News for 'Foreign Secretary'

India, Sri Lanka to ink major defence pact 40 yrs after IPKF intervention

India, Sri Lanka to ink major defence pact 40 yrs after IPKF intervention

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The two sides are also likely to firm up a currency swap framework and seal several other agreements including one on debt restructuring following talks between Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka on April 5, people familiar with the matter said.

Soldier injured in landmine blast near LoC in Poonch

Soldier injured in landmine blast near LoC in Poonch

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The landmine exploded when the troops were patrolling in a forward area in Digwar sector this afternoon, the officials said.

Classify Strategic Data As 'National Asset'

Classify Strategic Data As 'National Asset'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

...on par with oil, power, and defence, and to restrict its storage under foreign control.

India said...: Pak minister amid Trump's ceasefire claims

India said...: Pak minister amid Trump's ceasefire claims

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Dar recalled that when he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in July and asked about dialogue with India, the top US diplomat clarified that India has maintained it is a "bilateral issue."

India, China to resume Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights

India, China to resume Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

India and China on Monday decided to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as the two sides agreed to take certain people-centric steps to 'stabilise and rebuild' ties.

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.

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is preparing to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, after a three-year hiatus. The decision comes as part of efforts to improve relations between India and China, which have been strained since a military standoff in 2020. The two countries have also agreed in principle to resume flight services between them.

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master and Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

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.

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.

6 Teams, 48 Archers, APL Looks To Hit Bullseye!

6 Teams, 48 Archers, APL Looks To Hit Bullseye!

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Top archers to compete for six franchises; Jyoti, Deepika, Dhiraj top Indians in inaugural APL

Can Private Bankers Transform Public Sector Banks?

Can Private Bankers Transform Public Sector Banks?

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Yes, the entry of private bankers, particularly with global experience will add value to PSBs, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

'US Needs India To Keep China In Check'

'US Needs India To Keep China In Check'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

'If Washington has to balance Chinese power, she will have to turn to the third biggest power in the world which is India.' 'The United States and India will have to work together in order to keep Chinese ambitions in check.'

Trump to sign executive orders before meeting Pak PM today

Trump to sign executive orders before meeting Pak PM today

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

United States President Donald Trump is set to engage in high-stakes bilateral meetings on Thursday, including a closed-door session with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Oval Office, according to Trump's public schedule released by the White House.

How India Must Deal With Trump The Bully

How India Must Deal With Trump The Bully

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The way to deal with a bully is to resist bullying, because submission in the first instance only invites even more overbearing demands in future. What may seem like a small price to pay now will lead to a much higher price later, warns former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

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.

Bhikaji Cama, The Lady Who Survived Plague And Defied An Empire

Bhikaji Cama, The Lady Who Survived Plague And Defied An Empire

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

Bhikaji Cama, a hero of India's freedom, was the first to unfurl the Indian tricolour on foreign soil.

Charlie Kirk Murder: Jimmy Kimmel Show Off Air 'Indefinitely'

Charlie Kirk Murder: Jimmy Kimmel Show Off Air 'Indefinitely'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Disney's ABC has taken Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show off air 'indefinitely' following backlash over the host's comments about the motives behind conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's killing.

UN Security Council to hold closed consultations on Indo-Pak tensions today

UN Security Council to hold closed consultations on Indo-Pak tensions today

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The UN Security Council will hold closed consultations on Monday on the situation between India and Pakistan after Islamabad sought an emergency meeting on the issue. Pakistan, which currently sits as a non-permanent member of the council, requested the meeting in light of rising tensions between the two countries following a terror attack in India. The meeting comes after India's foreign minister spoke with all council members except China and Pakistan, emphasizing the need to bring perpetrators of the attack to justice. The Pakistani envoy has argued that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir poses a threat to regional and international peace and security, justifying the need for a council discussion.

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.

No nuclear signalling by Pak during conflict, Misri tells Parl panel

No nuclear signalling by Pak during conflict, Misri tells Parl panel

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The sources said Misri reiterated the government's stand that the decision to stop military actions was taken at a bilateral level, as some opposition members questioned US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions about his administration's role in stopping the conflict.

UK condemns security breach during Jaishankar's visit

UK condemns security breach during Jaishankar's visit

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The UK has strongly condemned a security breach involving a pro-Khalistan extremist rushing towards External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's convoy in London. The incident took place as Jaishankar was leaving the Chatham House think tank on Wednesday evening. The protester was swiftly taken aside by officers of the Metropolitan Police, with no arrests being confirmed so far. The UK said such attempts to "intimidate, threaten, or disrupt" public events are "completely unacceptable". The incident comes after Jaishankar's talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during which both leaders covered the entire gamut of bilateral ties, including the relaunched Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, regional and global issues. The MEA has condemned the security breach and the provocative activities of the "small group of separatists and extremists", calling on the UK to "live up to their diplomatic obligations".

US foreign aid cuts can cause over 1.4 cr deaths by 2030: Study

US foreign aid cuts can cause over 1.4 cr deaths by 2030: Study

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The study said the fund cuts could reverse decades of progress and that for many low and middle-income countries, the resulting shock would be comparable in scale to a "global pandemic" or a "major armed conflict".

Mamata links man's suicide to NRC terror, blames BJP

Mamata links man's suicide to NRC terror, blames BJP

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A man's alleged suicide in West Bengal, with a note blaming the National Register of Citizens (NRC), has ignited a political firestorm between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with accusations of fear-mongering and political exploitation.

New Visa Rules: Tough Times Ahead For UK-Bound Indian Grads

New Visa Rules: Tough Times Ahead For UK-Bound Indian Grads

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

Indian graduates face tougher English tests, shorter post-study stays, higher costs and stricter settlement rules as Britain rolls out sweeping immigration reforms.

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 The Congress Has Rediscovered Sitaram Kesri

Why The Congress Has Rediscovered Sitaram Kesri

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

It was significant that the ceremony took place at 24, Akbar Road, the party's former national headquarters, and not at its new office in Kotla Road.

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

In the talks, China emphasised that the two sides should proceed from the fundamental interests of China, India and adhere to the strategic height and long-term perspective of China-India relations, the readout said.

Modi Courts Japan Inc With Make In India

Modi Courts Japan Inc With Make In India

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Japan is expected to increase its investment target in India from the earlier 5 trillion yen ($34 billion) to almost 10 trillion yen.

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.

Should India rethink US ties after Trump's Pak tilt?

Should India rethink US ties after Trump's Pak tilt?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Strategic affairs experts express concern over US President Donald Trump's tariffs on India, his 'bullying tactics,' and increasing attempts to hyphenate New Delhi with Islamabad, signaling a potential shift in the bilateral relationship.

When Women In Blue Stayed At NRI Homes During Tours!

When Women In Blue Stayed At NRI Homes During Tours!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

There was no money, sponsors didn't make a beeline and foreign tours were an ordeal, but there were women of steel who believed in the old adage that "the show must go on." And Nutan Gavaskar was the first among equals, one of the torchbearers of the women's cricket movement in India back then in 1973.

Indian illegal immigrant causes multi-vehicle crash in California

Indian illegal immigrant causes multi-vehicle crash in California

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

An Indian national, who had arrived in the United States illegally, has been arrested for causing a multi-vehicle crash while driving a truck in California last year that critically injured a five-year old child and left her with life-altering injuries.

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has announced a massive increase in H-1B visa fees, imposing a $100,000 annual charge that will fundamentally alter how American companies hire skilled foreign workers, particularly impacting Indian IT professionals who comprise the largest group of beneficiaries.

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, arguing it harms American innovation and competitiveness.

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.

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked fintech firms to focus on risk management at a time when criminals are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos to manipulate people.

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Tharoor, who is leading the all-party delegation to the Americas during his Bogota visit, had expressed dismay over the South American country's stance during a press conference on Thursday.

Hilton Hotel set on fire in Nepal, security chiefs call for peace

Hilton Hotel set on fire in Nepal, security chiefs call for peace

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The Nepali Army and heads of security agencies have jointly appealed for restraint and dialogue as protests escalate following the Prime Minister's resignation. Demonstrations have turned violent, with protesters targeting government buildings, political figures' homes, and private property.

Putin, Kim, Erdogan to attend China's V-Day parade

Putin, Kim, Erdogan to attend China's V-Day parade

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Twenty-six foreign leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, will attend China's V-Day commemorations on September 3. Japan has expressed concerns about the event's anti-Japanese overtones.