News for 'External Affairs'

'China, EU buy more': Jaishankar rejects criticism on Russian oil

'China, EU buy more': Jaishankar rejects criticism on Russian oil

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defends India's purchase of Russian oil, stating it is not the largest purchaser and that the US had previously supported such actions to stabilize energy markets. He also addresses concerns about tariffs and trade relations with the US.

Arunachal integral part of India: MEA on Shanghai airport detention

Arunachal integral part of India: MEA on Shanghai airport detention

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

India has rejected China's response to the detention of an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh at the Shanghai airport, asserting that the border state is an integral part of the country. The incident involved Pema Wang Thongdok, who was detained for 18 hours for holding an Indian passport.

Modi hails Trump as India welcomes Gaza peace deal

Modi hails Trump as India welcomes Gaza peace deal

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the release of hostages in Israel and expressed support for President Trump's peace efforts in the region.

India breaks silence on US action on Venezuela, Maduro capture

India breaks silence on US action on Venezuela, Maduro capture

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

India said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela and reaffirmed its support for the well-being of people of the country.

China announces support for Iran amid Trump's warning

China announces support for Iran amid Trump's warning

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Lin Jian, said on Wednesday that China supports Iran in maintaining its stability, adding that Beijing has always opposed the interference in other countries' internal affairs and the use of force in international relations.

Modi conferred with Ethiopia's highest award

Modi conferred with Ethiopia's highest award

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday was conferred with Ethiopia's highest award 'The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia' by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.

Iran suspends visa waiver for Indians amid trafficking concerns

Iran suspends visa waiver for Indians amid trafficking concerns

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Iran has suspended its visa waiver program for ordinary Indian passport holders due to incidents of Indians being lured to the country with false promises of employment or transit to other countries. The MEA advises Indian nationals to be vigilant.

No third-party role in Pak ceasefire, reiterates Jaishankar

No third-party role in Pak ceasefire, reiterates Jaishankar

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified that there was no third-party intervention in the ceasefire with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. He asserted that halting the operation was not linked to trade and refuted claims of mediation by US President Donald Trump.

Afghan FM's India visit called off due to UN travel ban

Afghan FM's India visit called off due to UN travel ban

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

If the visit had taken place, then it would have been the first ministerial visit from Kabul to India after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

India, Canada to boost security cooperation against terrorism

India, Canada to boost security cooperation against terrorism

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

India and Canada have agreed to enhance security cooperation, including combating terrorism and transnational crimes, following Canada's decision to list the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity.

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

The agreement addresses non-tariff barriers and promotes increased trade in technology products and cooperation between the two countries.

Trump considers Modi a personal friend: US envoy-designate

Trump considers Modi a personal friend: US envoy-designate

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor emphasizes the importance of the India-US relationship after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on cooperation in defence, trade, and critical minerals.

Op Sagar Bandhu: India deploys NDRF teams, aircraft to Ditwah-hit Lanka

Op Sagar Bandhu: India deploys NDRF teams, aircraft to Ditwah-hit Lanka

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

"Operation Sagar Bandhu ' Humanitarian Assistance. In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts," the Indian Air Force said in a post on X on Saturday.

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India is evaluating its involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran due to potential US tariffs. The US had granted India a waiver for the project, but it expires soon. India is exploring options to continue supporting the port's development while minimizing exposure to US sanctions.

Hadi's party rejects police chargesheet, warns of stir

Hadi's party rejects police chargesheet, warns of stir

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Slain Bangladeshi student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's party rejects the police chargesheet in his murder case, accusing the state machinery of involvement. The party warns of potential retaliation if justice is not served, alleging a broader conspiracy beyond the individuals charged.

Pakistan's nuclear proliferation scared US, Russia: Report

Pakistan's nuclear proliferation scared US, Russia: Report

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Newly declassified documents from the United States National Security Archive have revealed that Pakistan's nuclear proliferation was a significant concern for both the US and Russia, with leaders expressing 'nervous' fears about the country's atomic stability.

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

India and the European Union are set to announce on January 27 the conclusion of negotiations and finalisation of a free trade agreement, which is aimed at boosting economic ties between the two regions amid disruptions in global trade due to US tariffs, an official said.

India suspends visa centre in B'desh's Chittagong amid tension

India suspends visa centre in B'desh's Chittagong amid tension

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

India has suspended visa operations at its application center in Chittagong, Bangladesh, following heightened tensions and protests after the death of a student leader.

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss issues of 'current concern'

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss issues of 'current concern'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio for bilateral discussions, as the high-level 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) kicks in.

B'desh envoy summoned over security threat to Indian mission

B'desh envoy summoned over security threat to Indian mission

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

India summoned the Bangladesh envoy to express strong concerns over extremist elements planning to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka.

India, China must move ahead with mutual respect, Jaishankar tells Wang Yi

India, China must move ahead with mutual respect, Jaishankar tells Wang Yi

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India focuses on border talks with NSA Ajit Doval, amidst efforts to rebuild relations after the Galwan Valley clashes and rising India-US tensions.

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Putin's State visit will centre on fixing the huge India-Russia trade imbalance, with both sides pushing to lower duties, ease non-tariff barriers, and seal a landmark mobility pact to send more Indian workers to Russia.

Pakistan must answer for PoK rights violations: India

Pakistan must answer for PoK rights violations: India

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

India has strongly criticized Pakistan for its human rights violations against protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), citing systemic oppression and plundering of resources.

US Reluctant To Cut Tariff For India

US Reluctant To Cut Tariff For India

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

'What we are willing to do is definitely going to depend on what the Indian government wants to do.'

After Trump's claim, India flags Pakistan's 'illegal' nuclear past

After Trump's claim, India flags Pakistan's 'illegal' nuclear past

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

India responded to US President Donald Trump's comments regarding Pakistan's nuclear weapons testing, highlighting Pakistan's history of nuclear proliferation and illegal activities.

Muttaqi Woos India Inc

Muttaqi Woos India Inc

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) members on Monday to discuss opportunities in his country, especially in the mining sector. The Taliban, who now control Afghanistan, is seeking to repair its ties with New Delhi, and is hopeful of Indian public and private sectors increasing investments in the mining and power sector, and greater trade and commerce.

HC asks Centre to help Celina communicate with brother

HC asks Centre to help Celina communicate with brother

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Delhi high court has directed the Centre to facilitate communication between actress Celina Jaitly and her brother, a former army officer detained in the UAE. The court is addressing a plea by Jaitly seeking legal representation for her brother, who has been detained since September of last year.

'India-US ties not criteria for New Delhi-Russia relations'

'India-US ties not criteria for New Delhi-Russia relations'

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Lavrov, who addressed the UN General Assembly shortly before External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's speech at the high-level General Debate, said India and Russia share a "particularly privileged strategic partnership".

Australia in touch with India on Bondi Beach terror attack: MEA

Australia in touch with India on Bondi Beach terror attack: MEA

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The Telangana police on December 16 stated that Sajid Akram, one of the accused in the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia, was originally from Hyderabad, contrary to earlier reports that had identified the attackers as being of Pakistani origin.

Bangladesh formally requests India to extradite Hasina

Bangladesh formally requests India to extradite Hasina

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Bangladesh's interim government has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after she was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity.

What Tharoor said after attending Putin banquet as Rahul, Kharge left out

What Tharoor said after attending Putin banquet as Rahul, Kharge left out

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

The Congress on Friday said that the leaders of the opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, were not invited to the banquet, and took a swipe at Tharoor for accepting the invite.

Police stop protesters' march towards Indian mission in Dhaka

Police stop protesters' march towards Indian mission in Dhaka

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A protest march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka was halted by police, prompting India to express strong concerns about the security of its mission. The protesters demanded the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others involved in the 'July Uprising'.

The New Study Abroad Hotspot For Indian Students...

The New Study Abroad Hotspot For Indian Students...

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

MEA data show that the number of Indian students in the UAE in 2025 was 253,832, just behind the United States with 255,447 students, and Canada being on top at 427,085.

After backlash, Afghan FM Muttaqi opens presser to women scribes

After backlash, Afghan FM Muttaqi opens presser to women scribes

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed the controversy surrounding the absence of women journalists at a recent press interaction in New Delhi, stating there was no intention to exclude them. He also discussed trade and investment opportunities between Afghanistan and India.

India, UAE seal defence pact, set $200 bn trade target

India, UAE seal defence pact, set $200 bn trade target

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Under the defence partnership, India and the UAE are eyeing defence industrial collaboration and cooperation in advanced technologies, cyberspace training, special operations, interoperability of their militaries and counter terrorism.

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.

India raises H1B visa concerns with US amid interview delays

India raises H1B visa concerns with US amid interview delays

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

India has raised concerns with the United States regarding the cancellation of scheduled H1B visa interviews for Indian applicants due to enhanced vetting measures. Both countries are engaged in discussions to address the disruptions caused by the delays.

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Rubio voiced "appreciation" for New Delhi's continued engagement on bilateral issues, including trade, defence and energy.

We rely on India's active role in peace efforts: Ukraine

We rely on India's active role in peace efforts: Ukraine

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's support for an early end to the conflict in Ukraine after a conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha. The discussion follows recent diplomatic engagements, including meetings between Prime Minister Modi and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy.

Indian student, missing for 19 days, found dead inside dam in Russia

Indian student, missing for 19 days, found dead inside dam in Russia

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

According to family members, Ajit's parents had sold a part of their farmland to fund his medical studies abroad. His brother is preparing for competitive examinations in Alwar.