News for 'External Affairs'

Arunachal BJP MP flags public concern over Chinese incursions

Arunachal BJP MP flags public concern over Chinese incursions

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Arunachal Pradesh MP Tapir Gao underscores the critical importance of heeding local warnings regarding alleged Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control, amidst ongoing border tensions and official denials.

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A bipartisan US body claimed that religious freedom conditions in India remained on the downward trajectory in 2026, citing restrictions on activities of NGOs, censorship and transnational repression.

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Two commercial vessels, an oil tanker and a cargo ship, carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals, were hijacked by armed pirates in separate incidents off Yemen and Somalia. All Indian crew members on both vessels are reported to be safe, according to the latest information from the shipping ministry and the External Affairs Ministry.

'Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India': Jaishankar slams Western 'hypocrisy'

'Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India': Jaishankar slams Western 'hypocrisy'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly defended India's decision to purchase Russian crude oil, stating that the country's energy choices are based on cost and availability, and highlighting the West's 'hypocrisy' in criticising India while historically supplying weapons used against it.

India, China agree to use diplomatic, military channels 'to resolve' LAC issues

India, China agree to use diplomatic, military channels 'to resolve' LAC issues

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India and China held diplomatic talks to review the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), discussing boundary delimitation, border management, and trans-border cooperation. Both nations stressed the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations and agreed to continue using existing channels to resolve outstanding issues.

Nepal floods: 275 Indians remain missing

Nepal floods: 275 Indians remain missing

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Ministry of External Affairs reported that 275 Indians remain missing following devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, while 166 others have been rescued. India has supplied 95 tonnes of relief material and deployed 54 personnel, including rescue and forensic experts, to assist Nepal. The death toll in Nepal has reached 1,295, with thousands still missing, and significant infrastructure damage reported. India has also highlighted the need for developed countries to lead in climate change action.

India Rejects Ruling On Indus Waters Treaty

India Rejects Ruling On Indus Waters Treaty

Rediff.com7 days ago

India said the Hague-based Court of Arbitration has no jurisdiction over its sovereign decisions on the Indus Waters Treaty.

India's Top Arms Supplier Is...

India's Top Arms Supplier Is...

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Europe has overtaken Asia as India's biggest arms supplier, reflecting New Delhi's evolving defence procurement strategy.

India invokes Gen Z in statement condemning PoK elections

India invokes Gen Z in statement condemning PoK elections

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

India has strongly criticised the local body elections in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), labelling them as a facade to conceal Pakistan's illegal occupation and severe human rights violations in the region. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's stance that all of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, including PoK, are integral parts of India. He also dismissed Pakistan's claims to a shared cultural legacy, citing its history of promoting terrorism and fundamentalism.

India sends 11 tonnes of relief, Bailey bridge, tunnel expertise to Nepal

India sends 11 tonnes of relief, Bailey bridge, tunnel expertise to Nepal

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

India has provided 68.5 tonnes of relief materials to flood-hit Nepal and sent technical teams, forensic experts and equipment to assist in search and rescue operations, the Indian embassy said.

Modi speaks with Nepal PM; India rushes 1st tranche of aid

Modi speaks with Nepal PM; India rushes 1st tranche of aid

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

India has dispatched the first tranche of 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Nepal following devastating flash floods that killed at least 95 people along the Nepal-Tibet border.

India rescues five-year-old kid among three more nationals in Nepal

India rescues five-year-old kid among three more nationals in Nepal

Rediff.com3 days ago

India has rescued three more nationals, including a child, from Nepal's flood-hit Trishuli Bazaar, bringing the total evacuees to 169, while 275 Indians remain missing. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 1,907 Indians safely crossed into Nepal from China and India continues to provide extensive relief materials and expert teams to assist Nepal in its recovery efforts following the devastating flash floods.

Millions gather in Tehran for Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Millions gather in Tehran for Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Millions of people, including international representatives, are expected to attend the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. His death occurred at the start of the US-Israel war on Iran. US President Donald Trump announced a week-long pause in bombing for the funeral, while India was represented by Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and MoS External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. The event is anticipated to be one of the largest gatherings in Iran's history, with ceremonies delayed due to security concerns.

Cabinet approves more posts in external affairs

Cabinet approves more posts in external affairs

Rediff.com21 Aug 2008

Of these, 249 posts would be within the country, comprising 139 officers and 110 staff. The remaining 269 posts -- 175 officers and 94 staff --would be created in Indian missions abroad, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters.

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has affirmed India's commitment to ensuring issues like a free, open, and rule-based maritime order, seafarer safety, and countering terror financing receive due attention at the UN Security Council during its 2028-29 term.

Five members of family among 12 from Bihar missing in Nepal floods

Five members of family among 12 from Bihar missing in Nepal floods

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

At least 12 people from Bihar's East Champaran district, including five members of one family, are missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal. The disaster, which struck four days ago, has left hundreds of Indians and persons of Indian origin unaccounted for, with a significant death toll reported in Nepal.

Jaishankar discusses war, energy crisis with Iranian FM

Jaishankar discusses war, energy crisis with Iranian FM

Rediff.com15 May 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi held talks focusing on the West Asia crisis and its impact on energy supplies and maritime stability.

LAC peace will determine state of broader bilateral ties: India to China

LAC peace will determine state of broader bilateral ties: India to China

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

India has asserted that the state of its border with China directly impacts the broader bilateral relationship, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Ministry of External Affairs also firmly rejected China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating its status as an integral part of India. This stance was reiterated during a recent Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination meeting, where both sides agreed to continue using diplomatic and military channels to resolve outstanding issues.

Revealed: What Modi said to Iranian President about war

Revealed: What Modi said to Iranian President about war

Rediff.com7 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the SCO summit, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the West Asia conflict and expressing India's desire to expand and diversify trade with Iran. Pezeshkian, in turn, urged India to leverage its contacts to promote peace.

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Items include luxury watches, jewellery, carpets, shawls, silverware and collectible artefacts with bidding prices reaching up to Rs 20 lakh.

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives, and 75 have been injured. Separately, 30 Indian nationals were among 52 individuals arrested and deported by US Border Patrol during 'Operation Checkmate' for allegedly being in the United States illegally.

How much did Modi's 23 foreign trips in 2025 cost? Here's the breakdown

How much did Modi's 23 foreign trips in 2025 cost? Here's the breakdown

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Over Rs 180 crore was incurred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to 23 countries including the US, the UK, France, China and Japan in 2025, according to data shared by the government.

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian government sources revealed that a 'cautious approach' was adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June talks with then-US President Donald Trump due to concerns over Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' with foreign leaders, leading to a preference against a joint media interaction.

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.

'Blatant act of aggression': India slams Pak air strikes on Afghanistan

'Blatant act of aggression': India slams Pak air strikes on Afghanistan

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's recent air strikes on Afghan territory, which resulted in civilian casualties. The Ministry of External Affairs labelled the strikes a "blatant act of aggression" and a "direct threat" to regional peace, reiterating India's support for Afghanistan's sovereignty.

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, attempting to balance its 'forever honeymoon' with the Israel-UAE-Bahrain axis against its historical ties with Iran, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and evolving geopolitical realignments in the Middle East, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

SCO approves anti-terror security centre after Modi's warning

SCO approves anti-terror security centre after Modi's warning

Rediff.com6 days ago

India has highlighted 13 key outcomes from the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, focusing on enhanced cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, and addressing transnational threats. These outcomes include the establishment of a Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security, a strong stance against state-sponsored terrorism, and agreements on narcotics control, climate change, and artificial intelligence, reinforcing India's engagement in the Eurasian region.

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose again on Sunday, days after a devastating flash flood struck Nepal, authorities warned, urging residents and rescue personnel in flood-hit districts to remain alert.

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with one of its worst disasters in recent years as massive flash floods, triggered by an ice avalanche, have claimed 270 lives and left thousands missing across multiple districts, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

MEA Confirms 13 Foreign Nationals Died In Delhi Hotel Fire

MEA Confirms 13 Foreign Nationals Died In Delhi Hotel Fire

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 13 foreign nationals were among the 21 people who died in a recent hotel fire in south Delhi. The MEA is coordinating with respective embassies to provide assistance.

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Four Indian nationals have been killed in an attack on the vessel MV Golden Leo during departure from the port of Odesa in Ukraine on Sunday evening, while one is critically injured.

PM Modi conferred Indonesia's top civilian award 'Bintang Adipurna'

PM Modi conferred Indonesia's top civilian award 'Bintang Adipurna'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Indonesia's highest honour, the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia' medal, by President Prabowo Subianto, recognising his leadership in strengthening bilateral relations and furthering Indonesia's unity, continuity, and prosperity.

Indian embassy seeks probe into removal of sailor's organs in Venezuela

Indian embassy seeks probe into removal of sailor's organs in Venezuela

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Indian Embassy in Venezuela has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged desecration and removal of organs from the body of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan. His wife and the Forward Seamen's Union of India claim a second post-mortem in India revealed all internal organs were missing, raising serious questions about his death and the handling of his remains.

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Rediff.com7 days ago

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has tragically risen to 903, with 4,247 people still reported missing, including security personnel and foreigners. India has dispatched an 18-member team of forensic experts to assist with DNA analysis and identification of victims.

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

Misri holds key talks in Beijing, reviews India-China relations

Misri holds key talks in Beijing, reviews India-China relations

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held extensive discussions with China's Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying and other senior officials in Beijing, reviewing bilateral relations, trade, cultural exchanges, and emphasising peace and tranquillity in border areas. His visit aims to advance the vision of both nations as development partners.

Bangladesh PM's visit should take place sooner...: Indian envoy

Bangladesh PM's visit should take place sooner...: Indian envoy

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, highlighted the importance of dialogue in resolving bilateral issues between India and Bangladesh, expressing optimism for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India. His remarks come amidst diplomatic strains over Bangladesh's demand for the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, whose virtual media interaction from New Delhi caused outrage in Dhaka.

Nepal flash floods: Fear, grief grip Himalayan valleys

Nepal flash floods: Fear, grief grip Himalayan valleys

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Devastating flash floods in Nepal's Bhote Koshi River, triggered by a glacier or ice rock collapse, have resulted in 175 recovered bodies and hundreds missing, including tourists. India has promptly responded by providing 10 tons of humanitarian aid and medical supplies, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying condolences and assuring full support to Nepal.

Indian ship attacked near Oman coast, crew rescued

Indian ship attacked near Oman coast, crew rescued

Rediff.com14 May 2026

An Indian-flagged commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman, but all crew members are safe, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are on high alert following devastating flash floods in Nepal's Gandak river system, prompting emergency measures including evacuations and continuous monitoring by central and state authorities.