News for 'Foreign Secretaries of India'

'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.'

Meet Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Meet Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Rediff.com7 May 2025

In a composed and clear presentation, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi announced that nine terrorist facilities had been destroyed in the tri-services operation.

Sri Lanka confers highest civilian award on Modi

Sri Lanka confers highest civilian award on Modi

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Sri Lanka has bestowed its highest civilian award, the Mithra Vibhushana, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his role in strengthening ties between the two nations. The award was presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a ceremony in Colombo. PM Modi expressed gratitude, stating the award honors not just him but also the people of India. The Mithra Vibhushana, instituted in 2008, has previously been awarded to prominent figures such as former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the award as a recognition of PM Modi's contribution to strengthening the India-Sri Lanka partnership, particularly during Sri Lanka's economic crisis. The award includes a citation and a silver medal adorned with Sri Lankan gems and symbolic motifs representing shared heritage and prosperity.

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Rediff.com21 May 2025

A total of 750 pilgrims have been selected through a computerised draw for the upcoming Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet, marking the resumption of the pilgrimage after a five-year gap. The Yatra's resumption is seen as an attempt to normalize India-China relations, which were strained by the eastern Ladakh border standoff. The pilgrimage will begin in June and continue until August, with pilgrims traveling in five batches via the Lipulekh route and ten batches via the Nathu La route. The selection process was deemed "fair, computer-generated, random, gender-balanced" by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which organized the pilgrimage.

Pak envoy urges Trump to help ease tensions with India

Pak envoy urges Trump to help ease tensions with India

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has urged President Donald Trump to help ease tensions with India, highlighting the Kashmir issue as a "flash point" in nuclear terms. He believes that the US should take a more comprehensive and sustained approach to address the situation rather than just immediate de-escalatory measures.

I was in the room: Jaishankar on Trump's India-Pak truce claim

I was in the room: Jaishankar on Trump's India-Pak truce claim

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Jaishankar said that the Pahalgam attack "was an act of economic warfare. It was meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir, which was the mainstay of the economy. It was also meant to provoke religious violence because people were asked to identify their faith before they were killed."

Blackout back in many Punjab districts after Pak breaches truce

Blackout back in many Punjab districts after Pak breaches truce

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Blackout measures have been imposed in many districts including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, Kapurthala, and Muktsar districts.

India Must Not Lower Guard With China

India Must Not Lower Guard With China

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The Galwan clash occurred six months after the Doklam disengagement and two high-profile meetings. India should not be caught by surprise once again, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Global majors keen to make e-cars in India; Tesla quiet

Global majors keen to make e-cars in India; Tesla quiet

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Elon Musk-led Tesla Inc is yet to express interest in India's flagship scheme to attract global investment in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, said Union Minister for Heavy Industries H D Kumaraswamy on Monday. In contrast, multiple global automobile giants -- such as Mercedes-Benz, koda Auto Volkswagen, Hyundai Motor, and Kia Motors -- are keen to participate, the minister noted.

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a tri-services ceremonial welcome in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time such an honor has been bestowed upon a foreign leader. The welcome took place at the historic Independence Square, the venue for national day celebrations. Modi's visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from a recent economic crisis, with India playing a significant role in providing assistance. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy, and digital initiatives.

Grief counsellors to help families of AI crash victims

Grief counsellors to help families of AI crash victims

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Teams have been formed and assigned to individual families with a rank of a deputy collector or tehsildar rank officer. Bodies will be handed over to the families and taken in ambulance to the village or district with a police pilot, Pandey said.

Mark of justice: Meet the soldiers behind Op Sindoor's powerful logo

Mark of justice: Meet the soldiers behind Op Sindoor's powerful logo

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The logo for India's Operation Sindoor, which has captured the imagination of millions, was designed by two Armymen. The operation, a decisive military action against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir, was launched in response to the Pahalgam massacre. The logo, featuring a bowl of vermilion, has become a powerful symbol of India's resolve against terrorism.

Will not only trace Pahalgam attack perpetrators, but...: Rajnath

Will not only trace Pahalgam attack perpetrators, but...: Rajnath

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured the nation that India will respond strongly to the recent terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. He stated that India will not be intimidated by such acts and will take every necessary step to trace those responsible and those who conspired behind the scenes. Singh described the attack as "extremely inhuman" and reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

Will You Get Such An Increment This Year?

Will You Get Such An Increment This Year?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The revised salaries of MPs are significantly lower than the salaries drawn by top bureaucrats in the country.

When SC praised Col Sofia Qureshi who held Op Sindoor briefing

When SC praised Col Sofia Qureshi who held Op Sindoor briefing

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The top court also referred to the distinctions achieved by women officers, and put out an example of Col Qureshi's achievements.

Has govt accepted US mediation on Kashmir, asks Cong

Has govt accepted US mediation on Kashmir, asks Cong

Rediff.com11 May 2025

The Congress on Sunday demanded answers from the government on whether it has accepted third-party mediation on Kashmir after the United States made announcements on behalf of India and Pakistan, and slammed attempts to 'internationalise' the issue and 'hyphenate' the two countries.

Now, Trump credits 'very smart' leaders of India, Pak for ceasefire

Now, Trump credits 'very smart' leaders of India, Pak for ceasefire

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Two 'very smart' leaders of India and Pakistan decided to end last month's conflict that could have turned into a nuclear war, United States President Donald Trump said after holding a rare luncheon meeting with Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House.

Wing Commander Vyomika set her sights on sky at age 6

Wing Commander Vyomika set her sights on sky at age 6

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, an accomplished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force, was chosen to brief the nation about India's 'Operation Sindoor' strikes on Pakistan. She has flown a variety of aircraft and taken part in rescue operations in extreme conditions. Vyomika, who has logged over 2,500 flying hours, has operated helicopters across challenging terrains, from the high-altitude sectors in Jammu and Kashmir to the remote areas in the Northeast. She led a rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh in 2020, flying in extreme conditions to evacuate civilians.

China honours officer injured in Galwan clash

China honours officer injured in Galwan clash

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

China has honored an army regiment commander who was injured in the Galwan Valley border clash with Indian soldiers in 2020 as an outstanding member of the national advisory body - Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Qi Fabao, who was made the torchbearer for the Winter Olympics in 2022, was among the 33 individuals honored with the 2024 Outstanding Performance Award for CPPCC Members. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, led to a freeze in relations between the two countries for over four years. Ties were restored after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in October 2023.

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been officially suspended due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan.

Navy was poised to hit Karachi, other targets: DG of naval ops

Navy was poised to hit Karachi, other targets: DG of naval ops

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Indian Navy's carrier battle group, submarines and aviation assets were immediately deployed at sea with full combat readiness in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, a top Navy official said on Sunday.

India's position consistent: Foreign Secy on Ukraine crisis

India's position consistent: Foreign Secy on Ukraine crisis

Rediff.com27 Feb 2022

Shringla said it has definitely pointed out that "loss of human lives is not acceptable".

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

Mahmud went to Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to "catch a flight en route to Delhi," an Airport Aviation Security official was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune newspaper.

Won't get Nobel Prize for 'stopping' Indo-Pak war or..., rues Trump

Won't get Nobel Prize for 'stopping' Indo-Pak war or..., rues Trump

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

He then went on to say that, however, he won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for any of his efforts.

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."

Bangladesh formally writes to India seeking Hasina's return

Bangladesh formally writes to India seeking Hasina's return

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Bangladesh's interim government has requested India to extradite deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August. The request comes after the Bangladesh-based International Crimes Tribunal issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several others for "crimes against humanity and genocide." The interim government has cited an existing extradition treaty between the two countries as grounds for the request. Hasina has accused the interim government of perpetrating "genocide" and failing to protect minorities since her ouster.

'Handcuffed and humiliated': Cong on deportation of Indians

'Handcuffed and humiliated': Cong on deportation of Indians

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The Congress on Wednesday expressed sadness over 'pictures of Indians getting handcuffed and humiliated' while being deported from the United States and recalled that America had to express regret over the treatment meted out to India diplomat Devyani Khobragade in 2013 after the then United Progressive Alliance government retaliated sharply.

Modi to visit France, US; meet Trump on Feb 12 amid deportation row

Modi to visit France, US; meet Trump on Feb 12 amid deportation row

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day working visit to the US from February 12 during which he will meet President Donald Trump, the external affairs ministry announced. The visit will give further impetus and direction to India-US bilateral relationship. Prior to his US visit, Modi will be in France from February 10-12 to co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. He will also visit Cadarache, the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor of which India is a partner. During his visit to France from February 10-12, Modi and Macron will also address the India-France CEOs forum. The prime minister and Macron will travel to Marseille where they will inaugurate the Consulate General of India. The leaders will also visit the war cemetery and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers in World War 1. Modi and Macron will visit Cadarache, the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). There has been a very close rapport between Trump and Modi, dating back to the US leader's first term. There is a clear convergence of interests between the two countries in several areas, including trade, investment, technology, defense cooperation, counterterrorism, Indo-Pacific security, and people-to-people relations.

Will India Have A Peace Keeping Role In Ukraine?

Will India Have A Peace Keeping Role In Ukraine?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

A peace keeping role for India is a distinct possibility. Indian military has both the numbers and experience to carry out this job, observes Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

UNSC likely to meet soon to discuss India-Pak tensions

UNSC likely to meet soon to discuss India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The UN Security Council could meet soon to discuss the situation between India and Pakistan, with the UNSC President expressing concern over rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The President, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris of Greece, said a meeting would provide an opportunity to express views and help diffuse tensions. Sekeris also condemned terrorism in all its forms, including the recent attack in Pahalgam, and called for de-escalation and dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Myanmar-linked arms smuggling racket busted in Manipur

Myanmar-linked arms smuggling racket busted in Manipur

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

Security agencies in Manipur are investigating an arms smuggling racket originating from Myanmar, with potential nationwide implications. The probe follows the arrest of a senior leader from a Valley-based Insurgent Group (VBIG).

US extradites fugitive Monika Kapoor after 26 years

US extradites fugitive Monika Kapoor after 26 years

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The CBI successfully managed to get Monika Kapoor extradited from the United States, ending her 25-year flight from justice. She is accused of economic offenses including forgery and fraud.

Pakistan was informed only after the strikes: Jaishankar

Pakistan was informed only after the strikes: Jaishankar

Rediff.com26 May 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has informed a parliamentary panel that Pakistan was notified about Indian strikes on terror camps in their territory only after they were carried out. He also clarified that the decision to halt the military operation was taken bilaterally following a request from Pakistan, and there was no US mediation involved. Jaishankar emphasized India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and the importance of conveying a united message against it globally.

Hope Rises As China Processes Rare-Earths Requests

Hope Rises As China Processes Rare-Earths Requests

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

China accounts for about 70 per cent of global rare earth mining and nearly 90 per cent of rare earth magnet production, making it a dominant player and giving it significant leverage in global supply chains.

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Supreme Court would likely hear on Wednesday a plea of Ashoka University's faculty Ali Khan Mahmudabad against his arrest for his social media posts over Operation Sindoor.

After The Ceasefire: What Can India Expect?

After The Ceasefire: What Can India Expect?

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'One good outcome of Operation Sindoor -- perhaps, its best outcome -- could be that India has resumed meaningful contact directly with Pakistan at the military-to-military level,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Rediff.com30 May 2025

In an interaction with naval warriors on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off Goa, Singh sent a stern warning to Islamabad saying India will not hesitate to use the methods to deal with terrorism that Pakistan cannot even think of.

RSS affiliate calls for sanctions, tourism boycott of Turkey

RSS affiliate calls for sanctions, tourism boycott of Turkey

Rediff.com14 May 2025

"It is shocking to note that Turkey, the second-largest arms supplier to Pakistan after China, has played a key role in modernising Pakistan's navy and enhancing its aerial warfare capabilities. "This defence collaboration is not just commercial; it is ideological, targeting the stability of South Asia and emboldening Pakistan's military adventurism," SJM national co-convenor Ashwini Mahajan said in a statement.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.