News for 'Foreign Affairs Ministry'

Piyush Goyal not against e-commerce platforms, but...

Piyush Goyal not against e-commerce platforms, but...

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

A day after lambasting e-commerce players for predatory pricing, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said he is not against online platforms but India wants such entities to be "fair and honest" in their conduct. Speaking with reporters in the financial capital, the outspoken Union minister said the rule of the law should be followed in letter and spirit, and made it clear that consumer preferences should not be influenced by algorithms.

NGO Centre for Policy Research barred from receiving foreign funds

NGO Centre for Policy Research barred from receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

The ministry of home affairs has suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of prominent public think-tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR) over violation of laws, officials said on Thursday.

Russian foreign minister Lavrov to arrive in India tomorrow

Russian foreign minister Lavrov to arrive in India tomorrow

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will be on a two-day official visit to India from Thursday, his first trip to the country since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine last month.

As Amit Shah lands in Arunachal border, China says it opposes visit

As Amit Shah lands in Arunachal border, China says it opposes visit

Rediff.com10 Apr 2023

China on Monday criticised Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, stating that it violated Chinese sovereignty over the area, a claim outrightly dismissed by India.

Ministries spar over due-diligence reports

Ministries spar over due-diligence reports

Rediff.com11 Dec 2013

DFS writes to departments that haven't responded to RBI's request for information.

China cancels visa of 2 Indian journalists, will MEA do the same?

China cancels visa of 2 Indian journalists, will MEA do the same?

Rediff.com6 Apr 2023

The comments by external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in Delhi came days after China decided to "freeze" visas of two Indian journalists.

Evera Cabs bets on BluSmart EVs to drive Rs 100 crore revenue in FY26

Evera Cabs bets on BluSmart EVs to drive Rs 100 crore revenue in FY26

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Delhi-based electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing firm Evera Cabs, which grabbed headlines after acquiring 500 cars from the now-defunct cab service BluSmart, is stepping up its presence in the EV cab segment. The company is aiming for revenue of Rs 100 crore in the ongoing financial year (2025-26), up from Rs 18 crore in 2024-25.

India, Canada diplomatic row: Will it hurt bilateral trade?

India, Canada diplomatic row: Will it hurt bilateral trade?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The escalation in the diplomatic row between India and Canada will not have an impact on the bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries, government sources said on Tuesday. They also said that the bilateral trade value is not significant and Canadian funds can route their investments through Singapore, the UAE and the US. "India is a preferred investment destination," they said.

Harsh Vardhan Shringla takes charge as new foreign secretary

Harsh Vardhan Shringla takes charge as new foreign secretary

Rediff.com29 Jan 2020

Shringla last served as India's envoy to the US. He will be serving a two-year term. In the course of a diplomatic career spanning 35 years, Shringla has held a variety of positions in New Delhi and abroad, and is considered an expert on India's neighbourhood.

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.

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

India has expressed concerns over a rise in violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, reporting 2,200 cases in Bangladesh and 112 in Pakistan this year. The Indian government has urged both countries to take measures to ensure the safety of minorities and has highlighted the issue at international forums. The government has also stated that it is monitoring the situation closely and has shared its concerns with the respective governments.

Foreign companies' interest in India fades, shows data

Foreign companies' interest in India fades, shows data

Rediff.com19 Aug 2022

George Acland from Great Britain ran a coffee plantation in Sri Lanka and set up India's first jute mill in 1855. He raised capital and imported the machinery for the mill on the banks of the Hooghly in West Bengal. His company wasn't a great success, but his pioneering work paved the way for India to dominate the jute industry.

Army begins verification patrolling at Depsang

Army begins verification patrolling at Depsang

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Sources had earlier said that the areas and patrolling status were expected to be moved back to pre-April 2020 level.

Vinay Mohan Kwatra is India's next foreign secretary

Vinay Mohan Kwatra is India's next foreign secretary

Rediff.com5 Apr 2022

Known to be having extensive expertise in dealing with India's neighbourhood as well as the US, China and Europe, the 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer pipped nearly half-a-dozen others in the race for the coveted post including Indian High Commissioner to UK Gaitri Issar Kumar (1986-batch IFS) and Ruchira Kamboj (1987 batch IFS).

Kuwait fire: Indian mission swings into action

Kuwait fire: Indian mission swings into action

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

India's mission in Kuwait is ascertaining the full details from the concerned Kuwaiti authorities on the tragic fire incident in a building in the southern city of Mangaf which killed 49 foreign workers, including around 40 Indians, and injured 50 others, even as officials started an investigation into one of the worst fires in the Gulf nation.

US 'concerned' over Canadian diplomats leaving India

US 'concerned' over Canadian diplomats leaving India

Rediff.com21 Oct 2023

The United States on Friday expressed concern over the departure of Canadian diplomats from India and said that it expects New Delhi to uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

No proof of Indian involvement in Pannun plot: Russia

No proof of Indian involvement in Pannun plot: Russia

Rediff.com9 May 2024

Rubbishing the allegations by the United States on India for a foiled assassination plot against pro-Khalistan radical Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Washington, DC has not yet provided any reliable evidence of the involvement of Indian citizens in the case.

India may remove 60-day rule on re-entry for foreigners

India may remove 60-day rule on re-entry for foreigners

Rediff.com3 Dec 2012

The government of India may be rethinking its rule barring foreign visitors from coming back to India within 60 days of their earlier visit unless they take special permission from the embassies or consulates.When the rule was initially introduced, then minister of state in external affairs ministry Shashi Tharoor had tweeted that terrorist Ajamal Kasab and his associates did not need visas to come to Mumbai to carry out the 26/11 attack.

Trudeau just admitted Canada has no proof: India

Trudeau just admitted Canada has no proof: India

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified before a Commission of Inquiry, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said what it has heard only 'confirms' New Delhi's consistent stand that Canada has 'presented us no evidence' in support of the serious allegations Ottawa chose to level against India and Indian diplomats.

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

What stood out in his 15-year journey as a member of the political executive at the Centre was his glowing record as India's most successful and effective finance minister. Both as prime minister and finance minister, he understood the importance of gradualism, except when the economy or the polity was in a crisis.

Jaishankar to hold talks with Chinese, Russian foreign ministers on June 22

Jaishankar to hold talks with Chinese, Russian foreign ministers on June 22

Rediff.com18 Jun 2020

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov will be the other two participants at the conference. Uncertainty had loomed over the meeting following the cross border clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley on Monday evening.

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States will deport 119 Indian nationals who were living in the country illegally. The individuals will arrive in Amritsar, India, on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted the need to combat human trafficking. This deportation follows the arrival of a US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants earlier this month. Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump discussed the issue of illegal immigration during their joint press conference, emphasizing the need to dismantle the "ecosystem" of human trafficking. Modi emphasized India's willingness to take back its citizens residing illegally in the US, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the issue of illegal immigration was raised during the discussions, stressing the need to address the root causes of the problem. India seeks cooperation from the US to dismantle the rackets and ecosystems that facilitate illegal immigration, potentially involving collaboration between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

No 'median line': China sends 103 warplanes around Taiwan

No 'median line': China sends 103 warplanes around Taiwan

Rediff.com18 Sep 2023

China on Monday dismissed the existence of a 'median line' in the volatile Taiwan Strait after Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected a record 103 Chinese warplanes flying around the self-ruled island in a 24-hour period.

Covid: Centre allocates foreign aid to states, UTs

Covid: Centre allocates foreign aid to states, UTs

Rediff.com4 May 2021

The Union health ministry on Tuesday said that aid received from other countries has been distributed in different states to help deal with the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Must ensure full respect for LAC: Jaishankar to Wang Yi

Must ensure full respect for LAC: Jaishankar to Wang Yi

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The Jaishankar-Wang talks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May.

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump for the fourth time in recent days claimed that the Biden administration allocated $21 million funding to India for 'voter turnout', evoking a sharp response from the Congress which urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'talk to his friend' and strongly refute the allegation.

Pak, Iran agree to de-escalate tension after missile strikes

Pak, Iran agree to de-escalate tension after missile strikes

Rediff.com20 Jan 2024

The development comes amidst officials of the foreign ministries from the two sides exchanged goodwill messages.

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Rediff.com17 Mar 2024

Zhang made the remarks in response to India's enhancement of its military readiness through the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, according to a report posted on the Chinese defence ministry's website on Friday.

FCRA bribery case leads to overhaul of MHA's foreigners division

FCRA bribery case leads to overhaul of MHA's foreigners division

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

Following the arrest of six ministry of home affairs officials in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) bribery case, the foreigners division of MHA has been overhauled to break the chain of deep-rooted network.

Why didn't Maldivian Prez Muizzu's Delhi visit in Nov go ahead?

Why didn't Maldivian Prez Muizzu's Delhi visit in Nov go ahead?

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

People familiar with the matter said the new Maldivian government conveyed to the Indian high commission in Male that Muizzu wishes to travel to India.

Will make Maldives free of foreign military presence: New Prez Muizzu

Will make Maldives free of foreign military presence: New Prez Muizzu

Rediff.com17 Nov 2023

Vouching for preserving its independence and sovereignty, Muizzu made a firm commitment to ensure that the Maldives remains "free of any foreign military presence."

Highly provocative, says Taiwan as Chinese ships, jets cross median line

Highly provocative, says Taiwan as Chinese ships, jets cross median line

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

Taipei on Friday termed China's military exercises around the island nation 'highly provocative' after some Chinese aircraft and warships crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.

Chinese foreign minister to attend SCO meet in Goa on May 4-5

Chinese foreign minister to attend SCO meet in Goa on May 4-5

Rediff.com2 May 2023

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang will travel to India to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers' meeting being held in Goa on May 4 and 5, the foreign ministry in Beijing announced on Tuesday.

World leaders extend condolences over Morbi bridge collapse

World leaders extend condolences over Morbi bridge collapse

Rediff.com31 Oct 2022

In his condolence message, Israeli Prime Minister Lapid said that the thoughts and prayers of all Israelis are with the people of India following yesterday's devastating bridge collapse in Gujarat.

Indian hostage's family seeks AP police's help

Indian hostage's family seeks AP police's help

Rediff.com16 Jan 2009

The family of one of the three Indians being held captive by pirates, on Friday sought the Visakhapatnam police commissioner's help for his safe release. In a representation to Visakhapatnam City Commissioner of Police N Sambashiva Rao, hostage Saravanan's family met Rao. The commissioner told PTI over phone that he will take up the issue with foreign affairs ministry.

Scale of human rights abuses increased under Modi: US report

Scale of human rights abuses increased under Modi: US report

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

An independent United States Congressional research report has alleged that the scope and scale of human rights abuses in India has increased under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian Army successfully patrols disengaged Depsang

Indian Army successfully patrols disengaged Depsang

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

The Indian Army has commenced a verification patrolling at Depsang, the second friction point in eastern Ladakh, the government said on Saturday.

Eye On 2024: Modi's Foreign Visits

Eye On 2024: Modi's Foreign Visits

Rediff.com24 May 2023

With Lok Sabha elections months away, the visits are vital politically as these would showcase Modi's standing as a world leader to the home electorate.

Russia to drop charges against rebel leader, Wagner chief to go to Belarus

Russia to drop charges against rebel leader, Wagner chief to go to Belarus

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

After Wagner mercenary force chief Yevgeny Prigozhin decided to halt his forces' march to Moscow under deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

'Trudeau using Nijjar's murder to divert attention'

'Trudeau using Nijjar's murder to divert attention'

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

All this is happening because Canada has for decades deliberately invited these foreigners and their tribal conflicts into our country. We should recognise this major blunder and work with the government of India to find solutions instead of jeopardising our relations with a rising world power and an important ally over this issue