News for '-external-affairs'

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Rediff.com21 May 2025

A total of 750 pilgrims have been selected through a computerised draw for the upcoming Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet, marking the resumption of the pilgrimage after a five-year gap. The Yatra's resumption is seen as an attempt to normalize India-China relations, which were strained by the eastern Ladakh border standoff. The pilgrimage will begin in June and continue until August, with pilgrims traveling in five batches via the Lipulekh route and ten batches via the Nathu La route. The selection process was deemed "fair, computer-generated, random, gender-balanced" by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which organized the pilgrimage.

Trump@6 Months: Resetting The Global Order

Trump@6 Months: Resetting The Global Order

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

In the short run, the Trump presidency has already ensured one thing: The assumptions of the past can no longer guide the strategies of the future, points out Manish Dabhade.

India launches Op Sindhu to evacuate nationals from war-hit Iran

India launches Op Sindhu to evacuate nationals from war-hit Iran

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Iranian embassy officials in Delhi said the Iranian foreign ministry was in close touch with the Indian mission in Tehran after some students were injured.

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says Operation Sindoor conveyed India's resolve to act against terrorism, following UN Security Council's call to bring Pahalgam attackers to justice.

India rejects Arbitration Court ruling on Kishenganga, Ratle hydel projects

India rejects Arbitration Court ruling on Kishenganga, Ratle hydel projects

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

India rejects this so-called "supplemental award", the ministry of external affairs said, referring to the ruling in the case related to Pakistan's objections to Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects.

President Murmu to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City

President Murmu to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will attend the state funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City this week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Murmu will pay a two-day visit to Vatican City beginning Friday, offering condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. She will pay homage to Pope Francis by laying a wreath at Basilica of Saint Peter on Friday and attend the funeral Mass at Saint Peter's Square on April 26.

Kashmir 'invasion' was made into dispute: Jaishankar bats for fair UN

Kashmir 'invasion' was made into dispute: Jaishankar bats for fair UN

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The external affairs minister said global norms and rules must be applied uniformly.

SEE! Who Said What In LS Debate On Operation Sindoor

SEE! Who Said What In LS Debate On Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Here's a quick look at who spoke in the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Operation Sindoor debate.

US urges India, Pak to ease tensions; seeks Sharif's help in Pahalgam probe

US urges India, Pak to ease tensions; seeks Sharif's help in Pahalgam probe

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The phone conversation came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

In special gesture, Iran lifts airspace curbs to evacuate 1,000 Indians

In special gesture, Iran lifts airspace curbs to evacuate 1,000 Indians

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, said more evacuation flights could be operated in the coming days to bring back Indians if required.

Why India Should Not Worry About Trump

Why India Should Not Worry About Trump

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Trump's method are more destabilising than his policy. So, a good idea these couple of years is to sip Kool-Aid, and savour the joys of Trumplomacy, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Why Saina Nehwal needs External Affairs Minister's help

Why Saina Nehwal needs External Affairs Minister's help

Rediff.com7 Oct 2019

Saina facing visa issues for Denmark Open, seeks help from External Affairs Ministry

Op Sindhu: 296 more Indians, 4 Nepalese nationals evacuated from Iran

Op Sindhu: 296 more Indians, 4 Nepalese nationals evacuated from Iran

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Another special flight carrying 296 Indian nationals and four Nepalese nationals stranded in conflict-hit Iran landed safely in New Delhi on Wednesday, taking the total number of people evacuated under Operation Sindhu to 3,154.

Absurd: India tears into OIC over Pahalgam terror statement

Absurd: India tears into OIC over Pahalgam terror statement

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India has strongly criticized the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its statement on the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it "absurd" and accusing Pakistan of manipulating the group to issue a self-serving statement. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said the OIC's refusal to recognize the cross-border links to the attack was made at Pakistan's behest.

India briefs foreign envoys on Pahalgam attack for 2nd straight day

India briefs foreign envoys on Pahalgam attack for 2nd straight day

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

India briefed envoys of around 45 nations on the Pahalgam terror attack and its link to cross-border terrorism. The envoys were briefed in two batches by senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). India also announced punitive measures against Pakistan, including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post. Pakistan responded by shutting its airspace to all Indian airlines and suspending trade with New Delhi.

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India last travelled to Bangladesh in 2014 when they played three ODIs.

India-Pak clash is about terrorism, West will suffer too: Jaishankar

India-Pak clash is about terrorism, West will suffer too: Jaishankar

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said the recent confrontation between India and Pakistan was not just a mere conflict between two neighbours, but it was about combating terrorism, which will eventually come back to haunt the West.

Pak expels Indian diplomat hours after Delhi's move

Pak expels Indian diplomat hours after Delhi's move

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Pakistan on Tuesday declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad 'persona non grata' for engaging in activities what it called 'incompatible' with his privileged status.

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

If the only superpower, which calls India an ally, sees the region through an India-Pakistan prism, it is unacceptable. Rather than endorse India's sphere of influence, this undermines it, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Modi arrives in Canada for G7 Summit amid Israel-Iran conflict

Modi arrives in Canada for G7 Summit amid Israel-Iran conflict

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The Kananaskis gathering on June 16-17 is the Prime Minister's 6th consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

India slams Pakistan over Khuzdar Attack allegations

India slams Pakistan over Khuzdar Attack allegations

Rediff.com21 May 2025

India has vehemently denied Pakistan's accusations of involvement in a bomb attack on a school bus in Balochistan's Khuzdar region, calling the allegations "baseless." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan consistently blames India for its internal issues to deflect attention from its reputation as a global terrorism hub. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, asserted that this attempt to deceive the world will ultimately fail. The suicide attack resulted in the tragic deaths of five people, including three children, and left several others injured. While India expressed condolences for the loss of life, it firmly rejected Pakistan's claims. The MEA highlighted Pakistan's tendency to scapegoat India for its internal problems, a tactic aimed at obscuring its own failings in combating terrorism. The blast, reportedly carried out through a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), was condemned by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of innocent children and teachers.

No nuclear signalling by Pak during conflict, Misri tells Parl panel

No nuclear signalling by Pak during conflict, Misri tells Parl panel

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The sources said Misri reiterated the government's stand that the decision to stop military actions was taken at a bilateral level, as some opposition members questioned US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions about his administration's role in stopping the conflict.

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of bilateral meetings with his global counterparts on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, with discussions focusing on a range of issues such as trade, investment, counter-terrorism and global challenges.

AAIB warns against media speculation on AI crash, says probe underway

AAIB warns against media speculation on AI crash, says probe underway

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has urged restraint in speculating about the cause of the Air India plane crash, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and premature narratives should be avoided.

CBI repatriation rate doubles, brings back 134 over 5 years

CBI repatriation rate doubles, brings back 134 over 5 years

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

The CBI has significantly increased the rate of fugitive repatriation, bringing back 134 individuals in the last five years, doubling the number from the previous decade. This success is attributed to enhanced diplomatic efforts, technological advancements, and improved coordination with Interpol.

'Daughter doesn't know how to survive in war-like situations'

'Daughter doesn't know how to survive in war-like situations'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

'It's been five days now since I made the last video call to her. It's a terrible state for a mother to be in'

How Tahawwur Rana Was Handed Over

How Tahawwur Rana Was Handed Over

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Glimpses of when US marshals in the central district of California transferred custody of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana to representatives from India's ministry of external affairs on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Direct negotiation between...: Jaishankar on Trump's truce claim

Direct negotiation between...: Jaishankar on Trump's truce claim

Rediff.com22 May 2025

When asked whether both armies talked to each other, initiated by the Pakistani army, Jaishankar said, "Yes, we have a mechanism to talk to each other as a hotline. So, on the 10th of May, it was the Pakistani army which sent a message that they were ready to stop firing, and we responded accordingly."

No radiation leak from any nuclear facility in Pakistan: IAEA

No radiation leak from any nuclear facility in Pakistan: IAEA

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Global nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said there was no radiation leak or release from any nuclear facility in Pakistan during the country's recent military conflict with India.

Oppn raises Pahalgam, Trump's remarks, Bihar SIR in session eve meet

Oppn raises Pahalgam, Trump's remarks, Bihar SIR in session eve meet

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

At the customary meeting ahead of the session beginning Monday, the opposition raised various issues, including voter roll revision in Bihar, the Pahalgam terror attack and Trump's 'ceasefire' claims.

European embassy staffer behind anti-Netanyahu posters in Delhi

European embassy staffer behind anti-Netanyahu posters in Delhi

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

The incident came to light at around 7.30 am on May 29, when personnel from the Chanakyapuri police station noticed two such posters on electricity poles near the Carmel Convent School on Malcha Marg and the American Embassy School, he said.

Will never...: Jaishankar on bid to hyphenate India, Pakistan

Will never...: Jaishankar on bid to hyphenate India, Pakistan

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

India expects partners to understand its policy of 'zero tolerance' against terrorism, and it will never countenance 'perpetrators of evil' being put on par with its victims, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday during extensive talks with his British counterpart David Lammy.

India hits back on US gen remarks, says Pak's terror record clear

India hits back on US gen remarks, says Pak's terror record clear

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Pakistan's record on terrorism is "very clear" and the Pahalgam attack is only the recent example of cross-border terrorism, the ministry of external affairs said on Thursday.

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha heads a diplomatic mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore, to seek international cooperation after the Pahalgam attack while highlighting Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.

India skips UN resolution on Afghanistan, calls for fresh strategy

India skips UN resolution on Afghanistan, calls for fresh strategy

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

India abstained from a UN General Assembly vote on a resolution regarding Afghanistan, citing the need for a balanced approach that combines incentives and disincentives, and calling for new initiatives to address the humanitarian crisis.

Doval's veiled jab at Pakistan in talks with Chinese FM

Doval's veiled jab at Pakistan in talks with Chinese FM

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms for overall regional peace and stability during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

Dubai Crown Prince to visit India on April 8-9

Dubai Crown Prince to visit India on April 8-9

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will visit India on April 8-9, during which he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and participate in a business roundtable seeking to bolster India-United Arab Emirates ties.

Tehran open to peace talks if..., says Iranian envoy; seeks India's help

Tehran open to peace talks if..., says Iranian envoy; seeks India's help

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

In an interaction with PTI Videos in New Delhi, Iran's deputy chief of mission to India Mohammad Javad Hosseini also said Americans should "put pressure" and bring the other side back to the negotiating table.

INDIA, PAKISTAN AGREE TO IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE: TRUMP

INDIA, PAKISTAN AGREE TO IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE: TRUMP

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.'

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that India and China have reached an understanding to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025. While an understanding has been reached, the modalities of the pilgrimage are yet to be firmed up. The Yatra has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and non-renewal of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese side.