News for 'Ministry of External'

Aatmanirbharta! Defence Ministry Bars Imports

Aatmanirbharta! Defence Ministry Bars Imports

Rediff.com15 May 2023

The Positive Indigenisation List includes Rs 715 crore worth of high-end materials and spares, the import of which will be permitted only until a date specified for each. After each one's import deadline elapses, it will have to be procured from the Indian industry.

'I don't think Indian team will travel to Pakistan': Harbhajan

'I don't think Indian team will travel to Pakistan': Harbhajan

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh said he doesn't 'expect' the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for next year's ICC Champions Trophy.

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The DG-level border talks between India and Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Delhi next month, have been postponed following a change in plan by the neighbouring country, official sources said on Friday.

Urban demand stress under watch, festivals may boost consumption: FinMin

Urban demand stress under watch, festivals may boost consumption: FinMin

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

Days before Diwali, the monthly economic review by the finance ministry has highlighted moderation in urban demand, softening consumer sentiments and limited footfall as areas that need to be watched. In its review, released on Monday, the ministry also noted the early signs of artificial intelligence displacing workers, as described in anecdotal reports. The commentary from several large consumer goods companies, including Nestl India, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC, in their recent quarterly earnings, has been around a sluggish urban demand. Rural consumption, however, has mostly seen a revival, the companies pointed out.

India, China special reps meet soon; may resume Manasarovar flight

India, China special reps meet soon; may resume Manasarovar flight

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Jaishankar said that both sides also exchanged views on the next steps in the India-China bilateral ties.

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for the alleged murder of a Yemeni national, faces imminent execution despite the payment of blood money. Despite the lack of bilateral ties between India and war-torn Yemen, family members and human rights activists are clinging to hope for a last-minute pardon. The family has raised funds through a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal fees and negotiations, and is prepared to pay any additional amount required. However, the execution order received presidential approval despite ongoing proceedings, leaving little time for intervention. Priya's family is burdened by debt and seeks urgent support from the Indian government to save her life.

Bangladesh must protect all minorities, says India; raises monk's arrest

Bangladesh must protect all minorities, says India; raises monk's arrest

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

India has expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of violence and extremist rhetoric against minorities in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to fulfill its responsibility of protecting all minorities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India has consistently raised the issue of threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government. Jaiswal emphasized that these developments cannot be dismissed as mere media exaggeration and called upon Bangladesh to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities.

India's external debt rises 8.2% to $620.7 bn till Mar 2022

India's external debt rises 8.2% to $620.7 bn till Mar 2022

Rediff.com2 Sep 2022

India's external debt rose by 8.2 per cent year-on-year to $620.7 billion as of March 2022, which according to the finance ministry is sustainable. While 53.2 per cent of it was denominated in the US dollar, Indian rupee-denominated debt, estimated at 31.2 per cent, was the second largest, as per the status report on India's external debt released by the ministry. "India's external debt continues to be sustainable and prudently managed. As of end-March 2022, it stood at $620.7 billion, growing by 8.2 per cent over the level a year ago.

Many Khalistan supporters...: Trudeau drops bombshell

Many Khalistan supporters...: Trudeau drops bombshell

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

'There are supporters of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians'

Canada temple attack: India cancels consular camps

Canada temple attack: India cancels consular camps

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

The announcement comes days after an incident of violent disruption by protestors carrying Khalistani flags at a consular event co-organised by the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and the Indian Consulate.

Govt closely watching Bangladesh developments: Union minister

Govt closely watching Bangladesh developments: Union minister

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Union Minister of State BL Verma expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh and said the government is closely monitoring it. Addressing a Rozgar Mela in Jammu, he lauded the BSF for its role in safeguarding India's borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan. He also responded to questions on the Samajwadi Party's controversial statement labelling the BJP government as a "Hindu terrorist organisation", the Congress's allegations of EVM fraud, and Rahul Gandhi's call for a caste census.

Extradition process begins to bring back Lawrence Bishnoi's Brother from US

Extradition process begins to bring back Lawrence Bishnoi's Brother from US

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Both Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi have been named as wanted accused in the April 14 firing incident outside the Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartment in Mumbai's Bandra area.

UP man enters Pak to marry FB friend, lands in jail

UP man enters Pak to marry FB friend, lands in jail

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

A young Indian man was arrested in Pakistan after illegally crossing the border to meet a Facebook friend he wanted to marry. However, the woman told police she was not interested in marrying him. The man, Badal Babu, was arrested in the Mandi Bahauddin district of Pakistan's Punjab province on December 28. He had crossed the border to meet his Facebook friend, Sana Rani. Rani, in her statement to police, said she had been friends with Babu for the past two-and-a-half years but was not interested in marrying him. Babu's family has appealed to the Indian government to intervene for his release.

Indian consular officials in Canada under surveillance, says MEA

Indian consular officials in Canada under surveillance, says MEA

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

India on Saturday accused Canada of indulging in 'harassment and intimidation' of Indian consular staff there by putting them under audio and video surveillance in 'flagrant violation' of diplomatic conventions.

Army begins verification patrolling at Depsang

Army begins verification patrolling at Depsang

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Sources had earlier said that the areas and patrolling status were expected to be moved back to pre-April 2020 level.

India trashes Canada's 'absurd, baseless' charges against Shah

India trashes Canada's 'absurd, baseless' charges against Shah

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties.

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.

Indian diplomats in Canada under surveillance: MEA

Indian diplomats in Canada under surveillance: MEA

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

"Over the last year or even more, the kind of things that we have seen attacking Indian diplomats, threatening, intimidating, harassing Indian diplomats...Yes, the threats have increased," he added.

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

What stood out in his 15-year journey as a member of the political executive at the Centre was his glowing record as India's most successful and effective finance minister. Both as prime minister and finance minister, he understood the importance of gradualism, except when the economy or the polity was in a crisis.

Jaishankar lands in Islamabad as India swears by SCO, but no bilaterals

Jaishankar lands in Islamabad as India swears by SCO, but no bilaterals

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

It is the first time in nearly nine years that India's foreign minister travelled to Pakistan even as the ties between the two neighbours remained tense over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

India to pursue Dalla's extradition with Canada

India to pursue Dalla's extradition with Canada

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

India on Thursday said it will pursue an extradition request with Canada for Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, following his arrest in that country.

What Modi told Trump in first phone call after his victory

What Modi told Trump in first phone call after his victory

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President-elect Donald Trump have 'reaffirmed their commitment' to working together to further strengthen bilateral ties across a range of sectors, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

How Government Is Making Use Of AI

How Government Is Making Use Of AI

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

The National Informatics Centre uses AI to automate document analysis and detect fraud in government departments.

EV launches, Chinese models... What Auto Expo Has In Store

EV launches, Chinese models... What Auto Expo Has In Store

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

For the first time, the event will take place across three locations in Delhi: Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, Yashobhoomi Convention Centre at Dwarka, and India Expo Mart at Greater Noida.

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Defence sources stated that the disengagement involves removing infrastructure and withdrawing troops from both sides. The process is expected to be completed by Tuesday.

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.

Consular staff in Canada remain under audio/video surveillance: India

Consular staff in Canada remain under audio/video surveillance: India

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The Indian government has lodged a strong protest with Canada after consular officials at the Indian consulate in Vancouver were informed they were under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications had been intercepted. The Indian government maintains that Canada has provided space for pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity and has urged Canada to take action against anti-India elements.

Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif shake hands at SCO dinner; no hint of thaw in ties

Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif shake hands at SCO dinner; no hint of thaw in ties

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

The brief exchange and handshake between Jaishankar and Sharif took place at a banquet dinner hosted by the Pakistani prime minister at his residence in honour of the delegates attending a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Modi to attend Quad, address UN summit in New York

Modi to attend Quad, address UN summit in New York

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a three-day visit to the United States beginning September 21 to attend the annual Quad Summit and address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly.

Modi presents 4 BHISHM cubes to Zelenskyy

Modi presents 4 BHISHM cubes to Zelenskyy

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to the Ukrainian government during his visit to the war-torn country where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy under the shadow of the raging war with Russia.

Hindu temple in Canada cancels event over 'extremely high threat'

Hindu temple in Canada cancels event over 'extremely high threat'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The Brampton Triveni temple in Canada has cancelled a consular event after the Canadian police warned them of an "extremely high and imminent" threat level of violent protests. The Life Certificate event, organised by the Consulate General of India, Toronto, was scheduled for November 17 at the temple premises. The cancellation comes almost a week after protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with devotees at a Hindu Sabha temple and disrupted an event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate at Brampton. India condemned the attack and called for the prosecution of those involved. Relations between India and Canada have been strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a potential involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.

Indian Army successfully patrols disengaged Depsang

Indian Army successfully patrols disengaged Depsang

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

The Indian Army has commenced a verification patrolling at Depsang, the second friction point in eastern Ladakh, the government said on Saturday.

India, China reach six-point consensus on border peace, healthy ties

India, China reach six-point consensus on border peace, healthy ties

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

Doval is in Beijing for the 23rd round of the Special Representatives' talks being held after a gap of five years.

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

China and India were able to "reduce differences" and build "some consensus" on disengaging troops from friction points to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh and agreed to maintain dialogue to reach a resolution acceptable to both sides at an "early date", the Chinese defence ministry said on Thursday.

India protests Bangladesh govt aide's territorial claim

India protests Bangladesh govt aide's territorial claim

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

India has lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over a now-deleted social media post by a key aide of Bangladesh's interim government that claimed certain areas of Indian territory should be part of that country. The post, which included a map showing parts of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam as belonging to Bangladesh, was made by Mahfuz Alam, a de facto minister in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. The post sparked backlash and was subsequently deleted. India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reminded all concerned to be "mindful" of their public comments and emphasized the need for responsibility in public articulation.

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".

Inflation driven by external factors a BIG challenge for India, US

Inflation driven by external factors a BIG challenge for India, US

Rediff.com11 Nov 2022

India and the US on Friday expressed concern over high inflation which is being driven by external factors and has become a challenge for both the nations. Speaking at the US-India Businesses and Investment Opportunities, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in India the inflation challenges are prompted more by external factors. "So while the number today is in a manageable range, the challenges are largely due to the import of crude.

'Systematic pattern': India on attack on temples in B'desh

'Systematic pattern': India on attack on temples in B'desh

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

The MEA has taken strong exception to the two reported incidents in Bangladesh.

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

Her comments come a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Geneva that roughly 75 percent of the "disengagement problems" with China are sorted out but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier.

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

India and China have agreed to work towards a "roadmap" for rebuilding mutual trust following the border standoff in eastern Ladakh, according to a statement from the Indian Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of a regional security conclave. Singh called for drawing lessons from the "unfortunate border clashes" of 2020 and emphasized the need for cooperation rather than conflict. Both sides agreed to work towards a roadmap for rebuilding mutual trust and understanding, and a meeting of the Special Representatives and Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will also take place soon.