News for 'Ministry of External Affairs'

MEA assures help to Indians hit in Kuwait attack

MEA assures help to Indians hit in Kuwait attack

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that an Indian national was killed and 13 others injured in an attack on Kuwait International Airport. The MEA is providing assistance to the victims' families and monitoring the situation amidst escalating US-Iran tensions, also advising Indian nationals against travel to Iran and facilitating evacuations.

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com3 days ago

India has condemned an attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, which resulted in one Indian crew member going missing. The incident occurred amidst escalating hostilities between Iran and the US in West Asia, prompting India to call for immediate de-escalation and an end to targeting commercial shipping in the region.

Delhi Quad meet to focus on West Asia fallout, Indo-Pacific security

Delhi Quad meet to focus on West Asia fallout, Indo-Pacific security

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The economic fallout of the West Asia crisis, the prevailing security situation in the Indo-Pacific and ways to boost cooperation in critical minerals and technology are expected to top the agenda at a crucial meeting of the Quad foreign ministers on Tuesday.

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel to discuss the West Asia conflict and explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

How US And India Are Strengthening AI Supply Chains Together

How US And India Are Strengthening AI Supply Chains Together

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The US and India are collaborating to de-risk global supply chains for artificial intelligence technologies, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing and critical minerals processing. This partnership is facilitated through the US-led Pax Silica initiative, which aims to address over-concentration issues and single points of failure in supply chains, fostering a resilient global economy.

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has emphasised India's commitment to safe maritime transit and condemned attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict and global energy market disruptions.

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.

Seychelles confers first 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title on Modi

Seychelles confers first 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title on Modi

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Modi thanked Seychelles for the honour and dedicated it to the nations which are fighting the challenges of climate change.

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

India was on Friday accorded the vice presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, for the first time.

Philadelphia Police Offer Reward In Indian Man's Murder

Philadelphia Police Offer Reward In Indian Man's Murder

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Anshul Kuncha, a 28-year-old Indian national from Hyderabad, was shot dead in Philadelphia after delivering pizza to a vacant home. Police are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, and the Consulate General of India is providing assistance to his family.

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Senior Indian officials highlight the indispensable role of the private sector in translating India-US cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and critical minerals into tangible outcomes. The collaboration aims to build trusted, resilient technology ecosystems and position India as a global electronics and semiconductor hub.

'India is great': US in damage-control mode after Trump's 'hellholes' repost

'India is great': US in damage-control mode after Trump's 'hellholes' repost

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The US embassy spokesperson issued a statement clarifying President Trump's views on India after a controversial social media repost. The statement emphasised the strong relationship between the two countries and Trump's positive view of India's leadership.

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Indian government has issued an updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) applications, aiming to clear all proposals within 12 weeks, a two-week extension from the previous 10-week target, to ensure a fully paperless and transparent process.

Explained: What establishes citizenship in India

Explained: What establishes citizenship in India

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A clarification by the ministry of external affairs that the passport is not a proof of citizenship has once again brought to the fore the need for a legal framework to provide citizens with a single document to establish they are Indians.

'Dangerous escalation': India on drone attack on UAE nuclear plant

'Dangerous escalation': India on drone attack on UAE nuclear plant

Rediff.com18 May 2026

India has voiced deep concern over a drone attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), calling it a dangerous escalation in the West Asia conflict.

China tells Quad to stay out of its maritime backyard

China tells Quad to stay out of its maritime backyard

Rediff.com28 May 2026

China on Wednesday reacted strongly to the Quad Ministerial meeting that voiced serious concerns over the situation in the East and South China Sea, saying they should stop meddling in maritime affairs in its neighbourhood.

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

India trashes claim of declining minority rights, media freedom

India trashes claim of declining minority rights, media freedom

Rediff.com17 May 2026

India has rejected allegations of declining media freedom and erosion of religious and minority rights, asserting that the country is a vibrant democracy that guarantees free speech to all.

India Condemns Attack On UN Peacekeepers In Lebanon

India Condemns Attack On UN Peacekeepers In Lebanon

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

India has condemned the killing of a French soldier serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in South Lebanon and called on all parties to ensure the safety of peacekeepers.

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As Shastri Bhawan nears demolition, one of Delhi's most iconic government buildings leaves behind six decades of stories, power, journalism and public life.

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are actively engaged with world leaders to promote dialogue and diplomacy for peace in West Asia, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in the region.

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Iran has dismissed US President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran was responsible for a drone attack on Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz as 'simply baseless'. The Iranian embassy stated that Trump's comments were an attempt to deflect attention from recent US military strikes on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners.

India welcomes US-Iran truce, 'hopes' for lasting peace

India welcomes US-Iran truce, 'hopes' for lasting peace

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

India has welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran, advocating for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy to secure lasting peace in West Asia.

3 missing Indian seafarers killed in US strike on ship off Oman coast

3 missing Indian seafarers killed in US strike on ship off Oman coast

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths of three Indian seafarers who were initially reported missing from the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. India has protested to the US over the attack on the commercial vessel, which the US Central Command stated was due to the vessel attempting to transport oil from Iran, violating a blockade.

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'We are considering this to ensure swift action on content for which the respective ministries have domain experts and can better determine the illegality of the content or the web site that needs to be taken down.'

'Imperative' for India and China to...: Chinese FM in Delhi

'Imperative' for India and China to...: Chinese FM in Delhi

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi, stressing the importance of respecting each other's "core interests" and implementing leaders' consensus for stable bilateral relations. Wang highlighted that India and China should view each other as partners, not rivals, and properly handle sensitive issues like the border dispute to foster cooperation and accelerate the modernisation of the Global South.

'Why Should We Be Okay With 6.5% Growth Rate?'

'Why Should We Be Okay With 6.5% Growth Rate?'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

'Why not aspire for 8 or 9 or even 10 per cent?'

No Cabinet Nod Needed For Some PM Visit Pacts

No Cabinet Nod Needed For Some PM Visit Pacts

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

India has amended its guidelines governing the signing of international agreements during official visits by the prime minister, and select pacts have been exempted from prior Cabinet approval.

India, Venezuela vow long-term energy tie-up

India, Venezuela vow long-term energy tie-up

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

India's procurement of Venezuelan crude oil has picked up momentum since April and the South American nation has already emerged as the third largest oil supplier to the country.

India summons US envoy, protests strike on ship with 24 Indians; 3 missing

India summons US envoy, protests strike on ship with 24 Indians; 3 missing

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested a US military strike on the commercial vessel Settebello off the Oman coast, which left three of the 24 Indian crew members missing. The US Central Command stated it disabled the Palau-flagged vessel for violating a blockade of Iranian ports.

Pakistan-backed terror behind continued Indus treaty suspension: MEA

Pakistan-backed terror behind continued Indus treaty suspension: MEA

Rediff.com7 May 2026

As India marks the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, its decisive military action against the terror hotbeds in Pakistan, the ministry of external affairs sharply rebuked Islamabad's policy of terrorism.

5 Reasons Education Loans Can Be A Smart Investment

5 Reasons Education Loans Can Be A Smart Investment

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Rising study-abroad costs are prompting families to use education loans strategically while preserving savings, liquidity and long-term financial stability, says Yogesh Rawat

India blasts China's 'fake names' for Arunachal, warns of strain on ties

India blasts China's 'fake names' for Arunachal, warns of strain on ties

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

India has strongly criticised China's practice of assigning 'fictitious names' to areas within Indian territory, stating that such actions are futile attempts to alter reality and negatively impact efforts to normalise bilateral relations.

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Quad grouping has expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy, while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. This move comes against the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the region, with ministers reiterating strong opposition to destabilising actions and expressing serious concerns over militarisation of disputed features.

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India has voiced its deep concern over reports of increasing civilian casualties in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, emphasising the protection of civilians and the importance of international law.

How Many Indians Live In The Middle East?

How Many Indians Live In The Middle East?

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Based on figures currently listed on the ministry of external affairs web site, a large number of Indians reside across West Asia.

Uninformed, in poor taste: India on Trump's 'hellhole' remark

Uninformed, in poor taste: India on Trump's 'hellhole' remark

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India has criticised US President Donald Trump's social media repost referring to India and other countries as 'hellholes' in the context of immigration, deeming the remarks 'uninformed' and 'inappropriate'.

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Rediff.com26 May 2026

In response to the Quad ministers' joint statement, China on Tuesday said it opposes the creation of exclusive 'small cliques' and 'bloc confrontation'.

India Condemns Terror Attacks In Mali, Offers Condolences

India Condemns Terror Attacks In Mali, Offers Condolences

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

India has strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in Mali, including the death of the country's defence minister, and reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism.

US navy hits sanctioned tanker off Oman, all 24 Indians safe

US navy hits sanctioned tanker off Oman, all 24 Indians safe

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

An oil tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers reported a fire off the coast of Oman, with all crew members confirmed safe. The incident occurred amidst renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran, who exchanged attacks on petrochemical facilities.