News for 'Ministry of External'

India Ramps Up Gold Reserves...

India Ramps Up Gold Reserves...

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

The RBI added roughly 3 tonnes in 2025, taking its gold reserves to 879 tonnes as of January 31, 2025.

India dismisses Pak allegation of complicity in train hijack

India dismisses Pak allegation of complicity in train hijack

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

India has strongly rejected Pakistan's allegations of backing terrorism against that country following the Balochistan train attack. India said Islamabad should look inwards before shifting the blame on others for its "failures " and that the whole world knows "where the epicentre of global terrorism lies ". Pakistan, on the other hand, has accused India of "sponsoring terrorism " without directly implicating it in the Balochistan train attack that killed 21 passengers.

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

'If you follow the law, America offers opportunities. But those who violate the law will face the consequences.'

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia to take stock of the situation following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The meeting also included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The attack, which killed at least 26 people, including tourists from the UAE and Nepal, has sparked nationwide shock and outrage.

Man dances away to renounce Indian citizenship

Man dances away to renounce Indian citizenship

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

An undated viral video of an Indian citizen dancing all the way to become a citizen of New Zealand has angered and divided netizens.

PHOTOS: US VP JD Vance, family begin 4-day India visit

PHOTOS: US VP JD Vance, family begin 4-day India visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

US Vice President J D Vance and his wife Usha arrived in Delhi on Monday for a four-day visit. They were welcomed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vance's visit comes amid ongoing trade talks between India and the US. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for the Vances on Monday evening after holding talks with the US Vice President. Vance and his family will also travel to Jaipur and Agra during their trip.

FTAs, reviving exports to be commerce ministry's focus

FTAs, reviving exports to be commerce ministry's focus

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Another priority in the first 100 days could be the launch of an e-platform -- Trade Connect -- to help exporters connect with stakeholders of international trade.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

India has exempted Bangladeshi exports to Nepal and Bhutan as such trade facilitation is mandatory for landlocked countries under the framework of provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

ED searches Soros' funding agency, investment arm in Bengaluru

ED searches Soros' funding agency, investment arm in Bengaluru

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Soros, a Hungarian-American political activist, and his organisations like OSF have been accused by the ruling BJP of acting against India's interests. His utterances during the Adani-Hindenburg controversy also drew criticism from the party.

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.

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

NIA to question Rana about planning of 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been taken into 18-day custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India. Rana was extradited from the United States after years of legal battles and will be questioned to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the attacks.

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.

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that there are currently over 10,000 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign jails. The Ministry of External Affairs shared country-wise data, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE having the highest number of Indian prisoners. The government has assured that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and provides consular assistance, legal aid, and financial support to those imprisoned.

Hypocrisy, says India as Canada censors media outlet over Jaishankar's presser

Hypocrisy, says India as Canada censors media outlet over Jaishankar's presser

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

"We were surprised. It looks strange to us. But nonetheless, what I say is that these are actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech," the external affairs ministry spokesman said.

US trade official begins India visit days before Trump's reciprocal tariff kicks in

US trade official begins India visit days before Trump's reciprocal tariff kicks in

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Brendan Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, will pay a five-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, days before US President Donald Trump's tit-for-tat tariff kicks in. The senior US trade official is expected to hold talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal besides meeting a number of senior Indian officials.

Advantage India textile industry after Trump tariffs

Advantage India textile industry after Trump tariffs

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

According to an industry expert, companies such as Trident, Welspun India, Arvind, KPR Mill, Vardhman Textiles, Page Industries, Raymond, and Alok Industries stand to gain, as revenue from the US market accounts for 20-60 per cent of their earnings.

When he couldn't stay in Gujarat...: Pawar's dig at Shah

When he couldn't stay in Gujarat...: Pawar's dig at Shah

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Former Union Minister Sharad Pawar has refuted claims made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the BJP's victory in the Maharashtra assembly polls ended the politics of betrayal and treachery started by Pawar in 1978. Pawar stated that he was the Chief Minister in 1978 and was unaware of Shah's whereabouts at the time. He also criticized the lack of communication between current political leaders and called for a return to respectful dialogue. He also highlighted Shah's past legal issues, including being externed from Gujarat. In response to speculation about the future of the MVA coalition, Pawar said discussions will take place within the next 10 days to address key issues. An editorial in the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana' also criticized Shah's remarks, calling them 'arrogant' and questioning the BJP's actions in relation to Pawar and Balasaheb Thackeray.

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 rejects Canada's election-meddling 'insinuations'

India rejects Canada's election-meddling 'insinuations'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The government of India was suspected of using proxy agents to provide "clandestine financial support" to candidates from three political parties in a federal election, Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail reported.

'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.'

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump on Monday vowed to work towards a 'trusted' partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence in their first phone conversation since the American leader's inauguration last week.

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.

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US, followed by another 119 set to arrive in Amritsar on Saturday night, has sparked controversy in India over the treatment of returnees. The US government's intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants has led to criticism of the use of handcuffs and shackles for deportees, even those who have committed no crimes beyond immigration violations. The issue has led to heated debates in the Indian Parliament, with opposition leaders demanding an inquiry into the deportation process. The Indian government is engaging with US officials to ensure the humane treatment of deportees, while also facing the challenge of reintegrating returnees into Indian society. The deportations highlight the ongoing tension between border control and human rights, and the complexities of US-India relations.

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).

Indian embassy repatriates 549 citizens from scam centers in Myanmar

Indian embassy repatriates 549 citizens from scam centers in Myanmar

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The Indian Embassy in Thailand, in coordination with its counterpart in Yangon, Myanmar, has repatriated 549 Indians after rescuing them from scam centers operating near the Myanmar-Thailand border. The nationals were lured with fake job offers and forced to work in scam centers. The Indian Embassy has advised citizens to verify credentials of foreign employers and check the antecedents of recruiting agents before accepting job offers.

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

There were reports that the screening of the movie was disrupted in North-West London, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Manchester.

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.

Modi receives Kuwait's highest honour

Modi receives Kuwait's highest honour

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

Kuwait on Sunday conferred its highest honour -- 'The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer' -- on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in strengthening the good relations between the two countries.

The Diplomat Review: John Abraham Plays It Safe

The Diplomat Review: John Abraham Plays It Safe

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The possibilities of this serviceable thriller are immense but the makers prefer to play it safe and hold back the daredevil in the diplomat's clothing, observes Sukanya Verma.

''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.'

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.

Crackdown On Illegal Travel Agents Begins

Crackdown On Illegal Travel Agents Begins

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Enforcement Directorate officials said on Friday they are probing a 'complex network' of agents and facilitators in India, Canada and the US who help Indians illegally enter the US via 'bogus' admissions in Canadian colleges.

No impact on India from Brahmaputra dam, claims China

No impact on India from Brahmaputra dam, claims China

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

China has reiterated its plan to build the world's largest dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has assured that the project, estimated to cost around USD 137 billion, will not have any negative impact on downstream countries, India and Bangladesh. The ministry has stated that the project has undergone rigorous scientific verification and will be conducive to disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as climate change response. India has expressed concerns about the dam, raising the issue during talks with the visiting US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. China has maintained that the project will not negatively affect the lower reaches and has committed to maintaining communication with downstream countries.

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.

Nimisha's death sentence not ratified by Yemeni president

Nimisha's death sentence not ratified by Yemeni president

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

The capital punishment handed to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya by a Yemeni court has not been ratified by President Rashad al-Alimi, the West Asian nation's embassy said on Monday.

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.

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.

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The United States has deported a group of Indian migrants on a military transport aircraft, marking the first such deportation to India as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. The US embassy in New Delhi confirmed that Washington is tightening immigration laws and removing illegal migrants. The deportation comes as India and the US are finalizing details for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in February. India has indicated its willingness to work with the US on addressing illegal immigration, and has said it will take back all Indians who have overstayed or are in the US without documentation.

Pakistan's ISI team in Bangladesh, India 'keeps a close watch'

Pakistan's ISI team in Bangladesh, India 'keeps a close watch'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The visit to Dhaka by the Pakistani military officials came after a delegation of Bangladeshi military officials toured Pakistan and held meetings with the three service chiefs.