News for 'External Affairs Ministry'

Modi presents 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' to King Charles

Modi presents 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' to King Charles

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a tree sapling to King Charles III as part of his 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' environmental initiative during their meeting at Sandringham Estate.

Crackdown On Illegal Travel Agents Begins

Crackdown On Illegal Travel Agents Begins

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Enforcement Directorate officials said on Friday they are probing a 'complex network' of agents and facilitators in India, Canada and the US who help Indians illegally enter the US via 'bogus' admissions in Canadian colleges.

Bangladesh PM Hasina, Seychelles VP arrive for Modi's swearing-in ceremony

Bangladesh PM Hasina, Seychelles VP arrive for Modi's swearing-in ceremony

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

In addition to participating in the swearing-in ceremony, the leaders will attend a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, it said.

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that there are currently over 10,000 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign jails. The Ministry of External Affairs shared country-wise data, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE having the highest number of Indian prisoners. The government has assured that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and provides consular assistance, legal aid, and financial support to those imprisoned.

Hindi-Chini bhai bhai 2 as India-China ties turn 75

Hindi-Chini bhai bhai 2 as India-China ties turn 75

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

India and China celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on Tuesday, with leaders from both countries exchanging congratulatory messages. The anniversary comes as the two countries are working to restore ties after a four-year freeze due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both countries have expressed a willingness to enhance strategic mutual trust and step up cooperation in various fields. The two sides are also exploring ways to rebuild ties and promote people-to-people exchanges.

US reacts to report linking RAW officer to Pannun murder plot

US reacts to report linking RAW officer to Pannun murder plot

Rediff.com1 May 2024

India on Tuesday strongly rejected the claims, saying that the report made "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" imputations on a serious matter and that an investigation into the case was underway.

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has not been a good trading partner and announced that he will raise the tariffs on New Delhi 'very substantially' over the next 24 hours because it is buying Russian oil.

'Consequence of...': India reacts to violent protests in PoK

'Consequence of...': India reacts to violent protests in PoK

Rediff.com17 May 2024

Two days ago, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was, is and will always be part of India.

Tehran open to peace talks if..., says Iranian envoy; seeks India's help

Tehran open to peace talks if..., says Iranian envoy; seeks India's help

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

In an interaction with PTI Videos in New Delhi, Iran's deputy chief of mission to India Mohammad Javad Hosseini also said Americans should "put pressure" and bring the other side back to the negotiating table.

Modi presents 4 BHISHM cubes to Zelenskyy

Modi presents 4 BHISHM cubes to Zelenskyy

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to the Ukrainian government during his visit to the war-torn country where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy under the shadow of the raging war with Russia.

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India last travelled to Bangladesh in 2014 when they played three ODIs.

Modi may visit US in Feb amid Trump's tariff threat

Modi may visit US in Feb amid Trump's tariff threat

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

India is working with the US on an "early" visit to Washington by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further deepen the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries, the External Affairs Ministry said on Friday. Following a phone conversation with Modi this week, US President Donald Trump said the Indian prime minister "is going to be coming to the White House, over next month, probably February". It would be Modi's first bilateral visit to Washington after Trump became US president for a second term. While confirming discussions between India and the US on the proposed visit, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal did not mention any possible time-line for the trip. In their phone conversation on January 27, Modi and Trump vowed to work towards a "trusted" partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence. "PM Modi and President Trump had a telephone conversation recently. The two sides are working on an early visit of the PM to the US to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing while replying to a question. "Specific dates for the visit would be announced at the appropriate time," he said. It is learnt that both sides were initially looking at the window between February 12-14 for Modi's visit but there has been no finality on it yet. The prime minister is set to travel to Paris to attend the Artificial Intelligence Action summit on February 10 and 11. Though the US president has also been invited to the summit, his participation is not yet confirmed.

Modi meets Israeli Prez in Dubai, says he supports two-state solution

Modi meets Israeli Prez in Dubai, says he supports two-state solution

Rediff.com2 Dec 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and underscored India's support for an early and durable resolution of the Israel-Palestine issue through dialogue and diplomacy.

What Canada's New PM said on ties with India

What Canada's New PM said on ties with India

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

India-Canada ties saw tensions after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September 2023 in the House of Commons said there were "credible allegations" of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of pro-Khalistan separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.

Death of Pope Francis: India declares 3-day State mourning

Death of Pope Francis: India declares 3-day State mourning

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The mourning will be observed across the country on April 22 and 23, and again on the day of the Pope's funeral.

India going by Vienna conventions on diplomatic presence with Canada: Govt

India going by Vienna conventions on diplomatic presence with Canada: Govt

Rediff.com12 Oct 2023

India on Thursday insisted on the need for ensuring "parity" in Canada's diplomatic presence in the country and asserted that its measures are in compliance with the Vienna conventions on diplomatic relations, signalling continuing strain in the bilateral ties over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in June.

Beijing ready to revive Russia-India-China troika

Beijing ready to revive Russia-India-China troika

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

China has expressed its support for Russia's initiative to revive the Russia-India-China (RIC) troika, emphasizing its importance for regional and global security and stability.

Slumdog novelist Vikas Swarup is new MEA spokesperson

Slumdog novelist Vikas Swarup is new MEA spokesperson

Rediff.com26 Mar 2015

Vikas Swarup, whose debut novel was made into the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire, has been appointed as spokesperson in the external affairs ministry.

India's envoy in Ramallah, Mukul Arya, found dead in embassy

India's envoy in Ramallah, Mukul Arya, found dead in embassy

Rediff.com7 Mar 2022

It was not immediately known how Arya, a 2008-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, died.

Ladakh row: No breakthrough in India, China diplomatic talks

Ladakh row: No breakthrough in India, China diplomatic talks

Rediff.com31 Jul 2024

India and China on Wednesday held 'constructive' and 'forward-looking' diplomatic talks to resolve the over four-year border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh but there was clear no indication of any breakthrough.

India, China discuss LAC affairs in Beijing, no breakthrough yet

India, China discuss LAC affairs in Beijing, no breakthrough yet

Rediff.com22 Feb 2023

The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was established in 2012 as an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

India briefs envoys on Pahalgam terror attack, links to Pakistan

India briefs envoys on Pahalgam terror attack, links to Pakistan

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

India briefed envoys of the US, UK, France, China, Russia, Germany and several other countries on the Pahalgam terror attack and its link to cross-border terrorism. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri apprised the diplomats about various aspects of the dastardly terror attack on innocent civilians and India's firm policy of "zero tolerance" against terrorism. The briefing was held a day after India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post. The Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmed up the punitive measures against Pakistan in view of the cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. Diplomats of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Norway, Italy, Indonesia and Malaysia were also part of the briefing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish terrorists behind the strike and said India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism.

'There was panic in the streets': Syria returnees

'There was panic in the streets': Syria returnees

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

A batch of Indian nationals, who returned to their homeland on Saturday after being evacuated from crisis-hit Syria, recalled the panic situation they faced in that country but praised the Indian Embassy there for being in 'constant touch' with them.

MEA employee posted in Moscow held for passing info to Pak

MEA employee posted in Moscow held for passing info to Pak

Rediff.com4 Feb 2024

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested a person working in the Indian Embassy, Moscow, for his alleged involvement in anti-national activities with Pakistani intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence and providing them important confidential information regarding the strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian military establishments, an official statement issued in Lucknow on Sunday said.

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.

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.

'Absurd': India counters China's claim over Arunachal

'Absurd': India counters China's claim over Arunachal

Rediff.com19 Mar 2024

"Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programmes and infrastructure projects," he said.

Modi to visit Ukraine on Aug 23, 1st since start of war

Modi to visit Ukraine on Aug 23, 1st since start of war

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

Modi will travel to Poland before visiting Ukraine.

China needs to reflect on its own breach: India on drills near LAC

China needs to reflect on its own breach: India on drills near LAC

Rediff.com1 Dec 2022

"India exercises with whomever it chooses to and it does not give a veto to third countries on these issues," the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

Pahalgam Attack: Diplomatic Win For India

Pahalgam Attack: Diplomatic Win For India

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

It is also the first time that TRF has been mentioned in any UN document. This marks the first mention of the LeT and any other Pakistan-based terror group in the report since 2019.

Dalai Lama an honoured guest: India rejects China's charge

Dalai Lama an honoured guest: India rejects China's charge

Rediff.com7 Jul 2022

External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the birthday greetings by the prime minister to the Dalai Lama should be seen in this overall context.

Pak escalated situation, India only responded: MEA

Pak escalated situation, India only responded: MEA

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday that the choice of de-escalation is with Pakistan, as India only responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. He added that Pakistan has been escalating the situation with cross-border terrorism against India for decades.

PHOTOS: US VP JD Vance, family begin 4-day India visit

PHOTOS: US VP JD Vance, family begin 4-day India visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

US Vice President J D Vance and his wife Usha arrived in Delhi on Monday for a four-day visit. They were welcomed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vance's visit comes amid ongoing trade talks between India and the US. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for the Vances on Monday evening after holding talks with the US Vice President. Vance and his family will also travel to Jaipur and Agra during their trip.

Modi, Xi break the ice, hold talks amid global economic concerns

Modi, Xi break the ice, hold talks amid global economic concerns

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks focusing on economic ties and global stability amid trade tensions and the aftermath of the Ladakh border row.

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

India and Canada have agreed to restore High Commissioners to each other's capitals at an early date, the first in 'calibrated steps' to restore stability to the 'very important relationship', Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

'Baseless': India on Canadian charge of meddling in polls

'Baseless': India on Canadian charge of meddling in polls

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

India on Thursday strongly rejected as 'baseless' allegations of its interference in Canadian elections and asserted that the core issue has been Ottawa's meddling in New Delhi's internal affairs.

Sincere Russia-Ukraine talks needed to end conflict: India at Swiss summit

Sincere Russia-Ukraine talks needed to end conflict: India at Swiss summit

Rediff.com16 Jun 2024

It said a resolution to the conflict requires a "sincere and practical engagement" between the two parties, clearly referring to Russia and Ukraine.

Modi clubs 17 ministries

Modi clubs 17 ministries

Rediff.com28 May 2014

The 17 related ministries have been combined into seven different groups, including some infrastructure departments, in a bid to ensure synergy and better results.

Mamata wants UN peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh, says Modi must...

Mamata wants UN peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh, says Modi must...

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Banerjee stressed she wished for harmony, fraternal ties and cordial relationship to remain between all communities living in Bangladesh and elsewhere.

India summons Maldivian envoy amid row over remarks against Modi

India summons Maldivian envoy amid row over remarks against Modi

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

The government of the Maldives on Sunday suspended three deputy ministers for derogatory social media posts against Modi.