News for 'External Affairs Ministry'

India slams Pakistan over Khuzdar Attack allegations

India slams Pakistan over Khuzdar Attack allegations

Rediff.com21 May 2025

India has vehemently denied Pakistan's accusations of involvement in a bomb attack on a school bus in Balochistan's Khuzdar region, calling the allegations "baseless." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan consistently blames India for its internal issues to deflect attention from its reputation as a global terrorism hub. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, asserted that this attempt to deceive the world will ultimately fail. The suicide attack resulted in the tragic deaths of five people, including three children, and left several others injured. While India expressed condolences for the loss of life, it firmly rejected Pakistan's claims. The MEA highlighted Pakistan's tendency to scapegoat India for its internal problems, a tactic aimed at obscuring its own failings in combating terrorism. The blast, reportedly carried out through a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), was condemned by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of innocent children and teachers.

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump on Monday vowed to work towards a 'trusted' partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence in their first phone conversation since the American leader's inauguration last week.

Only link with J-K...: India on Pak Army chief's 'jugular vein' remark

Only link with J-K...: India on Pak Army chief's 'jugular vein' remark

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India has strongly rejected Pakistan's claims on Kashmir, calling it a Union Territory and dismissing the Pakistan Army Chief's statement about it being the country's "jugular vein." India also rejected Pakistan's claim that Tahawwur Rana, a Mumbai terror attack accused, is a Canadian citizen and that it has nothing to do with him. India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson stated that Pakistan's reputation as the "epicentre" of global terrorism will not diminish. Rana's extradition is a reminder that Pakistan needs to bring other perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks to justice, according to India.

US advisory for India warns of crime, rape; MEA says 'noted'

US advisory for India warns of crime, rape; MEA says 'noted'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In the June 16 advisory, the US urged its citizens to exercise "increased caution" due to crime and rape, and advised them not to travel to certain parts of central and eastern parts of the country due to terrorism.

Centre expects US to consider visa applications of Indian students

Centre expects US to consider visa applications of Indian students

Rediff.com29 May 2025

India on Thursday said it expects the United States to consider visa applications of Indian students on merit amid growing concerns over the Trump administration halting new student visa interviews.

India bans 16 Pak YouTube channels, raps BBC for calling Pahalgam terrorists 'militants'

India bans 16 Pak YouTube channels, raps BBC for calling Pahalgam terrorists 'militants'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The Indian government has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content as well as false and misleading narratives against India, its Army and security agencies. The decision was taken following recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of the April 22 terror attack at Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Little group called BRICS is fading out fast: Trump

Little group called BRICS is fading out fast: Trump

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

United States President Donald Trump has warned that countries aligning with the BRICS economic bloc will face additional 10 per cent tariffs on their goods, as he seeks to protect the dollar's global dominance.

Op Brahma: India to airlift field hospital to Myanmar, sends naval ships

Op Brahma: India to airlift field hospital to Myanmar, sends naval ships

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

India on Saturday delivered 15 tonnes of relief materials to Myanmar under its 'Operation Brahma' that was launched after a powerful earthquake hit the neighbouring country as well as Thailand.

Bangladesh claim on Modi-Yunus meet over Hasina issue kicks up a row

Bangladesh claim on Modi-Yunus meet over Hasina issue kicks up a row

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has raised the issue of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok. However, Indian officials have denied that the extradition request was discussed. The meeting has sparked controversy with differing accounts of the discussions.

Operation Brahma: IAF Planes, IN Ships Head For Myanmar

Operation Brahma: IAF Planes, IN Ships Head For Myanmar

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Under the direction of the ministry of external affairs, the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts are being progressed in conjunction with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force, the defence ministry stated.

Modi arrives in Canada for G7 Summit amid Israel-Iran conflict

Modi arrives in Canada for G7 Summit amid Israel-Iran conflict

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The Kananaskis gathering on June 16-17 is the Prime Minister's 6th consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

Indulging in trade with Russia themselves: India counters US

Indulging in trade with Russia themselves: India counters US

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

India has strongly criticized the US and EU for their 'unjustified and unreasonable' targeting of New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil, pointing out their own continued trade relations with Russia.

'You'll weather it': Fiji PM backs Modi over US tariff move

'You'll weather it': Fiji PM backs Modi over US tariff move

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka discussed US tariffs on Indian goods with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that "somebody is not very happy with you." The discussion occurred during Rabuka's visit to India to strengthen ties.

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

A high alert has been sounded in Uttar Pradesh's seven districts bordering Nepal. The districts are Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit.

After disengagement, focus should be on...: Jaishankar on LAC row

After disengagement, focus should be on...: Jaishankar on LAC row

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

Jaishankar described as a "reasonable supposition" to expect some improvement in the relations between India and China following the last round of disengagement but hesitated to say that there could be a reset of the ties.

With Trudeau out, India seeks to mend ties with Canada

With Trudeau out, India seeks to mend ties with Canada

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

India on Friday said it hopes to rebuild ties with Canada based on 'mutual trust and sensitivity', blaming the downturn in the relations to the 'licence' that was given to the 'extremist and secessionist elements' in that country.

Efforts underway to resolve trade deal differences with US: India

Efforts underway to resolve trade deal differences with US: India

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The comments came a day after US President Donald Trump said that Washington is "very close" to the trade pact with India.

Sri Lankan navy opens fire on Indian fishermen, 5 hurt

Sri Lankan navy opens fire on Indian fishermen, 5 hurt

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Five Indian fishermen were injured, two seriously, in an incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy near Delft Island, prompting India to summon the acting high commissioner of Sri Lanka and lodge a strong protest. The incident occurred during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen, with three others sustaining minor injuries. The Indian Consulate in Jaffna is providing assistance to the fishermen and their families.

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Rediff.com21 May 2025

A total of 750 pilgrims have been selected through a computerised draw for the upcoming Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet, marking the resumption of the pilgrimage after a five-year gap. The Yatra's resumption is seen as an attempt to normalize India-China relations, which were strained by the eastern Ladakh border standoff. The pilgrimage will begin in June and continue until August, with pilgrims traveling in five batches via the Lipulekh route and ten batches via the Nathu La route. The selection process was deemed "fair, computer-generated, random, gender-balanced" by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which organized the pilgrimage.

Modi likely to visit US for UNGA session amid Trump tariff

Modi likely to visit US for UNGA session amid Trump tariff

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the UN General Assembly in September. The session will address global conflicts and trade negotiations between the US and India.

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

There were reports that the screening of the movie was disrupted in North-West London, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Manchester.

'Whatever Trump Says, India Can't Stop Buying Russian Oil'

'Whatever Trump Says, India Can't Stop Buying Russian Oil'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

'America is adopting the typical 'my way or the highway'/'Either you are with us or against us' stance.' 'This is a policy India is not going to accept.'

'Absurd': India lodges protest with China over its 'map'

'Absurd': India lodges protest with China over its 'map'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2023

India on Tuesday lodged a strong protest with China over its so called 'standard map' laying claim over Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin, and asserted that such steps only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.

Diplomatic, economic punitive actions against Pak to continue: India

Diplomatic, economic punitive actions against Pak to continue: India

Rediff.com14 May 2025

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India will keep the IWT in abeyance until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

Indians asked to leave Tehran immediately in new advisory

Indians asked to leave Tehran immediately in new advisory

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The post came as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified as they traded strikes on a fifth day.

MEA raises ill-treatment of Indian man at Newark airport with US

MEA raises ill-treatment of Indian man at Newark airport with US

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

The Indian embassy in Washington DC and the Indian Consulate in New York have also been in touch with the US authorities to ascertain the details in the case, the sources said.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Canada snub? Modi to skip G7 summit amid strained ties with Ottawa

Canada snub? Modi to skip G7 summit amid strained ties with Ottawa

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

It is learnt that Ottawa is yet to send an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the summit, but Modi, in any way, would have skipped it as such a visit would have required a lot of groundwork considering the current state of ties between the two sides, said the people cited above.

Will Jaishankar continue to craft an assertive foreign policy?

Will Jaishankar continue to craft an assertive foreign policy?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

When S Jaishankar became India's external affairs minister in May 2019, he was largely considered a political lightweight despite his undisputed mastery over foreign policy.

Willing to work with India on border issue, says Chinese military

Willing to work with India on border issue, says Chinese military

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

China's military has said it is willing to work with India to find a solution to the border issue, while also pushing for sound and stable defence ties. The statement comes after recent meetings between officials from both countries to normalize relations following a prolonged period of tension.

Will India's Blind cricket team travel to Pakistan?

Will India's Blind cricket team travel to Pakistan?

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) said the tournament will go ahead on schedule irrespective of India's participation.

Modi to visit China for SCO summit after 7 yrs amid thaw in bilateral ties

Modi to visit China for SCO summit after 7 yrs amid thaw in bilateral ties

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking his first visit in over seven years. The visit signals a potential improvement in India-China relations after recent tensions.

Man detained in Iran for clicking pix returns home after 2 months

Man detained in Iran for clicking pix returns home after 2 months

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

An Indian engineer, Yogesh Panchal, was detained in Iran for almost two months for allegedly clicking photographs in a restricted zone. He was released earlier this week after the Ministry of External Affairs intervened. Panchal, who hails from Nanded district in Maharashtra, visited Iran in December to explore business opportunities. He was apprehended from his hotel room on December 7 and accused of shooting videos and photos in a restricted zone. He was held in a local detention center for 59 days and treated well, although blindfolded throughout his incarceration. The family sought help from Rajya Sabha member Ajit Gopchade, but the Iranian Embassy in Delhi initially did not cooperate. The MEA's intervention led to a hearing and his eventual release.

US: 'India Has Taken Advantage Of Ukraine War'

US: 'India Has Taken Advantage Of Ukraine War'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'India has intentionally taken advantage of the war in Ukraine to dramatically increase its purchases of Russian crude, when there are roughly 40 major crude providers that could satisfy Indian demand.'

He believes in what China says, not...: BJP hits back at Rahul

He believes in what China says, not...: BJP hits back at Rahul

Rediff.com30 Aug 2023

Joshi's reaction came after Gandhi termed as "very serious" the issue of China releasing a "standard map" that laid claim over Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, and claimed the neighbouring country has already taken India's land in Ladakh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should speak on the issue.

MEA in touch with Russia to bring back Indians working for Army

MEA in touch with Russia to bring back Indians working for Army

Rediff.com23 Feb 2024

India on Friday said it was in touch with Moscow for early 'discharge' of Indians working as support staff to Russian Army and urged its nationals to stay away from the conflict zone in Ukraine.

India slams Canada over 'threatening' parade in Toronto

India slams Canada over 'threatening' parade in Toronto

Rediff.com6 May 2025

India has lodged a strong protest with Canada over the "threatening language" and "unacceptable imagery" targeting Indian leadership at a parade held in Toronto. The floats at the parade reportedly featured pro-Khalistan propaganda and imagery attacking Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India conveyed its concerns to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, calling on Canadian authorities to act against "anti-India elements" who are spreading hatred and advocating extremism and a separatist agenda. This incident comes days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's victory in the general election, which was seen as an opportunity to repair India-Canada ties that had been strained under Justin Trudeau's leadership. The two countries have been grappling with strained relations since Trudeau's allegations in September 2023 of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.

No proof to link Modi to Nijjar plot: Trudeau govt

No proof to link Modi to Nijjar plot: Trudeau govt

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

"The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada," the statement added.

Modi to attend G7 Summit in Canada after PM Carney's invite

Modi to attend G7 Summit in Canada after PM Carney's invite

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will be attending the G7 Summit later this month in Canada and that he looked forward to meeting his newly elected Canadian counterpart Mark Carney.

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The group waving separatist flags was barricaded and monitored by a significant police presence outside the venue on Wednesday night, with officers rushing to restrain the man as he ran past the barricade in an attempt to block the path of the minister's car pulling at an Indian flag.