News for 'External Affairs Ministry'

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Travel situation from the Gulf region is gradually improving, with a significant number of passengers already returning to India.

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Palau-flagged oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman, resulting in injuries. The incident occurred amidst rising tensions in the Middle East following attacks between Iran, the US, and Israel.

India Responds to West Asia Crisis: Six Nationals Dead, One Missing

India Responds to West Asia Crisis: Six Nationals Dead, One Missing

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the deaths of six Indian nationals and one missing person amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia, detailing ongoing efforts for repatriation and diplomatic engagement.

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Dozens of Indian-flagged ships and over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding areas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Iran's FM dials Jaishankar, both leaders discuss Tehran situation

Iran's FM dials Jaishankar, both leaders discuss Tehran situation

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Earlier in the day, the ministry of external affairs "strongly advised" Indians to avoid travel to Iran until further notice, amid rising tensions and protests in the Islamic Republic.

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

HDFC Bank has launched an independent review by external law firms following the abrupt resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited 'ethical concerns and practices within the bank' as the reason for his departure.

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.

Did Modi really assure Trump on not buying Russian oil? Govt responds

Did Modi really assure Trump on not buying Russian oil? Govt responds

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

India said it is broad-basing and diversifying sourcing of petroleum product to meet market conditions.

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.

Merchant navy cadet from Odisha goes missing near Mauritius

Merchant navy cadet from Odisha goes missing near Mauritius

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The missing seafarer has been identified as Sarthak Mahapatra, a native of Kespur in Bhadrak district.

India flags humanitarian risks in US H-1B fee hike

India flags humanitarian risks in US H-1B fee hike

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

India has expressed concerns over the potential humanitarian consequences of the Trump administration's new restrictions on the H1B visa program, particularly the disruption to families. The government hopes the US authorities will address these issues.

8 Indians dead, one missing so far in West Asia conflict: Govt

8 Indians dead, one missing so far in West Asia conflict: Govt

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the deaths of eight Indian nationals and one missing person in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict. The Indian government is providing support to affected families and facilitating the return of citizens from the region.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

HC directs Centre to ensure safety of Indian nurse held captive in Dubai

HC directs Centre to ensure safety of Indian nurse held captive in Dubai

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of a 25-year-old Indian woman who is allegedly held captive in Dubai by a foreign national.

Govt seeks LS nod for Rs 41,455 cr net extra spending in FY26

Govt seeks LS nod for Rs 41,455 cr net extra spending in FY26

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha, which seeks approval for a gross additional expenditure of Rs 1.32 lakh crore.

Modi Pays Tribute to Holocaust Victims at Yad Vashem

Modi Pays Tribute to Holocaust Victims at Yad Vashem

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem and paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

India flags concerns over Saudi-Pak defence agreement

India flags concerns over Saudi-Pak defence agreement

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

India has expressed its expectations for Saudi Arabia to consider 'mutual interests and sensitivities' in their bilateral strategic partnership, following Riyadh's strategic defence pact with Pakistan.

Delhi Court Seeks Clarification in Russian Woman's Child Custody Case

Delhi Court Seeks Clarification in Russian Woman's Child Custody Case

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has requested further information from the investigating officer in the child custody case involving Viktoriaa Basu, a Russian woman accused of illegally leaving India with her child.

Bangladesh to suspend IPL broadcast?

Bangladesh to suspend IPL broadcast?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

'The BCB announced the schedule for India's tour of Bangladesh because there was a sense of positivity but now we need to get an official confirmation from the Indian board as to why Mustafizur's contract was cancelled.'

India clarifies stance on proposed interim trade pact with US

India clarifies stance on proposed interim trade pact with US

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

India has clarified its position on the proposed interim trade agreement with the US, stating that the joint statement remains the basis for mutual understanding. Amendments to a White House fact sheet reflect shared understandings, with both sides working towards finalizing the agreement.

Congress fumes as Tharoor alone gets Putin dinner invite

Congress fumes as Tharoor alone gets Putin dinner invite

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Congress party has criticized the government for not inviting Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to the banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also questioning Shashi Tharoor's decision to accept the invitation.

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran Amid Conflict

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran Amid Conflict

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Families in Ambari village are anxiously awaiting news of their relatives stranded in Iran amid escalating conflict, with limited communication and growing concerns for their safety.

Paes, Gopichand to join PM Modi in VBYLD 2026

Paes, Gopichand to join PM Modi in VBYLD 2026

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aimed at giving India's youth a "meaningful role in shaping the vision of a Viksit Bharat".

India rejects Nepal's objection to trade with China through Lipulekh

India rejects Nepal's objection to trade with China through Lipulekh

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

India on Wednesday categorically rejected Nepal's objection to a decision by New Delhi and Beijing to resume border trade through Lipulekh pass, saying Kathmandu's claims on the territory are not justified.

India rejects NATO chief's claim of Modi-Putin call on Ukraine strategy

India rejects NATO chief's claim of Modi-Putin call on Ukraine strategy

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

India has refuted claims made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Russia's strategy on Ukraine in light of US tariffs on India.

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.'

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.'

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump seems to have estimated that Ghalibaf is a pragmatic politician who is receptive to close relations with the US and is enthusiastic about fostering business and economic ties in particular, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Modi inaugurates Kartavya Bhavan, the new seat of govt

Modi inaugurates Kartavya Bhavan, the new seat of govt

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan, the first of ten Common Central Secretariat buildings, aiming to consolidate ministries for improved efficiency. The building will house several key ministries, relocating them from older, outdated structures.

Rashid Naseem, Wanted for Investment Fraud, Arrested in Dubai

Rashid Naseem, Wanted for Investment Fraud, Arrested in Dubai

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Rashid Naseem, wanted in India for an alleged investment fraud, has been arrested in Dubai following an Interpol Red Notice and extradition request.

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.

Energy security for 1.4 bn supreme: India refutes Trump's Russian oil claim

Energy security for 1.4 bn supreme: India refutes Trump's Russian oil claim

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's energy decisions are guided by national interest.

Hypocrisy, says India as Canada censors media outlet over Jaishankar's presser

Hypocrisy, says India as Canada censors media outlet over Jaishankar's presser

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

"We were surprised. It looks strange to us. But nonetheless, what I say is that these are actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech," the external affairs ministry spokesman said.

India evacuates 3,170 citizens from Iran, Israel

India evacuates 3,170 citizens from Iran, Israel

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

India on Tuesday evacuated over 1,100 citizens from Iran and Israel amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, taking the number of evacuees under Operation Sindhu to 3,170.

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.

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget, focusing on investments and growth. The speech was marked by its business-like approach and lack of cultural references, while opposition members raised concerns about regional representation.

After Modi-Xi meet, India-China Beijing talks record steady progress

After Modi-Xi meet, India-China Beijing talks record steady progress

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Senior officials from India and China's foreign ministries met in Beijing to discuss bilateral ties following a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi.

Why India skipped BRICS naval wargame? MEA clarifies

Why India skipped BRICS naval wargame? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

India clarified its absence from a South Africa-initiated naval wargame, stating it was not an institutional BRICS activity. The exercise involved navies from China, Russia, Iran, and others, amid rising tensions in Iran.

Lalit Modi issues apology for controversial remark

Lalit Modi issues apology for controversial remark

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

After the viral video, the Ministry of External Affairs said the government remains fully committed to ensuring that fugitives wanted in India return to the country and face trial before the courts.

UN report links JeM to Red Fort blast, warns of women-only terror wing

UN report links JeM to Red Fort blast, warns of women-only terror wing

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

A UN Security Council report indicates that Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was reportedly linked to a terror attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi. The report also highlights JeM's activities, including the establishment of a women-only wing and its presence in the region.