News for 'Foreign Secretary'

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.

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.

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.

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.

Will Putin Help Iran?

Will Putin Help Iran?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

On Monday, June 23, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Moscow.

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).

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."

Dhaka's certain measures....: India on ending transshipment pact with B'desh

Dhaka's certain measures....: India on ending transshipment pact with B'desh

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India has withdrawn the transhipment facility it extended to Bangladesh for exports to third countries, citing congestion at ports and airports. The decision comes after Bangladesh's interim government halted yarn imports from India and closed three land ports. The move has raised concerns about a downturn in India-Bangladesh relations following political instability and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

US, Arab world step in to defuse India-Pak tensions

US, Arab world step in to defuse India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com1 May 2025

United States Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker on Wednesday met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people were killed.

Trump claims 5 jets shot down during India-Pak conflict, gives no details

Trump claims 5 jets shot down during India-Pak conflict, gives no details

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

US President Donald Trump claimed that "five jets were shot down" during the conflict between India and Pakistan in May and repeated his assertion that the fighting ended following his intervention. India has maintained that the two sides halted their military actions following direct talks between their militaries without any mediation by the US.

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Simplifying GST rates, removing exemptions, easing disputes, and speeding up refunds can boost investment in India and offer the best reply to Trump's tariffs, observes V S Krishnan, former member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

With India in fight against terrorism: US to Indian delegation

With India in fight against terrorism: US to Indian delegation

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

A statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Landau "reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries".

BCCI staff to get reduced allowances

BCCI staff to get reduced allowances

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

As the policy was going to be revised, the BCCI staff including the finance, operations and media department were not paid their daily allowances for the IPL and WPL but now that the policy has been formulated, their dues should be cleared soon.

Who Is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Who Is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh's role at the press briefing for Operation Sindoor is consistent with her experience as a helicopter pilot in Jammu and Kashmir during the course of her career.

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.

'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.'

Trump admin halts new student visa interviews over social media vetting plans

Trump admin halts new student visa interviews over social media vetting plans

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The Trump administration is considering requiring all foreign students applying to study in the United States to undergo social media vetting, according to a report in Politico. In preparation for such required vetting, the administration is ordering US embassies and consular sections to pause scheduling new interviews for such student visa applicants. The report noted that if the administration goes ahead with the plan, it could severely slow down the processing of student visas and hurt many universities who rely heavily on foreign students to boost their financial coffers. This move comes days after the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP) certification, a move that meant Harvard could no longer enroll foreign students.

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.

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Taking a dig at a section of Bangladeshi politicians, who said the country has legitimate claims over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wondered whether Indians 'would have lollipop' when external forces would try to occupy Indian lands.

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.

Pahalgam: India ramps up efforts for UN listing of LeT front

Pahalgam: India ramps up efforts for UN listing of LeT front

Rediff.com15 May 2025

An Indian delegation met top officials of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate here even as New Delhi stepped up efforts to designate The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Tayyaba proxy, as a UN-listed terror outfit for its alleged involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

Modi-Vance talks on Monday; US VP to visit Akshardham temple

Modi-Vance talks on Monday; US VP to visit Akshardham temple

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Vance is expected to be accompanied by at least five senior officials, including from the Pentagon and the State Department, the people cited above said.

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.

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sri Lanka, where he will hold talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and strengthen ties through agreements on defence, energy security, and digitalisation. This visit aims to further bolster the already strong relationship between the two nations and is expected to include several outcomes, including a defence cooperation agreement, debt restructuring, and a currency swap. This visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from an economic crisis, where India played a significant role in providing financial assistance.

J-K police advises border residents to stay in shelters

J-K police advises border residents to stay in shelters

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday asked border villages residents, who were evacuated to safer places in view of cross border shelling by Pakistan, not to rush back to homes as they are yet to sanitise and clear these areas of any unexplored shells.

Won't allow Lankan soil to be used against India: Prez Disanayaka

Won't allow Lankan soil to be used against India: Prez Disanayaka

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his country's soil will not be used against India's interests, addressing concerns over China's growing influence in Colombo. The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including a defense cooperation agreement, energy ties, and debt restructuring. They also agreed to initiate a ferry service between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar, and to adopt a "humanitarian approach" to the fishermen issue.

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.

Declined Trump's invite to US for Lord Jagannath: Modi in Odisha

Declined Trump's invite to US for Lord Jagannath: Modi in Odisha

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

According to Misri's statement, Modi said he could not accept the invitation due to a pre-existing schedule, and invited Trump to visit India for the Quad Summit, likely later this year.

Move over cricket! India's own IPL for shooters?

Move over cricket! India's own IPL for shooters?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Shooting League of India (SLI) will start on the outskirts of Delhi in November with six to eight teams, each an eclectic mix of the sport's global stars and local talents.

Who Accompanied Modi, Trump?

Who Accompanied Modi, Trump?

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Who accompanied Prime Minister Narendra D Modi to his Thursday meeting with US President Donald J Trump in the Oval Office, and who did POTUS bring along?

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Congress party has claimed credit for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, from the US, saying the Modi government did not initiate the process and merely benefited from the "mature, consistent and strategic diplomacy" begun under the UPA. Former Home Minister P Chidambaram said the government did not secure any breakthrough to make the extradition possible, nor is it the result of any grandstanding. He added that it was a testament to what the Indian state can achieve when diplomacy, law enforcement and international cooperation are pursued sincerely and without any kind of chest-thumping. Chidambaram detailed the UPA government's efforts in securing Rana's extradition, citing the registration of a case against him in 2009, diplomatic pressure on Canada and the US, and continued efforts despite legal setbacks. He highlighted the role of the UPA in securing Rana's conviction for other terrorism-related offences and the cooperation between the US and Indian agencies in gathering evidence and securing his extradition. The Congress leader further stated that it was the UPA's groundwork that paved the way for Rana's extradition, even after the change in government in 2014.

India shoots down 8 Pak missiles targeting Jammu

India shoots down 8 Pak missiles targeting Jammu

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Pakistani drones were intercepted by Indian air defence in Jaisalmer. Explosions were heard and flashes seen in the sky.

Terror hotbeds in Muridke, Bahawalpur reduced to rubble

Terror hotbeds in Muridke, Bahawalpur reduced to rubble

Rediff.com8 May 2025

A total of nine terror sites in Pakistan, including five in Pojk, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (Jem), were targeted with meticulous planning to avoid civilian casualties.

India Foils Pakistan's Attempt To Attack Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur

India Foils Pakistan's Attempt To Attack Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur

Rediff.com9 May 2025

India on Thursday night swiftly foiled Pakistan's attempts to hit various key Indian installations including military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur with drones and missiles, the defence ministry said.

India disputes Trump's claims on Kashmir mediation, ceasefire

India disputes Trump's claims on Kashmir mediation, ceasefire

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The ministry of external affairs also seemed to reject Trump's forceful comments that Washington brokered the understanding between India and Pakistan on ending their four-day military conflict.

Pak nationals flock to Attari-Wagah border to return home

Pak nationals flock to Attari-Wagah border to return home

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Several Pakistani nationals visiting India started returning home through the Attari-Wagah land route in Amritsar on Thursday, a day after the Centre set a 48-hour deadline for them to leave the country. The decision came after India announced a raft of measures, including the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, and the immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the horrific terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians on Tuesday.

Aayush Goyal Is Headed To The North Pole!

Aayush Goyal Is Headed To The North Pole!

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Aayush will represent India on Rosatom's Arctic expedition aboard the 50 Let Pobedy nuclear icebreaker.

No changes in FDI policy for Pak, China and few others

No changes in FDI policy for Pak, China and few others

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The government has not made any amendments to the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy for countries sharing land border with India, sources said on Wednesday. In 2020, the government issued Press Note 3 under which investors from these land bordering countries have to mandatorily take prior approval of the government for making investments in any sector.

Indian Students Caught In US Visa Turmoil

Indian Students Caught In US Visa Turmoil

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Uncertainty clouds US fall intake as Trump's visa ban on Harvard raises fears of wider policy shifts, pushing Indian students to explore alternative destinations.

Govt names 51 leaders to visit 33 world capitals, drops 3 from Cong list

Govt names 51 leaders to visit 33 world capitals, drops 3 from Cong list

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The delegations led by Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (both Bharatiya Janata Party), Sanjay Kumar Jha (Janata Dal-United), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and Supriya Sule (Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Pawar) will visit a total of 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.