News for 'Foreign Secretaries of India'

'China, EU buy more': Jaishankar rejects criticism on Russian oil

'China, EU buy more': Jaishankar rejects criticism on Russian oil

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defends India's purchase of Russian oil, stating it is not the largest purchaser and that the US had previously supported such actions to stabilize energy markets. He also addresses concerns about tariffs and trade relations with the US.

Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee rule kicks in; US releases FAQs

Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee rule kicks in; US releases FAQs

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in a 'H-1B FAQ' document, released on Sunday, said that the September 19 proclamation took an "important, initial, and incremental step" to reform the H-1B visa programme to curb abuses and protect American workers.

'This Benefits H1B Visa Holders In The US'

'This Benefits H1B Visa Holders In The US'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'You are a guest in the US. It's not your home, you're a guest. If they don't feel comfortable, you have to step out.'

Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA, to be shifted to Rajasthan jail

Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA, to be shifted to Rajasthan jail

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested Friday by a police party in Leh, two days after violent protests by supporters of the movement for statehood and extension of Sixth Schedule of Constitution left four persons dead and 90 others injured, officials said.

New H-1B visa fee not for existing holders, clarifies US

New H-1B visa fee not for existing holders, clarifies US

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Donald Trump administration has clarified that the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas does not apply to current visa holders and is a one-time payment only for new petitions.

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that India and China have reached an understanding to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025. While an understanding has been reached, the modalities of the pilgrimage are yet to be firmed up. The Yatra has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and non-renewal of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese side.

Pahalgam: India ramps up efforts for UN listing of LeT front

Pahalgam: India ramps up efforts for UN listing of LeT front

Rediff.com15 May 2025

An Indian delegation met top officials of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate here even as New Delhi stepped up efforts to designate The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Tayyaba proxy, as a UN-listed terror outfit for its alleged involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistani military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from Indian fighter jets and the retaliation largely focused on command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas, Qureshi said.

Trump administration uses India-Pak ceasefire to justify tariffs

Trump administration uses India-Pak ceasefire to justify tariffs

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Trump has repeatedly claimed that he "helped settle" the tensions between India and Pakistan and that he told the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours that America would do a "lot of trade" with them if they stopped the conflict.

'Pakistan Has Gotten Into A Sweet Spot With The US'

'Pakistan Has Gotten Into A Sweet Spot With The US'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Pakistan has found itself in a favourable position after Operation Sindoor by appreciating the mediation as claimed by Trump and recommending him for the Nobel Peace Prize.'

Bangladesh summons Kolkata mission head amid protests

Bangladesh summons Kolkata mission head amid protests

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Bangladesh has summoned its Acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata for urgent consultations following protests over attacks on Hindu minorities. The mission in Kolkata has witnessed multiple protests over the past week by political parties and religious groups condemning the reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. In a related development, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, suspended all visa and consular services on Tuesday, citing security reasons. The decision followed an incident where protesters breached the mission's premises on Monday to protest the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka.

Will Modi Meet Xi In Tianjin?

Will Modi Meet Xi In Tianjin?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'Prime minister is expected to hold some bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit.'

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

If the only superpower, which calls India an ally, sees the region through an India-Pakistan prism, it is unacceptable. Rather than endorse India's sphere of influence, this undermines it, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

India Unwilling to Extradite Hasina

India Unwilling to Extradite Hasina

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'What signal would we be sending -- that we don't stand by our friends?'

3-hour pit stop is not compassion: Cong targets Modi on Manipur visit

3-hour pit stop is not compassion: Cong targets Modi on Manipur visit

Rediff.com13 Sep 2025

'Your last visit to Manipur? January 2022 for elections! Your 'Double Engine' has bulldozed the innocent lives of Manipur. You and Home Minister Amit Shah's gross incompetence and complicity in betraying all communities was shielded from scrutiny, by imposing President's Rule in the state. Violence still continues'

'Killing Of People In Gaza Has To Stop'

'Killing Of People In Gaza Has To Stop'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

'Stage five of this catastrophe has begun: Starvation.'

India's 'Nari Shakti' on display at Operation Sindoor briefing

India's 'Nari Shakti' on display at Operation Sindoor briefing

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India conducted precision strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, targeting terrorist infrastructure to deter further attacks. The operation, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor', was detailed by two women military officers, Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, at a press briefing in New Delhi. The officers highlighted the precise nature of the strikes, emphasizing the use of "niche technology weapons" to ensure no collateral damage. The briefing showcased India's military prowess and the growing role of women in the armed forces.

'Steeped in fanaticism, serial borrower': India shreds Pak at UN

'Steeped in fanaticism, serial borrower': India shreds Pak at UN

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said that the Indian sub-continent offers a "stark contrast" in terms of progress, prosperity and development models.

BJP's Naqvi calls party minister a 'fool' for remark on Col Qureshi

BJP's Naqvi calls party minister a 'fool' for remark on Col Qureshi

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday condemned Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah's controversial remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a senior Army officer who briefed the media along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during Operation Sindoor.

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.

Why Jaishankar feels US under Trump 'suits' India

Why Jaishankar feels US under Trump 'suits' India

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

"From President Trump's perspective, the one big shared enterprise that we have is the Quad, which is an understanding where everybody pays their fair share. There are no free riders involved. So that's a good model which works," he said. The Quad alliance consists of the US, India, Australia and Japan.

India neutralises Pak missile attacks; destroys air defence systems in Lahore

India neutralises Pak missile attacks; destroys air defence systems in Lahore

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Indian Air Force S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence missile systems were fired last night against targets moving towards India. The targets were successfully neutralised in the operation multiple domain experts told ANI.

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has underscored the importance of not equating the victims and perpetrators of terror attacks, highlighting the need for global unity in combating terrorism. Speaking at Raisina Tokyo 2025, Misri expressed appreciation for Japan's support following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He also cautioned against the trend of some Western countries hyphenating India and Pakistan in the context of their recent military confrontation. Misri further outlined India's economic aspirations and its commitment to becoming a factor of stability in a turbulent world.

The Finance Minister Who Changed India

The Finance Minister Who Changed India

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Dr Manmohan Singh first embossed himself on the national consciousness when as India's finance minister he flagged off economic reforms which changed this nation forever.

Won't allow Lankan soil to be used against India: Prez Disanayaka

Won't allow Lankan soil to be used against India: Prez Disanayaka

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his country's soil will not be used against India's interests, addressing concerns over China's growing influence in Colombo. The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including a defense cooperation agreement, energy ties, and debt restructuring. They also agreed to initiate a ferry service between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar, and to adopt a "humanitarian approach" to the fishermen issue.

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.

No expiry date in Indo-Pak understanding on cessation of hostilities: Army

No expiry date in Indo-Pak understanding on cessation of hostilities: Army

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The Army further made it clear that the continuation of a break in hostilities, as decided in the DGMOs interaction of May 12, has no expiry date to it.

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.

'Militants, Fundamentalists Are Running The Show In Bangladesh'

'Militants, Fundamentalists Are Running The Show In Bangladesh'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

'Militants are taking over the administration. Fundamentalists have been released from jail.'

China-Russia Bhai Bhai: What India Can Expect

China-Russia Bhai Bhai: What India Can Expect

Rediff.com30 May 2025

China appears determined to upgrade Pakistan's military capabilities, sufficient to ensure local parity with India, alerts former foreign secretary Ambassador Shyam Saran.

At 100, He Remembers How He Fought For Freedom

At 100, He Remembers How He Fought For Freedom

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

'Gandhi had given the call 'Do or Die'. And with all the leaders arrested, you had to be your own leader.'

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says Operation Sindoor conveyed India's resolve to act against terrorism, following UN Security Council's call to bring Pahalgam attackers to justice.

US Farm Distress Real Reason For Trump's Tariff Tantrums

US Farm Distress Real Reason For Trump's Tariff Tantrums

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

'What the US appears to be doing is to force India to be "the buyer of last resort", on whom their products can be dumped, 1.4 billion people have to eat something, so why not eat American corn?' 'What is exercising the Trump lot is the fact that most of the farms are in solidly Republican Midwestern states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin,' points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

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.

'Yaarana to continue': India, Maldives ink key pacts

'Yaarana to continue': India, Maldives ink key pacts

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

India on Monday asserted that its friendly ties with the Maldives will continue as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu unveiled a blueprint for comprehensive economic and maritime cooperation, signalling a reset of the relationship that had hit a rough patch last year due to anti-New Delhi rhetoric.

Govt misled nation, says Kharge after CDS' interview

Govt misled nation, says Kharge after CDS' interview

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday accused the government of misleading the nation on the India-Pakistan conflict and demanded holding a special session of Parliament immediately, following Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan's acknowledgement of aircraft loss in the hostilities.

When Presidents Met

When Presidents Met

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Speaking at the banquet she hosted in President Dissanayake's honour, President Murmu said Sri Lanka is an important part of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and New Delhi would continue to support Colombo's efforts for economic development.

Air India plane crash preliminary report in 2 days: AAIB to Parl panel

Air India plane crash preliminary report in 2 days: AAIB to Parl panel

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release its preliminary report this week on the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the deaths of at least 260 people. The investigation is ongoing, with the help of foreign experts, and the black box and voice recorder data are being analyzed.

'Howdy Modi meant nothing': Oppn mocks PM after Trump's 25% tariff

'Howdy Modi meant nothing': Oppn mocks PM after Trump's 25% tariff

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Modi should take inspiration from former prime minister Indira Gandhi and stand up to the president of the United States.

Modi, Putin to attend SCO summit in China

Modi, Putin to attend SCO summit in China

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

China on Friday said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held in Tianjin later this month will be the largest in the bloc's history, with 20 world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending it.