News for '-external-affairs'

Bullet-proof vehicles added to Jaishankar's security cover

Bullet-proof vehicles added to Jaishankar's security cover

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The security cover of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been strengthened with the addition of two bullet-resistant vehicles following a review of his Z category armed central protection recently, official sources said on Wednesday.

Shah, Jaishankar meet Prez Murmu days after Pahalgam massacre

Shah, Jaishankar meet Prez Murmu days after Pahalgam massacre

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The meeting comes in the wake of the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday in which 26 men, mostly tourists and including a Nepalese citizen, were gunned down in cold blood.

'Magnesia, Galveaisa': Punjab CM's dig at Modi's foreign trips

'Magnesia, Galveaisa': Punjab CM's dig at Modi's foreign trips

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits, drawing disapproval from the Ministry of External Affairs.

India slams US tariff hike as 'unfair, unjustified'

India slams US tariff hike as 'unfair, unjustified'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The United States action of levying 25 per cent additional tariff on Indian goods is 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable', India said on Wednesday in a firm reaction, signalling increasing tensions between the two strategic partners over New Delhi's energy ties with Moscow.

India's relations, dealings with Pak will be strictly bilateral: Jaishankar

India's relations, dealings with Pak will be strictly bilateral: Jaishankar

Rediff.com15 May 2025

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it "very clear" that any talks with Pakistan will be only on terror.

India's foreign policy has 'collapsed': Rahul attacks Jaishankar

India's foreign policy has 'collapsed': Rahul attacks Jaishankar

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of "collapsing" India's foreign policy and questioned the government's handling of the recent tensions with Pakistan, particularly the US President Donald Trump's role as a mediator. Gandhi's remarks come amidst a war of words between the Congress and the ruling BJP over their leaders' statements on the Indo-Pak conflict.

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'We have created massive infrastructure in the past six years.'

First Look: Inside Kartavya Bhavan, the new seat of govt

First Look: Inside Kartavya Bhavan, the new seat of govt

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Construction of all ten buildings of the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) is slated for completion in the next 22 months. Several ministries currently housed in Shastri Bhavan, Krishi Bhavan, Nirman Bhavan, and Udyog Bhavan will begin relocating to four new locations. The first building, Kartavya Bhavan, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

'China Is Competing In A Space Where India Was Dominant'

'China Is Competing In A Space Where India Was Dominant'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'These efforts by Beijing can be weaponised one day with economic, security and political implications for India.'

Modi dials Zelenskyy, reaffirms India's support for Ukraine peace

Modi dials Zelenskyy, reaffirms India's support for Ukraine peace

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that India remains committed to making every possible contribution for an early and peaceful solution to the conflict. Zelenskyy sought India's support in limiting Russian energy exports.

PHOTOS: When netas roll out mats for Yoga Day

PHOTOS: When netas roll out mats for Yoga Day

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

Take a look at our leaders taking to the yoga mats on this special day.

'Glad Trump stated facts': Rahul backs 'dead economy' remark on India

'Glad Trump stated facts': Rahul backs 'dead economy' remark on India

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The BJP flayed Gandhi for "echoing" Trump's "dead economy" jibe at India, calling it a "shameful" insult to the aspirations, achievements, and well-being of the people of the country.

India will respond firmly to any military attack from Pak: Jaishankar

India will respond firmly to any military attack from Pak: Jaishankar

Rediff.com9 May 2025

India has no intention to escalate tensions with Pakistan, but any military attacks on its soil will be met with a "very" firm response, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday. Jaishankar made the remarks at a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing that the "barbaric" Pahalgam terror attack compelled India to carry out strikes on "cross-border" terror infrastructure on Wednesday. He reiterated that India's response was targeted and measured, but stressed that any further military attacks would be met with a firm response. The Iranian foreign minister, who landed in New Delhi amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, called for de-escalation of the situation and stressed the need for regional cooperation to eradicate terrorism. The meeting also focused on boosting ties in areas of trade and investment, including the Chabahar port project.

Jaishankar recalls his UPSC interview on Emergency's last day

Jaishankar recalls his UPSC interview on Emergency's last day

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

"My interview was on March 21, 1977. That was the day the Emergency was revoked. Revoked! So, I go in for an interview at Shahjahan Road... First person that morning," recalls Jaishankar, now 70.

'New Delhi Can Hobnob With Moscow And Beijing, But...'

'New Delhi Can Hobnob With Moscow And Beijing, But...'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'...it should not delude itself into thinking that India's security or its great-power ambitions will be advanced by those partnerships.'
'Instead, what India should focus on is on riding out the next three-and-a-half years of Trump's presidency with minimal damage to itself.'

Centre Begins Historic Relocation of 30,000 Employees

Centre Begins Historic Relocation of 30,000 Employees

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The orders issued this month have selected ministries ranging from home affairs under Amit Shah to rural development, headed by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to move to Building 3 -- currently named CCS-03 -- on Kartavya Path. The scale of the shift will be even larger than when most of Lutyens' Delhi's present crop of government buildings came up in the early 1930s.

India looking for partners, not....: Jaishankar's veiled dig at Europe

India looking for partners, not....: Jaishankar's veiled dig at Europe

Rediff.com4 May 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called on Europe to display sensitivity and mutuality of interest for deeper ties with India, stating that New Delhi seeks partners, not "preachers." Jaishankar emphasized the importance of "Russia realism" in India's foreign policy, highlighting the natural complementarity between India and Russia as a resource provider and consumer. He criticized attempts by the West to address the Russia-Ukraine conflict without Russia's involvement, arguing it "challenged the basics of realism." Jaishankar also stressed the importance of finding common ground with the US, suggesting that focusing on mutuality of interest rather than ideological differences is key to successful engagement.

Rs 295 crore spent on Modi's foreign visits in 3 yrs

Rs 295 crore spent on Modi's foreign visits in 3 yrs

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The Indian government has released data detailing the expenses incurred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits from 2021 to 2025, including trips to the US, France, and other countries.

Little group called BRICS is fading out fast: Trump

Little group called BRICS is fading out fast: Trump

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

United States President Donald Trump has warned that countries aligning with the BRICS economic bloc will face additional 10 per cent tariffs on their goods, as he seeks to protect the dollar's global dominance.

How India Is Dealing With Trump's Barbs, Threats

How India Is Dealing With Trump's Barbs, Threats

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

'We are a responsible nation, and would prefer to deal with sensitive issues with the maturity they deserve rather than take to social media.'

New LAC Road Revives Memories Of China's 1962 Push

New LAC Road Revives Memories Of China's 1962 Push

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

At the end of the discussion, the older Monpa said that if today the Chinese were to come inside India, "I will fight and kill them", prudently adding, "if they are of my age, if they are younger soldiers, I will not be able to fight". The entire village had a good laugh.

Trump's Russian Roulette Over India's Oil Supply

Trump's Russian Roulette Over India's Oil Supply

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The trade relationship between India and the United States has been strained by the imposition of 25% tariff by the US on Indian goods.

Jaishankar speaks to Taliban minister, welcomes condemnation of Pahalgam attack

Jaishankar speaks to Taliban minister, welcomes condemnation of Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com16 May 2025

India on Thursday welcomed Kabul's firm rejection of attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan during a phone conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Will The Dragon And Elephant Dance Again?

Will The Dragon And Elephant Dance Again?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

A meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit is being planned.

Modi chairs high-level meet; CDS, 3 service chiefs attend

Modi chairs high-level meet; CDS, 3 service chiefs attend

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Modi has been chairing regular meetings with the top government functionaries involved in the country's military and diplomatic response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22.

'Ended 5 wars': Trump again takes credit for India-Pak truce

'Ended 5 wars': Trump again takes credit for India-Pak truce

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire after a "long night" of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim on several occasions.

Don't know...: Trump on India citing US trade with Russia

Don't know...: Trump on India citing US trade with Russia

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

President Trump addresses questions about US imports from Russia and India's stance on purchasing Russian oil, hinting at potential tariffs.

'Pak Deftly Used Personal Diplomacy To Connect With Trump'

'Pak Deftly Used Personal Diplomacy To Connect With Trump'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'As one former Indian diplomat put it to me, Delhi has access to the White House, but Islamabad has access to Mar-a-Lago.'

Trump claims India may exit Russian oil trade; New Delhi says no such move

Trump claims India may exit Russian oil trade; New Delhi says no such move

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

On Friday, during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, when asked about media reports that some Indian oil companies have stopped taking oil from Russia, had said India has made clear its approach on the issue.

Efforts underway to resolve trade deal differences with US: India

Efforts underway to resolve trade deal differences with US: India

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The comments came a day after US President Donald Trump said that Washington is "very close" to the trade pact with India.

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

According to a statement issued by the Grand Mufti's office, the decision was made after a high-level meeting held in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, where it was decided to completely cancel the death sentence, which had been temporarily suspended earlier.

3 Indians abducted in Mali amid Al-Qaeda-linked terror attacks

3 Indians abducted in Mali amid Al-Qaeda-linked terror attacks

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its "deep concern" regarding the abduction of Indians, employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes.

Gravity of charges hinder efforts to save Nimisha Priya from execution

Gravity of charges hinder efforts to save Nimisha Priya from execution

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

The gravity of charges against Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been sentenced to death by a Yemeni court after being convicted of murdering a citizen of the country, has made it difficult for the efforts to seek relief for her to succeed, sources said.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

'Curbs on sporting engagements standard safeguard'

'Curbs on sporting engagements standard safeguard'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Implementation of sports bill in 6 months, regulation of participation standard safeguard: Mandaviya

US advisory for India warns of crime, rape; MEA says 'noted'

US advisory for India warns of crime, rape; MEA says 'noted'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In the June 16 advisory, the US urged its citizens to exercise "increased caution" due to crime and rape, and advised them not to travel to certain parts of central and eastern parts of the country due to terrorism.

India Pursuing FTAs With Mature, Rule-Bound Markets: Jaishankar

India Pursuing FTAs With Mature, Rule-Bound Markets: Jaishankar

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'The logic every one of our neighbours must realise is that working with India will give you benefits, and not working with India has a cost.'

Tibet issue 'thorn' in ties with India, says China

Tibet issue 'thorn' in ties with India, says China

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

China has called Tibet-related issues a 'thorn' in India-China bilateral relations and a 'burden' for New Delhi, ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to China.

Jaishankar, Canada FM hold talks for 1st time; discuss ties

Jaishankar, Canada FM hold talks for 1st time; discuss ties

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand held their first phone conversation, focusing on strengthening bilateral economic ties and advancing shared priorities. The call comes amid efforts to repair relations between the two countries, which had been strained under the previous Canadian government. Both ministers expressed their commitment to improving ties and working together on areas of mutual interest. The conversation follows a period of tensions stemming from allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh activist on Canadian soil.

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has not been a good trading partner and announced that he will raise the tariffs on New Delhi 'very substantially' over the next 24 hours because it is buying Russian oil.