News for 'Foreign Secretary'

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.

Grief counsellors to help families of AI crash victims

Grief counsellors to help families of AI crash victims

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Teams have been formed and assigned to individual families with a rank of a deputy collector or tehsildar rank officer. Bodies will be handed over to the families and taken in ambulance to the village or district with a police pilot, Pandey said.

Indira Gandhi sacked my father as Union secretary: EAM Jaishankar

Indira Gandhi sacked my father as Union secretary: EAM Jaishankar

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

Jaishankar said his father was also a very upright person, "may be that caused the problem, I don't know".

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.

Sudan situation highly volatile; focussing on evacuation: Foreign secy

Sudan situation highly volatile; focussing on evacuation: Foreign secy

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

Briefing reporters on the ongoing evacuation mission 'Operation Kaveri', Kwatra said approximately 1,700 to 2,000 Indian nationals were moved out of the conflict zones and they included the citizens already evacuated out of Sudan as well as those who are on their way to Port Sudan from capital city Khartoum.

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India has withdrawn the transhipment facility it extended to Bangladesh for exports to third countries, citing congestion at ports and airports.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.

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.

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.

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."

'Saudi Arabia Won't Align With Pakistan Against India'

'Saudi Arabia Won't Align With Pakistan Against India'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'The background for the Saudi-Pakistan agreement is the fact that the regional security order has collapsed due to the Israeli attack on Doha.' 'The Americans have largely abandoned their security guarantee for West Asia and the region has no choice but to look at alternatives.'

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.

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.

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.

'All Of Us Want To Finish This War'

'All Of Us Want To Finish This War'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'The Alaska Summit made me realise that while difficult, peace is within reach.'

Why J&K Border Villages Are Safe Haven For Terrorists

Why J&K Border Villages Are Safe Haven For Terrorists

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

'Why have we failed to address the issue of ensuring a requisite buffer zone in J&K, given that cross-border links of some J&K politicians are known?', asks Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Weaker Nations Get Used. Warning For India

Weaker Nations Get Used. Warning For India

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'Trump does have a master plan in mind to put pressure on India with the additional tariff of 25 per cent to get Modi to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to freeze the Ukraine war.' 'It has not worked so far. By end-September only we'll know for sure the future trajectory of India's oil purchases from Russia,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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).

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".

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.

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?

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.

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.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gadkari favours 51% stake to foreign cos in tunnel construction JV

Gadkari favours 51% stake to foreign cos in tunnel construction JV

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday favoured giving a majority 51 per cent stake to foreign partners in joint ventures for building tunnels and detailed project reports to improve work quality. Gadkari said providing a majority stake to a foreign partner in the joint venture is necessary to ensure that only serious and technically qualified players bid for tunnel projects.

'Yaarana to continue': India, Maldives ink key pacts

'Yaarana to continue': India, Maldives ink key pacts

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

India on Monday asserted that its friendly ties with the Maldives will continue as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu unveiled a blueprint for comprehensive economic and maritime cooperation, signalling a reset of the relationship that had hit a rough patch last year due to anti-New Delhi rhetoric.

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Defence sources stated that the disengagement involves removing infrastructure and withdrawing troops from both sides. The process is expected to be completed by Tuesday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.