News for 'External Affairs'

Jaishankar hands over Modi's letter to Zia's family

Jaishankar hands over Modi's letter to Zia's family

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BNP leader Tarique Rahman, conveying condolences after the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Jaishankar's visit comes amid existing tensions between India and Bangladesh.

India condoles Khamenei killing amid Opposition criticism

India condoles Khamenei killing amid Opposition criticism

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has expressed condolences over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following a joint US-Israel strike, amidst rising tensions in West Asia and criticism over the sinking of an Iranian warship.

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.

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

Rediff.com1 days ago

He added that opposition parties were assured that their concerns regarding the impact of the West Asia situation on India and the safety of Indian citizens were addressed in detail.

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

'Urge all sides...': India reacts as US-Israel attack Iran

'Urge all sides...': India reacts as US-Israel attack Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Following a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran, India is calling for restraint and de-escalation to avoid further military confrontation in the Middle East.

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Palau-flagged oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman, resulting in injuries. The incident occurred amidst rising tensions in the Middle East following attacks between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Modi pays tribute to Holocaust victims at Yad Vashem memorial

Modi pays tribute to Holocaust victims at Yad Vashem memorial

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem, accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirm the commitment to peace and human dignity.

LS Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique's swearing-in

LS Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique's swearing-in

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Secretary-General of Lok Sabha Utpal Kumar Singh are also likely to accompany Birla.

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the central government of providing 'VIP treatment' to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, criticising perceived double standards in dealing with crime.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed cooperation in trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and defence, reaffirming commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

David Perdue said in a post on X that the US-India relationship delivers real results through close cooperation in diverse areas, including defence, energy and through Quad engagement.

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran Amid Conflict

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran Amid Conflict

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Families in Ambari village are anxiously awaiting news of their relatives stranded in Iran amid escalating conflict, with limited communication and growing concerns for their safety.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com3 days ago

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Rediff.com2 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East crisis, with a focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com6 days ago

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.'

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com1 days ago

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Why Kashmiris Are Donating Gold, Money For Iran

Why Kashmiris Are Donating Gold, Money For Iran

Rediff.com1 days ago

'Many have contributed in terms of gold and silver. Ladies in big numbers have contributed their home belongings and gold.' 'Some have donated their cars too.'

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Rediff.com10 hours ago

Taking Kharg would give the US control over virtually all of Iran's oil exports and thus provide significant leverage, notes Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War. It would also put American troops within range of Iran's remaining missiles, drones, and artillery on a piece of real estate that is just eight square miles in size, and just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland.

Modi Pays Tribute to Holocaust Victims at Yad Vashem

Modi Pays Tribute to Holocaust Victims at Yad Vashem

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem and paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Delhi Court Seeks Clarification in Russian Woman's Child Custody Case

Delhi Court Seeks Clarification in Russian Woman's Child Custody Case

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has requested further information from the investigating officer in the child custody case involving Viktoriaa Basu, a Russian woman accused of illegally leaving India with her child.

India advises nationals to avoid travel to Venezuela

India advises nationals to avoid travel to Venezuela

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

India has advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela following the capture of President Nicols Maduro by the US. The Ministry of External Affairs has also asked Indians in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution and restrict their movements.

Over 3,800 Indians deported from US in 2025, govt tells RS

Over 3,800 Indians deported from US in 2025, govt tells RS

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Indian government informed the Rajya Sabha that over 3,800 Indian nationals were deported from the US in 2025. The government is working with US authorities to ensure humane treatment during deportation operations and is taking action against illegal recruitment agents facilitating illegal immigration.

Modi convenes CCS meeting amid escalating tension after Iran attack

Modi convenes CCS meeting amid escalating tension after Iran attack

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) in Delhi to discuss the global situation following the attack on Iran and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Dozens of Indian-flagged ships and over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding areas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India voices strong concerns over the safety of its nationals and the potential disruption to energy supplies, urging dialogue and diplomacy for a swift resolution.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

An Indian-flagged crude tanker safely departed from the UAE's Fujairah after loading oil, despite an attack on the oil terminal. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia to ensure stable fuel supplies and maritime safety.

India rejects Pakistan's claims on Islamabad mosque bombing

India rejects Pakistan's claims on Islamabad mosque bombing

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

India has strongly denied Pakistan's accusations of its involvement in the suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad, calling the allegations baseless and a deflection from Pakistan's internal issues.

Rashid Naseem, Wanted for Investment Fraud, Arrested in Dubai

Rashid Naseem, Wanted for Investment Fraud, Arrested in Dubai

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Rashid Naseem, wanted in India for an alleged investment fraud, has been arrested in Dubai following an Interpol Red Notice and extradition request.

Chairman's Resignation: HDFC Bank Faces Legal Debate

Chairman's Resignation: HDFC Bank Faces Legal Debate

Rediff.com1 days ago

HDFC Bank is engaging external legal firms, both domestic and international, to investigate the circumstances surrounding former part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty's resignation.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

External affairs ministry is undergoing change: Khurshid

External affairs ministry is undergoing change: Khurshid

Rediff.com30 Jul 2013

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Tuesday said his ministry is contemplating a plan to have people from industry on-board to facilitate on issues relating to economic diplomacy.

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

Rediff.com7 days ago

India addresses the escalating conflict in West Asia, outlining its diplomatic efforts to ensure energy security, the safety of its citizens, and advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

Haryana Police to be Equipped with Body Cameras

Haryana Police to be Equipped with Body Cameras

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a plan to equip police with body cameras, establish new women and cybercrime police stations, and form an Anti-Terrorist Squad as part of a broader effort to modernise the state's police force.

India Urges Diplomacy as West Asia Situation Worsens

India Urges Diplomacy as West Asia Situation Worsens

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in West Asia, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes. India is closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of its citizens in the region.