News for 'Ministry of External Affairs'

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

According to a statement issued by the Grand Mufti's office, the decision was made after a high-level meeting held in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, where it was decided to completely cancel the death sentence, which had been temporarily suspended earlier.

India defends Russia ties, hits out at NATO sanction threat

India defends Russia ties, hits out at NATO sanction threat

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

India has cautioned against 'double standards' regarding its energy procurement from Russia, asserting that it is based on national interests and market dynamics, following a threat of secondary sanctions from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

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.

Trump's Russian Roulette Over India's Oil Supply

Trump's Russian Roulette Over India's Oil Supply

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The trade relationship between India and the United States has been strained by the imposition of 25% tariff by the US on Indian goods.

In special gesture, Iran lifts airspace curbs to evacuate 1,000 Indians

In special gesture, Iran lifts airspace curbs to evacuate 1,000 Indians

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, said more evacuation flights could be operated in the coming days to bring back Indians if required.

India, Pak renew Kartarpur agreement for 5 yrs

India, Pak renew Kartarpur agreement for 5 yrs

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

In view of the continued requests of the pilgrims regarding the removal of $20 service charge levied by Pakistan per pilgrim per visit, India has once again urged Pakistan to not levy any fee or charges on the pilgrims, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

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.

Pahalgam attack: India bans Pak PM Sharif's official YouTube channel

Pahalgam attack: India bans Pak PM Sharif's official YouTube channel

Rediff.com3 May 2025

When searched for his account, YouTube displays an error message.

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.

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The Finance Ministry's annual report has revealed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in India during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The projects, implemented in partnership with the Indian government, cover areas like agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, health, sustainable forests, and climate adaptation. This disclosure comes amidst controversy over USAID's alleged role in influencing Indian elections, with claims that the agency allocated USD 21 million to India for 'voter turnout'. However, the report clarifies that no funds were dedicated to enhancing voter turnout.

Modi arrives in Canada for G7 Summit amid Israel-Iran conflict

Modi arrives in Canada for G7 Summit amid Israel-Iran conflict

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The Kananaskis gathering on June 16-17 is the Prime Minister's 6th consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

Don't know...: Trump on India citing US trade with Russia

Don't know...: Trump on India citing US trade with Russia

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

President Trump addresses questions about US imports from Russia and India's stance on purchasing Russian oil, hinting at potential tariffs.

India rejects Arbitration Court ruling on Kishenganga, Ratle hydel projects

India rejects Arbitration Court ruling on Kishenganga, Ratle hydel projects

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

India rejects this so-called "supplemental award", the ministry of external affairs said, referring to the ruling in the case related to Pakistan's objections to Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects.

Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA, to be shifted to Rajasthan jail

Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA, to be shifted to Rajasthan jail

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested Friday by a police party in Leh, two days after violent protests by supporters of the movement for statehood and extension of Sixth Schedule of Constitution left four persons dead and 90 others injured, officials said.

Modi, Xi break the ice, hold talks amid global economic concerns

Modi, Xi break the ice, hold talks amid global economic concerns

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks focusing on economic ties and global stability amid trade tensions and the aftermath of the Ladakh border row.

India slams China's 'vain' bid to rename parts of Arunachal

India slams China's 'vain' bid to rename parts of Arunachal

Rediff.com14 May 2025

India on Wednesday outright rejected China's attempts to rename some places in Arunachal Pradesh, saying such 'preposterous' attempts will not alter the 'undeniable' reality that the state 'was, is, and will' always remain an integral part of India.

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has not been a good trading partner and announced that he will raise the tariffs on New Delhi 'very substantially' over the next 24 hours because it is buying Russian oil.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Op Sindhu: 296 more Indians, 4 Nepalese nationals evacuated from Iran

Op Sindhu: 296 more Indians, 4 Nepalese nationals evacuated from Iran

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Another special flight carrying 296 Indian nationals and four Nepalese nationals stranded in conflict-hit Iran landed safely in New Delhi on Wednesday, taking the total number of people evacuated under Operation Sindhu to 3,154.

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian students in the US to comply with American laws following the detention of a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. The MEA spokesperson said that the two Indians did not reach out to Indian missions in the US for assistance. Badar Khan Suri, the postdoctoral fellow, was detained on charges of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." Ranjani Srinivasan, a student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas. The MEA spokesperson also said that India is keen to bolster educational ties with the US.

'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.

SEE: Modi meets 'great friend of India' Mike Waltz

SEE: Modi meets 'great friend of India' Mike Waltz

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had a 'fruitful meeting' with United States National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and they discussed defence, technology and security areas, which are important aspects of the India-US ties.

SEE: Modi meets Elon Musk, his children

SEE: Modi meets Elon Musk, his children

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in Washington on Thursday. US President Donald Trump has chosen Musk to head a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) last month. Musk arrived at Blair House with his three young children, who were sitting with Musk when he met Modi. Earlier, Modi met US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. The meeting with Waltz was the first engagement of the day. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval were also present at the meeting. Modi arrived in the US capital Wednesday evening for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. After arriving at Blair House, the President's Guest House, Modi met the US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Just hours before her meeting with Modi, Gabbard took the oath of office as the 8th Director of National Intelligence in the presence of Trump.

Consistently called for...: India on Gaza hostage deal

Consistently called for...: India on Gaza hostage deal

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

India hoped that the agreement will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

Kerala nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder, India responds

Kerala nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder, India responds

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

India has announced its support in exploring legal options for Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala facing a death sentence in Yemen for allegedly murdering a Yemeni citizen. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the government is extending all possible assistance in the matter.

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.

Op Brahma: India to airlift field hospital to Myanmar, sends naval ships

Op Brahma: India to airlift field hospital to Myanmar, sends naval ships

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

India on Saturday delivered 15 tonnes of relief materials to Myanmar under its 'Operation Brahma' that was launched after a powerful earthquake hit the neighbouring country as well as Thailand.

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Misri is also likely to brief the parliamentary panel on the recent upswing in India's ties with China following the agreement to resume patrolling at friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

Pakistan condoles loss of lives in Pahalgam attack

Pakistan condoles loss of lives in Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Pakistan has expressed condolences over the deaths of tourists in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan is concerned at the loss of tourists' lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

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.

In call with Modi, Putin confirms India visit for summit

In call with Modi, Putin confirms India visit for summit

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India for the annual high-level meeting as the two leaders held a telephone conversation, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Saudi Arabia F15 jets escort Modi's aircraft

Saudi Arabia F15 jets escort Modi's aircraft

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft was escorted by Saudi F-15 jets as it entered Saudi Arabian airspace on Tuesday, highlighting the deepening defence cooperation between the two countries. Modi is on a two-day visit to the country and is expected to discuss boosting defence ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In an interview before his arrival, Modi described Saudi Arabia as "one of India's most valued partners, a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally."

After Ajit Doval, foreign secretary Misri to visit China on Jan 26, 27

After Ajit Doval, foreign secretary Misri to visit China on Jan 26, 27

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will travel to Beijing for a two-day trip beginning Sunday, marking the second high-profile visit from India to China in less than one-and-a-half months. The visit comes amidst ongoing border tensions and follows a recent disengagement pact between the two countries in eastern Ladakh. The Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism meeting will focus on the next steps for India-China relations, including in the political, economic, and people-to-people domains. The decision to revive this bilateral mechanism was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October.

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

India and Belgium on Monday explored potential defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime domain, and discussed ways to strengthen defence industrial cooperation.

India summons Bangladesh envoy over negative statements by officials

India summons Bangladesh envoy over negative statements by officials

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

India has summoned Bangladesh's acting High Commissioner, expressing concern over recent statements by Bangladesh authorities that "portray India negatively" and hold New Delhi responsible for internal governance issues. The Ministry of External Affairs said India desires a positive relationship with Bangladesh, but these statements "vitiate the atmosphere" and are "responsible for persistent negativity." The statement comes after Bangladesh's interim government accused deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of "provocative" statements from India that led to unrest in Bangladesh.

Condemn any attack...: India slams Pak's airstrikes on Afghanistan

Condemn any attack...: India slams Pak's airstrikes on Afghanistan

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

India on Monday "unequivocally" condemned Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan and said it is Islamabad's old practice to blame its neighbours for its internal failures. Pakistan carried out airstrikes in certain areas in Afghanistan in what it said was aimed at targeting some terrorist hideouts. "We have noted the media reports on airstrikes on Afghan civilians, including women and children, in which several precious lives have been lost. We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures. We have also noted the response of an Afghan spokesperson in this regard," he said.

Doval's veiled jab at Pakistan in talks with Chinese FM

Doval's veiled jab at Pakistan in talks with Chinese FM

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms for overall regional peace and stability during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

Indus Waters Treaty will remain in 'abeyance' until...: India

Indus Waters Treaty will remain in 'abeyance' until...: India

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India has asserted that the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan will remain in "abeyance" until Islamabad "credibly and irrevocably" abjures support to cross-border terrorism. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that any bilateral talks with Islamabad will only be on vacation of illegally occupied territories of Kashmir by Pakistan. He also said that India is open to discussing the handing over of terrorists whose list was provided to Pakistan some years ago. India on April 23 announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Instead of...: India slams B'desh's 'minority' remark on Bengal violence

Instead of...: India slams B'desh's 'minority' remark on Bengal violence

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India has rejected remarks by Bangladeshi officials on violence in West Bengal, asking Dhaka to focus on protecting the rights of its minorities instead of indulging in "virtue signaling." The statement comes in response to comments made by Bangladeshi officials regarding the developments in West Bengal. India's spokesperson pointed out that Bangladesh has failed to contain attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in the country and urged Bangladesh to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities.

Modi holds 'insightful discussion' with Vivek Ramaswamy

Modi holds 'insightful discussion' with Vivek Ramaswamy

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Indian-American billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in Washington, D.C., discussing India-US relations, innovation, biotechnology, and the role of entrepreneurship. Modi also met with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during his visit.