News for 'External Affairs Ministry'

India dismisses Pak allegation of complicity in train hijack

India dismisses Pak allegation of complicity in train hijack

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

India has strongly rejected Pakistan's allegations of backing terrorism against that country following the Balochistan train attack. India said Islamabad should look inwards before shifting the blame on others for its "failures " and that the whole world knows "where the epicentre of global terrorism lies ". Pakistan, on the other hand, has accused India of "sponsoring terrorism " without directly implicating it in the Balochistan train attack that killed 21 passengers.

'Inaccurate info circulating on Nimisha's Yemen pardon'

'Inaccurate info circulating on Nimisha's Yemen pardon'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Earlier, the office of Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Abubakker Musliyar had claimed that "the death sentence of Nimisha Priya, which was previously suspended, has been overturned. A high-level meeting held in Sanaa decided to completely cancel the death sentence that was temporarily suspended earlier."

'Magnesia, Galveaisa': Punjab CM's dig at Modi's foreign trips

'Magnesia, Galveaisa': Punjab CM's dig at Modi's foreign trips

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits, drawing disapproval from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Pakistan's nukes to be available for Saudi under new pact

Pakistan's nukes to be available for Saudi under new pact

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The entry of other Arab countries in the mutual defence deal between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not ruled out, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said, adding that 'doors are not closed' for such developments.

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

India has expressed concern to the US authorities over the treatment of deportees on a flight that landed on February 5, particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also registered its concerns regarding the need to accommodate the religious sensitivities and food preferences of the deportees. The US side has confirmed that no women or children were restrained on the deportation flights that landed in India on 15th and 16th February, 2025.

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.

India summons German envoy; seeks early return of baby Ariha

India summons German envoy; seeks early return of baby Ariha

Rediff.com3 Aug 2023

Ariha Shah was placed in the custody of Germany's Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) on September 23, 2021 after the then seven month-old baby suffered an accidental injury. She has been in foster care since then.

Return of coal threatens India's emission commitments

Return of coal threatens India's emission commitments

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

India's new climate pledge to the UN could be weakened by its growing use of coal, even as the country plans a 2035 roadmap to cut emissions and boost clean energy.

Fake embassy scam: UP man posed as 'West Arctica' envoy

Fake embassy scam: UP man posed as 'West Arctica' envoy

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force unearths a fake embassy operating in Ghaziabad, arresting a man who claimed to be a diplomat of a non-existent country.

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The United States has deported a group of Indian migrants on a military transport aircraft, marking the first such deportation to India as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. The US embassy in New Delhi confirmed that Washington is tightening immigration laws and removing illegal migrants. The deportation comes as India and the US are finalizing details for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in February. India has indicated its willingness to work with the US on addressing illegal immigration, and has said it will take back all Indians who have overstayed or are in the US without documentation.

Look at your own record: India condemns Iran's Khamenei's 'suffering of Muslims' remark

Look at your own record: India condemns Iran's Khamenei's 'suffering of Muslims' remark

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

The Iranian leader talked about what he described as "suffering" of Muslims in Gaza, Myanmar and India.

UP man seeks MEA intervention to save daughter on death row in UAE

UP man seeks MEA intervention to save daughter on death row in UAE

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Shahzadi Khan, currently imprisoned in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba jail, has been sentenced to death by a court for the death of a child who was under her care.

25 Indians on death row in UAE, govt tells RS

25 Indians on death row in UAE, govt tells RS

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that 25 Indian nationals have been sentenced to death in the UAE, but the judgments are yet to be implemented. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that 10,152 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, are currently incarcerated in foreign prisons. The government provides assistance to Indian nationals sentenced to death abroad, including consular access and legal aid. In the past five years, Indian nationals have been executed in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The UAE authorities have not shared any data regarding the execution of Indians, but informal information suggests no executions have occurred since 2020.

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.

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.

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.

No impact on India from Brahmaputra dam, claims China

No impact on India from Brahmaputra dam, claims China

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

China has reiterated its plan to build the world's largest dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has assured that the project, estimated to cost around USD 137 billion, will not have any negative impact on downstream countries, India and Bangladesh. The ministry has stated that the project has undergone rigorous scientific verification and will be conducive to disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as climate change response. India has expressed concerns about the dam, raising the issue during talks with the visiting US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. China has maintained that the project will not negatively affect the lower reaches and has committed to maintaining communication with downstream countries.

India urges Dhaka not to demolish Satyajit Ray's ancestral home

India urges Dhaka not to demolish Satyajit Ray's ancestral home

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

India on Tuesday called on Bangladesh to reconsider its decision to demolish the ancestral property of noted filmmaker Satyajit Ray and offered help to preserve the iconic building as it symbolises Bangla cultural 'renaissance'.

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.

Evacuated all citizens who wished to return from Syria: Govt

Evacuated all citizens who wished to return from Syria: Govt

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

India has successfully evacuated all of its citizens who wished to return home from Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad's government by rebel forces. The evacuation process, which began on Tuesday, saw 77 Indian nationals brought back to safety. The Indian Embassy in Syria continues to function and is monitoring the situation closely, advocating for a peaceful and inclusive political solution.

US warns: Tariffs on India could go up if...

US warns: Tariffs on India could go up if...

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that the secondary tariffs on India could go up if 'things don't go well' during talks between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Kerala nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder, India responds

Kerala nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder, India responds

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

India has announced its support in exploring legal options for Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala facing a death sentence in Yemen for allegedly murdering a Yemeni citizen. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the government is extending all possible assistance in the matter.

Trump aide fact-checked over anti-India rant. He slams Musk

Trump aide fact-checked over anti-India rant. He slams Musk

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Calling the community note on X "crap", Navarro alleged that Elon Musk is allowing "propaganda" and reiterated his accusations of India purchasing Russian oil only to make profits.

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.

SAD seeks US leniency for Indian trucker involved in crash

SAD seeks US leniency for Indian trucker involved in crash

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Shiromani Akali Dal has appealed to the United States government to consider a humanitarian view of truck driver Harjinder Singh, who faces a vehicular homicide case. The party also requested the Indian government to provide consular and legal assistance.

Modi to attend Quad, address UN summit in New York

Modi to attend Quad, address UN summit in New York

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a three-day visit to the United States beginning September 21 to attend the annual Quad Summit and address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly.

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.

Italian marines case: Law Ministry concurs with MEA

Italian marines case: Law Ministry concurs with MEA

Rediff.com22 Feb 2014

In a fresh development in the Italian marines case, the Law Ministry on Saturday concurred with the External Affairs Ministry on non-applicability of a controversial anti-piracy law which is being strongly contested by the Italian government.

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Slovak Republic's President, Peter Pellegrini, has expressed interest in adopting a tree-planting initiative similar to India's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inspiration came during a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who was on a two-day state visit to Slovakia. During a tree-planting ceremony in Nitra, Murmu highlighted Modi's initiative to plant trees in the name of mothers. Pellegrini was impressed and suggested that Slovakia could consider a similar program. The initiative, launched on World Environment Day last year, encourages people to plant a tree in their mother's name as a symbolic gesture of love and respect.

Political space given to extremists: Jaishankar on Canada temple attack

Political space given to extremists: Jaishankar on Canada temple attack

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took a strong exception to the Hindu temple incident in Brampton.

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A multi-agency team has gone to the US and all paperwork and legal issues are being completed with US authorities to bring him to India, they said.

India welcomes US-Russia meet in Alaska for Ukraine peace

India welcomes US-Russia meet in Alaska for Ukraine peace

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson said that the meeting holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up the prospects for peace.

Consistently called for...: India on Gaza hostage deal

Consistently called for...: India on Gaza hostage deal

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

India hoped that the agreement will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The Finance Ministry's annual report has revealed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in India during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The projects, implemented in partnership with the Indian government, cover areas like agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, health, sustainable forests, and climate adaptation. This disclosure comes amidst controversy over USAID's alleged role in influencing Indian elections, with claims that the agency allocated USD 21 million to India for 'voter turnout'. However, the report clarifies that no funds were dedicated to enhancing voter turnout.

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.

'Unwarranted': India rejects Washington Post report on Pannun plot

'Unwarranted': India rejects Washington Post report on Pannun plot

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

A day after The Washington Post named an Indian official for allegedly plotting to eliminate Sikh extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, India on Tuesday said the report made 'unwarranted and unsubstantiated' imputations on a serious matter.

Govt appoints three new external RBI MPC members

Govt appoints three new external RBI MPC members

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The government on Tuesday appointed three external members -- Ram Singh, Saugata Bhattacharya and Nagesh Kumar -- to the RBI's rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee for four years. The central government has reconstituted the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of RBI, the finance ministry said in a statement. Ram Singh is the director of the Delhi School of Economics, Saugata Bhattacharya is an economist, and Nagesh Kumar is the director and Chief Executive, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi.

US may hold back secondary tariffs on India, says Trump

US may hold back secondary tariffs on India, says Trump

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

There were apprehensions that additional secondary tariffs would have hit India in case the US decided to enforce them.

UK visa for Sania's son: Sports Ministry approaches MEA

UK visa for Sania's son: Sports Ministry approaches MEA

Rediff.com19 May 2021

Sania has been granted a visa but her son and his caretaker have not received UK visas owing to the current travel restrictions on Indians due to a surge in coronavirus cases in India.

Tariffs on India prompted Russia to...: Trump ahead of meet with Putin

Tariffs on India prompted Russia to...: Trump ahead of meet with Putin

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The comments come ahead of Trump's high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Friday in Anchorage, Alaska.