News for 'America First'

India's Kabul mission made embassy, to launch 6 projects in Afghanistan

India's Kabul mission made embassy, to launch 6 projects in Afghanistan

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

India has upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar acknowledging the Taliban's consideration of India's security concerns. The announcement was made during talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking a significant step in advancing ties between the two nations.

Amid tariff row, US team's India visit for trade deal talks deferred

Amid tariff row, US team's India visit for trade deal talks deferred

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Deferment or rescheduling of the meeting assumes significance as the US has announced a staggering 50 per cent duty on Indian goods.

Trump's H1B Diktat Fuels Anxiety For Indians

Trump's H1B Diktat Fuels Anxiety For Indians

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

Social media feeds and immigration forums lit up with questions from workers and families who feared they might be stranded abroad, unable to return to their jobs or reunite with loved ones.

'Almost All The People We Call 'Antinationals' Are The Ones Who Care'

'Almost All The People We Call 'Antinationals' Are The Ones Who Care'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'And then the people who call themselves great nationalists, I can bet you that 99 per cent of them are dodging taxes, have sent their kids to America, or are doing everything to make sure that what goes on in this country doesn't affect their personal wealth or their whatever bull*&$%.'

'Gold, Silver Are Long-Term Insurance'

'Gold, Silver Are Long-Term Insurance'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

'The world is heading into a period of serious problems, and gold and silver are among the few ways to protect oneself.'

Trump slaps 25% tariff on India from Aug 1

Trump slaps 25% tariff on India from Aug 1

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent plus tariff on India from Aug 1. Trump, describing India as a "friend", said the US has done relatively "little business" with the country because of its high tariffs.

India to take all steps to protect national interest: Goyal on US tariff

India to take all steps to protect national interest: Goyal on US tariff

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

India will take all necessary steps to safeguard and promote national interest, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday, a day after US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs plus penalty on domestic exports to America from August 1.

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked the Congress to tell the nation who prevented India's military response after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks linked to Pakistan, and accused the party of weakening the fight against terrorism when in power.

Rupee trades near record lows against USD

Rupee trades near record lows against USD

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Indian rupee slipping below the record 88 level against the US dollar will enhance price competitiveness of Indian products in global markets and help exporters diversify beyond the US market, say exporters. However, import-dependent sectors such as gems and jewellery, petroleum and electronics may see lower benefits due to a rise in input costs, they stated.

Apple to open fourth India store in Pune on Sep 4

Apple to open fourth India store in Pune on Sep 4

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

iPhone-maker Apple on Tuesday announced that it will open a new store in Pune next week. The latest move marks a significant expansion for Apple in the country, offering customers in Pune new ways to explore and purchase Apple products, as well as experience Apple's services in person, the company said.

IT stocks brace for more pain after muted Q1

IT stocks brace for more pain after muted Q1

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Investors in India's information technology (IT) companies are likely in for more pain ahead as muted earnings for the first quarter of 2025-26 (Q1FY26) play spoilsport at the bourses in the worst-performing sector this year amid macro uncertainties. Investors, analysts suggest, can look for better opportunities in the markets as things stand.

We engage in full and frank dialogue with India: US

We engage in full and frank dialogue with India: US

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

The US State Department has expressed concerns over India's trade imbalance with Washington and its purchase of Russian oil, emphasizing that President Trump has been clear with New Delhi on these issues.

India, Russia can take their dead economies down together: Trump

India, Russia can take their dead economies down together: Trump

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

United States President Donald Trump once again mounted a sharp attack on India and Russia for their close ties and said that the two countries can take their 'dead economies down together'.

H1B Hike: Birth Of Opportunity

H1B Hike: Birth Of Opportunity

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

LinkedIn experts and real-life stories offer hope that Indian tech talent can still thrive globally, even as the $100,000 H1B fee reshapes onsite opportunities.

India's share in US imports increasing in electronics, agri, textiles: Official

India's share in US imports increasing in electronics, agri, textiles: Official

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The restructuring of tariffs by the US has led to a shift in the list of key product suppliers to the American market, with India emerging as one of the beneficiaries at the expense of China and Canada, an official said on Monday. As per an analysis, India's share in the USA's electronics exports has increased to 7.2 per cent to 3.5 per cent year-on-year in May, while China's share dipped to 11 per cent from 22 per cent during the same period.

Bhambri-Galloway in men's doubles Round 3 at Wimbledon

Bhambri-Galloway in men's doubles Round 3 at Wimbledon

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

India's Yuki Bhambri and his American partner Robert Galloway entered the third round in the men's doubles at Wimbledon, beating Portugal's Nuno Borges and America's Marcos Giron at the All England Club on Saturday.

2026 FIFA World Cup draw to be held at Kennedy Center

2026 FIFA World Cup draw to be held at Kennedy Center

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

FIFA boss Infantino also presented President Trump with the very first ticket to the tournament's grand finale.

Direct long-haul flights, policy push key to Indian airports' hub ambition: CEOs

Direct long-haul flights, policy push key to Indian airports' hub ambition: CEOs

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Indian airports' push to become global hubs will depend on reducing passenger leakage to rival airports abroad, scaling up direct long-haul connectivity, and offering transfer experiences that are faster, smoother, and more attractive than those of regional competitors, said panellists at the Business Standard Infrastructure Summit on Thursday.

Tejaswi Manoj Is TIME's Kid Of The Year 2025

Tejaswi Manoj Is TIME's Kid Of The Year 2025

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

17-year-old Tejasvi Manoj becomes TIME's Kid of the Year 2025 for protecting seniors from cyber fraud.

'Potential Threats To India's Security From Saudi-Pak Pact Are Serious, But Manageable'

'Potential Threats To India's Security From Saudi-Pak Pact Are Serious, But Manageable'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'Saudi-Pak defence pact is to anchor the defence and security of Saudi Arabia and not Pakistan, per se, with Islamabad being the junior partner.'

'India Is Where The Action Is'

'India Is Where The Action Is'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'Pakistan is no longer a front-burner issue for America.'

Trump Tantrum: 'Present Moment Difficult For India'

Trump Tantrum: 'Present Moment Difficult For India'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'Geopolitically and diplomatically it's a very difficult situation for India.'

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

Ahead of Trump's inauguration here on January 20, the debate on foreign guest workers visas for highly skilled professionals, the H-1B, has intensified which has literally created divisions in both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

India close partner of US, but Trump...: US Secy Rubio

India close partner of US, but Trump...: US Secy Rubio

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims President Donald Trump was instrumental in bringing about the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, a claim India has consistently denied.

Will secure, advance national interest: Goyal on Trump tariffs

Will secure, advance national interest: Goyal on Trump tariffs

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assures Parliament that India will take necessary steps to protect its national interests following the US announcement of tariffs on Indian goods. The government is assessing the implications and engaging with stakeholders.

'We Cannot Trust China'

'We Cannot Trust China'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'However, we must implement a tit-for-tat approach -- reciprocating their conduct with precision.' 'If they demonstrate respect, we respond accordingly. If they adopt hostile positions, we mirror that hostility with equal intensity.'

Modi congratulates 'friend' Trump on historic inauguration

Modi congratulates 'friend' Trump on historic inauguration

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump on his historic inauguration as the 47th US president and said he looks forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both the countries as well as to shape a better future for the world.

'China, EU buy more': Jaishankar rejects criticism on Russian oil

'China, EU buy more': Jaishankar rejects criticism on Russian oil

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defends India's purchase of Russian oil, stating it is not the largest purchaser and that the US had previously supported such actions to stabilize energy markets. He also addresses concerns about tariffs and trade relations with the US.

Trump's ego can't be allowed to harm strategic India-US ties: Experts

Trump's ego can't be allowed to harm strategic India-US ties: Experts

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

A US lawmaker and former officials warn that President Trump's policies are damaging the strategic partnership between the United States and India, potentially driving India closer to China and Russia.

India revises proposed retaliatory duties against US

India revises proposed retaliatory duties against US

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

India has revised its proposal to impose retaliatory duties under the WTO (World Trade Organisation) norms against the US over American tariffs on steel and aluminium in view of the further hike in duty by the Trump administration. The US first imposed 25 per cent tariffs on imports of aluminium, steel and derivative articles on March 12.

Modi's Media Triumph With Uncertain Returns

Modi's Media Triumph With Uncertain Returns

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

'Unsurprisingly, Trump shared Modi's podcast with Fridman on his Truth account.' 'The intentions of Trump, a transactional president, are never easy to tell.' 'We will know in the next fortnight if and when he unfolds reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, whether Modi's flattering words made any significant difference to Trump's compass,' notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

The Leverage Trump's US Has On Xi's China Has Shrunk

The Leverage Trump's US Has On Xi's China Has Shrunk

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The stock and bond markets told Trump firmly that any idea of isolating China would lead to harming the US economy and this forced Trump to backtrack, points out Aakar Patel.

Days after 'will go to war' vow, Musk says H-1B visa system 'broken'

Days after 'will go to war' vow, Musk says H-1B visa system 'broken'

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Elon Musk, who has previously vowed to "go to war" to defend the H-1B visa program, has reignited debate surrounding the program by labeling it "broken" and in urgent need of "major reform." Musk, along with Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has been tapped by Trump to lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While Musk acknowledges the need for foreign workers in the tech industry, he believes the current H-1B system needs significant changes, including raising the minimum salary and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the visa. The H-1B visa, which allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, has been a subject of debate for years. The tech industry advocates for more H-1B visas to attract highly skilled workers, while some argue that it allows businesses to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers.

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

By threatening to punish India with high tariff, Trump is actually planting a tantalising thought in the Indian mind that the Modi government should suitably 'incentivise' him, explains Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

US govt restricts sports visas for transgender women

US govt restricts sports visas for transgender women

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Trump to sign order creating Olympics task force ahead of 2028 games

No English, no relatives: Indian woman goes missing in US

No English, no relatives: Indian woman goes missing in US

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

According to the New York Post, the woman, identified as Simran, arrived on a flight from India on June 20. Surveillance footage shows the woman looking at her phone and seemingly waiting for someone, police said.

Studying US tariff implications, hopeful of trade pact: Govt

Studying US tariff implications, hopeful of trade pact: Govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The Indian government is studying the implications of US President Trump's announcement to impose tariffs on Indian goods and remains hopeful of concluding a bilateral trade agreement.

Kiara, SRK And The Met Gala...

Kiara, SRK And The Met Gala...

Rediff.com2 May 2025

This year, the gala tips its very wide-brimmed hat to the Black Dandy movement -- a revolution where style became a statement about identity and political views.

Trump, Putin meet in Alaska along with aides

Trump, Putin meet in Alaska along with aides

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Trump's one-on-one meetings with Putin during his first term were clouded with mystery. With only a translator inside the room, it was often unclear what exactly was discussed. Aides had a difficult time ascertaining if the two reached any agreements. After one such meeting, in Germany, Trump asked his interpreter to discard his notes.

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Posing a series of questions to the prime minister, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also asked if Modi would convey to the US president that India would send its own aircraft -- like Venezuela and Colombia did -- to bring back Indian deportees in the future.