News for 'Diplomatic Efforts'

Delegations firm on terror: World must eradicate this scourge

Delegations firm on terror: World must eradicate this scourge

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

All-party parliamentary delegations on Monday met with the leaders of several countries and highlighted India's resolve to combat terrorism, which they stressed must be eradicated in the interests of all humanity.

'India's Response Will Be Big'

'India's Response Will Be Big'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'Diplomatic and economic responses are first announced and then implemented. A military response is announced only after it is done.'

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.

Iran-Israel war: 110 Indian students evacuated from Tehran to Armenia

Iran-Israel war: 110 Indian students evacuated from Tehran to Armenia

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

The ministry of external affairs said in a statement that the Indian embassy remains in touch with the community with a view to extend all feasible assistance.

Israel committed to 'degrading' Iran's nuclear threat: Envoy

Israel committed to 'degrading' Iran's nuclear threat: Envoy

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Asked about the expectations from the US, Azar said Washington and Israel are "completely in sync". He said he felt that the US would "support" Israel's action.

'South Asian region, world cannot afford India, Pak confrontation'

'South Asian region, world cannot afford India, Pak confrontation'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan, expressing deep concern over rising tensions following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the attack and urged both sides to avoid a confrontation, which he described as catastrophic. The Secretary-General has also offered his good offices to support de-escalation efforts. The President of the UN General Assembly, Philemon Yang, has also expressed concern over the escalating violence and called for a resolution through diplomatic means. Meanwhile, Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack and reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorism.

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Lee Jae-myung's decisive victory in South Korea's snap presidential election marks a major political shift driven by public backlash against authoritarian, with significant implications for domestic reform and the future of the US-South Korea alliance, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

China backs Pak, advocates 'fair probe' into Pahalgam attack

China backs Pak, advocates 'fair probe' into Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

China hopes both sides will remain restrained, move toward each other, and work together to de-escalate the situation.

India abstains on UN resolutions seeking end to Ukraine war

India abstains on UN resolutions seeking end to Ukraine war

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

India abstained on two UN General Assembly resolutions calling for a de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine. The resolutions were adopted on the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with the UN Secretary General stressing that the war in Ukraine stands as a grave threat to the peace and security of Europe and the core principles of the United Nations.

Don't expect India-Pak ties to improve soon: Javed Akhtar

Don't expect India-Pak ties to improve soon: Javed Akhtar

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Akhtar criticised vested interest groups in Pakistan, particularly the army, the political establishment and the extreme right wing, for blocking peace efforts between the two nations.

India, China agree to rebuild ties, Manasarovar Yatra from this year

India, China agree to rebuild ties, Manasarovar Yatra from this year

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

India and China have agreed to rebuild ties and resume people-to-people exchanges, including resuming direct flights and the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year. The two countries also discussed the resumption of dialogue mechanisms to address each other's concerns and move relations to a more stable path. The meeting comes after a period of strained relations following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The closed-door luncheon meeting came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran with Trump exploring Washington's possible involvement.

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government will send seven all-party delegations to key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council, later this month to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Biden to visit Israel, Jordan as US steps up efforts to resolve Gaza crisis

Biden to visit Israel, Jordan as US steps up efforts to resolve Gaza crisis

Rediff.com18 Oct 2023

In Amman, Biden will meet with King Abdullah of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

World leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and US President Donald Trump, have urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions to the ongoing tensions. The calls for calm come after India conducted airstrikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a recent terrorist attack. Leaders from the US, Russia, UK, China, UAE, Qatar, and Japan have expressed concern over the escalating situation and emphasized the need for dialogue and de-escalation.

US supports Canada's efforts in probe against India, says NSA Jake Sullivan

US supports Canada's efforts in probe against India, says NSA Jake Sullivan

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

Refusing to respond to questions on the evidence of Canadian allegations, Sullivan said he is not going to speak to either intelligence or law enforcement matters from this podium.

'US Taking Relations With Pakistan's Generals To A Very Dramatic Level'

'US Taking Relations With Pakistan's Generals To A Very Dramatic Level'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

'Trump's sons, and the son of Trump's Mideast envoy Steven Witkoff, are in the crypto business and recently signed deals with Pakistan's crypto council.' 'It may not be coincidental that not long before the Trump-Munir meeting, the head of Pakistan's crypto council met with Trump's White House crypto policy czar.'

'China's Dams Won't Dry Out India, But...'

'China's Dams Won't Dry Out India, But...'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'China could intentionally release excess water.' 'The North East is already flood-prone during the monsoon, and even a controlled release from Chinese dams (during the monsoon) could worsen flooding.'

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

If the only superpower, which calls India an ally, sees the region through an India-Pakistan prism, it is unacceptable. Rather than endorse India's sphere of influence, this undermines it, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Pahalgam attack: Iranian Prez calls for regional unity against terrorism

Pahalgam attack: Iranian Prez calls for regional unity against terrorism

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

President Pezeshkian on Saturday said that Iran unequivocally denounces such "inhumane acts", Iran's embassy in New Delhi said in a post on X.

Beyond US, Canada, UK: Indian Students Now Prefer...

Beyond US, Canada, UK: Indian Students Now Prefer...

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Rediff reports on the reasons behind this dramatic shift.

Amit Shah asks CMs to ensure no Pakistani stays after April 27

Amit Shah asks CMs to ensure no Pakistani stays after April 27

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing sustained cross-border terrorism and security concerns. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs the distribution and use of the Indus river and its tributaries between the two countries. India's decision follows a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, and has been met with strong condemnation from Pakistan.

Will identify, track, punish every terrorist behind Pahalgam: Modi

Will identify, track, punish every terrorist behind Pahalgam: Modi

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers who were responsible for the attack in Pahalgam "beyond their imagination". Addressing a public gathering in Madhubani, Modi said, "Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth." He added that India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism and that terrorism will not go unpunished. Modi also assured that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served, saying that the entire nation stands firm in this resolve. He thanked the people of various countries and the leaders who have stood with India in these times. Earlier, Modi and a large crowd gathered for a National Panchayati Raj Day programme observed silence for a few moments to pay homage to the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the terror attack and told the prime minister that the entire nation was united against terrorism.

Was LeT involved in Pahalgam?: UNSC asks Pak 'tough questions'

Was LeT involved in Pahalgam?: UNSC asks Pak 'tough questions'

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The United Nations Security Council held closed-door consultations on rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with envoys calling for restraint and dialogue. The consultations, requested by Pakistan, lasted for about an hour and a half. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the tensions, urging both countries to avoid a military confrontation. India's former Permanent Representative to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin, said that no consequential outcome could be expected from the discussion.

Why China Shield's Pakistan's Terror Agenda

Why China Shield's Pakistan's Terror Agenda

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'It is typical of China's strategic deception of making virtue out of necessity,' observes Rup Narayan Das.

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung deserves to be complimented in telling his life story and that of his people, as subaltern communities within this vast and diverse nation of ours clamour for recognition and a plea for their voices to be heard and their aspirations to be met, notes Lieutenant General Gautam Moorthy.

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Congress party has claimed credit for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, from the US, saying the Modi government did not initiate the process and merely benefited from the "mature, consistent and strategic diplomacy" begun under the UPA. Former Home Minister P Chidambaram said the government did not secure any breakthrough to make the extradition possible, nor is it the result of any grandstanding. He added that it was a testament to what the Indian state can achieve when diplomacy, law enforcement and international cooperation are pursued sincerely and without any kind of chest-thumping. Chidambaram detailed the UPA government's efforts in securing Rana's extradition, citing the registration of a case against him in 2009, diplomatic pressure on Canada and the US, and continued efforts despite legal setbacks. He highlighted the role of the UPA in securing Rana's conviction for other terrorism-related offences and the cooperation between the US and Indian agencies in gathering evidence and securing his extradition. The Congress leader further stated that it was the UPA's groundwork that paved the way for Rana's extradition, even after the change in government in 2014.

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.

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.

Encourage direct talks between India, Pakistan: US

Encourage direct talks between India, Pakistan: US

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The United States said it encourages 'direct communication' between India and Pakistan and commends Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for choosing the path of peace.

Need Modi on our side, not balancing between US and Russia: Zelenskyy

Need Modi on our side, not balancing between US and Russia: Zelenskyy

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said he looks forward to visiting India as it can be a 'key' in the global diplomatic efforts to end the war between his country and Russia.

China's Tests 'Non-Nuclear' H-Bomb

China's Tests 'Non-Nuclear' H-Bomb

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Beijing's latest weapon, 15 times more powerful than TNT, signals a new frontier in high-impact, non-nuclear military technology.

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

Iran, Saudi reach out to India, Pak for de-escalation

Iran, Saudi reach out to India, Pak for de-escalation

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Iran reached out to both countries, urging de-escalation. Saudi Arabia also expressed concern, with its foreign minister engaging in phone conversations with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts. Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, emphasized the importance of bilateral relations, stating Tehran's willingness to "forge greater understanding" at this critical time. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, spoke with both India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Amidst heightened tensions, India has taken a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties. Pakistan responded by shutting its airspace to Indian airliners and suspending all trade. Both countries exchanged warnings, with Pakistan emphasizing its commitment to "respond firmly to any aggression."

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The announcement on expansion of CPEC was made following a meeting among Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing, according to a Pakistani readout.

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US, followed by another 119 set to arrive in Amritsar on Saturday night, has sparked controversy in India over the treatment of returnees. The US government's intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants has led to criticism of the use of handcuffs and shackles for deportees, even those who have committed no crimes beyond immigration violations. The issue has led to heated debates in the Indian Parliament, with opposition leaders demanding an inquiry into the deportation process. The Indian government is engaging with US officials to ensure the humane treatment of deportees, while also facing the challenge of reintegrating returnees into Indian society. The deportations highlight the ongoing tension between border control and human rights, and the complexities of US-India relations.

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Every decision India makes along the LoC, it must also consider implications along the LAC.'

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.

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Fears in Washington began to intensify when it was realised that subsequent Pakistani and Indian attacks on major military facilities -- which were significant in terms of geographic scope and intensity -- could rapidly take both sides to where neither actually wanted to go.' 'The US objective was to stop the fighting as soon as possible. Everything else was secondary.'

'India is on a strong footing, economy is resilient'

'India is on a strong footing, economy is resilient'

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'We believe that in the new world order FTAs or bilateral trade agreements (BTAs) are the way forward.' 'They are enablers for our participation in global value chains. Today, around 70 per cent of global trade is tied to these chains.'