News for 'Ministries of External Affairs'

Bangladesh PM Hasina, Seychelles VP arrive for Modi's swearing-in ceremony

Bangladesh PM Hasina, Seychelles VP arrive for Modi's swearing-in ceremony

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

In addition to participating in the swearing-in ceremony, the leaders will attend a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, it said.

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The high commission of India in Dhaka and the assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting in the voluntary return of Indian nationals, he said.

India, Taliban govt meet in Dubai; discuss Chabahar Port, cricket and aid

India, Taliban govt meet in Dubai; discuss Chabahar Port, cricket and aid

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

India has said it will consider engaging in development projects in Afghanistan and provide material support to the country in the health sector. The announcement came after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with the Taliban regime's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai.

Sushma Swaraj's ministry declines RTI on Lalit Modi

Sushma Swaraj's ministry declines RTI on Lalit Modi

Rediff.com29 Jun 2015

At a time when Sushma Swaraj is under fierce opposition attack for "helping" Lalit Modi obtain United Kingdom travel documents, her external affairs ministry has refused to provide any information about the passport issue involving the scandal-tainted former Indian Premier League boss.

Canada cop who attended Khalistani protest, suspended

Canada cop who attended Khalistani protest, suspended

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

On Sunday, protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the Hindu temple and disrupted a consular event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate.

Bangladesh formally writes to India seeking Hasina's return

Bangladesh formally writes to India seeking Hasina's return

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Bangladesh's interim government has requested India to extradite deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August. The request comes after the Bangladesh-based International Crimes Tribunal issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several others for "crimes against humanity and genocide." The interim government has cited an existing extradition treaty between the two countries as grounds for the request. Hasina has accused the interim government of perpetrating "genocide" and failing to protect minorities since her ouster.

Canada row: UK disagrees with India's position

Canada row: UK disagrees with India's position

Rediff.com21 Oct 2023

The United Kingdom has shown its disagreement with India's action after the India-Canada standoff which resulted in the departure of 41 Canadian diplomats from India and called for resolution of differences through discussion.

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

In the talks, China emphasised that the two sides should proceed from the fundamental interests of China, India and adhere to the strategic height and long-term perspective of China-India relations, the readout said.

US reacts to report linking RAW officer to Pannun murder plot

US reacts to report linking RAW officer to Pannun murder plot

Rediff.com1 May 2024

India on Tuesday strongly rejected the claims, saying that the report made "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" imputations on a serious matter and that an investigation into the case was underway.

India, Canada expel diplomats amid deepening rift

India, Canada expel diplomats amid deepening rift

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

India on Monday expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced withdrawing its high commissioner and other 'targeted' officials from Canada after strongly dismissing Ottawa's allegations linking the envoy to a probe into the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a major downturn in already frosty ties between the two nations.

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The new guidelines, effective from August 1, aim to expedite visa approvals for nationals from China and other countries sharing land borders with India.

'Consequence of...': India reacts to violent protests in PoK

'Consequence of...': India reacts to violent protests in PoK

Rediff.com17 May 2024

Two days ago, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was, is and will always be part of India.

Sincere Russia-Ukraine talks needed to end conflict: India at Swiss summit

Sincere Russia-Ukraine talks needed to end conflict: India at Swiss summit

Rediff.com16 Jun 2024

It said a resolution to the conflict requires a "sincere and practical engagement" between the two parties, clearly referring to Russia and Ukraine.

Diplomatic Row Derails Students' Canada Dreams

Diplomatic Row Derails Students' Canada Dreams

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

'We used to get 400-500 applications for Canada on a yearly basis until last year, but this has gone down to just 70 this year.'

We have very close contact with MEA: German envoy on Ariha case

We have very close contact with MEA: German envoy on Ariha case

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

He said this in response to a query during a press interaction held at his residence in New Delhi on what Germany was willing to do bring over three-year-old Ariha back and whether her issue will be raised at the "highest level".

Mohun Bagan refuse to travel to Iran for AFC tie

Mohun Bagan refuse to travel to Iran for AFC tie

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

Keeping their players' "safety and security" in mind, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have decided against travelling to Iran for their AFC Champions League 2 match against Tractor FC owing to the existing volatile situation in the west Asian nation.

Hindu temple attack: SFJ Canada coordinator arrested

Hindu temple attack: SFJ Canada coordinator arrested

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Canadian police have arrested a 35-year-old Brampton resident on charges of assault with a weapon during a violent demonstration at a Hindu temple in the city, authorities said.

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.

Our expectation from Pakistanis never very high: Jaishankar on Bilawal

Our expectation from Pakistanis never very high: Jaishankar on Bilawal

Rediff.com19 Dec 2022

Jaishankar said: "Our expectation levels with the Pakistanis are never very high."

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States will deport 119 Indian nationals who were living in the country illegally. The individuals will arrive in Amritsar, India, on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted the need to combat human trafficking. This deportation follows the arrival of a US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants earlier this month. Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump discussed the issue of illegal immigration during their joint press conference, emphasizing the need to dismantle the "ecosystem" of human trafficking. Modi emphasized India's willingness to take back its citizens residing illegally in the US, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the issue of illegal immigration was raised during the discussions, stressing the need to address the root causes of the problem. India seeks cooperation from the US to dismantle the rackets and ecosystems that facilitate illegal immigration, potentially involving collaboration between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Indian embassy in Syria operational, all citizens safe: Sources

Indian embassy in Syria operational, all citizens safe: Sources

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The sources further stated that all the Indian nationals there are safe and the embassy remains available to assist them in the crisis-hit nation.

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

China has defended its plan to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, assuring that the project will not affect riparian states and safety issues have been addressed through decades of studies. The dam, estimated to cost USD 137 billion, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, but Chinese authorities maintain that the project has been thoroughly studied and safeguards are in place. The dam is part of China's efforts to develop clean energy and respond to climate change.

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

''Trump Will Do A Deal With China'

''Trump Will Do A Deal With China'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'Trump's desire to withdraw the US from some arenas on the global stage will result in ceding space to China.'

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Among the new entrants to the Union cabinet, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been given the agriculture and rural development portfolios, Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda the health portfolio and former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar the power portfolio.

Australian journalist 'forced' to leave India for her reportage

Australian journalist 'forced' to leave India for her reportage

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

Avani Dias, the South Asia Bureau Chief of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, said she had to leave India on April 19, the day the Lok Sabha elections started after the government objected to her reporting on the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

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.

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.

Why Adani Solar Sought Visas For Chinese

Why Adani Solar Sought Visas For Chinese

Rediff.com8 Jul 2024

In seeking visa approvals for engineers from China, the company has reasoned that India lacks the expertise to set up such a solar facility.

The Illusion Of LAC Disengagement

The Illusion Of LAC Disengagement

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Disengagement from the LAC will remain a chimera because China has given enough indications that the PLA will not move back any more. China has even deployed drones to monitor and deny any patrolling by Indian troops even in the buffer zones which are all in Indian Territory, explains Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

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."

UK visa for Sania's son: Sports Ministry approaches MEA

UK visa for Sania's son: Sports Ministry approaches MEA

Rediff.com19 May 2021

Sania has been granted a visa but her son and his caretaker have not received UK visas owing to the current travel restrictions on Indians due to a surge in coronavirus cases in India.

India, China agree to hold early military talks; review LAC situation

India, China agree to hold early military talks; review LAC situation

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

The virtual talks took place under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

CT 2025: UAE offers to host India-Pakistan showdown

CT 2025: UAE offers to host India-Pakistan showdown

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made its stance clear about not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. On the other hand, the PCB has been firm about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan.

India regrets breach of Bangladesh mission in Tripura

India regrets breach of Bangladesh mission in Tripura

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

India on Monday described as 'deeply regrettable' an incident of breach of the premises of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala by a group of people protesting against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in the neighbouring country.

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'WFI must reverse all amendments made during its suspension and ensure checks and balances in decision-making within four weeks.'

China asks India not to 'over-interpret' its new map

China asks India not to 'over-interpret' its new map

Rediff.com30 Aug 2023

China on Wednesday defended its move to release a new 'standard map' for 2023 showing Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of its territory, saying that it is a 'routine practice' in accordance with its law and urged India to 'stay objective and calm' and refrain from 'over-interpreting' the issue.

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

We need to equip the Indian Armed Forces, not 'commercial' as Trump wants, but 'operationally' looking at growing Chinese military capabilities, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Qatari court accepts India's appeal on ex-Navy personnel's death sentence

Qatari court accepts India's appeal on ex-Navy personnel's death sentence

Rediff.com24 Nov 2023

A Qatari court has accepted the appeal document on the sentencing of eight former Indian naval personnel to death, sources familiar with the matter said.

Russia to help India build small tropical nuclear power plants

Russia to help India build small tropical nuclear power plants

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

India on Tuesday said cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear technology is an important pillar of the multifaceted cooperation with Russia, which offered help in building small tropical nuclear power stations.