News for 'Foreign Secretary'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

India close partner of US, but Trump...: US Secy Rubio

India close partner of US, but Trump...: US Secy Rubio

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims President Donald Trump was instrumental in bringing about the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, a claim India has consistently denied.

'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 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.

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.

Trump says Ukraine-Russia land swaps may be discussed, Kyiv to decide

Trump says Ukraine-Russia land swaps may be discussed, Kyiv to decide

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Trump reiterated that he is not negotiating on behalf of Ukraine, but rather aiming to bring the parties to the negotiating table.

Will Modi, Trump meet soon? US official says sure, but...

Will Modi, Trump meet soon? US official says sure, but...

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Trump is not shy when he is frustrated with countries'

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.

Tariffs on India won't stop Putin or end Ukraine war: US House Committee

Tariffs on India won't stop Putin or end Ukraine war: US House Committee

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats stated that imposing tariffs on India will not deter Russian President Vladimir Putin or address Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

'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.

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 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.

Explained: Trump's H1 Order Decoded

Explained: Trump's H1 Order Decoded

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

A deep dive into Trump's new policy and what it means for Indian professionals and companies.

'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 Taunts Modi, But India, US Still Do Business

Trump Taunts Modi, But India, US Still Do Business

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

India and the US have collaborated through the past one month on launching a powerful satellite; are commencing joint production of GE Aerospace's F414 jet engines in India; India is participating in a massive three week-long military exercise in the Western Pacific, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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.

'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.'

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

India would neither succumb to the Americans on issues of national security, such as its defence ties with Russia, nor cede ground on its domestic interests in the agriculture and dairy sectors.

M for Metreweli? Britain's MI6 gets first female boss

M for Metreweli? Britain's MI6 gets first female boss

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Metreweli, 47, has been promoted from current role as Director General, or 'Q', responsible for technology and innovation in MI6 and has previously held a director-level role at MI5 - the UK's domestic security service.

'Within 5 hours, it was done': Trump repeats he stopped India-Pak nuke war

'Within 5 hours, it was done': Trump repeats he stopped India-Pak nuke war

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Trump also repeated his claim that seven fighter jets or more were shot down during the hostilities.

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.'

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.

Private Firms Can Be Involved In Stealth Fighter Project

Private Firms Can Be Involved In Stealth Fighter Project

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

'An HAL-private sector tieup is a possibility.'

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The closed-door luncheon meeting came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran with Trump exploring Washington's possible involvement.

'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.

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.

US court calls tariffs illegal, Trump doubles down

US court calls tariffs illegal, Trump doubles down

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

As one of the federal appeal courts in the United States ruled that most of tariffs imposed by Trump administration are not accordance with the laws, US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) affirmed that all tariffs imposed on the countries will remain in effect, calling a recent ruling by a 'highly Partisan Appeals Court' incorrect.

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.

Too early to...: Top US army general on Operation Sindoor

Too early to...: Top US army general on Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com8 May 2025

A top American military commander has said that the US is watching the situation very closely after Indian military strikes on terror targets in PoK and Pakistan's Punjab province. The United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) is one of six geographic Unified Combatant Commands of the United States Armed Forces, headquartered in Hawaii. Earlier on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he wants India and Pakistan to stop the conflict, saying if he can do anything to help, he will be there. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday that the Indian military carried out a measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible strike to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan to deter and to pre-empt any further terrorist strikes.

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.

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.

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that 300 to 400 drones were deployed across 36 locations, with several being shot down by Indian forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

Hindi-Chini bhai bhai 2 as India-China ties turn 75

Hindi-Chini bhai bhai 2 as India-China ties turn 75

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

India and China celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on Tuesday, with leaders from both countries exchanging congratulatory messages. The anniversary comes as the two countries are working to restore ties after a four-year freeze due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both countries have expressed a willingness to enhance strategic mutual trust and step up cooperation in various fields. The two sides are also exploring ways to rebuild ties and promote people-to-people exchanges.

'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.'

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.