News for 'Defence and External Affairs'

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that 300 to 400 drones were deployed across 36 locations, with several being shot down by Indian forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

'Wahan se goli, toh yahan se gola': Modi told armed forces

'Wahan se goli, toh yahan se gola': Modi told armed forces

Rediff.com11 May 2025

India has called Pakistan's nuclear bluff with Operation Sindoor and sent a psychological message to state-sponsored terrorists: nobody is untouchable and no place in Pakistan is safe for you, government sources said on Sunday.

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The 17 rare earth elements that are at the centre of the current crisis are critical components of everyday products -- from cars to jet engines to electronics like smartphones and flat-screen TVs.

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The "weaponisation" of economic activity - through tariffs and sanctions - is now a reality, with countries leveraging these tools strategically, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue recently.

India Rekindles Love Affair With Russia

India Rekindles Love Affair With Russia

Rediff.com6 Jan 2024

EAM Jaishankar's mission is aimed at strengthening India's strategic autonomy in a complex international environment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'The Ceasefire Is A Band-Aid Solution'

'The Ceasefire Is A Band-Aid Solution'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'It brings precarious peace because the red lines have shifted. 'The next Pahalgam attack would mean a full scale war.'

Understand actions in self-defence: MEA on Iranian strike on Pak

Understand actions in self-defence: MEA on Iranian strike on Pak

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

At the same time, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it is a matter between Iran and Pakistan.

Indian ammunition enters Ukraine despite Russia's protest? MEA reacts

Indian ammunition enters Ukraine despite Russia's protest? MEA reacts

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

India described as "inaccurate" a media report that said artillery shells sold by Indian arms manufacturers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine and New Delhi has not intervened to stop it.

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.

'Absurd': India counters China's claim over Arunachal

'Absurd': India counters China's claim over Arunachal

Rediff.com19 Mar 2024

"Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programmes and infrastructure projects," he said.

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

Rediff.com19 May 2025

When the country has been at war, the Opposition has buried its differences with the government, points out Aditi Phadnis.

HISTORIC: Shuks heads to ISS, 1st Indian in space in 41 years

HISTORIC: Shuks heads to ISS, 1st Indian in space in 41 years

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The Lucknow-born Shukla, former NASA astronaut Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the Axiom-4 mission that marks the return to space for the three nations.

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.

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.

Bengaluru Gets A US Consulate, But...

Bengaluru Gets A US Consulate, But...

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

To begin with, the consulate in Bengaluru will not offer visa services.

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.

Zelenskyy explains war situation, Modi says India willing to help

Zelenskyy explains war situation, Modi says India willing to help

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

Ukraine and Russia need to engage with each other to find a solution to the ongoing conflict between them, India said on Friday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv under the shadow of the raging war.

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.

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.

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.

Taliban appoint acting consul in Mumbai mission, first such move in India

Taliban appoint acting consul in Mumbai mission, first such move in India

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in the Afghan mission in Mumbai, Afghan media has reported. This is the first such appointment made by the Taliban set up to any Afghan mission in India. The appointment, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, is seen as an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties with India and enhance its presence abroad. Kamil, who holds a PhD degree in international law, is expected to facilitate consular services and represent the interests of Afghanistan in India.

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

India succeeded in busting the Pakistani narrative on Operation Sindoor, particularly among the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) member nations, where Islamabad sought succour after carrying out terror activities across the border, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said.

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 to send NDRF, medical and relief teams to Turkey

India to send NDRF, medical and relief teams to Turkey

Rediff.com6 Feb 2023

The government on Monday decided to immediately dispatch search and rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force, medical teams and relief material to earthquake-hit Turkey following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instructions to offer all possible assistance to the country.

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistani military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from Indian fighter jets and the retaliation largely focused on command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas, Qureshi said.

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.

No data on undocumented Indians residing in US: Centre

No data on undocumented Indians residing in US: Centre

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The Indian government does not track the number of undocumented Indian immigrants residing in the US. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, said these immigrants have "legally exited India" but have either overstayed their visa validity, or have entered the US illegally or without valid documents. The response comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to the US, during which he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Trump. The two leaders are likely to discuss India-US cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, defense, technology and immigration.

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House. India is currently working on the logistics of Rana's surrender and extradition, with several final steps to be completed before he is sent back to India. The joint statement issued by India and the US during Prime Minister Modi's visit reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism and eliminating terrorist safe havens. The leaders also called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

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).

Has Jaishankar Startled Piyush Goyal?

Has Jaishankar Startled Piyush Goyal?

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

Glimpses of the At Home reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Independence Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

MEA employee posted in Moscow held for passing info to Pak

MEA employee posted in Moscow held for passing info to Pak

Rediff.com4 Feb 2024

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested a person working in the Indian Embassy, Moscow, for his alleged involvement in anti-national activities with Pakistani intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence and providing them important confidential information regarding the strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian military establishments, an official statement issued in Lucknow on Sunday said.

Modi, Johnson hold talks, discuss Ukraine, defence ties

Modi, Johnson hold talks, discuss Ukraine, defence ties

Rediff.com22 Apr 2022

Ahead of the talks, the United Kingdom said it will offer India the best of British know-how on building battle-winning aircraft.

'China Will Keep Supplying Pakistan Weapons'

'China Will Keep Supplying Pakistan Weapons'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'The lesson Beijing would have learned is that there is, cost-benefit wise, no better option than to keep the Pakistan military supplied with its most advanced armaments, certain that in hostilities with India these would be used for maximum effect.'

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.

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.

Indo-US civil nuclear pact a crowning glory for Manmohan Singh

Indo-US civil nuclear pact a crowning glory for Manmohan Singh

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

The landmark India-US civil nuclear deal of 2008, brokered during Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister, is seen as a crowning achievement in his foreign policy legacy. The agreement ended India's nuclear isolation, fostered a strategic partnership with the US, and opened doors to advanced technologies and defense cooperation. This historic deal also laid the groundwork for India's engagement with the global nuclear community.

Modi may visit US in Feb amid Trump's tariff threat

Modi may visit US in Feb amid Trump's tariff threat

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

India is working with the US on an "early" visit to Washington by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further deepen the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries, the External Affairs Ministry said on Friday. Following a phone conversation with Modi this week, US President Donald Trump said the Indian prime minister "is going to be coming to the White House, over next month, probably February". It would be Modi's first bilateral visit to Washington after Trump became US president for a second term. While confirming discussions between India and the US on the proposed visit, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal did not mention any possible time-line for the trip. In their phone conversation on January 27, Modi and Trump vowed to work towards a "trusted" partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence. "PM Modi and President Trump had a telephone conversation recently. The two sides are working on an early visit of the PM to the US to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing while replying to a question. "Specific dates for the visit would be announced at the appropriate time," he said. It is learnt that both sides were initially looking at the window between February 12-14 for Modi's visit but there has been no finality on it yet. The prime minister is set to travel to Paris to attend the Artificial Intelligence Action summit on February 10 and 11. Though the US president has also been invited to the summit, his participation is not yet confirmed.

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The real intention of the 'Tariff Man' (as Trump calls himself) may not even be to put the 'Tariff King' (as he describes India) on the mat with a knockout punch but to arm-twist the Indian leadership to agree to some multi-billion dollar mega arms deal, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Trump Can Apply Waiver In Deportation'

'Trump Can Apply Waiver In Deportation'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'The strategic direction of the relationship will not be affected. But the perception has been affected.'

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance have expressed satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. The two leaders met in New Delhi and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in energy, defense, strategic technologies, and other areas. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.