News for 'MEA --'

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Rediff.com21 May 2025

A total of 750 pilgrims have been selected through a computerised draw for the upcoming Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet, marking the resumption of the pilgrimage after a five-year gap. The Yatra's resumption is seen as an attempt to normalize India-China relations, which were strained by the eastern Ladakh border standoff. The pilgrimage will begin in June and continue until August, with pilgrims traveling in five batches via the Lipulekh route and ten batches via the Nathu La route. The selection process was deemed "fair, computer-generated, random, gender-balanced" by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which organized the pilgrimage.

'Inaccurate info circulating on Nimisha's Yemen pardon'

'Inaccurate info circulating on Nimisha's Yemen pardon'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Earlier, the office of Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Abubakker Musliyar had claimed that "the death sentence of Nimisha Priya, which was previously suspended, has been overturned. A high-level meeting held in Sanaa decided to completely cancel the death sentence that was temporarily suspended earlier."

3 missing Indians in Iran rescued by police: Embassy

3 missing Indians in Iran rescued by police: Embassy

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was in touch with the Iranian authorities over the missing Indians.

Pahalgam Attack: Diplomatic Win For India

Pahalgam Attack: Diplomatic Win For India

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

It is also the first time that TRF has been mentioned in any UN document. This marks the first mention of the LeT and any other Pakistan-based terror group in the report since 2019.

India slams Pakistan over Khuzdar Attack allegations

India slams Pakistan over Khuzdar Attack allegations

Rediff.com21 May 2025

India has vehemently denied Pakistan's accusations of involvement in a bomb attack on a school bus in Balochistan's Khuzdar region, calling the allegations "baseless." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan consistently blames India for its internal issues to deflect attention from its reputation as a global terrorism hub. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, asserted that this attempt to deceive the world will ultimately fail. The suicide attack resulted in the tragic deaths of five people, including three children, and left several others injured. While India expressed condolences for the loss of life, it firmly rejected Pakistan's claims. The MEA highlighted Pakistan's tendency to scapegoat India for its internal problems, a tactic aimed at obscuring its own failings in combating terrorism. The blast, reportedly carried out through a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), was condemned by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of innocent children and teachers.

Now, Trump threatens India with 'secondary sanctions'

Now, Trump threatens India with 'secondary sanctions'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

United States President Donald Trump has said India is 'very close' to China in terms of its purchases of Russian oil and will pay tariffs of 50 per cent as he indicated that 'you are going to see so much secondary sanctions'.

Govt answers in Lok Sabha over US role in India-Pak ceasefire

Govt answers in Lok Sabha over US role in India-Pak ceasefire

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

India and Pakistan agreed on May 10 for a cessation of firing and military activity as a result of 'direct contact' between the director generals of military operations (DGMOs) of both nations, which was 'initiated by the Pakistani side', the Centre informed Parliament on Friday.

Can India and China rebuild trust after Galwan?

Can India and China rebuild trust after Galwan?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

India and China are expected to discuss new confidence-building measures for durable peace and tranquillity along their contested border during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's two-day visit to India. The visit is seen as an effort to rebuild relations after the Galwan Valley clashes.

Dubai Crown Prince to visit India on April 8-9

Dubai Crown Prince to visit India on April 8-9

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will visit India on April 8-9, during which he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and participate in a business roundtable seeking to bolster India-United Arab Emirates ties.

President Murmu to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City

President Murmu to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will attend the state funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City this week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Murmu will pay a two-day visit to Vatican City beginning Friday, offering condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. She will pay homage to Pope Francis by laying a wreath at Basilica of Saint Peter on Friday and attend the funeral Mass at Saint Peter's Square on April 26.

India readies for key diplomatic week: Wang in Delhi, Jaishankar in Moscow

India readies for key diplomatic week: Wang in Delhi, Jaishankar in Moscow

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Wang is travelling to India days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned trip to the Chinese city of Tianjin to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

India hits back on US gen remarks, says Pak's terror record clear

India hits back on US gen remarks, says Pak's terror record clear

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Pakistan's record on terrorism is "very clear" and the Pahalgam attack is only the recent example of cross-border terrorism, the ministry of external affairs said on Thursday.

India expels second Pak High Commission official on espionage charge

India expels second Pak High Commission official on espionage charge

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The ministry of external affairs said the official has been given 24 hours to leave the country.

Embassy issues safety advisory after attacks on Indians in Ireland

Embassy issues safety advisory after attacks on Indians in Ireland

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

The Indian Embassy in Ireland has issued a safety advisory for Indian citizens following a rise in reported attacks, particularly in Dublin. The advisory urges precautions and provides emergency contact details.

India, China agree to rebuild ties, Manasarovar Yatra from this year

India, China agree to rebuild ties, Manasarovar Yatra from this year

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

India and China have agreed to rebuild ties and resume people-to-people exchanges, including resuming direct flights and the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year. The two countries also discussed the resumption of dialogue mechanisms to address each other's concerns and move relations to a more stable path. The meeting comes after a period of strained relations following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

Modi dials Zelenskyy, reaffirms India's support for Ukraine peace

Modi dials Zelenskyy, reaffirms India's support for Ukraine peace

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that India remains committed to making every possible contribution for an early and peaceful solution to the conflict. Zelenskyy sought India's support in limiting Russian energy exports.

Efforts underway to resolve trade deal differences with US: India

Efforts underway to resolve trade deal differences with US: India

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The comments came a day after US President Donald Trump said that Washington is "very close" to the trade pact with India.

'India-China Won't Go Back To What It Was'

'India-China Won't Go Back To What It Was'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

'What's currently underway is not a 'reset'.' 'What needs to be arrived at is a new balance.'

'Go back to your own country': Indian-origin taxi driver attacked in Ireland

'Go back to your own country': Indian-origin taxi driver attacked in Ireland

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

An Indian-origin taxi driver in Dublin was attacked in a suspected hate crime, prompting a police investigation and raising safety concerns for Indian citizens in Ireland.

India expels Pak official at Pak mission; gives 24 hrs to leave country

India expels Pak official at Pak mission; gives 24 hrs to leave country

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The external affairs ministry said the official has been given 24 hours to leave India.

Pakistan pleaded for ceasefire, govt tells Parliament

Pakistan pleaded for ceasefire, govt tells Parliament

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The government stated that Operation Sindoor was launched in response to a 'barbaric' attack by 'Pakistan-sponsored terrorists,' focusing on dismantling terror infrastructure and neutralizing terrorists likely to be sent across to India.

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of bilateral meetings with his global counterparts on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, with discussions focusing on a range of issues such as trade, investment, counter-terrorism and global challenges.

Trump claims India may exit Russian oil trade; New Delhi says no such move

Trump claims India may exit Russian oil trade; New Delhi says no such move

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

On Friday, during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, when asked about media reports that some Indian oil companies have stopped taking oil from Russia, had said India has made clear its approach on the issue.

Modi attends Independence Day celebrations in Maldives

Modi attends Independence Day celebrations in Maldives

Rediff.com26 Jul 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday graced the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives as the guest of honour, signalling a renewed warmth in bilateral ties after a spell of unease.

At G7 Summit, Modi urges global action against terrorism

At G7 Summit, Modi urges global action against terrorism

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Reaffirming India's stand against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged leaders of the G7 to galvanise global action against terrorism and underscored the need for strict action against those who 'promote and support' it.

Quad's Mineral Mission: PM Eyes Latin American Deals

Quad's Mineral Mission: PM Eyes Latin American Deals

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Increasing cooperation in critical minerals will top Prime Minister Modi's agenda during his discussions with leaders of Ghana, Argentinia, Brazil and Namibia.

'We Haven't Slept For 3 Nights'

'We Haven't Slept For 3 Nights'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'We are frightened and need to go home.'

India revokes Pak visas; asks citizens to return from Pak immediately

India revokes Pak visas; asks citizens to return from Pak immediately

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

India has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals effective April 27, advised Indian nationals in Pakistan to return home, and suspended visa services to Pakistani nationals. The move comes in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and alleged cross-border links to the attack. This escalation follows India's previous actions against Pakistan, including expelling Pakistani military attaches, suspending the Indus Water Treaty, and shutting down the Attari land-transit post.

Race To Save Nurse On Death Row In Yemen

Race To Save Nurse On Death Row In Yemen

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

India is working with Yemeni authorities and friendly nations to find a solution for Nimisha Priya, the Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder. The government is seeking more time for Priya's family to reach an understanding with the victim's family.

Need to address de-escalation: Jaishankar in Beijing

Need to address de-escalation: Jaishankar in Beijing

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

India and China should build on 'good progress' in normalising the bilateral ties to address border-related issues including de-escalation, and it is essential to avoid 'restrictive trade measures and roadblocks', External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday during talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

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.

All Indians in Israel safe, monitoring situation closely: Indian mission

All Indians in Israel safe, monitoring situation closely: Indian mission

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Embassy sources told PTI that it has set up a 24x7 helpline and is maintaining contact with members of the community.

Absurd: India tears into OIC over Pahalgam terror statement

Absurd: India tears into OIC over Pahalgam terror statement

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India has strongly criticized the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its statement on the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it "absurd" and accusing Pakistan of manipulating the group to issue a self-serving statement. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said the OIC's refusal to recognize the cross-border links to the attack was made at Pakistan's behest.

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.

MEA employee posted in Moscow held for passing info to Pak

MEA employee posted in Moscow held for passing info to Pak

Rediff.com4 Feb 2024

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested a person working in the Indian Embassy, Moscow, for his alleged involvement in anti-national activities with Pakistani intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence and providing them important confidential information regarding the strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian military establishments, an official statement issued in Lucknow on Sunday said.

Lekhi denies answering query on Hamas in LS, MEA says...

Lekhi denies answering query on Hamas in LS, MEA says...

Rediff.com9 Dec 2023

The unstarred question No. 980, titled "Declaration of Hamas as Terrorist Organisation", was put by Congress MP Kumbakudi Sudhakaran.

Do fresh steps signal a stable future for India-China ties?

Do fresh steps signal a stable future for India-China ties?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

India and China have announced a series of measures aimed at improving their relationship, including maintaining peace along the border, reopening border trade, and resuming direct flights.

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.

India bans 16 Pak YouTube channels, raps BBC for calling Pahalgam terrorists 'militants'

India bans 16 Pak YouTube channels, raps BBC for calling Pahalgam terrorists 'militants'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The Indian government has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content as well as false and misleading narratives against India, its Army and security agencies. The decision was taken following recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of the April 22 terror attack at Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

UP man seeks MEA intervention to save daughter on death row in UAE

UP man seeks MEA intervention to save daughter on death row in UAE

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Shahzadi Khan, currently imprisoned in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba jail, has been sentenced to death by a court for the death of a child who was under her care.