News for 'Defence and External Affairs Ministries'

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

India and Belgium on Monday explored potential defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime domain, and discussed ways to strengthen defence industrial cooperation.

Morbi man captured in Ukraine appeals to Modi for help

Morbi man captured in Ukraine appeals to Modi for help

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

A 22-year-old man from Gujarat's Morbi town, captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for the Russian military, has sent a video message to his family here, making an emotional appeal for help from the Indian government for his release.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

Packed Calendar, Big Diplomatic Moves

Packed Calendar, Big Diplomatic Moves

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

Since June, India's ministry of external affairs has intensified its diplomatic calendar, hosting several heads of state and government, foreign ministers, and key trade delegations.

Trump considers Modi a personal friend: US envoy-designate

Trump considers Modi a personal friend: US envoy-designate

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor emphasizes the importance of the India-US relationship after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on cooperation in defence, trade, and critical minerals.

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

In a region increasingly shaped by competition and coercion, such collaboration strengthens security without confrontation, builds capacity without dependency and promotes order without domination, points out Dr Kumar.

Netanyahu reveals Modi's two-day Israel visit, strategic ties in focus

Netanyahu reveals Modi's two-day Israel visit, strategic ties in focus

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel for two days to discuss bilateral and regional issues, marking his second visit to the Jewish state and highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and Israel.

The Gift Trump Sent Modi

The Gift Trump Sent Modi

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

'The US values its relationship with India and under the strong leadership of President Donald J Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I am optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations.'

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India voices strong concerns over the safety of its nationals and the potential disruption to energy supplies, urging dialogue and diplomacy for a swift resolution.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

India and Russia are poised to sign multiple agreements to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including trade and healthcare, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Discussions will also address the Ukraine conflict and efforts to increase Indian exports to Russia.

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

This will be the first face-to-face meeting between Rubio and Jaishankar following President Donald Trump's imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the Trump White House to 50 per cent.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Antwerp court clears fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi's extradition

Antwerp court clears fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi's extradition

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

A court in Antwerp on Friday cleared the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, noting that his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India's request was valid, officials in the know of the development said.

India rejects Trump advisor's 'laundromat for Kremlin' remarks

India rejects Trump advisor's 'laundromat for Kremlin' remarks

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

India has rejected White House Trade advisor Peter Navarro's comments on New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil, calling them 'inaccurate and misleading'. The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods.

India, US hold 2+2 intersessional dialogue amid tariff tensions

India, US hold 2+2 intersessional dialogue amid tariff tensions

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Senior officials from India and the US engaged in virtual talks to discuss bilateral ties, focusing on trade, investment, critical minerals, and energy security, including civil nuclear cooperation.

What Weapons Will Putin Sell India On Rare State Visit?

What Weapons Will Putin Sell India On Rare State Visit?

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

On the table are additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, which India used with immense success during Operation Sindoor. India could buy at least two squadrons of Su-57 fighter jets plus joint production of S-500 air defence systems.

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

India has stated it will wait for the outcome of the elections in Bangladesh and the resulting mandate before addressing any existing issues. The country also affirmed its support for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

Pak bombs terror camps in Afghanistan, claims to kill 70

Pak bombs terror camps in Afghanistan, claims to kill 70

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Pakistan launched a military operation targeting terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan following a series of attacks, including a suicide bombing that killed Pakistani soldiers. The action comes after repeated calls for the Afghan Taliban to prevent terrorists from using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan.

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israel and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.

Why Gen Naravane's Book Sparked Row In Lok Sabha

Why Gen Naravane's Book Sparked Row In Lok Sabha

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

General Manoj Mukund Naravane's memoir has triggered a controversy by revealing behind-the-scenes decision-making during the 2020 India-China standoff in Ladakh. Its candid account of military and political responses at a critical moment has reignited debate over civil-military relations, accountability, and the limits of disclosure in matters of national security.

'Significant outcomes' expected as Putin to visit India

'Significant outcomes' expected as Putin to visit India

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a two-day visit to India from December 4 to hold annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that is expected to produce a plethora of significant outcomes, including in the defence sphere, to further solidify the bilateral strategic ties.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Rubio voiced "appreciation" for New Delhi's continued engagement on bilateral issues, including trade, defence and energy.

Saudi Pledges To Defend Pakistan Against Attack, India Says...

Saudi Pledges To Defend Pakistan Against Attack, India Says...

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a 'Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement', pledging that any aggression against either nation would be treated as an attack on both.

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Putin's State visit will centre on fixing the huge India-Russia trade imbalance, with both sides pushing to lower duties, ease non-tariff barriers, and seal a landmark mobility pact to send more Indian workers to Russia.

Hope Rises As China Processes Rare-Earths Requests

Hope Rises As China Processes Rare-Earths Requests

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

China accounts for about 70 per cent of global rare earth mining and nearly 90 per cent of rare earth magnet production, making it a dominant player and giving it significant leverage in global supply chains.

Will Modi Meet Xi In Tianjin?

Will Modi Meet Xi In Tianjin?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'Prime minister is expected to hold some bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit.'

Cost-effective: Russia defends oil ties with India after Trump's claim

Cost-effective: Russia defends oil ties with India after Trump's claim

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The Indian government is dealing with the matter having in mind the national interests of this country in the first place, he said.

India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations

India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of nuclear installations and prisoners, continuing a long-standing practice despite strained relations.

Need to address de-escalation: Jaishankar in Beijing

Need to address de-escalation: Jaishankar in Beijing

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

India and China should build on 'good progress' in normalising the bilateral ties to address border-related issues including de-escalation, and it is essential to avoid 'restrictive trade measures and roadblocks', External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday during talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Modi to meet Putin after Tianjin SCO Summit: Will Ukraine figure?

Modi to meet Putin after Tianjin SCO Summit: Will Ukraine figure?

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

During a special briefing in Tianjin, Misri confirmed that the prime minister will first address the SCO plenary session before meeting President Putin.

India plays down Trump's 'dead economy' jibe, reaffirms strong US ties

India plays down Trump's 'dead economy' jibe, reaffirms strong US ties

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

India responded to US President Donald Trump's criticism, emphasizing the strength and resilience of the India-US strategic partnership.

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Nehru was an idealist, he was certainly a visionary in one way, but Mao Zedong was not. Mao Zedong was a very down-to-earth strategist. He wanted to take Tibet, to take the plateau, to take the rivers, to take the minerals.'

India Confident About US Trade Talks

India Confident About US Trade Talks

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Officials said the government-to-government engagement between the two countries on all other issues remains normal, but conceded rough spots over trade that need ironing out.

Carney's Visit May Boost India-Canada Ties

Carney's Visit May Boost India-Canada Ties

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

India and Canada are negotiating a long-term uranium supply agreement worth $2.8 billion. They are also exploring expanded civil nuclear cooperation after the passage of the SHANTI Bill.

NCERT developing special module on Operation Sindoor

NCERT developing special module on Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com26 Jul 2025

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is developing a special classroom module on Operation Sindoor to help students learn about India's defence strategy and diplomatic response, according to sources.

In Rio, BRICS to echo India's voice on terror, condemn Pahalgam attack

In Rio, BRICS to echo India's voice on terror, condemn Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

The formulations in the declaration in reference to terrorism is going to be to our "satisfaction", Dammu Ravi, secretary (economic relations) in the external affairs ministry said on Monday.

Saudi Arabia steps in to de-escalate soaring India-Pakistan tensions

Saudi Arabia steps in to de-escalate soaring India-Pakistan tensions

Rediff.com10 May 2025

The Saudi statement came as tensions soared significantly, with Pakistan claiming that its three airbases were targeted by Indian missiles and drones early Saturday.