News for 'Defence and External Affairs Ministries'

Amid Ukraine war, India, Russia resolve to boost defence ties

Amid Ukraine war, India, Russia resolve to boost defence ties

Rediff.com28 Apr 2023

Singh and Shoigu held extensive talks, covering the regional security situation and key aspects of bilateral defence relations, including industrial partnership, at a meeting on the sidelines of a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in New Delhi.

China renames 30 more places in Arunachal Pradesh

China renames 30 more places in Arunachal Pradesh

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

India has been rejecting China renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of the country and assigning "invented" names does not alter this reality.

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his visit to France, which included co-chairing an AI summit and bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He is now headed to the US for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. Modi's visit to France included discussions on trade, defense, energy, and cultural linkages. He also inaugurated India's new consulate in Marseille. During his visit to the US, Modi will also interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community.

Chinese defence minister to visit India this week

Chinese defence minister to visit India this week

Rediff.com25 Apr 2023

China on Tuesday announced that its Defence Minister General Li Shangfu will visit India this week to attend the meeting of SCO defence ministers from April 27 during which he is expected to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on ending the prolonged eastern Ladakh standoff which has severely strained bilateral ties.

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

In his media statement following talks with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic, Modi said both leaders agree that "terrorism is an enemy of humanity" and is inimical to forces that believe in democracy.

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

President Trump made these remarks on Monday while talking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Joint Base Andrews from Florida.

Modi to visit US on Feb 12, to meet Trump amid tariff war

Modi to visit US on Feb 12, to meet Trump amid tariff war

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

It would be the prime minister's first bilateral visit to the US after Trump became president for a second term.

India disputes Trump's claims on Kashmir mediation, ceasefire

India disputes Trump's claims on Kashmir mediation, ceasefire

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The ministry of external affairs also seemed to reject Trump's forceful comments that Washington brokered the understanding between India and Pakistan on ending their four-day military conflict.

What assurance did Jaishankar give to Maldives

What assurance did Jaishankar give to Maldives

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday concluded a crucial visit to Male, assuring the country's top leadership that the Maldives remains an important partner of India in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.

Kuwait fire: IAF aircraft to bring back mortal remains of Indians

Kuwait fire: IAF aircraft to bring back mortal remains of Indians

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Kuwaiti authorities are conducting DNA tests on the bodies of those killed in the devastating fire incident in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area and an Indian Air Force aircraft is on standby to bring back the mortal remains of Indians killed in the incident, officials said on Thursday.

Another Indian dies in Ukraine war, MEA asks Russia to...

Another Indian dies in Ukraine war, MEA asks Russia to...

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

India on Tuesday pressed Russia to release all the Indians recruited by the Russian military, following the death of another Indian national in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone, taking the death toll to 10.

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

We need to equip the Indian Armed Forces, not 'commercial' as Trump wants, but 'operationally' looking at growing Chinese military capabilities, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

What Modi told Trump in first phone call after his victory

What Modi told Trump in first phone call after his victory

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President-elect Donald Trump have 'reaffirmed their commitment' to working together to further strengthen bilateral ties across a range of sectors, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Here is the complete list of ministers in Modi 3.0 and their portfolios:

Plot to kill Pannun: FBI chief to visit India next week

Plot to kill Pannun: FBI chief to visit India next week

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

It is expected that FBI chief Wray will hold talks with senior Indian security officials.

12 Indians serving in Russian military killed, 16 missing: Govt

12 Indians serving in Russian military killed, 16 missing: Govt

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

India has confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have died while serving in the Russian military during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Another 16 Indians, who were serving in the Russian armed forces, are listed as missing by Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a total of 126 Indians were serving with the Russian military and 96 of them have so far been discharged.

None of our business: J D Vance on India-Pak conflict

None of our business: J D Vance on India-Pak conflict

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has said it will not get involved in the conflict, stressing that it is "fundamentally none of our business." While acknowledging concerns about a potential nuclear war, Vice President J D Vance emphasized that the US cannot control India and Pakistan, but can encourage them to de-escalate. The US has also reiterated its support for direct dialogue between the two countries and encouraged efforts to improve communications.

Will India-Maldives smoke peace pipe at next meeting?

Will India-Maldives smoke peace pipe at next meeting?

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

India on Thursday said it remains committed to take forward its development agenda with the Maldives, including implementation of various welfare projects in the island nation.

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

China and India were able to "reduce differences" and build "some consensus" on disengaging troops from friction points to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh and agreed to maintain dialogue to reach a resolution acceptable to both sides at an "early date", the Chinese defence ministry said on Thursday.

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Defence sources stated that the disengagement involves removing infrastructure and withdrawing troops from both sides. The process is expected to be completed by Tuesday.

Honey-trapped Moscow embassy man passed on info on weapons systems

Honey-trapped Moscow embassy man passed on info on weapons systems

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

The ATS in its probe through electronic and physical surveillance found that he was involved in anti-India activities with the network of the ISI handlers.

China on India-US defence deals: Should not target 3rd party

China on India-US defence deals: Should not target 3rd party

Rediff.com26 Jun 2023

China on Monday said cooperation between countries should not undermine regional peace and stability and target any third party, as it reacted to a host of defence and commercial pacts recently signed between India and the US including joint production of jet engines in India to power military aircraft and a deal on armed drones.

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with Chinese officials. The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and to resume bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

India and China have agreed to work towards a "roadmap" for rebuilding mutual trust following the border standoff in eastern Ladakh, according to a statement from the Indian Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of a regional security conclave. Singh called for drawing lessons from the "unfortunate border clashes" of 2020 and emphasized the need for cooperation rather than conflict. Both sides agreed to work towards a roadmap for rebuilding mutual trust and understanding, and a meeting of the Special Representatives and Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will also take place soon.

'Freedom of choice': India on US criticism of Russia ties

'Freedom of choice': India on US criticism of Russia ties

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has a long-standing relationship with Russia which is based on "mutuality" of interests.

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India and Qatar on Tuesday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership and double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani signed agreements and MoUs to strengthen economic cooperation, including a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. The strategic partnership will cover the "entire spectrum" of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy security, and regional and international cooperation. Both leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen and broaden the energy partnership, including "exploring mutual investments." The Amir's visit provided an "excellent opportunity" for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss and "cement a strategic partnership for enhanced future cooperation."

India has no jurisdiction in Nikhil Gupta case: Czech Republic

India has no jurisdiction in Nikhil Gupta case: Czech Republic

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

India's judicial authorities have 'no jurisdiction' in the case involving Nikhil Gupta, Czech justice ministry spokesperson Vladimir Repka has said, days after his family approached the Supreme Court seeking its intervention in the matter.

11 Indians killed in house fire in Saudi Arabia

11 Indians killed in house fire in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com13 Jul 2017

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said officials of Indian consulate in Jeddah are rushing to Najran following the incident.

India-China hold 'in-depth' talks but no breakthrough in sight

India-China hold 'in-depth' talks but no breakthrough in sight

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

The key meeting was held in Beijing on March 27, the MEA said in a statement.

Can Doval change defence planning in India?

Can Doval change defence planning in India?

Rediff.com22 Apr 2018

'Defence does not new 'planning commissions'; it needs an implementation commission.'

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

Signalling both change and continuity, India's new government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third consecutive term, got into work gear on Tuesday with cabinet ministers and ministers of state filing into their respective offices to assume charge.

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Rediff.com17 Mar 2024

Zhang made the remarks in response to India's enhancement of its military readiness through the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, according to a report posted on the Chinese defence ministry's website on Friday.

India, US in agreement on countering China's aggression: Rajnath

India, US in agreement on countering China's aggression: Rajnath

Rediff.com10 Nov 2023

The India-US strategic partnership is characterised by mutual trust and both sides are increasingly in agreement on key issues, such as countering China's aggression, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and addressing regional security challenges, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.

India, China agree to hold early military talks; review LAC situation

India, China agree to hold early military talks; review LAC situation

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

The virtual talks took place under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

India takes note of Pak Army chief's meetings in Washington

India takes note of Pak Army chief's meetings in Washington

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

The Pakistan Army chief arrived in Washington last week on his first official visit to the US.

Recognise Arunachal Pradesh as...: US on China's claim

Recognise Arunachal Pradesh as...: US on China's claim

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, routinely objects to Indian leaders' visits to the state to highlight its claims. Beijing has also named the area Zangnan.

No Indians recruited in military from April: Russia

No Indians recruited in military from April: Russia

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

Since April this year, the ministry of defence of the Russian Federation has stopped recruiting citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, into the military service, it said.