News for 'Department of Foreign Affairs'

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.

Iran invites Kharge, Cong leaders to Khamenei's funeral

Iran invites Kharge, Cong leaders to Khamenei's funeral

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Iran has extended an invitation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other party leaders, including Salman Khurshid and Pawan Khera, to attend the burial ceremonies of its late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies are scheduled from July 5 to 9 across various Iranian cities. India will also be represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Ata Hasnain.

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Rediff.com25 May 2026

West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party government has moved to institutionalise its "detect, delete and deport" policy by directing all district administrations to set up "holding centres" for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation -- a step that appeared to give administrative shape to one of the party's most potent political themes in the state.

US hits over 80 targets in Iran after Hormuz attacks

US hits over 80 targets in Iran after Hormuz attacks

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The United States conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran, targeting over 80 sites, after accusing Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran condemned the US decision to revoke a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales.

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Rediff.com6 days ago

Four Indian nationals have been killed in an attack on the vessel MV Golden Leo during departure from the port of Odesa in Ukraine on Sunday evening, while one is critically injured.

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

Rediff.com6 days ago

India has lodged a strong protest with Russia following the killing of four Indian seafarers aboard a Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the civilian ship, MV Golden Leo, which also left one Indian national critically injured.

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The United States and Iran are scheduled to hold their initial round of talks in Switzerland on Friday, following a ceasefire agreement virtually signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

'Goes against India's sovereignty': Govt backs ban on 'Satluj'

'Goes against India's sovereignty': Govt backs ban on 'Satluj'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

A central government committee has upheld the ban on the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film Satluj, citing concerns over India's sovereignty and integrity, sparking political debate in Punjab.

Bengal mulls holding centres near Bangladesh border

Bengal mulls holding centres near Bangladesh border

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The West Bengal government is considering establishing holding centres near the Petrapole border in North 24 Parganas district to manage growing movement and congestion in border areas.

BJP, Nepal's RSP Discuss Gen Z

BJP, Nepal's RSP Discuss Gen Z

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Our discussions focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and people-to-people ties.'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'

After 3 deaths in ship attacks, India summons US envoy for second time

After 3 deaths in ship attacks, India summons US envoy for second time

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

India has summoned the US charge d'affaires for the second time this week to protest American Navy strikes on three commercial vessels off the coast of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members. New Delhi has demanded an end to these attacks, acknowledging that the US Navy targeted the ships, some of which were reportedly non-compliant with US sanctions.

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested to the United States after three merchant ships with Indian crew members were attacked by the American military off the coast of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals.

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Rediff.com29 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar amid American demand that countries mediating the peace talks with Iran join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Iran has dismissed US President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran was responsible for a drone attack on Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz as 'simply baseless'. The Iranian embassy stated that Trump's comments were an attempt to deflect attention from recent US military strikes on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners.

India, China hold 'forward-looking' LAC talks amid ties reset

India, China hold 'forward-looking' LAC talks amid ties reset

Rediff.com28 May 2026

India and China held constructive talks on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, emphasising that maintaining border peace and tranquillity enabled progress in normalising overall relations.

Iran attacked 3 ships with Indians, alleges Trump; denies peace pact

Iran attacked 3 ships with Indians, alleges Trump; denies peace pact

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Trump further alleged that Iran was behind the attacks on three vessels carrying Indian seafarers near the Hormuz Strait, which resulted in the deaths of three, despite the US Central Command having confirmed that the strikes were carried out by American naval forces, calling the incident "totally unacceptable."

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Pakistan's skewed foreign reserves got a major boost after Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $3 billion in deposits while extending its existing $5 billion facility for a further three years.

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Rediff.com20 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from May 23-26 to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, and energy, attending meetings with senior Indian officials and participating in a Quad group meeting in New Delhi.

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As Shastri Bhawan nears demolition, one of Delhi's most iconic government buildings leaves behind six decades of stories, power, journalism and public life.

India-Nepal Boundary Dispute Needs Solution

India-Nepal Boundary Dispute Needs Solution

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The boundary mess between India and Nepal needs a solution in a manner as mentioned by Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal: 'On evidence not emotions', counsels Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung (retd).

'Why Should We Be Okay With 6.5% Growth Rate?'

'Why Should We Be Okay With 6.5% Growth Rate?'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

'Why not aspire for 8 or 9 or even 10 per cent?'

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Indian government has issued an updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) applications, aiming to clear all proposals within 12 weeks, a two-week extension from the previous 10-week target, to ensure a fully paperless and transparent process.

US navy hits sanctioned tanker off Oman, all 24 Indians safe

US navy hits sanctioned tanker off Oman, all 24 Indians safe

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

An oil tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers reported a fire off the coast of Oman, with all crew members confirmed safe. The incident occurred amidst renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran, who exchanged attacks on petrochemical facilities.

FBI foils major attack on White House UFC event attended by Trump

FBI foils major attack on White House UFC event attended by Trump

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The FBI announced it foiled a potential attack on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held at the White House last weekend, leading to multiple arrests. The alleged plot involved using explosive-laden drones and a sniper team to target the event attended by President Trump, with a "second wave" planned to storm the White House gate.

'Migrants Lost Confidence After The War'

'Migrants Lost Confidence After The War'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

'We thought everything will be back to normal within one month. Now it's four months and still a final solution is miles away.'

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to deepen ties, Kim receives him at airport

Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to deepen ties, Kim receives him at airport

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Pyongyang for his first official visit in seven years, meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to reaffirm their long-standing friendship and pledge further development of bilateral relations amidst Pyongyang's deepening military ties with Moscow and China's assertions against Japan's 'new militarism'.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed various aspects of India-US bilateral ties, focusing on defence, trade, energy, and technology. Rubio extended an invitation from President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the US.

Thai-flagged ship bound for India attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Thai-flagged ship bound for India attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A Thai cargo vessel was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, leaving three crew members missing and prompting a rescue operation by the Royal Navy of Oman.

CPI(M) Condemns ED Raids On Kerala CM As Political Attack

CPI(M) Condemns ED Raids On Kerala CM As Political Attack

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) leaders have strongly criticised the ED raids on former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and others, alleging political motivation and a conspiracy by the BJP and Congress. They claim the raids are an attempt to intimidate the party and its leaders, and have vowed to fight back against what they see as a politically fabricated case.

China, Bhutan discuss boundary alignment, focus on undisputed areas

China, Bhutan discuss boundary alignment, focus on undisputed areas

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

China and Bhutan held the 15th Expert Group Meeting to discuss boundary alignment, focusing on areas where there are no disputes, and agreed to maintain the momentum of negotiations.

Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily, most in Gulf: Govt

Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily, most in Gulf: Govt

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Data reveals a disturbing trend of Indian worker deaths abroad, particularly in Gulf nations, alongside numerous complaints of exploitation and labour rights violations.

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Five members of the Iranian women's football team, who initially sought asylum in Australia, have withdrawn their claims and are returning to Iran.

Top Chinese diplomat, touted to be next foreign minister, detained

Top Chinese diplomat, touted to be next foreign minister, detained

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The 61-year-old senior diplomat was taken away for questioning in late July after returning to Beijing from an overseas work trip, the paper reported, quoting people familiar with the matter.

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 yrs

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 yrs

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district is set to resume this year after a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire ends, while Pakistan urged both sides to extend the truce and pursue diplomacy.