News for 'Foreign Secretary'

Trump loyalist confirmed as US envoy to India

Trump loyalist confirmed as US envoy to India

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Gor, 38, was among 107 nominees confirmed by the Senate in a single en bloc vote on Tuesday, with 51 senators voting in favour and 47 against.

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.

Haryana top cop found dead at home, suicide suspected

Haryana top cop found dead at home, suicide suspected

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Senior Haryana police officer Y Puran Kumar was found dead with a gunshot wound at his Chandigarh home. Police suspect suicide. He was the inspector general, Police Training Centre, in Sunaria, Rohtak.

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.

Indus Waters Treaty will remain in 'abeyance' until...: India

Indus Waters Treaty will remain in 'abeyance' until...: India

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India has asserted that the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan will remain in "abeyance" until Islamabad "credibly and irrevocably" abjures support to cross-border terrorism. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that any bilateral talks with Islamabad will only be on vacation of illegally occupied territories of Kashmir by Pakistan. He also said that India is open to discussing the handing over of terrorists whose list was provided to Pakistan some years ago. India on April 23 announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Pak moving troops to forward areas, indicating...: India

Pak moving troops to forward areas, indicating...: India

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Wing Commander Singh asserted that while all hostile actions have been effectively countered with proportionate responses, India has reiterated its commitment to de-escalation, conditional on reciprocal restraint from Pakistan.

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.

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.

'They shot down 5 planes': Trump repeats India-Pak truce claim

'They shot down 5 planes': Trump repeats India-Pak truce claim

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Trump, who has repeatedly said that he stopped the conflict between India and Pakistan through trade, last Friday said for the first time that "five jets were shot down" during the fighting.

Modi presents 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' to King Charles

Modi presents 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' to King Charles

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a tree sapling to King Charles III as part of his 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' environmental initiative during their meeting at Sandringham Estate.

Ex-Prez Kovind to be chief guest at RSS centenary event

Ex-Prez Kovind to be chief guest at RSS centenary event

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will mark its centenary year with events beginning from Vijayadashami on October 2, which will include an address by its chief Mohan Bhagwat in the presence of former president Ramnath Kovind who will be the chief guest.

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The group waving separatist flags was barricaded and monitored by a significant police presence outside the venue on Wednesday night, with officers rushing to restrain the man as he ran past the barricade in an attempt to block the path of the minister's car pulling at an Indian flag.

No data on undocumented Indians residing in US: Centre

No data on undocumented Indians residing in US: Centre

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The Indian government does not track the number of undocumented Indian immigrants residing in the US. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, said these immigrants have "legally exited India" but have either overstayed their visa validity, or have entered the US illegally or without valid documents. The response comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to the US, during which he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Trump. The two leaders are likely to discuss India-US cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, defense, technology and immigration.

Cops, kicked, spat on at London's pro-Palestine rally

Cops, kicked, spat on at London's pro-Palestine rally

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

London police condemned the abuse of officers during a protest against the banning of Palestine Action, with over 425 arrests made.

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.

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.

Pak PM May Meet Trump Next Week

Pak PM May Meet Trump Next Week

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The meeting, expected on September 25 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, will also be attended by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21 episode demonstrates that procurement is always strategic.
Choices about what aircraft to acquire, who builds them, who supplies the spares, who trains the pilots and technicians are decisions with political consequences lasting for decades.

Modi, Xi break the ice, hold talks amid global economic concerns

Modi, Xi break the ice, hold talks amid global economic concerns

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks focusing on economic ties and global stability amid trade tensions and the aftermath of the Ladakh border row.

MP minister Vijay Shah booked for remarks on Col Qureshi

MP minister Vijay Shah booked for remarks on Col Qureshi

Rediff.com15 May 2025

The Madhya Pradesh high court on Wednesday ordered registration of an FIR against state minister Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks targeted at Colonel Sofia Qureshi.

Pak put in abeyance goodwill and friendship: India on Indus water treaty

Pak put in abeyance goodwill and friendship: India on Indus water treaty

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The MEA said that Pakistan had been stonewalling India's requests for a government-to-government negotiation over the treaty due to changes in the ground situation since it was signed.

Imposed tariffs on India for...: Trump admin tells SC

Imposed tariffs on India for...: Trump admin tells SC

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has told the US Supreme Court that it imposed tariffs against India for purchasing Russian energy products as part of its strategy to address the war in Ukraine.

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.

Florida Governor Slams H-1B Visas As 'Total Scam'

Florida Governor Slams H-1B Visas As 'Total Scam'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'Most of them (H-1Bs) are from one country, India, there's a cottage industry about how all those people make money off this system.'

India briefs envoys on Pahalgam terror attack, links to Pakistan

India briefs envoys on Pahalgam terror attack, links to Pakistan

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

India briefed envoys of the US, UK, France, China, Russia, Germany and several other countries on the Pahalgam terror attack and its link to cross-border terrorism. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri apprised the diplomats about various aspects of the dastardly terror attack on innocent civilians and India's firm policy of "zero tolerance" against terrorism. The briefing was held a day after India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post. The Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmed up the punitive measures against Pakistan in view of the cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. Diplomats of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Norway, Italy, Indonesia and Malaysia were also part of the briefing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish terrorists behind the strike and said India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism.

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

World leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and US President Donald Trump, have urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions to the ongoing tensions. The calls for calm come after India conducted airstrikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a recent terrorist attack. Leaders from the US, Russia, UK, China, UAE, Qatar, and Japan have expressed concern over the escalating situation and emphasized the need for dialogue and de-escalation.

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'

Would consider de-escalation if...: Pak after India hits airbases

Would consider de-escalation if...: Pak after India hits airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Dar's statement, echoed by another federal minister, came as the Indian and Pakistani militaries targeted each other's installations using missiles in the last more than 12 hours, further escalating the already tense conflict situation.

How India intercepted and shot down Pak's drones, UAVs

How India intercepted and shot down Pak's drones, UAVs

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Indian Armed Forces brought down a number of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means.

'Ludicrous': India Slams Sharif's UN Speech

'Ludicrous': India Slams Sharif's UN Speech

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

'If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangers look like victory, as the prime minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it.'

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.

Blackout imposed as Pakistan targets Jammu

Blackout imposed as Pakistan targets Jammu

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Escalating its tensions with India, Pakistan on Thursday targeted Jammu with loitering munitions and the Indian air defence guns are firing back. A complete blackout has been enforced in Jammu city.

'Inadvertent': Reliance withdraws Op Sindoor trademark application

'Inadvertent': Reliance withdraws Op Sindoor trademark application

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Reliance Industries Ltd has withdrawn its trademark application for the term 'Operation Sindoor' -- the codename for India's military strikes in Pakistan -- stating that it was inadvertently filed by a junior employee without authorisation.

India exercised its 'right to respond': Rajnath Singh

India exercised its 'right to respond': Rajnath Singh

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India has carried out strikes against nine terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday. The strikes were in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. Singh said the strikes were precise and destroyed the targets set under Operation Sindoor.

Why The Americans Were Opposed To Agni

Why The Americans Were Opposed To Agni

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'The heat shield technology for re-entry vehicles was first mastered in DRDO for the Agni missile.' 'This is why the Americans were so opposed to Agni in the 1980s, unlike other missiles -- it was a re-entry vehicle.'

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

India Must Be Ready For Chinese Challenge

India Must Be Ready For Chinese Challenge

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

'One Chinese interlocutor said India should realise that "China can do without India, but India could not do without China", pointing to its inability to do without Chinese intermediates and components,' former foreign secretary Shyam Saran discovers on a visit to China.

Gary Stead ready to transform Andhra cricket

Gary Stead ready to transform Andhra cricket

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

Stead, who guided New Zealand to the WTC title, T20 World Cup final in 2021, 2019 ODI World Cup final and 2025 Champions Trophy title clash, is now entrusted with the task of giving a fillip to Andhra cricket.

'If India, China join hands...': Beijing's big remark

'If India, China join hands...': Beijing's big remark

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that India-China relations have made positive strides and achieved a series of encouraging outcomes at all levels after last year's breakthrough ending the over four-year-long military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Wang's remarks came during his annual press conference as he replied to a question on how Beijing views the course of bilateral ties after the two countries ended the prolonged stalemate in the ties.

India's oil imports from Russia irritate US, says Marco Rubio

India's oil imports from Russia irritate US, says Marco Rubio

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

A US official has stated that India's continued purchase of Russian oil is a point of contention in the relationship between the two countries, as it helps fund Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.