News for 'Foreign Office'

Ex-CJ Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal's first woman PM

Ex-CJ Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal's first woman PM

Rediff.com13 Sep 2025

Nepal's former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is set to lead an interim government, announced by the President's office, following the resignation of prime minister K P Sharma Oli. She will be the first woman prime minister of Nepal.

Vice-Presidential election: Stage set for 'south versus south' battle

Vice-Presidential election: Stage set for 'south versus south' battle

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

The stage is set for a direct contest between NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy for the September 9 vice-presidential election. Nominations have been scrutinized and accepted.

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.

Boxer Chavez Jr jailed in Mexico after US deportation

Boxer Chavez Jr jailed in Mexico after US deportation

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr has entered a prison in the northern Mexico state of Sonora after his arrest in the United States in July.

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.

US, Arab world step in to defuse India-Pak tensions

US, Arab world step in to defuse India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com1 May 2025

United States Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker on Wednesday met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people were killed.

India's legacy liquor brands raise a toast to growth, reinvention

India's legacy liquor brands raise a toast to growth, reinvention

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

By 10 am, Rakshit N Jagdale is already deep into the rhythm of the day, which promises to be a carousel of meetings, calls, and strategic decisions. As managing director of Amrut Distilleries, he balances ritual and ambition, tradition and transformation, like many other legacy players in India's alcoholic beverages sector who are staring at a rosy future.

Pakistan summons Indian envoy, protests military strike

Pakistan summons Indian envoy, protests military strike

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned the Indian charg d'affaires and lodged a strong protest against the Indian military strikes.

Why Indian Chess Fraternity Is Upset

Why Indian Chess Fraternity Is Upset

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The All India Chess Federation did not utilise Rs 3.12 crore out of the central government's allocation of Rs 5.2 crore during FY25.

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 signals willingness to cut Russian oil? US lawmaker says...

India signals willingness to cut Russian oil? US lawmaker says...

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

An influential US lawmaker claims his visit to India helped catalyze "early signals" that New Delhi may reduce its imports of Russian oil, a step he described as "meaningful" in weakening Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine.

Mamata slams Delhi Police over 'Bangladeshi language' letter

Mamata slams Delhi Police over 'Bangladeshi language' letter

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticizes Delhi Police for referring to Bengali as 'Bangladeshi national language,' sparking political controversy.

Will Macron Be Ousted Before 2027?

Will Macron Be Ousted Before 2027?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

France today increasingly resembles the Italy of the past, when governments fell with bewildering regularity, prime ministers came and went in rapid succession, and political instability became the norm rather than the exception, point out Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.

Has 'Nobel snub' strained Modi-Trump ties? NYT says...

Has 'Nobel snub' strained Modi-Trump ties? NYT says...

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

Amid trade tensions between Delhi and Washington, the NYT article gives an account of how relations between Trump and Modi "unraveled" after Trump's repeated claims of solving the four-day conflict in May between India and Pakistan, an assertion denied by India.

Can This Man Improve India-US Relations?

Can This Man Improve India-US Relations?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

The fact that Gor has President Trump's ear makes him an extremely valuable commodity for India -- he represents both a challenge and an opportunity, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Flexible office space growth set to trigger IPO wave

Flexible office space growth set to trigger IPO wave

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

India's flexible (flex) office segment, having breached pre-pandemic levels, is thriving as corporates, startups, multinational corporations, and global capability centres (GCCs) expand in India, seeking low-capital yet Grade A plug-and-play facilities. In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, the flex office segment continued to grow, with flex space leasing rising by 22 per cent to 2.2 million square feet (msf), according to Colliers.

Sindoor: 'We Could Have Continued To Strike'

Sindoor: 'We Could Have Continued To Strike'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

'But that was not our aim. Our objective was already achieved.'

'A Black Day That Saw Unprecedented Violence In Modern Nepal'

'A Black Day That Saw Unprecedented Violence In Modern Nepal'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

'9 September saw Kathmandu and other key cities under the control of goons.' 'There was no authority, the police was nowhere.' 'The crowds torched all three centres of the state -- the supreme court, parliament and the Singha Durbar government headquarters.' 'The army stayed aloof from the complete destruction of these edifices, which is less than a kilometre from its headquarters.'

Brush With Death

Brush With Death

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

Foreigners can't leave India during criminal cases: SC

Foreigners can't leave India during criminal cases: SC

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that foreign nationals facing criminal charges cannot be allowed to leave the country. The court emphasized the need to ensure the presence of foreigners during criminal proceedings and outlined procedures for enforcing this restriction. The ruling clarifies legal provisions related to foreigners' movements in India, particularly during bail applications.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

Pak envoy denied entry to US, deported despite valid visa

Pak envoy denied entry to US, deported despite valid visa

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Pakistan's ambassador to Turkmenistan, K K Wagan, was deported from the United States after being denied entry at Los Angeles airport. The incident has sparked concerns about diplomatic protocol and the nature of the US authorities' decision. Wagan, who holds a valid US visa, was forced to return to his last port of departure. The Foreign Office confirmed the envoy had gone to the US on a private visit and is investigating the matter. It remains unclear what specific concerns triggered the deportation, but sources suggest the US immigration system flagged Wagan over controversial visa references. The incident has been communicated to Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Aamna Baloch, and the Foreign Ministry has directed its Consulate in Los Angeles to investigate.

Bihar voter review: 'Many Bangladeshis, Nepalis found'

Bihar voter review: 'Many Bangladeshis, Nepalis found'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Election Commission officials report finding a large number of illegal migrants from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar during a review of Bihar's voters' list. Measures are being taken to exclude them from the final electoral roll.

6 killed as structure of dargah near Humayun's Tomb collapses

6 killed as structure of dargah near Humayun's Tomb collapses

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

A wall collapse at a dargah near Humayun's Tomb in Delhi's Nizamuddin area resulted in five fatalities and several injuries. Rescue operations were conducted by multiple agencies.

Twist in Dharmasthala case, 'mass burial' complainant arrested

Twist in Dharmasthala case, 'mass burial' complainant arrested

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The complainant-witness, a former sanitation worker, has claimed that he worked in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014, and that he was forced to bury a number of bodies, including those of women and minors, in Dharmasthala.

Now, You Can Study In A UK College... In India

Now, You Can Study In A UK College... In India

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

At least six major UK universities have announced plans to set up campuses or liaison offices in India.

'Pakistan Can't Afford To Annoy America'

'Pakistan Can't Afford To Annoy America'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'America holds about 16% of IMF voting rights, giving it crucial influence over Pakistan's desperately needed bailout loans.'

'All Of Us Want To Finish This War'

'All Of Us Want To Finish This War'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'The Alaska Summit made me realise that while difficult, peace is within reach.'

HC grants pre-arrest bail to NewsClick founder, cites prolonged probe

HC grants pre-arrest bail to NewsClick founder, cites prolonged probe

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The court said there is nothing on record to suggest that since 2023, Purkayastha was ever called to join the investigations.

Foreign secretary raises safety of minorities in Bangladesh

Foreign secretary raises safety of minorities in Bangladesh

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Dhaka on Monday on a day-long visit to hold talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart, amid strained bilateral ties since August following the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

After France, UK, Canada ready to recognise Palestine

After France, UK, Canada ready to recognise Palestine

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Canada will recognise the Palestinian state, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters on Wednesday and reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution.

Pixxel to build India's 1st private Earth observation satellite

Pixxel to build India's 1st private Earth observation satellite

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The private consortium would invest more than Rs 1,200 crore over the next five years to launch a constellation of 12 state-of-the-art Earth Observation satellites equipped with panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and microwave SAR (synthetic aperture radar) sensors.

Diplomatic, economic punitive actions against Pak to continue: India

Diplomatic, economic punitive actions against Pak to continue: India

Rediff.com14 May 2025

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India will keep the IWT in abeyance until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'If this is true, the Election Commission should come forward with data and officially confirm it.'

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.

Pandering To Trump Means Serial Humiliation

Pandering To Trump Means Serial Humiliation

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'No respite from economic pain is worth the loss of dignity and self-respect,' asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

The Country To Execute Most Indians Is...

The Country To Execute Most Indians Is...

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Kuwait has executed 25 Indian nationals in the past five years.

EC activates field machinery for pan-India voter review

EC activates field machinery for pan-India voter review

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India is preparing for a nationwide special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following a Supreme Court ruling. This move aims to update voter lists and address concerns about illegal migrants.

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'Trump has personally weighed in to overcome doubts and reservations about Pakistan among his top advisors.'

Iran, Saudi reach out to India, Pak for de-escalation

Iran, Saudi reach out to India, Pak for de-escalation

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Iran reached out to both countries, urging de-escalation. Saudi Arabia also expressed concern, with its foreign minister engaging in phone conversations with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts. Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, emphasized the importance of bilateral relations, stating Tehran's willingness to "forge greater understanding" at this critical time. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, spoke with both India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Amidst heightened tensions, India has taken a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties. Pakistan responded by shutting its airspace to Indian airliners and suspending all trade. Both countries exchanged warnings, with Pakistan emphasizing its commitment to "respond firmly to any aggression."