News for 'Minister of State for External Affairs'

Must ensure full respect for LAC: Jaishankar to Wang Yi

Must ensure full respect for LAC: Jaishankar to Wang Yi

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The Jaishankar-Wang talks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May.

7 Indians hurt in car-ramming attack at German Christmas market

7 Indians hurt in car-ramming attack at German Christmas market

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

Seven Indians were injured in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The attack left at least five people dead and nearly 200 injured. The Indian embassy in Berlin is providing all possible assistance to the injured Indians. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack and said its mission in Germany is in contact with the injured Indians and their families.

Some improvement in India-China ties from Oct last year: Jaishankar

Some improvement in India-China ties from Oct last year: Jaishankar

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

He said that the two nations will have issues in the foreseeable future. However, there are ways of addressing those issues and what happened in 2020 was not the way to address those issues.

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Ministry of External Affairs officials summoned the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena at its office in South Block in Delhi and lodged a strong protest against a US State Department official's remarks on Kejriwal's arrest.

'Let's Bring India's Tariff Towards America Down'

'Let's Bring India's Tariff Towards America Down'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'And America will invite India in to have really an extraordinary opportunity and relationship with us.'

Jaishankar holds talks with US Secretary of State Pompeo in Tokyo

Jaishankar holds talks with US Secretary of State Pompeo in Tokyo

Rediff.com16 Nov 2020

The meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo comes at a time both India and the US are at loggerheads with China.

Will visa delay cost Erigaisi a chance to shine?

Will visa delay cost Erigaisi a chance to shine?

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Erigaisi also requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) to help him get the visa.

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistani military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from Indian fighter jets and the retaliation largely focused on command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas, Qureshi said.

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

US shale oil would act as an alternative to India's heavy dependency on Russian crude, which is currently facing sanctions.

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.

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

Rediff.com19 May 2025

When the country has been at war, the Opposition has buried its differences with the government, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The real intention of the 'Tariff Man' (as Trump calls himself) may not even be to put the 'Tariff King' (as he describes India) on the mat with a knockout punch but to arm-twist the Indian leadership to agree to some multi-billion dollar mega arms deal, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

UNSC likely to meet soon to discuss India-Pak tensions

UNSC likely to meet soon to discuss India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The UN Security Council could meet soon to discuss the situation between India and Pakistan, with the UNSC President expressing concern over rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The President, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris of Greece, said a meeting would provide an opportunity to express views and help diffuse tensions. Sekeris also condemned terrorism in all its forms, including the recent attack in Pahalgam, and called for de-escalation and dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Tahawwur Rana seeks stay on extradition, fears torture

Tahawwur Rana seeks stay on extradition, fears torture

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana has moved an 'emergency application' with the United States Supreme Court against his extradition to India, claiming that he will be tortured there since he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin.

Russian foreign minister Lavrov to arrive in India tomorrow

Russian foreign minister Lavrov to arrive in India tomorrow

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will be on a two-day official visit to India from Thursday, his first trip to the country since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine last month.

Why Calcutta Remains A City Of Bhoy

Why Calcutta Remains A City Of Bhoy

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

A year after the RG Kar rape-murder Swarupa Dutt/Rediff look at the city where it happened, Kolkata -- its study in dichotomy, at once the self-proclaimed cultural capital of India as also a petri dish for a peculiar rage that breeds crimes against women.

Kanimozhi's Mission Possible In Russia

Kanimozhi's Mission Possible In Russia

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Kanimozhi Karunanidhi-led delegation is visiting five European nations to garner support for India's campaign against cross-border terrorism.

Kuwait emir promises action against those responsible for fire

Kuwait emir promises action against those responsible for fire

Rediff.com12 Jun 2024

In a condolence message sent to the families of the victims of the fire incident in Mangaf, the Emir expressed his sincere sorrow and deep sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a fast recovery to the injured.

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.

India to host Quad FMs' meet on Friday, focus on Indo-Pacific situation

India to host Quad FMs' meet on Friday, focus on Indo-Pacific situation

Rediff.com2 Mar 2023

The meeting to be presided over by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Australia's Penny Wong.

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. The US State Department said Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation" and telling them "not to escalate the situation."

Rana not in custody, says US Bureau of Prisons

Rana not in custody, says US Bureau of Prisons

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India after the US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch effort to avoid being sent back. Rana, a close associate of David Coleman Headley, another key conspirator in the attacks, was expected to be extradited "shortly" after his legal appeals failed. This decision comes after a multi-agency team from India traveled to the US to complete all necessary paperwork and legalities with the US authorities. Rana's extradition marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Mumbai attacks.

Trump sworn in as 47th US President, says 'golden age' begins now

Trump sworn in as 47th US President, says 'golden age' begins now

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

In a remarkable comeback to power, Donald J Trump Monday took oath as the 47th president of the United States and immediately promised a blitz of executive orders as he announced the beginning of a 'golden age' of America.

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.

Modi went abroad 21 times since 2019, Jaishankar 86 times

Modi went abroad 21 times since 2019, Jaishankar 86 times

Rediff.com2 Feb 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken 21 trips abroad since 2019 and over Rs 22.76 crore was spent on these visits, the government said on Thursday.

Modi plays drum, witnesses grand Jhumoir dance in Assam

Modi plays drum, witnesses grand Jhumoir dance in Assam

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam and participated in a grand Jhumoir dance performance, celebrating 200 years of the state's tea industry and the rich cultural heritage of the tea tribe community. He played a traditional drum of the tea tribe community, highlighting the government's efforts to support the tea industry and uplift the tea tribe community. The event, attended by dignitaries and ambassadors from around 60 countries, showcased Assam's vibrant traditions to a global audience.

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.

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India and Qatar on Tuesday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership and double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani signed agreements and MoUs to strengthen economic cooperation, including a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. The strategic partnership will cover the "entire spectrum" of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy security, and regional and international cooperation. Both leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen and broaden the energy partnership, including "exploring mutual investments." The Amir's visit provided an "excellent opportunity" for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss and "cement a strategic partnership for enhanced future cooperation."

42 Indians among 49 killed Kuwait apartment fire

42 Indians among 49 killed Kuwait apartment fire

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Most deaths were due to smoke inhalation while residents were sleeping, and a significant number of occupants were evacuated, they added. The fire started in a kitchen in the six-storey building in the Mangaf area in Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate, officials said, adding that the building reportedly had 195 people living in it, who are workers of the same company.

Canada's allegations serious, India not cooperating: US

Canada's allegations serious, India not cooperating: US

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

"When it comes to the Canadian matter, we have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously. We wanted to see the government of India cooperate with Canada in its investigation. Obviously, they have not chosen that path," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.

India lodges strong protest with Pak over remarks against Bhagat Singh

India lodges strong protest with Pak over remarks against Bhagat Singh

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over recent objectionable remarks made against Bhagat Singh, the government said in Lok Sabha. The Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, stated that India has been raising concerns about attacks on cultural heritage, growing intolerance, and lack of respect for minority communities in Pakistan. Singh also highlighted the strong ties between India and Bangladesh, emphasizing that their relationship is independent of Bangladesh's relations with other countries. The government closely monitors developments impacting India's national interests and takes necessary measures to protect them. Singh also provided information about the deportation of Indian nationals from the US, citing data from the US government.

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Rediff.com8 May 2025

In a strong retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, India's armed forces early Wednesday destroyed nine terror sites including that of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using deep strike missiles in a 25-minute-long 'measured and non-escalatory' mission.

8 Indians serving in Russian forces dead; 63 seek early discharge: Govt

8 Indians serving in Russian forces dead; 63 seek early discharge: Govt

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

The government has received requests for facilitation of early discharge of some Indian nationals purportedly recruited into the Russian armed forces in unclear circumstances, he said.

Relations with India changed after Sheikh Hasina's ouster: B'desh

Relations with India changed after Sheikh Hasina's ouster: B'desh

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

India needs to address Bangladesh's longstanding concerns to improve bilateral ties between Dhaka and New Delhi, Hossain said adding: Bangladesh's previous (ousted) government addressed the concerns of India, but India did not address Bangladesh's concerns.

India abstains on UN resolutions seeking end to Ukraine war

India abstains on UN resolutions seeking end to Ukraine war

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

India abstained on two UN General Assembly resolutions calling for a de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine. The resolutions were adopted on the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with the UN Secretary General stressing that the war in Ukraine stands as a grave threat to the peace and security of Europe and the core principles of the United Nations.

Return of Indian deportees from Panama after verification: Govt

Return of Indian deportees from Panama after verification: Govt

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is verifying details of deportation flights to Panama and Costa Rica, which were undertaken as part of a bridge arrangement between the US and the respective governments. The MEA spokesperson said that India is in touch with the local authorities in Panama and Costa Rica to ensure the return of any Indian nationals who may have been deported.

Kerala woman among 17 Indians onboard ship seized by Iran

Kerala woman among 17 Indians onboard ship seized by Iran

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

The father said that he has not received any updates from the state or the Central governments regarding his daughter's current status.

Tension in Odisha college as Nepali student ends life; one detained

Tension in Odisha college as Nepali student ends life; one detained

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

A third-year B-Tech student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, India, died by suicide in her hostel. Police are investigating a possible case of blackmail by a male student, who is currently in custody. The incident sparked protests from Nepali students on campus, leading to heightened security measures and the temporary relocation of some students.

India, Canada diplomatic row: Will it hurt bilateral trade?

India, Canada diplomatic row: Will it hurt bilateral trade?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The escalation in the diplomatic row between India and Canada will not have an impact on the bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries, government sources said on Tuesday. They also said that the bilateral trade value is not significant and Canadian funds can route their investments through Singapore, the UAE and the US. "India is a preferred investment destination," they said.

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.