War vs. Covid: West Asia Conflict Echoes Pandemic's Global Impact

• The West Asia conflict, involving US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation, has lasted nearly four weeks, drawing comparisons to the Covid-19 pandemic's global disruption.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned of unprecedented challenges for India and the global economy due to the war, citing economic, national security, and humanitarian pressures.
• Asian countries are implementing fuel-saving measures similar to Covid-era restrictions, such as hybrid work models and reduced travel, due to blocked Strait of Hormuz and soaring oil prices.
• Fears of a lockdown in India surged after PM Modi's speech, but the government has assured stable fuel and LPG supplies, urging against panic buying and misinformation.
• The war has caused market volatility, with Brent crude prices exceeding $105 a barrel and global stocks falling, while travel restrictions and higher fares impact the tourism industry.