3 Things The Catch Up: Jaishankar speaks with his Saudi Arabia, UAE counterparts (16 March)
Mar 16, 2026
A rundown of diplomatic talks over safe transit for India-bound tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports on election commission reshuffling and the two-phase West Bengal poll schedule. Coverage of concerns about food security data and a Kerala politician switching parties. Updates on strikes near Chabahar and broader Iran-related tensions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
India Secures Individual Safe Passages Through Strait Of Hormuz
- Two India-bound Indian-flagged ships secured safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz after bilateral negotiations with Iran.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said there is no blanket arrangement; each ship movement was handled as an individual diplomatic case.
Diplomacy Enabled Tanker Transits As A Practical Outcome
- Jaishankar told the Financial Times that negotiations with Tehran enabled two Indian tankers to transit the strait on Saturday.
- He presented the passage as an example of diplomacy achieving operational results amid the wider regional conflict.
Election Commission Quickly Reshuffles West Bengal Police Brass
- The Election Commission reshuffled West Bengal police leadership the day the model code came into force, replacing the DGP and key commissioners.
- Changes included Piyush Pandey being replaced by Siddhanath Gupta and a new Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nant.