As of 22 March 2026, the West Asia conflict has entered its 23rd day. In the recent developments, the US launched attacks on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, following which Iran attacked Israel's Dimona, which houses a nuclear facility.
Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, the Strait of Hormuz, as asserted by Iran's representative to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), remains open but closed to Iran's "enemies".
However, amid high regional tensions, India's second LPG tanker Nanda Devi successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and arrived at Vadinar Port, Gujarat, on 17 March 2026, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of LPG from Qatar.
The successful navigation of the vessel through the sensitive Strait of Hormuz is crucial for India's energy security amid the rising West Asia conflict. India imports 60 per cent of LPG.
The International Energy Agency (IEA), in a statement, said, "Countries in Asia and Oceania will start releasing oil immediately, while reserves from Europe and the Americas will begin to be released at the end of this month." This move is cited as the largest emergency oil release ever to help lower global prices.
More of the world in the last week: we will look into the 22-nation coalition formed to secure the Strait of Hormuz, antibiotic-resistant cave bacteria, US-Iran oil sanctions relief, who's now India's third-largest export market, and $57-billion energy deals that the US signed with its Indo-Pacific partners.
Top 5 World Current Affairs This Week
Here are the top 5 international headlines around the globe from 15 to 21 March 2026.
1. 22-Nation Coalition to Secure the Strait of Hormuz
Why in news? A coalition of 22-nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Australia, issued a joint statement on 21 March 2026 condemning Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and energy infrastructure. The coalition demanded immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
2. Antibiotic-Resistant Cave Bacteria Found In Romania's Ice Cave
Why in news? A study in Frontiers in Microbiology (March 2026) was published regading 5,000-year-old bacteria found in Romania's Scarisoara Ice Cave. These ancient microbes have been found to be naturally resistant to 10 classes of modern antibiotics, despite never being exposed to them. Researchers are using 'ancient resistomes' to aid in the development of next-generation superdrugs.
3. US Sanctions on Iranian Oil Amid West Asia Tensions
Why in news? The US, on 21 March 2026, announced to lift sanctions on Iranian oil to counter rising oil prices amid the escalating West Asia war. The US Treasury Secretary said the 30-day waiver could bring about 140 million barrels of oil to global markets. This is the third time the US has temporarily waived sanctions in about two weeks.
4. China Overtakes Netherlands as India's third-largest export market
Why in news? India's Department of Commerce, on 17 March 2026, released data that showed China becoming India's third-largest export destination in February 2026. Data showed that China has overtaken the Netherlands, while the US remained the top export destination followed by the UAE. Exports to China surged by 32.4 per cent, largely driven by shipments in electronics and marine products, while exports to the Netherlands fell by 31.3 per cent in February 2026.
5. US Secures $57-billion Energy Deals with Indo-Pacific Partners
Why in news? The United States secured $57-billion worth energy deals with Indo-Pacific partners to boost regional energy security. The 22 deals were finalised during the first Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial Conference held in Japan from 14 to 15 March 2026. Among the key agreements is a $10-billion LNG deal with a major South Korean firm.
World Current Affairs This Week: US Tariffs, India-Canada Deal, and Raisina Dialogue
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