News for 'Ministries of External Affairs'

Kuwait fire: IAF aircraft to bring back mortal remains of Indians

Kuwait fire: IAF aircraft to bring back mortal remains of Indians

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Kuwaiti authorities are conducting DNA tests on the bodies of those killed in the devastating fire incident in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area and an Indian Air Force aircraft is on standby to bring back the mortal remains of Indians killed in the incident, officials said on Thursday.

'Deeply troubling': MEA on US funds for voting in India

'Deeply troubling': MEA on US funds for voting in India

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

India on Friday said that the United States' administration's information regarding funding in India is 'deeply troubling' and has led to concerns regarding foreign interference in India's internal affairs.

Over 3,400 Indians evacuated from Iran in 14 flights so far: MEA

Over 3,400 Indians evacuated from Iran in 14 flights so far: MEA

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

One Iranian woman, who is the wife of an Indian national has also been evacuated, he added.

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In his address, Singh said there should be "no double standards" in combating terrorism and urged the SCO member nations to condemn the menace with unity.

No intent to escalate, but...: India tells key global powers

No intent to escalate, but...: India tells key global powers

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India has reached out to key global powers, including members of the UN Security Council, and apprised them about the reasons behind its military strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi also conveyed to the countries that it will retaliate if Islamabad escalates the already tense situation.

Working closely with Belgium for Mehul Choksi's extradition, says MEA

Working closely with Belgium for Mehul Choksi's extradition, says MEA

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is working closely with Belgium to extradite fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who was arrested in Antwerp on Saturday based on a formal request from the Indian government. Choksi is wanted by Indian probe agencies in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore bank loan fraud case involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB). His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also facing extradition proceedings in the UK.

Evacuated all citizens who wished to return from Syria: Govt

Evacuated all citizens who wished to return from Syria: Govt

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

India has successfully evacuated all of its citizens who wished to return home from Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad's government by rebel forces. The evacuation process, which began on Tuesday, saw 77 Indian nationals brought back to safety. The Indian Embassy in Syria continues to function and is monitoring the situation closely, advocating for a peaceful and inclusive political solution.

'Take Advantage Of Trump Administration'

'Take Advantage Of Trump Administration'

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'Pick up momentum and find opportunities from an intelligence-sharing standpoint.'

India trashes Canada's 'absurd, baseless' charges against Shah

India trashes Canada's 'absurd, baseless' charges against Shah

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties.

India evacuates 75 nationals from Syria

India evacuates 75 nationals from Syria

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

India evacuated 75 of its nationals from Syria two days after rebel forces overthrew President Bashar Assad's authoritarian government.

Pannun plot: Govt panel recommends action against unnamed individual

Pannun plot: Govt panel recommends action against unnamed individual

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

A high-powered enquiry committee set up by the Indian government has recommended legal action against an unnamed individual after probing activities of organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations that undermined the security interests of both India and the US. The probe was ordered after the US alleged an attempt to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun by Indian agents in New York in 2023. The committee, which received full cooperation from US authorities, has also recommended functional improvements in systems and procedures to strengthen India's response capability.

China declines to comment on patrolling in Depsang and Demchok

China declines to comment on patrolling in Depsang and Demchok

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

On Saturday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told the media in New Delhi that the Indian Army has commenced verification patrolling at Depsang, the second friction point in eastern Ladakh.

Leave at the earliest: India's advisory on Syria situation

Leave at the earliest: India's advisory on Syria situation

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Islamist rebels almost took control of the central Syrian city of Homs on Thursday after capturing much of Aleppo, the country's largest city. Tens of thousands of people have been fleeing Homs.

India got consular access to Baby Ariha in Berlin; Diwali celebrated with her

India got consular access to Baby Ariha in Berlin; Diwali celebrated with her

Rediff.com30 Dec 2023

The ministry of external affairs and the embassy of India in Berlin have been persistently advocating for the return of Ariha Shah to India.

Govt says Op Ajay will continue as 235 more citizens return from Israel

Govt says Op Ajay will continue as 235 more citizens return from Israel

Rediff.com14 Oct 2023

Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, who welcomed the Indian citizens at the Delhi airport, said that this is the second phase and they are trying to facilitate those who are willing to come back to India.

India-Canada relations 'extremely important': Modi

India-Canada relations 'extremely important': Modi

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said relations between India and Canada are 'extremely important' and the two nations should work together to achieve win-win cooperation in various sectors.

Will take steps to protect our interests: India on China's mega dam

Will take steps to protect our interests: India on China's mega dam

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

India has expressed concerns over China's plan to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, stating that it will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect its interests. New Delhi has urged Beijing to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by activities in upstream areas. The dam, estimated to cost USD 137 billion, has raised apprehensions about its impact on the ecological balance of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, through which the Brahmaputra flows. India has repeatedly expressed its concerns to China through diplomatic channels, highlighting the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.

Law panel recommends mandatory NRI, OCI marriage registration

Law panel recommends mandatory NRI, OCI marriage registration

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

Such a legislation, the panel said, should be made applicable not only to the NRIs but also to those individuals who come within the definition of 'Overseas Citizens of India' as laid down in the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Why a Pakistani man living in police station in Mumbai

Why a Pakistani man living in police station in Mumbai

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

A 65-year-old Pakistani man, Nadir Munir Khan, has been residing in a room at the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg police station in Mumbai for the past four months, awaiting deportation after serving a sentence for illegal entry into India. He was arrested in April 2024 for being found roaming suspiciously near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus without a visa or necessary documents. Khan claims he was cheated in Nepal, assaulted, and robbed, leading him to enter India illegally. The police have contacted Pakistani authorities and are awaiting their response for Khan's deportation.

Aaditya Thackeray questions Bangladesh cricket team's India tour

Aaditya Thackeray questions Bangladesh cricket team's India tour

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

In a post on X, Thackeray said trolls in India are engineering hatred on the pretext of violence in Bangladesh, while the BCCI is hosting its team.

In Riyadh, Trump Again Claims Credit For Ceasefire

In Riyadh, Trump Again Claims Credit For Ceasefire

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'I said, fellas, come on, let's make a deal, let's do some trading, let's not trade nuclear missiles, let's trade the things that you make so beautifully, and they both have very powerful leaders, very strong leaders, smart leaders, and it all stopped.'

Hindu temple vandalised in US; India seeks stringent action

Hindu temple vandalised in US; India seeks stringent action

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The BAPS Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was desecrated, marking another incident targeting Hindu temples in the United States. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) condemned the act and called for unity against hate, while the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) demanded a thorough investigation and highlighted a pattern of such incidents in recent years.

Film Body Wants Diljit Dosanjh Banned; He Reacts

Film Body Wants Diljit Dosanjh Banned; He Reacts

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Amid a storm surrounding his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has taken to social media with a cryptic message.

India, China hold first diplomatic talks post-disengagement, vow LAC peace

India, China hold first diplomatic talks post-disengagement, vow LAC peace

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

India and China have held their first diplomatic talks since withdrawing troops from two face-off points in eastern Ladakh, reflecting on the lessons learned from the border row to prevent future incidents. The two sides agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas, prepare for the next meeting of Special Representatives on the boundary question, and highlighted the importance of regular exchanges and contacts at diplomatic and military levels. The talks come after the completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points, following an agreement finalized in October 2022.

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Here is the complete list of ministers in Modi 3.0 and their portfolios:

Amid border row, China expert takes over as new foreign secretary

Amid border row, China expert takes over as new foreign secretary

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

The 59-year-old Vikram Misri assumed charge of the key position at a time India is looking to navigate various geo-political challenges, including its frosty ties with China following the lingering eastern Ladakh border row and the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

US consulate grants visa to family of injured Indian student

US consulate grants visa to family of injured Indian student

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The US consulate in Mumbai has granted visas to the family members of Indian student Neelam Shinde, who suffered serious injuries in a road accident in California and is undergoing treatment. Shinde, who hails from Satara in Maharashtra and is studying in the United States, is still in a coma at a hospital in San Francisco, but her condition has slightly improved. The Ministry of External Affairs had taken up the family's request for an urgent visa with the US authorities.

Nijjar killing accused no longer in custody in Canada, show documents

Nijjar killing accused no longer in custody in Canada, show documents

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Documents released by the Justice Department of British Columbia, Canada show that all four alleged accused in the murder of National Investigation Agency (NIA) designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar appear to be no longer in custody.

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

The government is expediting visa-related issues to bring technicians to India from any country, not just China, as and when required, to ensure the smooth implementation of the flagship production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. "If those under the PLI scheme need to get their equipment installed, we try to expedite the ability to get technicians into India from any country, whichever it may be," Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Business Standard in an interview.

Is total disengagement in eastern Ladakh on the cards?

Is total disengagement in eastern Ladakh on the cards?

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

In the meeting, Doval conveyed to Wang that peace and tranquillity in border areas and respect for the Line of Actual Control are essential for return of normalcy in bilateral ties, according to the ministry of external affairs.

Rare earth curbs to hit EV, RE, defence sectors

Rare earth curbs to hit EV, RE, defence sectors

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

India's macroeconomic health is in a "relative goldilocks situation", and although the risk of higher landed oil prices, due to insurance cost surges and closure of choke points due to the brief Israel-Iran war, has receded, it is "too soon to sound the 'all clear' for the rest of the year", the Finance Ministry said on Friday.

India miss archery medal due to US visa delay

India miss archery medal due to US visa delay

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Indian women's compound archery team missed the season-opening World Cup Stage 1 event in the USA due to visa delays, resulting in a missed medal opportunity.

Bangladesh must protect all minorities, says India; raises monk's arrest

Bangladesh must protect all minorities, says India; raises monk's arrest

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

India has expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of violence and extremist rhetoric against minorities in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to fulfill its responsibility of protecting all minorities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India has consistently raised the issue of threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government. Jaiswal emphasized that these developments cannot be dismissed as mere media exaggeration and called upon Bangladesh to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities.

Look at your own record: India condemns Iran's Khamenei's 'suffering of Muslims' remark

Look at your own record: India condemns Iran's Khamenei's 'suffering of Muslims' remark

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

The Iranian leader talked about what he described as "suffering" of Muslims in Gaza, Myanmar and India.

'Unwarranted': India rejects Washington Post report on Pannun plot

'Unwarranted': India rejects Washington Post report on Pannun plot

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

A day after The Washington Post named an Indian official for allegedly plotting to eliminate Sikh extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, India on Tuesday said the report made 'unwarranted and unsubstantiated' imputations on a serious matter.

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.

Govt allows onion exports to Bangladesh, Mauritius, Bahrain, Bhutan

Govt allows onion exports to Bangladesh, Mauritius, Bahrain, Bhutan

Rediff.com22 Feb 2024

The government on Thursday permitted traders to export 54,760 tonnes of onion to Bangladesh, Mauritius, Bahrain and Bhutan till March 31. "We have allowed export of 50,000 tonnes of onion to Bangladesh, 1,200 tonnes to Mauritius, 3,000 tonnes of Bahrain and 560 tonnes to Bhutan with immediate effect," consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh told PTI.

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump for the fourth time in recent days claimed that the Biden administration allocated $21 million funding to India for 'voter turnout', evoking a sharp response from the Congress which urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'talk to his friend' and strongly refute the allegation.

Shun 'duplicity' on terrorism, act against Masood Azhar: India to Pak

Shun 'duplicity' on terrorism, act against Masood Azhar: India to Pak

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

New Delhi said if the reports of Azhar's location are correct, then Pakistan's "duplicity" has been exposed as it has been maintaining that the JeM chief is not in that country.

Centre denies permission to Kerala minister to visit Kuwait

Centre denies permission to Kerala minister to visit Kuwait

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

George reportedly waited for hours at the airport, hoping for permission from the Ministry of External Affairs.