News for 'Ministry of External Affairs'

Modi And The Art Of Practising External Affairs

Modi And The Art Of Practising External Affairs

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

'Personalities are temporary, policies provide for stability.' 'With the former, when personalities change so does the nature of the relationship.' 'Policies and structures, on the other hand, are idiot-proof, as well as maverick-resistant,' explains Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

320 Indians missing in Nepal floods, 400 stranded on Chinese side

320 Indians missing in Nepal floods, 400 stranded on Chinese side

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's Ministry of External Affairs reported that 320 Indians are missing and 400 are stranded on the Chinese side following devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border. India is actively involved in rescue efforts, sending relief supplies to Nepal and coordinating with Chinese authorities for the evacuation of its citizens. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reviewed the situation, emphasising the priority given to the well-being of Indian nationals.

External Affairs portfolio with PM

External Affairs portfolio with PM

Rediff.com7 Nov 2005

The decision was taken by the President.

External affairs ministry is undergoing change: Khurshid

External affairs ministry is undergoing change: Khurshid

Rediff.com30 Jul 2013

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Tuesday said his ministry is contemplating a plan to have people from industry on-board to facilitate on issues relating to economic diplomacy.

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's recent media interaction in New Delhi, stating it played no role in the event nor endorsed her comments regarding the Bangladesh government. This comes after Bangladesh expressed outrage over the permitted interaction, which saw Hasina announce her determination to return to Bangladesh to restore democracy.

India rejects US body's call for sanctions on RSS

India rejects US body's call for sanctions on RSS

Rediff.com7 days ago

India has strongly rejected remarks by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) officials calling for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and advising against diplomatic courtesies for its leaders. The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson labelled USCIRF a "biased" organisation with its own agenda, lacking credibility.

Nepal floods: MEA sets up round-the-clock control room in Delhi

Nepal floods: MEA sets up round-the-clock control room in Delhi

Rediff.com2 days ago

In view of the flood situation in Nepal, the ninistry of external affairs has set up a round-the-clock control room here to assist people.

Why Saina Nehwal needs External Affairs Minister's help

Why Saina Nehwal needs External Affairs Minister's help

Rediff.com7 Oct 2019

Saina facing visa issues for Denmark Open, seeks help from External Affairs Ministry

X account suspended of outfit handling Mohan Bhagwat's NYC event

X account suspended of outfit handling Mohan Bhagwat's NYC event

Rediff.com2 days ago

A US Congress-constituted advisory body on religious freedom, the USCIRF, has urged the Trump administration to revoke the visa issued to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, citing concerns over alleged violent attacks against religious minorities by RSS subgroups.

Nepal floods: 290 Indians still missing, 200 stranded on Chinese side

Nepal floods: 290 Indians still missing, 200 stranded on Chinese side

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 288 Indian nationals remain missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal, including those working on hydropower projects and tourist groups.

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

Infosys arm chief Lax Gopisetty missing in Nepal flash-floods

Infosys arm chief Lax Gopisetty missing in Nepal flash-floods

Rediff.com1 days ago

Infosys has confirmed that Lax Gopisetty, chief of its subsidiary Infosys Public Services, is unreachable following devastating floods in Nepal. Gopisetty was visiting the region personally, and Infosys is working with agencies and his family to ensure his safety. The Ministry of External Affairs also reported hundreds of Indians missing or stranded due to the floods, with India offering assistance to Nepal.

Indian killed in attack on vessel in Russian waters

Indian killed in attack on vessel in Russian waters

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

An Indian national was tragically killed in an attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI on July 18 while it was reportedly transiting Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed, condemning the incident and calling for upholding international obligations for maritime safety.

India-flagged ship sinks after attack in Red Sea, 13 Indian sailors rescued

India-flagged ship sinks after attack in Red Sea, 13 Indian sailors rescued

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

An Indian-flagged merchant vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, with 13 Indian nationals aboard, was attacked off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea. All 13 Indian crew members have been successfully rescued, and India has condemned the attack, calling for an end to targeting commercial shipping in the region.

US body seeks sanctions against RSS, opposes Mohan Bhagwat's visit

US body seeks sanctions against RSS, opposes Mohan Bhagwat's visit

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and advised the US government against extending diplomatic courtesies to its leaders. This comes ahead of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's visit to the US, with USCIRF officials citing allegations of attacks on religious minorities by RSS sub-groups. India has consistently rejected USCIRF's reports as biased and selective.

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India has lodged a 'strong protest' with Iran over recent strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to several others, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic engagement.

Bangladesh links Rahman's Delhi visit to Hasina extradition demand

Bangladesh links Rahman's Delhi visit to Hasina extradition demand

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has requested India to create a "conducive environment" for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's potential visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, linking it to their demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This comes amidst strained relations following Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi, which Bangladesh deemed offensive, and her subsequent death sentence in absentia for "crimes against humanity." India maintains that the extradition request is under examination and that it had no role in Hasina's media event.

Why Hockey India Wants External Body To Investigate Harassment Allegations

Why Hockey India Wants External Body To Investigate Harassment Allegations

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has requested the Sports Ministry to form an independent committee to investigate sexual harassment allegations made by Asunta Lakra, citing impartiality concerns if an internal probe is conducted due to the involvement of a federation office-bearer.

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A high-level Indian delegation, including Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, paid tributes to the assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, conveying India's condolences.

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document issued to regulate the departure of citizens and is not intended as proof of citizenship. This statement comes amidst a debate on its use for verifying citizenship, particularly concerning electoral rolls, and has drawn criticism from opposition parties.

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Rediff.com6 days ago

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to India for the BRICS summit, offering a potential opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks aim to address the long-standing border dispute and recurring tensions, with both sides emphasising the importance of peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations amidst recent reports of aggressive Chinese posturing in Arunachal Pradesh.

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Rediff.com4 days ago

National security advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for a two-day visit to take part in the Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary question with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com1 days ago

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

Bangladesh PM seeks Hasina's extradition in meeting with Indian envoy

Bangladesh PM seeks Hasina's extradition in meeting with Indian envoy

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has once again sought the extradition of former premier Sheikh Hasina from India during High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi's first meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, amidst fresh strains in ties between the two countries following Hasina's controversial virtual media interaction in New Delhi.

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Two commercial vessels, an oil tanker and a cargo ship, carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals, were hijacked by armed pirates in separate incidents off Yemen and Somalia. All Indian crew members on both vessels are reported to be safe, according to the latest information from the shipping ministry and the External Affairs Ministry.

India, China agree to use diplomatic, military channels 'to resolve' LAC issues

India, China agree to use diplomatic, military channels 'to resolve' LAC issues

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India and China held diplomatic talks to review the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), discussing boundary delimitation, border management, and trans-border cooperation. Both nations stressed the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations and agreed to continue using existing channels to resolve outstanding issues.

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India has lodged a strong protest with Russia following the killing of four Indian seafarers aboard a Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the civilian ship, MV Golden Leo, which also left one Indian national critically injured.

Arunachal BJP MP flags public concern over Chinese incursions

Arunachal BJP MP flags public concern over Chinese incursions

Rediff.com7 days ago

Arunachal Pradesh MP Tapir Gao underscores the critical importance of heeding local warnings regarding alleged Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control, amidst ongoing border tensions and official denials.

India invokes Gen Z in statement condemning PoK elections

India invokes Gen Z in statement condemning PoK elections

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

India has strongly criticised the local body elections in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), labelling them as a facade to conceal Pakistan's illegal occupation and severe human rights violations in the region. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's stance that all of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, including PoK, are integral parts of India. He also dismissed Pakistan's claims to a shared cultural legacy, citing its history of promoting terrorism and fundamentalism.

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Rediff.com1 days ago

A bipartisan US body claimed that religious freedom conditions in India remained on the downward trajectory in 2026, citing restrictions on activities of NGOs, censorship and transnational repression.

'Blatant act of aggression': India slams Pak air strikes on Afghanistan

'Blatant act of aggression': India slams Pak air strikes on Afghanistan

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's recent air strikes on Afghan territory, which resulted in civilian casualties. The Ministry of External Affairs labelled the strikes a "blatant act of aggression" and a "direct threat" to regional peace, reiterating India's support for Afghanistan's sovereignty.

MEA Confirms 13 Foreign Nationals Died In Delhi Hotel Fire

MEA Confirms 13 Foreign Nationals Died In Delhi Hotel Fire

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 13 foreign nationals were among the 21 people who died in a recent hotel fire in south Delhi. The MEA is coordinating with respective embassies to provide assistance.

Why Sports Ministry Ordered IOA Probe Into Hockey Sexual Harassment Claims

Why Sports Ministry Ordered IOA Probe Into Hockey Sexual Harassment Claims

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an independent inquiry panel to investigate sexual harassment allegations made by former hockey player Asunta Lakra. This decision came after Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed concerns about the impartiality of an internal probe, as the allegations involve HI office bearers.

Cabinet approves more posts in external affairs

Cabinet approves more posts in external affairs

Rediff.com21 Aug 2008

Of these, 249 posts would be within the country, comprising 139 officers and 110 staff. The remaining 269 posts -- 175 officers and 94 staff --would be created in Indian missions abroad, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters.

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives, and 75 have been injured. Separately, 30 Indian nationals were among 52 individuals arrested and deported by US Border Patrol during 'Operation Checkmate' for allegedly being in the United States illegally.

Indian ship attacked near Oman coast, crew rescued

Indian ship attacked near Oman coast, crew rescued

Rediff.com14 May 2026

An Indian-flagged commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman, but all crew members are safe, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Rediff.com2 days ago

Nepal is grappling with one of its worst disasters in recent years as massive flash floods, triggered by an ice avalanche, have claimed 270 lives and left thousands missing across multiple districts, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

LAC peace will determine state of broader bilateral ties: India to China

LAC peace will determine state of broader bilateral ties: India to China

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

India has asserted that the state of its border with China directly impacts the broader bilateral relationship, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Ministry of External Affairs also firmly rejected China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating its status as an integral part of India. This stance was reiterated during a recent Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination meeting, where both sides agreed to continue using diplomatic and military channels to resolve outstanding issues.

Indian embassy seeks probe into removal of sailor's organs in Venezuela

Indian embassy seeks probe into removal of sailor's organs in Venezuela

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Indian Embassy in Venezuela has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged desecration and removal of organs from the body of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan. His wife and the Forward Seamen's Union of India claim a second post-mortem in India revealed all internal organs were missing, raising serious questions about his death and the handling of his remains.