India is exploring alternatives for its stake in Iran’s Chabahar port as a US sanctions waiver approaches expiry. Officials are in talks with both the US and Iran, including a potential temporary transfer of the stake to an Iranian entity. The goal is to preserve India’s long-term engagement so future connectivity projects tied to Chabahar can proceed.
Indian markets opened lower on Wednesday, April 22, as global uncertainty tied to a US-Iran ceasefire and continued blockade risks for the Strait of Hormuz pressured investor sentiment. The Sensex fell 0.32% to 79,019.34, while the Nifty 50 dropped 0.43% to 24,470.85, reflecting a cautious start to trade.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Bitcoin has crossed $100,000 for the first time, surging up to 6.59% in 24 hours and sparking fresh momentum across crypto markets. The rally is being tied to support from a newly cited backer, raising questions about how geopolitics, including a Putin connection, may be influencing investor sentiment and demand at this milestone.
US President Donald Trump said he would not use a nuclear weapon in the conflict with Iran, stressing such arms should never be used. He linked the message to wider efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, adding that the US has a strong economy and sufficient oil supplies as ships reroute amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Nifty 50 and Sensex are set to open lower on Thursday, April 23, as investor sentiment stays weak amid surging crude oil prices. The rise is linked to the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping chokepoint. With GIFT Nifty also pointing to a negative start, traders are watching how oil moves could shape the morning session.
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen while the US maintains a naval blockade. He called the blockade a “blatant violation of the ceasefire,” arguing that achieving a full ceasefire is pointless if the restrictive measures remain in place. The statement heightens uncertainty for regional shipping routes.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
The International Energy Agency says the Iran US Israel conflict could trigger the worst energy crisis in history. It warns the disruption in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is already constraining global oil and LNG flows, compounding a tense oil and gas situation tied to Russia. The knock-on effect could quickly ripple into prices and supply.
Bitcoin hovered near $68,000 after easing Iran-related tensions lifted risk appetite, while Ethereum rose about 3%. Most major altcoins were mixed as traders stayed cautious ahead of the March jobs report on April 3. The data could shift expectations for rate cuts, quickly changing market momentum for Bitcoin and broader crypto prices.
The U.S. dollar’s recent slide may be nearing an end as economic resilience, easing fears around policy, and geopolitical shifts strengthen the currency’s outlook. Traders are watching the Dollar Index trend toward 100 to 102, signaling firmer fundamentals. That could put pressure on the Indian rupee, with both global and domestic factors building a case for depreciation.
Indian government bonds fell on Thursday as traders priced in rising economic risk after oil jumped past $100 a barrel amid the US-Iran standoff. Disrupted Middle East shipping is expected to raise inflation pressure and cloud India’s growth outlook. The rupee weakened and stock markets dipped, reinforcing a risk-off mood across markets.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
Indian 10-year G Sec yields climbed to a near two-year high, ending FY25 at 7.03% even after a policy rate cut. Analysts point to bond oversupply and geopolitical risks tied to West Asia as key drivers. With conflict continuing and supply pressures building, yields could keep an upward bias through FY27, raising inflation concerns.
RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee said a longer West Asia conflict could meaningfully affect India’s growth and inflation, even as the economy stays resilient. Instead of changing policy, it chose a wait-and-watch approach, citing heightened geopolitical uncertainty and a possible El Nino-driven inflation risk.
Gold has surged nearly 60% since Akshaya Tritiya 2025, but the path to further gains through 2027 looks tougher. Iran-linked geopolitical risk and shifting interest-rate expectations could cap near-term momentum. Still, long-term support appears stronger, driven by sustained central bank buying and rising global debt, keeping gold positioned as a hedge for uncertain times.
The Indian rupee fell sharply for the first time in two weeks as oil prices climbed beyond $100 a barrel following US moves affecting Iran port access. Early gains from dollar inflows linked to banks unwinding arbitrage positions faded quickly, leaving the currency exposed to higher import-cost pressure.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
Crypto markets stayed subdued on Good Friday as macro worries and geopolitical tensions pressured sentiment. Bitcoin hovered around $66,000 after recent declines, while most altcoins remained flat. Analysts point to risk off positioning, weak ETF flows, and nearby technical resistance as key factors, suggesting a near-term range with a bearish undertone.
SEBI has granted a one-time breather to listed companies that are struggling to meet minimum public shareholding norms, citing market volatility linked to West Asian geopolitical tensions. For compliance deadlines between April 1 and September 30, 2026, the regulator says it will not initiate penal action, effectively pausing enforcement during the window.
The Indian rupee fell for its third consecutive session, ending at 93.79 to the dollar after losing about 30 paise. The move was driven by a jump in crude oil prices as geopolitical tensions in West Asia persist and US President Trump’s threats toward Iran raise supply and cost concerns.
Asia’s ultra-rich families are reconsidering Dubai investments and relocation plans as the Iran war raises regional security concerns. Wealth consultants say some clients are postponing moves, reducing exposure, or drawing up contingency plans. The shift reflects how quickly geopolitical risk is reshaping private wealth strategies, even for those with long-standing bases in the emirate.
Stay informed on the go
Bite-sized news from 100+ trusted sources, right in your pocket.
Rare earths power modern devices, from electronics to industrial machinery, making their supply a strategic battlefield. Recent events underscore how China’s leverage extends beyond tariffs and into critical minerals access. The takeaway for the world: diversify supply, secure alternatives, and reduce dependence on a single source to protect technology, jobs, and national resilience.
Asian markets opened lower Monday as U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran intensified Middle East tensions. U.S. futures fell more than 1% and crude prices surged, while investors flocked to safe havens: gold rose about 2.3% and silver gained around 2.1%. Japan’s Nikkei dropped 2.4% and Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.4%.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.