News for 'Foreign Affairs'

Arunachal activist booked over foreign funds for anti-dam protests

Arunachal activist booked over foreign funds for anti-dam protests

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The CBI has registered a case against Arunachal Pradesh environmental activist and lawyer Bhanu Tatak for allegedly receiving Rs 20.94 lakh in foreign funds without mandatory FCRA registration or prior permission. The agency claims these funds were used to organise and sustain protests against two hydropower projects in the state. A preliminary enquiry indicated Tatak received foreign contributions directly into her personal account and did not file income tax returns declaring these funds.

PCB blocks Pakistan veterans from playing in India

PCB blocks Pakistan veterans from playing in India

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied its over-50s team permission to participate in the International Masters Cricket World Cup in India next January, citing government refusal. This follows a similar decision by the Pakistan Hockey Federation, highlighting ongoing strained relations between the two nations.

Dhaka sends babu to attend BIMSTEC home ministers' meet

Dhaka sends babu to attend BIMSTEC home ministers' meet

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Bangladesh's Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will skip the first-ever BIMSTEC home ministers' meeting in New Delhi, with a senior bureaucrat leading the delegation. This absence underscores strained India-Bangladesh ties, particularly following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 and Dhaka's request for her extradition from India.

India issues advisory for pilgrims stranded in Saudi

India issues advisory for pilgrims stranded in Saudi

Rediff.com3 hours ago

India has issued a fresh advisory for its nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, in Saudi Arabia due to ongoing flight cancellations and regional tensions. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah is providing assistance, coordinating with Saudi authorities, and helping facilitate the early return of affected individuals amidst disruptions caused by drone and missile attacks.

How foreign varsities modified campuses to prevent suicides

How foreign varsities modified campuses to prevent suicides

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Indian educational institutions are adopting physical modifications like "anti-suicide" fans and barriers to prevent student suicides, drawing parallels with measures taken by foreign universities such as Houston, Cornell, Harvard, and NYU. While these measures are seen as "bandaid solutions" by some, experts suggest restricting access to lethal means is a valid part of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy, alongside crucial mental health support.

Pak summons Indian envoy over killing of 2 'intruders' by BSF

Pak summons Indian envoy over killing of 2 'intruders' by BSF

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Pakistan has summoned India's Charge d'Affaires to protest the killing of two alleged civilians by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the international border in Punjab. While India claims the individuals were intruders, Pakistan asserts they were unarmed civilians and demands a transparent investigation into the incident.

Jaishankar to host Rubio in Mumbai on Oct 20 for key India-US talks

Jaishankar to host Rubio in Mumbai on Oct 20 for key India-US talks

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20 for talks aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions will cover energy, trade, defence, and critical technologies. The visit also includes celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US Independence. This meeting follows earlier confusion regarding Rubio's visit and will also touch upon the India-US bilateral trade agreement, which both sides are close to concluding. The MEA clarified that hosting foreign dignitaries outside Delhi is a common practice.

Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian: BRICS' power-packed guest list

Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian: BRICS' power-packed guest list

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together numerous world leaders including presidents from China, Russia, South Africa, Iran, and Egypt, along with prime ministers and foreign ministers from other nations. The summit will feature bilateral talks and highlights the expanded BRICS grouping's growing global influence and India's significant role as a founding member and current chair.

Bangladesh ready to join Saudi-Pak-Turkiye defence alliance

Bangladesh ready to join Saudi-Pak-Turkiye defence alliance

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Bangladesh is considering joining a newly formed defence alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, with junior ministers stating that any decision would be based on national interests and a "Bangladesh First" policy. The pact, signed in Makkah, aims for collective deterrence.

A legend exits CNN: Christiane Amanpour to leave after 43 years

A legend exits CNN: Christiane Amanpour to leave after 43 years

Rediff.com4 days ago

Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour has announced her decision to leave CNN in June 2027 after 43 years with the network.

India rejects China objection to standardised naming of 28 Ladakh sites

India rejects China objection to standardised naming of 28 Ladakh sites

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

India has rejected China's objection to New Delhi's standardisation of names for 28 places and features in Ladakh, reiterating that Ladakh is an "integral and inalienable" part of India. China had strongly opposed the move, calling India's establishment of the Union Territory and the naming "illegal and void".

'Stupid comments': Macron slams Trump, Netanyahu amid France unrest

'Stupid comments': Macron slams Trump, Netanyahu amid France unrest

Rediff.com2 days ago

French President Emmanuel Macron criticised unnamed foreign leaders, including Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, for making "stupid comments" and exploiting recent domestic unrest in France for their own political campaigns. Speaking in Doha, Macron condemned the use of misinformation and AI-generated content to misrepresent the situation, asserting there was no foreign interference in the events but manipulation of information afterwards. He specifically called out Trump's claims about France being "under siege" and Netanyahu's assertion of an "invasion of extremist Islam."

Pakistan navy ship damaged after ramming into Indian warship

Pakistan navy ship damaged after ramming into Indian warship

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Pakistan over an 'unacceptable' naval collision in international waters, citing a breach of a 1991 bilateral agreement on military conduct after a Pakistani Navy vessel collided with an Indian Navy warship in the Arabian Sea.

Rubio's India visit: Trade deal, West Asia top agenda amid strained ties

Rubio's India visit: Trade deal, West Asia top agenda amid strained ties

Rediff.com5 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on a three-day visit to India to discuss bilateral ties in energy, trade, investment, defence, and critical technologies, as well as the West Asia crisis. His visit aims to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership amidst existing friction, with a focus on finalising a proposed bilateral trade deal.

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

The Indian Cabinet has approved Fairfax Financial Holdings' Rs 52,878 crore bid to acquire a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank, marking the country's largest foreign direct investment in the financial sector.

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Marco Rubio will visit Mumbai and Jamnagar to discuss energy cooperation as S Jaishankar says India-US trade talks are nearing a landing point, with a few issues unresolved.

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

India is deeply concerned by the growing consolidation of Pakistan-backed jihadi and radical Islamist groups in Bangladesh, particularly in the strategically vital Chittagong Hill Tracts, which experts warn is transforming the country into a new safe haven for these networks and posing a direct threat to India's security.

Prakash Rajpurohit: Election Commission gets a new deputy

Prakash Rajpurohit: Election Commission gets a new deputy

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Centre has announced a major bureaucratic reshuffle, appointing Prakash Rajpurohit as Deputy Election Commissioner and approving appointments for 27 civil servants at joint secretary and equivalent levels across various ministries and departments.

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

An American Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft reportedly landed in Moscow on Monday morning, according to online air traffic monitoring systems, Russian news agency TASS reported.

India keeps Russia-Ukraine peace effort alive, says Jaishankar

India keeps Russia-Ukraine peace effort alive, says Jaishankar

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is entering an age of flux marked by conflicts and tariff volatility, requiring India to respond effectively to these challenges. He reiterated India's consistent stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted India's efforts to engage with both sides. Jaishankar also emphasised India's role in championing the voice of the Global South and navigating complex strategic partnerships in a multi-aligned world.

Rubio pushes US energy, defence deals as India trade pact nears finish

Rubio pushes US energy, defence deals as India trade pact nears finish

Rediff.com4 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kick-started a three-day visit to India on Tuesday to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade and investment, defence, critical technologies, and exchange views on the West Asia crisis.

Foreign citizen can't be deported unless...: Centre to SC

Foreign citizen can't be deported unless...: Centre to SC

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that foreign nationals with unverified nationality cannot be deported unless their home country confirms their identity and agrees to accept them. This submission was made in response to a plea challenging indefinite detention of declared foreigners in Assam.

Omani flydubai co-pilot to be handed over to UAE after Saudi probe

Omani flydubai co-pilot to be handed over to UAE after Saudi probe

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Saudi Arabia will conduct the preliminary investigation into the Omani co-pilot who attempted to crash flydubai flight FZ1073, after the Tel Aviv-bound plane was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Tabuk Airport.

UN flags mass detentions during Delhi stir, calls for protesters' release

UN flags mass detentions during Delhi stir, calls for protesters' release

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The UN human rights office expressed concern over mass detentions during protests in Delhi on Saturday, urging India to respect peaceful assembly rights and release detainees. India rejected these concerns as "misplaced" and "unwarranted interference." The protests, organised by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded electoral reforms and the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list manipulation, which the Election Commission and BJP deny.

Terrorist country asking me that question: Jaishankar blasts Pak scribe

Terrorist country asking me that question: Jaishankar blasts Pak scribe

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly rebuked a Pakistani journalist at the UN headquarters who questioned India's alleged sponsorship of terrorism, calling Pakistan a "terrorist country."

Attack on seafarers 'unacceptable': Jaishankar at UNGA

Attack on seafarers 'unacceptable': Jaishankar at UNGA

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf, calling it "simply unacceptable." He also voiced deep concern over the "weaponisation of everything," which he stated has severe consequences for Global South nations, impacting peace, progress, and development globally. India urged restraint, de-escalation, and protection of civilians, while also highlighting the 4F crisis (food, fuel, fertiliser, finance) faced by developing countries.

Bangladesh yet to decide on PM Rahman's visit to India

Bangladesh yet to decide on PM Rahman's visit to India

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has not yet decided on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India for the upcoming BRICS summit, with his office stating that Dhaka is awaiting New Delhi's response to its request for the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other 'fugitive criminals' currently residing in India.

India seeks Russia's update on 69 citizens serving in its army

India seeks Russia's update on 69 citizens serving in its army

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

India has requested an update from Russian authorities regarding 69 Indian nationals reportedly serving in the Russian Army. The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson stated that 139 Indians have been discharged so far, but 51 have died. India continues to warn its citizens against joining the Russian military due to significant dangers.

Rubio's India Visit: The Russian Oil Factor

Rubio's India Visit: The Russian Oil Factor

Rediff.com5 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India this week underscores the complex dynamics of global energy policy, as Washington re-evaluates sanctions on Russian oil buyers amidst India's continued reliance on Russian crude.

India vs Japan T20I: Vande Mataram played ahead of national anthem in Japan

India vs Japan T20I: Vande Mataram played ahead of national anthem in Japan

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

For the first time on foreign soil, 'Vande Mataram' was played before a cricket match, preceding the national anthem at the India vs Japan T20 International in Sano, Japan.

US Bill Imposing 100% Tariffs On India Set For House Vote

US Bill Imposing 100% Tariffs On India Set For House Vote

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The US House of Representatives has advanced a bill that would empower President Donald Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on countries, including India, that purchase oil and gas from Russia, and also extend sanctions on Iran. The legislation, which previously passed the Senate, aims to curb Russia's energy revenue amidst the Ukraine conflict.

China opposes India naming 28 strategic locations in Ladakh

China opposes India naming 28 strategic locations in Ladakh

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

China has voiced strong opposition to India's recent decision to standardise names for 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh.

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 shifts Ukraine strategy, engages with Kyiv, Moscow

India shifts Ukraine strategy, engages with Kyiv, Moscow

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has publicly acknowledged India's intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, engaging directly with both Kyiv and Moscow. India is focusing on critical issues like Black Sea shipping safety, grain exports, and energy supplies, moving beyond its previous advocacy role. Jaishankar also highlighted India's historical ties with Russia and discussed the evolving global geopolitical landscape, including the repositioning of the US and the rise of China.

Grateful to India, says Russia on Ukraine peace proposal

Grateful to India, says Russia on Ukraine peace proposal

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Russia has expressed gratitude for India's readiness to contribute to resolving the Ukraine conflict, while Ukraine's Foreign Minister praised India's ceasefire proposal as the "broadest" among those received. President Putin also acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's "very good ideas" for a mutual settlement, highlighting India's intensified diplomatic efforts focusing on Black Sea safety, grain exports, and energy supplies.

Will Modi Visit Pakistan Next Year?

Will Modi Visit Pakistan Next Year?

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Given the current friction in ties, such a visit looks unlikely at this juncture.

Sharif retains Pak's foreign affairs portfolio

Sharif retains Pak's foreign affairs portfolio

Rediff.com8 Jun 2013

With Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif deciding to retain Pakistan's foreign affairs portfolio, former minister Sartaj Aziz will play a crucial role as his advisor in charting a way forward on issues like relations with India and the United States

Modi-Xi Meet: Why The Road Ahead Is Tough

Modi-Xi Meet: Why The Road Ahead Is Tough

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

'Xi is conveying that China is a pre-eminent power, and India should modulate its actions or approaches accordingly.'

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

'No BRICS invite': Bangladesh PM Rahman unlikely to visit India this week

'No BRICS invite': Bangladesh PM Rahman unlikely to visit India this week

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Bangladesh has confirmed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in India, clarifying that the invitation was extended to him as the BIMSTEC Chair, not as Bangladesh's Prime Minister. The nation is prioritising bilateral visits and discussions, while also addressing national interests like the expiring Ganges Water Sharing Treaty.