News for '-washington-dc'

Rajnath, US counterpart Hegseth agree on 10-year defence partnership plan

Rajnath, US counterpart Hegseth agree on 10-year defence partnership plan

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

India and the US have agreed to work together to draft a comprehensive framework on defence cooperation, aimed at structuring the bilateral collaboration for the 2025-2035 period. The framework will cover multiple domains in land, air, maritime and space, and will focus on intelligence, logistics, operational and industrial engagement. The agreement comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned trip to Washington, where he is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss boosting India-US cooperation in the areas of trade, energy and defence.

Oppn questions 'US-brokered' ceasefire; BJP hails Modi

Oppn questions 'US-brokered' ceasefire; BJP hails Modi

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Hours after, however, firing from the Pakistani side was reported in Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Drones were also seen in the Pir Panjal area.

Trump tariffs: With crude off the table, US nudges India towards LNG

Trump tariffs: With crude off the table, US nudges India towards LNG

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

With India making it clear that the US doesn't have enough spare capacity for crude oil, Washington, DC, now wants India to sign fixed-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts with American producers, multiple sources in the know said.

Trump promises 'wonderful deals' to 'great friend' Modi

Trump promises 'wonderful deals' to 'great friend' Modi

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Washington D.C. to discuss a range of issues including trade, defense, and energy. The two leaders announced plans to finalize "wonderful trade deals" for both countries, and Trump emphasized the need for India to purchase US oil and gas. Modi congratulated Trump on his second term and highlighted the importance of working together to further strengthen the India-US relationship. The meeting also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Modi reiterating India's commitment to peace.

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian students in the US to comply with American laws following the detention of a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. The MEA spokesperson said that the two Indians did not reach out to Indian missions in the US for assistance. Badar Khan Suri, the postdoctoral fellow, was detained on charges of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." Ranjani Srinivasan, a student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas. The MEA spokesperson also said that India is keen to bolster educational ties with the US.

US slams India's telecom, electronics testing norms, standards

US slams India's telecom, electronics testing norms, standards

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The US wants India to recognise internationally accredited labs, harmonise labelling requirements and the validity period of test reports and certification with global practices, and eliminate retesting requirements.

Pak gets $1 bn IMF loan despite India's strong objection

Pak gets $1 bn IMF loan despite India's strong objection

Rediff.com10 May 2025

India registered its protest at the board of IMF, which met on Friday to review the EFF lending programme for Pakistan.

US trade official begins India visit days before Trump's reciprocal tariff kicks in

US trade official begins India visit days before Trump's reciprocal tariff kicks in

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Brendan Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, will pay a five-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, days before US President Donald Trump's tit-for-tat tariff kicks in. The senior US trade official is expected to hold talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal besides meeting a number of senior Indian officials.

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Every decision India makes along the LoC, it must also consider implications along the LAC.'

First Images: Sunita Williams Returns!

First Images: Sunita Williams Returns!

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

After being marooned in space for nine months, Astronaut Sunita Williams is back on earth along with her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore.

SEE: Trump hugs Modi, says, 'we missed you a lot'

SEE: Trump hugs Modi, says, 'we missed you a lot'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the West Wing lobby in the White House in Washington, DC on Thursday.

Indian gets 8 yrs jail for bid to attack White House

Indian gets 8 yrs jail for bid to attack White House

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

The attack aimed to overthrow the democratically elected American government in order to replace it with a dictatorship fuelled by Nazi ideology, the Department of Justice said.

India could double US energy purchases this year to offset tariff threat

India could double US energy purchases this year to offset tariff threat

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

India's purchase of US crude oil has picked up in 2025 and could easily double their previous levels, government officials said on Wednesday. The surge comes in the wake of the then-incoming Donald Trump administration's announcement that it would consider hiking tariffs on a reciprocal basis, and pushed some countries, especially those with large trade surpluses with the US, to buy more of its energy.

Vance wants India to buy more American energy, weapons

Vance wants India to buy more American energy, weapons

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

US Vice President JD Vance called on India to drop non-tariff barriers, give greater access to its markets and buy more American energy products and military hardware. Vance, in a speech in Jaipur, highlighted the need for a stronger US-India partnership for a prosperous and peaceful 21st century. He emphasized the importance of working together to address global challenges and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a "special person." Vance also urged India to provide greater market access to American products and buy more defense platforms and energy from the US. He suggested that India consider dropping some of the non-tariff barriers for American access to the Indian market and highlighted the benefits of closer India-US defense collaboration, advocating for New Delhi to procure more military hardware from the US. He cited the example of American fifth-generation F-35s, arguing they would give the Indian Air Force the ability to defend its airspace and protect its people like never before. Vance also welcomed the Modi government's budget announcement to amend India's civil nuclear liability laws, paving the way for US producers to export small modular reactors and build larger US-designed reactors in India. He emphasized the importance of energy security for India's AI ambitions, stating "there is no AI future without energy security and energy dominance." Vance's visit comes amid growing global concerns over the US's tariff war.

'Take Advantage Of Trump Administration'

'Take Advantage Of Trump Administration'

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'Pick up momentum and find opportunities from an intelligence-sharing standpoint.'

US tariffs: India not in a hurry, to follow wait and watch approach

US tariffs: India not in a hurry, to follow wait and watch approach

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The official said there are both challenges and opportunities for India as many of its competitor countries in exports, such as China Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Thailand, face higher duties.

Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels aid for 'voter turnout in India'

Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels aid for 'voter turnout in India'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

The United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk has announced cancelling a $22 million funding intended for 'voter turnout in India' on Saturday (Local Time).

Global intelligence chiefs meet in Delhi; focus on terrorism, tech threats

Global intelligence chiefs meet in Delhi; focus on terrorism, tech threats

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held bilateral talks with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and chaired a conclave of top global intelligence chiefs focusing on strengthening cooperation in confronting various security challenges including terrorism and threats posed by emerging technologies. The meeting also focused on security in the Indo-Pacific region, cooperation to counter terror funding and money laundering, and issues relating to extradition and immigration.

We share a bond of mutual trust, we connect so well: Modi on Trump

We share a bond of mutual trust, we connect so well: Modi on Trump

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised US President Donald Trump in a podcast, describing him as a "man of courage" and saying they share a "mutual trust" based on their "America First" and "India First" philosophies. Modi recalled Trump's resilience after being shot at during the US election campaign and his willingness to engage with the public at a community event in Houston. He also highlighted the shared nationalistic approach they both embrace.

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Rediff.com8 May 2025

In a strong retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, India's armed forces early Wednesday destroyed nine terror sites including that of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using deep strike missiles in a 25-minute-long 'measured and non-escalatory' mission.

US Supreme Court rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea to stay extradition

US Supreme Court rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea to stay extradition

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The US Supreme Court has denied the application of Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, seeking a stay on his extradition to India. Rana, currently detained in Los Angeles, had submitted the application after Associate Justice Elena Kagan initially denied it. Despite a renewed appeal, the Supreme Court ultimately rejected the request.

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

We the people are left in the wind, waiting on the whims of an unengaged president and an oligarch with a nearly bottomless wallet, observes Sree Sreenivasan.

US freezes foreign aid for all countries including India

US freezes foreign aid for all countries including India

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce Sunday said, "President Trump stated clearly that the United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people. Reviewing and realigning foreign assistance on behalf of hardworking taxpayers is not just the right thing to do, it is a moral imperative."

'Trump Doesn't Mean Any Harm To India'

'Trump Doesn't Mean Any Harm To India'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'He is intrigued by the intractability of Kashmir issue. With his interest in dealmaking and peacebrokering, he sees it as an exciting challenge to tackle.'

Police name person of interest in Sudiksha Konanki case

Police name person of interest in Sudiksha Konanki case

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

US authorities have identified a 24-year-old man as a person of interest in the case of a 20-year-old Indian student who has gone missing during a spring break visit to the Dominican Republic. Sudiksha Konanki, a citizen of India and a permanent resident of the United States, was last seen on March 6 at the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, Konanki's hometown in Virginia, said Joshua Riibe was seen with Sudiksha at a resort before she went missing. While Konanki's father has asked local authorities to broaden the investigation, authorities maintain that the case is not a criminal investigation and Riibe is not considered a suspect. However, he is considered a person of interest as he was the last one to be seen with Konanki. The Dominican Republic National Police has established a "high-level commission" to oversee the investigation and will be reinterviewing "targeted individuals" who were seen near or with Konanki at the time of her disappearance.

'Drones And Missiles Can't Deliver A Decisive Military Victory'

'Drones And Missiles Can't Deliver A Decisive Military Victory'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Unfortunately, India and Pakistan could learn a 'lesson' from this conflict that will make them more likely to use these weapons against each other in the future.' 'Rounds of missile and drone attacks could be more routine features of their hostility, just like artillery fire has become a familiar fact of life along the Line of Control.'

Why US will soon become 'penniless'

Why US will soon become 'penniless'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump has announced that Washington DC will stop minting pennies, citing their high production cost, which exceeds their face value and termed the practice "wasteful." President Trump said Sunday that he has instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to "stop producing new pennies."

Full List of Countries Hit With Trump's 'Reciprocal' Tariffs

Full List of Countries Hit With Trump's 'Reciprocal' Tariffs

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Here is the complete list of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Hate speech on X spiked 50% after Musk takeover: Study

Hate speech on X spiked 50% after Musk takeover: Study

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

A new analysis has shown that hate speech on the social media platform 'X' spiked by almost 50 percent in the months following Elon Musk's purchase, compared to the months prior. Researchers found that the number of bot and bot-like accounts did not decline during Musk's tenure as CEO, until June 2023. The study, published in PLOS One, also revealed a heightened engagement with hate-related content, with about a 70 percent increase in the average number of 'likes' on such posts.

Was subjected to racism: Kash Patel tells Senate committee

Was subjected to racism: Kash Patel tells Senate committee

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the FBI, told lawmakers that he has faced racism while growing up. During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patel said he had been subjected to threats after his personal information was released by Congress. Patel said he was called a "detestable sand nigger" and told to "go back to where you came from." He said his family members, including his father and mother, were present at Capitol Hill during the hearing. Patel said his father fled Idi Amin's genocidal dictatorship in Uganda, where 300,000 men, women and children were killed based on their ethnicity. He said his mother is originally from Tanzania. Patel said he believes that people who put politics and personal ambition over service to the country should be named and that Americans deserve transparency.

Trump wants to end citizenship by birth, 22 US states to sue

Trump wants to end citizenship by birth, 22 US states to sue

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Indians are the main beneficiaries of the H-1B visas, which bring in the best of the talent and brains from across the world. Highly skilled professionals from India walk away with the overwhelming number of H-1B visas - which is Congressional mandated 65,0000 every year and another 20,000 for those who received higher education from the US.

Modi Eyes Trade Revival Talks With Trump

Modi Eyes Trade Revival Talks With Trump

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Ahead of the visit, officials from key government departments held intense discussions to identify key trade-related proposals.

Anger And Loathing Against Netanyahu

Anger And Loathing Against Netanyahu

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

Angry protests on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who was to address a joint session of the United States Congress on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Modi to address diaspora in Washington, DC, on June 23

Modi to address diaspora in Washington, DC, on June 23

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a gathering of Indian Americans from across the US in Washington on June 23 on the role of diaspora in India's growth story, an eminent community leader has said.

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'I am worried that Pakistan will still feel compelled to take substantive military action beyond this apparent drone activity.' 'If so, the crisis could persist for a while more and dangerous days are still ahead.'

Tariffs are integral to Trump's vision for US economy

Tariffs are integral to Trump's vision for US economy

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Trump may temper his approach from time to time, but to think that he will change his basic philosophy is delusional, asserts T T Ram Mohan.

Trump Diktat Threatens Oil PSUs Dividends In Venezuela

Trump Diktat Threatens Oil PSUs Dividends In Venezuela

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

ONGC's overseas arm applied for a sanctions waiver to access $500 million dividend from two Venezuelan projects.

Senators Grill Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard

Senators Grill Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Kash Patel, former Trump aide and vocal critic of investigations into the former president, testified at his Senate confirmation hearing for FBI director.

Shouldn't harm us, warns China after Modi-Trump meet

Shouldn't harm us, warns China after Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

No one should make China an issue in their bilateral relations and their cooperation should not harm the interests of another country, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday reacting to queries on the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Trump.

Trump's Moment Of Silence For Crash Victims

Trump's Moment Of Silence For Crash Victims

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

The scenes that unfolded after the deadly mid-air collision between American Eagle flight 5342 and a US army Black Hawk helicopter while approaching the Reagan Washington national airport and crashed into the Potomac river in Arlington, Virginia, outside Washington, DC, January 29, 2025.