News for 'Foreign Secretary'

Trump gives two-week deadline to Iran before military action

Trump gives two-week deadline to Iran before military action

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

United States President Donald Trump has opened a two-week window for diplomacy with Iran before deciding on military action, aiming to restart stalled negotiations amid Israel's bombing campaign, CNN reported.

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to revoke the university's certification to enroll foreign students. The lawsuit claims that the government's action is unlawful and unwarranted and that Harvard is not Harvard without its international students. The university argues that the government's decision will have a devastating effect on Harvard and its thousands of international students. The lawsuit comes a day after the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.

Pak uses nuke shield to back terror: All-party delegation in Algeria

Pak uses nuke shield to back terror: All-party delegation in Algeria

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Terrorism is a global menace to be addressed by humanity in unison was the all-party delegation's message to Algeria as it concluded its visit to the North African country on Sunday.

US to continue using H-1B, other visa programmes

US to continue using H-1B, other visa programmes

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

A US Homeland Security official says America will continue using the H-1B visa programme, emphasizing integrity and vetting, while highlighting increased naturalization rates under the Trump administration.

Tourism Faces Jolt After Delhi Blast

Tourism Faces Jolt After Delhi Blast

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'Tourists from long-haul markets such as the US, UK, and Western Europe are especially sensitive to such news, and short-term cancellations or postponements of planned trips can be expected.'

Jolt to Ukraine peace as Putin-Trump meet likely to be stalled

Jolt to Ukraine peace as Putin-Trump meet likely to be stalled

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

This comes despite Russia on Monday stating that Lavrov and Rubio held a "constructive" conversation as part of preparations for the meeting between their two presidents in Budapest, Hungary, Russian media has reported.

'Taliban Was Never Anti-India'

'Taliban Was Never Anti-India'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'Pakistan is uncomfortable with the Indian presence in Afghanistan. They want the Taliban to ensure that there is no Indian presence in Afghanistan.'

Saudi minister on surprise India visit to play peacemaker

Saudi minister on surprise India visit to play peacemaker

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Aljubeir visited India on Thursday and held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, focusing on de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The visit comes as ties between India and Pakistan have further deteriorated following Indian military strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also arrived in New Delhi on a scheduled visit amidst the escalating tensions.

'India shown in bad light': SC slams states on stray dogs

'India shown in bad light': SC slams states on stray dogs

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed chief secretaries of states and Union Territories (excluding West Bengal and Telangana) to appear on November 3 to explain the lack of compliance affidavits in the stray dogs case.

No phone call between Modi and Trump on Russian oil: MEA

No phone call between Modi and Trump on Russian oil: MEA

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

India responds to US President Trump's claim that PM Modi assured him of halting Russian oil imports, stating it is diversifying energy sources to meet market conditions and safeguard consumer interests.

Is BJP planning to use Col Qureshi, Wg Cdr Vyomika as campaign faces?

Is BJP planning to use Col Qureshi, Wg Cdr Vyomika as campaign faces?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

This came after a media report claimed that Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh, who led India's press briefings on Operation Sindoor, will be the faces of an ambitious women-centric campaign to be rolled out by the BJP on the completion of 11 years of the Modi government on June 9.

LG asks Delhi police to track ammonium nitrate sales

LG asks Delhi police to track ammonium nitrate sales

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Delhi LG V K Saxena has directed police to maintain a digital record of entities purchasing and selling ammonium nitrate and to undertake rigorous security audits of busy markets and ISBTs, days after a blast near the Red Fort.

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

This will be the first face-to-face meeting between Rubio and Jaishankar following President Donald Trump's imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the Trump White House to 50 per cent.

Bangladesh ex-PM Khaleda Zia critical, to be shifted to London

Bangladesh ex-PM Khaleda Zia critical, to be shifted to London

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Family of former Bangladesh prime minister Khalada Zia, who remains in a critical condition, is preparing to transfer her to London for medical treatment. Her son, Tarique Rahman, lives in London.

SC raps Assam govt for not deporting 63 foreigners

SC raps Assam govt for not deporting 63 foreigners

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

"Are you waiting for some muhurat," the Supreme Court remarked on Tuesday as it came down heavily on the Assam government for keeping people declared as foreigners in detention centres indefinitely rather than deporting them.

'Friend' Modi Assured Me...: Trump Claims India Will Stop Buying Russian Oil

'Friend' Modi Assured Me...: Trump Claims India Will Stop Buying Russian Oil

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia, describing it as "a big step" in efforts to increase global pressure on Moscow.

Sensex surges 862 points tracking rally in global peers

Sensex surges 862 points tracking rally in global peers

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

From the Sensex firms, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Titan, Axis Bank, Adani Ports, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance Industries, Tata Motors and HDFC Bank were among the major gainers. However, Eternal and Infosys were the laggards.

'India-China Won't Go Back To What It Was'

'India-China Won't Go Back To What It Was'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

'What's currently underway is not a 'reset'.' 'What needs to be arrived at is a new balance.'

US to deport 487 more Indians, details given to New Delhi

US to deport 487 more Indians, details given to New Delhi

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

India has raised concerns with the US over the recent deportation of 104 Indian immigrants, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealing that US authorities have identified up to 487 presumed Indian citizens with "final removal order." Misri also highlighted the "ecosystem to promote illegal migration" and stressed the need for action against those involved in facilitating such operations.

US-Pak ties not at the expense of our relationship with India: Rubio

US-Pak ties not at the expense of our relationship with India: Rubio

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

The US sees an opportunity to expand its strategic relationship with Pakistan but assures that it will not come at the expense of its ties with India, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

BJP sources said the formal process to elect current party President J P Nadda's successor will begin in mid-January, following Makar Sankranti, with Nitin Nabin expected to be the frontrunner to file his nomination.

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.

Pre-Budget meeting: Ficci seeks faster resolution of tax disputes

Pre-Budget meeting: Ficci seeks faster resolution of tax disputes

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) has sought urgent steps to clear the huge backlog of income-tax appeals, simplify tax deducted at source (TDS) compliance, and ensure tax neutrality for fast-track demergers, during its consultation with Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27.

Remains of 4 Indians stuck abroad over passport rule, airlines unmoved

Remains of 4 Indians stuck abroad over passport rule, airlines unmoved

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

The cases, brought to light by Team Aid, a non-governmental organisation specialising in repatriation assistance, have sparked calls for urgent government intervention to resolve what campaigners describe as a "humanitarian crisis".

Muttaqi Woos India Inc

Muttaqi Woos India Inc

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) members on Monday to discuss opportunities in his country, especially in the mining sector. The Taliban, who now control Afghanistan, is seeking to repair its ties with New Delhi, and is hopeful of Indian public and private sectors increasing investments in the mining and power sector, and greater trade and commerce.

Intoxicated Indian-origin trucker causes fatal crash in US killing 3

Intoxicated Indian-origin trucker causes fatal crash in US killing 3

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

A 21-year-old Indian-origin truck driver, Jashanpreet Singh, has been accused of causing a semi-truck crash while allegedly driving intoxicated, resulting in three deaths in California. He faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss issues of 'current concern'

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss issues of 'current concern'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio for bilateral discussions, as the high-level 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) kicks in.

'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.

Russia-China Gas Pact Poses New Challenges For India

Russia-China Gas Pact Poses New Challenges For India

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

India should simultaneously prioritise domestic exploration and production of more oil and gas in the country, and ensure we retain diversified suppliers for imports, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.

Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen after Modi's appeal

Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen after Modi's appeal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Sri Lanka has released 14 Indian fishermen as a special gesture, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for resolving the issue with a "humane approach." The fishermen issue figured prominently during talks between Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday. The fishermen issue is a contentious matter in India-Sri Lanka ties, with several alleged incidents of Sri Lankan Navy personnel using force against Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait. Modi stressed the need for a humane approach and the immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

'We remain in touch with the Chinese side, in Beijing as well as in Delhi, to bring predictability in the supply chain.'

Indian-origin truck driver who killed 3 in US was sober during crash

Indian-origin truck driver who killed 3 in US was sober during crash

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Jashanpreet Singh, 21, of Yuba City was arrested on October 21 under suspicion of 'driving under the influence' (DUI) and was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence as well as DUI causing injury in the multi-vehicle crash.

US sanctions 2 largest Russian Oil companies

US sanctions 2 largest Russian Oil companies

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

The US Department of the Treasury on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to pressure the Kremlin to end its war in Ukraine.

Modi spoke to me in Marathi, says Ujjwal Nikam

Modi spoke to me in Marathi, says Ujjwal Nikam

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Noted lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who is among four persons nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him to inform and spoke in Marathi.

ULFA 'foreign', 'finance' secretaries granted bail

ULFA 'foreign', 'finance' secretaries granted bail

Rediff.com10 Jan 2011

Two top United Liberation Front of Asom leaders -- 'foreign secretary' Sasha Choudhury and 'finance secretary' Chitraban Hazarika -- were granted bail on Monday by a special TADA court paving the way for their release.

'ISI Had No Clue About US' Bin Laden Mission'

'ISI Had No Clue About US' Bin Laden Mission'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

'Shock, confusion, and paralysis reigned.' 'Pakistan was caught in a most embarrassing situation. It could neither claim credit for the operation nor admit to a dismal intelligence failure and lack of army preparedness.'

Waiting for muhurat? SC slams Assam over delay in deporting foreigners

Waiting for muhurat? SC slams Assam over delay in deporting foreigners

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India censured the Assam government for keeping persons declared foreigners in detention centers indefinitely and not deporting them. The court questioned the state's explanation for not sending nationality verification forms to the Ministry of External Affairs, stating that detainees should be deported immediately once identified as foreigners. The court directed the Assam government to initiate the deportation process of 63 declared foreign nationals whose nationality was known and file a status report in two weeks. The court also directed the Centre to provide details of those deported and how it plans to deal with detainees whose nationality is unknown.

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.

Modi chairs high-level meet; CDS, 3 service chiefs attend

Modi chairs high-level meet; CDS, 3 service chiefs attend

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Modi has been chairing regular meetings with the top government functionaries involved in the country's military and diplomatic response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22.