News for 'Foreign Affairs'

Ranya Rao case: ED raids institutions linked to K'taka home minister

Ranya Rao case: ED raids institutions linked to K'taka home minister

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday searched locations in Karnataka, including educational institutions linked to state Home Minister G Parameshwara, as part of a probe into alleged gold smuggling-linked money laundering case against Kannada actor Ranya Rao and others. The ED sources said an educational trust is suspected to have "diverted" funds and made a payment of Rs 40 lakh towards the credit card bill of Rao, allegedly on the instructions of an influential individual. The sources claimed the trust is linked to Parameshwara and the "influential" individual is a politically exposed person. The searches found there were no supporting vouchers or documentation to "substantiate" this payment (for credit card bill payment), they said.

China calls for 'lasting ceasefire', backs Pakistan

China calls for 'lasting ceasefire', backs Pakistan

Rediff.com21 May 2025

China on Tuesday called for a 'comprehensive and lasting ceasefire' between India and Pakistan, urging both countries to properly handle their differences through dialogue.

'We are no saints': Ajit Pawar dismisses reunion buzz

'We are no saints': Ajit Pawar dismisses reunion buzz

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Celebrating the 26th foundation day of the party, the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party on Tuesday said there was no proposal of reunion with the rival faction, while Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule too avoided making any statement despite the recent buzz over the issue.

'Proud of you': Modi meets MPs back after global outreach

'Proud of you': Modi meets MPs back after global outreach

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was proud of the manner in which the multi-party delegations presented India's views in various countries on the need to eradicate the menace of terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

Matter of foreign policy: SC rejects plea for halting arms export to Israel

Matter of foreign policy: SC rejects plea for halting arms export to Israel

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said Indian firms, involved in the export of arms and equipment to Israel, may be sued for breach of contractual obligations if they are stopped by it from supplying.

HC dissatisfied with FIR against MP minister for remarks on Col Qureshi

HC dissatisfied with FIR against MP minister for remarks on Col Qureshi

Rediff.com15 May 2025

The Madhya Pradesh high court on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the first information report (FIR) registered by police on its orders against minister Vijay Shah regarding his objectionable remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and said it must be comprehensive.

Manipur name row: Meitei group raises bus incident with Centre

Manipur name row: Meitei group raises bus incident with Centre

Rediff.com28 May 2025

A delegation of a Meitei civil society group from Manipur has conveyed its concerns to the Centre over an incident where the state's name written on a bus windshield was covered with white paper. The group, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), expressed its commitment to peace and its willingness to cooperate in efforts to restore normalcy. They also raised concerns over the growing threats posed by narco-terrorism, cross border illegal immigration, and widespread illegal opium cultivation in the state.

Hindi-Chini bhai bhai 2 as India-China ties turn 75

Hindi-Chini bhai bhai 2 as India-China ties turn 75

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

India and China celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on Tuesday, with leaders from both countries exchanging congratulatory messages. The anniversary comes as the two countries are working to restore ties after a four-year freeze due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both countries have expressed a willingness to enhance strategic mutual trust and step up cooperation in various fields. The two sides are also exploring ways to rebuild ties and promote people-to-people exchanges.

UN Security Council to hold closed consultations on Indo-Pak tensions today

UN Security Council to hold closed consultations on Indo-Pak tensions today

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The UN Security Council will hold closed consultations on Monday on the situation between India and Pakistan after Islamabad sought an emergency meeting on the issue. Pakistan, which currently sits as a non-permanent member of the council, requested the meeting in light of rising tensions between the two countries following a terror attack in India. The meeting comes after India's foreign minister spoke with all council members except China and Pakistan, emphasizing the need to bring perpetrators of the attack to justice. The Pakistani envoy has argued that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir poses a threat to regional and international peace and security, justifying the need for a council discussion.

Taliban appoint acting consul in Mumbai mission, first such move in India

Taliban appoint acting consul in Mumbai mission, first such move in India

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in the Afghan mission in Mumbai, Afghan media has reported. This is the first such appointment made by the Taliban set up to any Afghan mission in India. The appointment, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, is seen as an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties with India and enhance its presence abroad. Kamil, who holds a PhD degree in international law, is expected to facilitate consular services and represent the interests of Afghanistan in India.

India slams China's 'vain' bid to rename parts of Arunachal

India slams China's 'vain' bid to rename parts of Arunachal

Rediff.com14 May 2025

India on Wednesday outright rejected China's attempts to rename some places in Arunachal Pradesh, saying such 'preposterous' attempts will not alter the 'undeniable' reality that the state 'was, is, and will' always remain an integral part of India.

25 Indians on death row in UAE, govt tells RS

25 Indians on death row in UAE, govt tells RS

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that 25 Indian nationals have been sentenced to death in the UAE, but the judgments are yet to be implemented. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that 10,152 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, are currently incarcerated in foreign prisons. The government provides assistance to Indian nationals sentenced to death abroad, including consular access and legal aid. In the past five years, Indian nationals have been executed in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The UAE authorities have not shared any data regarding the execution of Indians, but informal information suggests no executions have occurred since 2020.

Pahalgam attack: Modi chairs crucial cabinet meet on security

Pahalgam attack: Modi chairs crucial cabinet meet on security

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Shah briefed the prime minister on the attack and discussed the measures to be taken in its aftermath.

Pakistan condoles loss of lives in Pahalgam attack

Pakistan condoles loss of lives in Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Pakistan has expressed condolences over the deaths of tourists in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan is concerned at the loss of tourists' lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

Foreign diplomats observe J-K polls, Omar slams BJP

Foreign diplomats observe J-K polls, Omar slams BJP

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

A delegation of diplomats from 16 countries, including the United States, Norway and Singapore, on Wednesday observed the ongoing assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Will Jaishankar continue to craft an assertive foreign policy?

Will Jaishankar continue to craft an assertive foreign policy?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

When S Jaishankar became India's external affairs minister in May 2019, he was largely considered a political lightweight despite his undisputed mastery over foreign policy.

Iran-Israel war: 110 Indian students evacuated from Tehran to Armenia

Iran-Israel war: 110 Indian students evacuated from Tehran to Armenia

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

The ministry of external affairs said in a statement that the Indian embassy remains in touch with the community with a view to extend all feasible assistance.

Indus Waters Treaty will remain in 'abeyance' until...: India

Indus Waters Treaty will remain in 'abeyance' until...: India

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India has asserted that the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan will remain in "abeyance" until Islamabad "credibly and irrevocably" abjures support to cross-border terrorism. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that any bilateral talks with Islamabad will only be on vacation of illegally occupied territories of Kashmir by Pakistan. He also said that India is open to discussing the handing over of terrorists whose list was provided to Pakistan some years ago. India on April 23 announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Sack Vijay Shah for his embarrassing remarks on Col Qureshi: Uma Bharti

Sack Vijay Shah for his embarrassing remarks on Col Qureshi: Uma Bharti

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Bharti is probably the only BJP leader who has openly condemned Shah's remarks and sought action against him after the Madhya Pradesh high court ordered police to register an FIR against the minister earlier in the day.

No intent to escalate, but...: India tells key global powers

No intent to escalate, but...: India tells key global powers

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India has reached out to key global powers, including members of the UN Security Council, and apprised them about the reasons behind its military strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi also conveyed to the countries that it will retaliate if Islamabad escalates the already tense situation.

Film Body Wants Diljit Dosanjh Banned; He Reacts

Film Body Wants Diljit Dosanjh Banned; He Reacts

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Amid a storm surrounding his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has taken to social media with a cryptic message.

Direct negotiation between...: Jaishankar on Trump's truce claim

Direct negotiation between...: Jaishankar on Trump's truce claim

Rediff.com22 May 2025

When asked whether both armies talked to each other, initiated by the Pakistani army, Jaishankar said, "Yes, we have a mechanism to talk to each other as a hotline. So, on the 10th of May, it was the Pakistani army which sent a message that they were ready to stop firing, and we responded accordingly."

US to 'consult' Canada on allegations against Amit Shah

US to 'consult' Canada on allegations against Amit Shah

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Canada's allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah are 'concerning', the United States said on Wednesday, noting that it would continue to consult Ottawa on the issue.

Pak put in abeyance goodwill and friendship: India on Indus water treaty

Pak put in abeyance goodwill and friendship: India on Indus water treaty

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The MEA said that Pakistan had been stonewalling India's requests for a government-to-government negotiation over the treaty due to changes in the ground situation since it was signed.

Pak escalated situation, India only responded: MEA

Pak escalated situation, India only responded: MEA

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday that the choice of de-escalation is with Pakistan, as India only responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. He added that Pakistan has been escalating the situation with cross-border terrorism against India for decades.

Steady progress in implementing LAC pact: Chinese military

Steady progress in implementing LAC pact: Chinese military

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

He said that in recent times, based on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, China and India have maintained close communication on the border situation through diplomatic and military channels and achieved great progress.

Yamuna first: HC refuses to stop Majnu Ka Tila refugee camp demolition

Yamuna first: HC refuses to stop Majnu Ka Tila refugee camp demolition

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The court observed that protection of the floodplains aimed to secure the fundamental human right to a clean and healthy environment for Delhi residents and future generations.

Listen to your conscience: Cong to party MPs picked by govt

Listen to your conscience: Cong to party MPs picked by govt

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The Congress on Sunday said it was not stopping anyone from being part of diplomatic delegations to be sent to various countries following Operation Sindoor and that its leaders who have been named at the instance of the government must listen to their conscience and contribute to the exercise.

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is preparing to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, after a three-year hiatus. The decision comes as part of efforts to improve relations between India and China, which have been strained since a military standoff in 2020. The two countries have also agreed in principle to resume flight services between them.

US urges India, Pak to ease tensions; seeks Sharif's help in Pahalgam probe

US urges India, Pak to ease tensions; seeks Sharif's help in Pahalgam probe

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The phone conversation came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

India, China agree to rebuild ties, Manasarovar Yatra from this year

India, China agree to rebuild ties, Manasarovar Yatra from this year

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

India and China have agreed to rebuild ties and resume people-to-people exchanges, including resuming direct flights and the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year. The two countries also discussed the resumption of dialogue mechanisms to address each other's concerns and move relations to a more stable path. The meeting comes after a period of strained relations following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Sources close to the top BJP leadership tell me that Tharoor has already had secret meetings with the BJP's top brass and is waiting patiently to make his next move, reports Ramesh Menon.

UK condemns security breach during Jaishankar's visit

UK condemns security breach during Jaishankar's visit

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The UK has strongly condemned a security breach involving a pro-Khalistan extremist rushing towards External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's convoy in London. The incident took place as Jaishankar was leaving the Chatham House think tank on Wednesday evening. The protester was swiftly taken aside by officers of the Metropolitan Police, with no arrests being confirmed so far. The UK said such attempts to "intimidate, threaten, or disrupt" public events are "completely unacceptable". The incident comes after Jaishankar's talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during which both leaders covered the entire gamut of bilateral ties, including the relaunched Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, regional and global issues. The MEA has condemned the security breach and the provocative activities of the "small group of separatists and extremists", calling on the UK to "live up to their diplomatic obligations".

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and firmed up the responses to the terror attack.

Supreme irony when...: India calls out Pakistan at UN

Supreme irony when...: India calls out Pakistan at UN

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, has sharply criticized Pakistan, calling it the "global epicenter of terrorism" and accusing it of providing state support to cross-border terrorism. Harish's remarks came in response to Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Ishaq Dar's comments on Jammu and Kashmir during a UN Security Council meeting. India highlighted that Pakistan harbors over 20 UN-listed terrorist entities and has a history of supporting groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat Ul Mujahidin. India also emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that Pakistan's misinformation campaign does not change the reality on the ground.

Rubio dials Jaishankar, Pak army chief; offers assistance

Rubio dials Jaishankar, Pak army chief; offers assistance

Rediff.com10 May 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement early Saturday.

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

On July 2 or July 6, the Dalai Lama will reveal his mind on his successor. This makes Beijing extremely nervous as the Communist regime fully realises the importance of controlling the next Dalai Lama, points out Claude Arpi.

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government will send seven all-party delegations to key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council, later this month to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Congress leaders maintained that Indian defence forces had attained complete superiority and dominance over Pakistan before the sudden "ceasefire" was announced by US President Donald Trump.

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

In a statement, the Chinese ministry of commerce said that it would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation against the US for its "wrongful practice," the Global Times reported.