March 13, 2026 – India Headlines

Story gist: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his first phone call with Iran’s president since US-Israel strikes began, expressing concern over escalating tensions. On the 13th day of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, ship attacks in the Gulf intensified and Israel launched strikes in Lebanon.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN frames the story as the ’13th day of the US and Israel’s war with Iran,’ emphasizing duration and portraying US-Israel as aggressors in a named war. Center BBC highlights specific events like intensifying Gulf ship attacks and Israel’s Lebanon strikes, using neutral tone without ‘war’ label or US focus. Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential emphasis on Iranian threats or US-Israel defensive actions.

Story gist: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amid West Asia tensions. Modi expressed commitment to peace and stability in the region.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Telegraph India emphasizes Modi’s focus on safety of Indian nationals and energy transit, highlighting practical bilateral concerns. Center Hindustan Times centers on Modi’s peace and stability commitment amid tensions. Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential nationalist framing of India’s diplomatic role or regional security posture.

Story gist: India’s Centre stated reports of Iran allowing Indian ships through Strait of Hormuz are premature. A Saudi oil tanker reached Mumbai after crossing the strait. India reportedly in talks with Iran for safe passage of 20 oil tankers.

Bias summary: Left-leaning The Hindu frames story amid West Asia conflict, emphasizing Saudi tanker’s safe arrival in Mumbai. Center The Hindu neutrally reports government’s ‘premature’ assessment without speculation. Right-leaning India Today stresses India’s diplomatic talks with Iran for 20 tankers’ passage, portraying proactive engagement; no strong omissions across lanes.

Story gist: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that the Strait of Hormuz should remain shut in his first remarks.

Bias summary: Left-leaning NDTV emphasizes ‘new Supreme Leader’s’ ‘warning’ in ‘first remarks,’ heightening drama and novelty. Center Reuters uses neutral phrasing, directly quoting the statement without added context. Right-leaning outlets absent, omitting potential framing as escalation threatening global oil trade or Western security interests.

Story gist: India faces an LPG cylinder shortage, leading to black marketing in cities including Delhi and Bengaluru. The Modi government responds by providing kerosene for households and coal for commercial use; an indigenous alternative has been available since 2020.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Telegraph India emphasize the Modi government’s response with alternative fuels like kerosene and coal. Center sources such as The Indian Express highlight black marketing surges and impacts on eateries in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru. Right-leaning Swarajyamag promotes an indigenous fix ignored since 2020, suggesting delays in adoption.