was only on March 5, nearly a week after Khamenei was assassinated, that India expressed commiserations for his death – that too using the unusually low-key method of signing a condolence book at the Iran embassy in Delhi.
India’s stand was not a surprise: under Modi, Delhi has been turning against Tehran for years now. In 2019, the Modi government ceased the purchase of Iranian oil. Earlier in January, the Modi government, under US pressure, ended its involvement in Iran’s Chabahar port. A month later it even seized Iranian tankers (which, Reuters reports, are now being demanded back by Tehran).
These instances now mean that Tehran likely does not view India as neutral when it comes to the current war with the United States and Israel. So while Chinese and even Bangladeshi ships have a blanket exemption from Iran to sail through the Hormuz Strait, India does not. So in effect, India’s confused foreign policy has meant that its government is unable to ensure energy security for its citizens.
Realism is the current ruling ideology when it comes to Indian foreign policy. Indeed, realism is an obvious choice given that India, as a middle power, has a tough path to tread. Delhi has few points of leverage with other countries. It is not an export powerhouse, does not control any major value chains and does not produce any vital commodities, such as oil. Its own internal poverty means that threats from Trump around policies such as tariffs are significant risks for India.
Bullies such as Trump understand this well, which explains why a supposed ally like India was hit with one of the world’s highest tariffs or why American ministers can use humiliating language when “allowing” India to buy oil from the Russians.
Of course, if we accept that the realism of a middle power navigating global affairs, it also ends up bringing down the BJP’s so-called vishwaguru, world leader, plank. To its voters, the BJP pitches Modi as a leader that other countries look up to.
For the Iran war, till now, the BJP has used fake news to try and square the circle. But increasingly this strategy might face the law of diminishing returns as Indians see their empty cooking gas cylinders and realise just how vulnerable they are in the face of global crises.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: PM Modi should play important role in stopping war in Iran India Can Play A Big And Unique Role In Ending Russia-Ukraine War The Iran war is starting to hit India’s small manufacturers India Becomes 1st Market Outside US To Start Local Production Of Maybach GLS Bangladesh to demand T20 World Cup matches be moved outside India Boy goes swimming outside Mumbai mall as rainfall turns roads into rivers 2 injured in suspected militant attack at hotel outside Jerusalem Girl Groped Outside Jhansi Home 12-Foot Golden Statue Of Trump Holding Bitcoin Installed Outside US Capitol Federal agents fire chemicals as protesters try to block car at immigration site outside Chicago
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has postponed the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2026 examinations scheduled for May 28 in both shifts following a change in the Bakrid holiday date. The agency said revised examination dates for the affected candidates will be announced
8 hours ago
President Nikos Christodoulides present, Cyprus positions itself as Europe gateway for HT Labs, other Indian AI firmsRepresenting HT Labs, the innovation and technology arm of HT Media Group, Avinash Mudaliar, Co-Founder and CEO, participated in discussions. Updated on: May 25
8 hours ago
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has moved the High Court against the Union government’s order directing it to hand over its 27.3-acre premises by June 5, Live Law reported on Monday. The matter was mentioned before Justice Avneesh Jhingan on Monday by advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi
8 hours ago
Strains of the old "Glory, Glory" anthem echoed inside the giant stadium as Tottenham Hotspur stepped back from the precipice of the most humiliating relegation in Premier League history. Spurs players and supporters were in unison at last as they could finally look forward to next season as a
8 hours ago
Australian cricketer Megan Schutt will conclude her international career after the 2026 T20 World Cup. The seasoned bowler aims for a strong finish in her final major ICC campaign. Schutt, a veteran of many successful tournaments, wants to pass the baton to the next generation of players
8 hours ago
The Japanese fruit ‘sando’ is becoming India’s favourite summer dessert; take a look With fluffy milk bread, clouds of whipped cream, and jewel-like slices of fresh fruit tucked inside, the Japanese sando has become India’s go-to dessert Updated on: May 25
8 hours ago
Madhuri Dixit serves ‘a little bit of drama’ as she gives classic white saree a modern twist with chic jacketMadhuri Dixit proves age is just a number as she stuns in ivory saree with floral prints, layered with a sleek jacket, blending elegance with modern drama. Published on: May 25
8 hours ago
Stolen Baby: The Murder of Heidi Broussard: Where is slain mom's family now? What to know as crime drama streamsThe release of Stolen Baby: The Murder of Heidi Broussard on Netflix has brought the 2019 murder case in focus again. Know where the slain mom's family is. May 25, 2026
8 hours ago
Crude oil prices plunge after US and Iran have shared significant signals on the progress in talks to end the war, however both sides are still at loggerheads on certain issues. Global oil prices have plunged over 5.5% after US and Iran have indicated that there is significant progress in their
8 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.From office work to AI tasks: The best Asus ExpertBook P3 and Snapdragon PCs to consider in 2026AI laptops are everywhere in 2026, but only a few actually improve daily work
8 hours ago
LeBron James has spent more than two decades rewriting NBA history. On Sunday, though, one of his most remarkable streaks finally came to an end. For the first time since his rookie season in 2003-04, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was not named to an All-NBA team
8 hours ago
Priyadarshan on Paresh Rawal's exit from Hera Pheri 3: ‘Not aware’Hera Pheri 3 faces turbulence as Paresh Rawal reportedly leaves the film, returning his signing fee. May 25, 2026, 13:38:45 IST Written by Vibha Maru Share via Copy link The controversy around Hera Pheri 3 doesn’t seem to end
8 hours ago
BJD Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has resigned from the party. He cited systematic belittlement as the reason for his departure. This follows similar exits by other Rajya Sabha MPs. Samantaray expressed gratitude to party chief Naveen Patnaik for past opportunities
8 hours ago
Prashant Kishor to finally contest an election himself? Jan Suraaj Party targets Bankipur, via an ashramKishor is bullish on Bankipur, and claimed that only the Jan Suraaj Party can defeat the BJP there. "We just need to field a strong candidate," he said. Updated on: May 25
8 hours ago
It’s been almost five months since Ranveer Singh’s exit from Don 3 sparked controversy. Now, as the dispute between Farhan Akhtar and the actor continues, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has finally intervened, announcing that its decision on the matter will be revealed
8 hours ago
Even George Russell’s biggest critics would probably admit one thing right now: the Briton’s luck this season has been brutal. And standing beside his stricken Mercedes in Montreal on Sunday night, Russell looked completely drained by it all. After opening the season with victory in Shanghai
8 hours ago
Turn a classic, creamy tiramisu into a refreshing summer treat by swapping coffee for juicy mango and layering it with fresh fruit and light mascarpone cream. This mango‑infused version keeps the dessert’s rich, custard‑like texture but adds a bright
8 hours ago
As Cannes Film Festival closes, which are the acclaimed films from this year's crop that could be heading for Academy Award nominations? If you want to know which films are going to be nominated for Oscars, it's worth looking at what premiered at the Cannes Film Festival the previous May
8 hours ago
Delhi Capitals' IPL journey concluded with a sixth-place finish. Coach Hemang Badani cited inconsistent play and missed opportunities as reasons for the team's failure to reach the playoffs. Crucial losses, dropped catches, and batting collapses hampered their campaign
8 hours ago
3 elephant calves die within 17 days in Chhattisgarh’s DharamjaigarhEight elephant calves have died in Dharamjaigarh forest division over the past five months due to drowning, getting trapped in marshland, etc Published on: May 25, 2026 1:27 PM IST By Ritesh Mishra Share via Copy link Three
8 hours ago
The Canadian Grand Prix was the race in which the Formula 1 title battle finally came alive this year. It was also, however, the race in which it took a potentially decisive turn, putting a huge dent in George Russell's hopes of beating his 19-year-old Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli to the
8 hours ago
CBSE Class 12 answer sheet scanned copies application window ends today, direct link hereCBSE Class 12 answer sheet scanned copies application window will close today, May 25, 2026. The direct link to apply is given here. Published on: May 25
8 hours ago
Microsoft techie couple in Noida breaks down ₹1.6 lakh monthly expenses, says city feels balanced despite rising costsA Microsoft couple in Noida revealed they spent around ₹1.6 lakh monthly while balancing work, lifestyle and family needs. Published on: May 25
8 hours ago
A CBSE Class 12 student has raised serious concerns over the board’s re-evaluation process after claiming the Physics answer sheet uploaded under his roll number does not belong to him. The student shared comparisons of multiple answer sheets and demanded an urgent investigation into the alleged
8 hours ago
Thyroid disorder cases have been gradually rising over the past few years, especially in younger adults and the younger working generations. Even though genes and autoimmune disorders play a role, the way we live our lives is becoming a reason for thyroid problems. We speak to Dr Aravind Badiger
8 hours ago
Sandhu finishes T-63, Sterne wins after gap of 13 yearsSandhu finishes T-63, Sterne wins after gap of 13 years Published on: May 25, 2026 1:47 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Rinkven , Indian golfer Yuvraj Sandhu endured a difficult final day to finish T-63 at the Soudal Open here
8 hours ago
Cardiologist reveals the real cause of heart attacks that most people overlook and it’s not just ‘bad cholesterol’Could your gut health be affecting your heart? A cardiologist explains how inflammation, poor sleep, stress, and unhealthy habits may raise heart attack risk. Published on: May 25
11 hours ago
