News for 'Foreign Affairs'

5 Indians kidnapped in Mali as Al Qaeda-linked outfit closes in

5 Indians kidnapped in Mali as Al Qaeda-linked outfit closes in

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The embassy of India in Bamako said it was "aware of the unfortunate incident" involving the kidnapping of five Indian nationals in Mali on November 6 and is working closely with local authorities and the concerned company to ensure their "safe release as quickly as possible."

Modi's Risky Gamble With The Taliban

Modi's Risky Gamble With The Taliban

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

Developing relations with the Taliban is needed, but plunging headlong into Afghanistan without due thought will be akin to the rooster entering a KFC outlet, warns Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

Modi speaks to Iranian President on phone after US strikes

Modi speaks to Iranian President on phone after US strikes

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian India's 'deep concern' over Iran's conflict with Israel and called for immediate de-escalation of the situation through 'dialogue and diplomacy'.

No Dhaka-Beijing-Islamabad alliance: Bangladesh on trilateral meet in China

No Dhaka-Beijing-Islamabad alliance: Bangladesh on trilateral meet in China

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

It was a meeting at the official level, not at the political level, Hossain said, adding that there was no element of formation of any alliance.

Bangladesh claim on Modi-Yunus meet over Hasina issue kicks up a row

Bangladesh claim on Modi-Yunus meet over Hasina issue kicks up a row

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has raised the issue of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok. However, Indian officials have denied that the extradition request was discussed. The meeting has sparked controversy with differing accounts of the discussions.

US envoy to be meets Modi, 'discusses issues'

US envoy to be meets Modi, 'discusses issues'

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met United States Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor and said he was confident that India-US ties will further strengthen during his tenure.

After Ajit Doval, foreign secretary Misri to visit China on Jan 26, 27

After Ajit Doval, foreign secretary Misri to visit China on Jan 26, 27

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will travel to Beijing for a two-day trip beginning Sunday, marking the second high-profile visit from India to China in less than one-and-a-half months. The visit comes amidst ongoing border tensions and follows a recent disengagement pact between the two countries in eastern Ladakh. The Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism meeting will focus on the next steps for India-China relations, including in the political, economic, and people-to-people domains. The decision to revive this bilateral mechanism was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October.

India ready to 'retaliate resolutely' if Pak...: NSA Doval

India ready to 'retaliate resolutely' if Pak...: NSA Doval

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Doval briefed his counterparts in the United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Japan about India's missile strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also established contact with Russia and France, officials said.

Never Before Has A PM Like Him Visited India!

Never Before Has A PM Like Him Visited India!

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Sitiveni Rabuka's visit to New Delhi marks a major shift in India-Fiji ties as the former coup leader who once expelled India's envoy now returns as an honoured guest, explains Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Improving ties: Afghanistan's Taliban govt to send diplomats to India

Improving ties: Afghanistan's Taliban govt to send diplomats to India

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announced that Kabul will send diplomats to India as part of efforts to improve bilateral relations. He assured New Delhi that Afghan soil will not be used for activities detrimental to India's interests.

Not even...: Taliban on Trump's Bagram air base demand

Not even...: Taliban on Trump's Bagram air base demand

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The statement, made during a special interview with Tolo News, came days after the US President said that Washington was trying to regain control of the base, which is currently under the control of the Taliban government after the US and its allied troops withdrew from the country in 2021.

'Pressure from...': Chidambaram's big 26/11 admission

'Pressure from...': Chidambaram's big 26/11 admission

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Attacking the Congress, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that India has "paid a heavy price" for the sins committed by the Congress while Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has accused the Oppostion party of "mishandling" the situation after the 2011 terror attacks in Mumbai in under foreign pressure.

Pak, China to form new bloc to replace SAARC?

Pak, China to form new bloc to replace SAARC?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

According to sources, India would be invited to the new proposed forum, while countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan are expected to be part of the grouping.

CBI probes 'FCRA violations' by Wangchuk's institution

CBI probes 'FCRA violations' by Wangchuk's institution

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) against an institution founded by Ladakh-based educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk. The inquiry follows a complaint from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL).

Pahalgam attack: What Putin, Trump, Netanyahu said

Pahalgam attack: What Putin, Trump, Netanyahu said

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, expressing solidarity with India. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. The attack came during US Vice President J D Vance's maiden visit to India. Prime Minister Modi, who had arrived in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit earlier in the day, cut short his visit and departed for New Delhi on Tuesday night following the attack.

China agrees to ease curbs on rare earth minerals to India

China agrees to ease curbs on rare earth minerals to India

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

China promised to address three key concerns of India, the sources said.

Don't cross the red line: Taliban warn Pakistan

Don't cross the red line: Taliban warn Pakistan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Barmal district of Paktika province, which left 46 dead and six injured, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan on Wednesday summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul.

Clearly a terrorist attack, might 'become broader': US on Delhi blast

Clearly a terrorist attack, might 'become broader': US on Delhi blast

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praises India's measured and professional investigation into the Red Fort car explosion, calling it a terrorist attack. The US has offered assistance, but acknowledges India's capabilities in handling the investigation.

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court is examining the validity of the Election Commission's decision to conduct special intensive revisions of electoral rolls in several states, focusing on concerns about democratic participation and the burden on ordinary voters.

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

...a time when his legacy ledger was still positive and before the debacle against China. With every subsequent election, our leaders tend to become weaker. India should consider passing a law that no person should hold the highest office in our country for more than two terms, points out Harishchandra.

Canada panel finds 'no foreign link' to Nijjar killing

Canada panel finds 'no foreign link' to Nijjar killing

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

A Canada commission report has said that 'no definitive link' with a 'foreign state' in the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was 'proven', smashing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that accused the involvement of Indian agents in the killing.

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Mrs Gandhi's power ebbed and peaked with the times. Mr Modi's has almost been constant, barring the few months of hard dip after the 240 seats of 2024, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Afghans Are Adept At Playing India Against Pakistan

Afghans Are Adept At Playing India Against Pakistan

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

'During the 5-day visit, Amir Khan Muttaqi would have, conceivably, bumped into our powerful security agencies one way or another and some interaction would have ensued, which, in turn, can lead to future dealings.' 'Indeed, this will be the one crucial template of the Indo-Afghan relationship that Pakistan will be monitoring closely,' points Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Is This Lady Behind Missing Chinese Foreign Minister?

Is This Lady Behind Missing Chinese Foreign Minister?

Rediff.com18 Jul 2023

China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang has not been seen in public since June 25. Is he unwell, or has he been purged?

26/11 plotter Abu Jundal's stalled trial to resume after HC ruling

26/11 plotter Abu Jundal's stalled trial to resume after HC ruling

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The trial of Abu Jundal, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is set to resume after the Bombay High Court overturned a lower court order requiring authorities to hand over confidential documents to the accused.

Jaishankar meets Putin, discusses ways to deepen India-Russia ties

Jaishankar meets Putin, discusses ways to deepen India-Russia ties

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ways to further expand India-Russia ties, following talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov focusing on trade.

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Bangladesh has demanded a public apology and compensation from Pakistan for the 1971 atrocities, raising "historically unresolved issues" during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. Dhaka also asked Islamabad to pay USD 4.3 billion as its share from the combined assets at the time of East Pakistan's split from West Pakistan in 1971 to form an independent Bangladesh.

3 Indian bizmen go missing in Iran; govt seeks Tehran's help

3 Indian bizmen go missing in Iran; govt seeks Tehran's help

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Three Indian nationals have gone missing in Iran, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken up the matter strongly with Tehran. The Indians traveled to Iran for business purposes and lost contact with their families shortly after arriving in the country. The MEA and the Indian embassy in Tehran have urged Iranian authorities to assist in locating the missing nationals and ensuring their safety.

Well Done, Bharat Mata Defenders Group!

Well Done, Bharat Mata Defenders Group!

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Fifty-nine members of delegations visiting 33 world capitals, reaching millions of people, giving one message, in one language, in one voice -- is an unprecedented world movement, observes former BJP MP Tarun Vijay, former Chief Editor, Panchjanya, the RSS weekly.

Antwerp court clears fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi's extradition

Antwerp court clears fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi's extradition

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

A court in Antwerp on Friday cleared the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, noting that his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India's request was valid, officials in the know of the development said.

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that there are currently over 10,000 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign jails. The Ministry of External Affairs shared country-wise data, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE having the highest number of Indian prisoners. The government has assured that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and provides consular assistance, legal aid, and financial support to those imprisoned.

India, China militaries hold high-level talks on LAC peace

India, China militaries hold high-level talks on LAC peace

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Indian and Chinese militaries held a fresh round of high-level military talks focusing on maintaining peace and security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

'Spineless hypocrites': Taliban's 'male-only' presser sparks row

'Spineless hypocrites': Taliban's 'male-only' presser sparks row

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

The opposition on Saturday termed the absence of female journalists from a press conference of visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi "unacceptable" and an "insult to women", and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence in the face of such discrimination exposes the "emptiness" of his slogans on Nari Shakti.

'Why Can't Mr Modi Reopen The Passes To Tibet?'

'Why Can't Mr Modi Reopen The Passes To Tibet?'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

On August 5, 1953, Jawaharlal Nehru sent a strange note to the foreign secretary. It is worth mentioning because it was symptomatic of the lack of knowledge about Western Tibet in India and in South Block in particular, notes Claude Arpi.

Nepal challenges India-China border trade deal, reasserts claim on Lipulekh

Nepal challenges India-China border trade deal, reasserts claim on Lipulekh

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Nepal has reiterated its claim over the Lipulekh territory, stating it is an inseparable part of the country, after India and China agreed to resume border trade through the area. The Nepalese government has incorporated the territory into its official map and Constitution. India has rejected Nepal's claims, asserting they are not based on historical facts or evidence.

Will Buy Russian Oil: Sitharaman

Will Buy Russian Oil: Sitharaman

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

New Delhi 'will have to take a call which supply source suits us the best,' the finance minister said, pointing out that crude oil accounts for the bulk of India's foreign exchange spend.

Sarma renews Pak agent claim, Gogoi dares CM to release SIT report

Sarma renews Pak agent claim, Gogoi dares CM to release SIT report

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Speaking to reporters at Tezpur, Sarma also said that he would be happy if Gogoi files a case against him for making such a remark.

Centre signs landmark deal with Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur

Centre signs landmark deal with Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

The three sides also agreed on the need for a negotiated solution to bring lasting peace and stability to Manipur, reduce the number of designated camps, relocate the weapons with nearest CRPF/BSF camps and stringent physical verification of militant cadres by security forces to de-list foreign nationals, if any.

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

World leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and US President Donald Trump, have urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions to the ongoing tensions. The calls for calm come after India conducted airstrikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a recent terrorist attack. Leaders from the US, Russia, UK, China, UAE, Qatar, and Japan have expressed concern over the escalating situation and emphasized the need for dialogue and de-escalation.

Brahmaputra dam will help prevent disasters, meets industry norms: China

Brahmaputra dam will help prevent disasters, meets industry norms: China

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

China defends its construction of a dam on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet, addressing concerns from India and Bangladesh about its potential impact on water flow and the environment.