News for 'Ministry of External'

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Monitoring situation in Syria, we want...: India

Monitoring situation in Syria, we want...: India

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

India has called for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process to bring stability to the country, following the capture of power by Islamist rebels. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is monitoring the situation and has underlined the need for all parties to work towards preserving Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The MEA also emphasized the importance of a peaceful process that respects the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.

''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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

US shale oil would act as an alternative to India's heavy dependency on Russian crude, which is currently facing sanctions.

Will India's Blind cricket team travel to Pakistan?

Will India's Blind cricket team travel to Pakistan?

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) said the tournament will go ahead on schedule irrespective of India's participation.

India, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

India, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of their nuclear installations on Wednesday, fulfilling a decades-old agreement that prohibits attacks on each other's atomic facilities. The exchange took place amid strained relations between the two countries over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism. The agreement, signed in 1988, mandates the annual exchange of such lists, which has occurred for the 34th consecutive year.

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump for the fourth time in recent days claimed that the Biden administration allocated $21 million funding to India for 'voter turnout', evoking a sharp response from the Congress which urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'talk to his friend' and strongly refute the allegation.

Modi gifts Gangajal from Kumbh to Mauritius Prez Dharam Gokhool

Modi gifts Gangajal from Kumbh to Mauritius Prez Dharam Gokhool

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day state visit to Mauritius, presented President Dharam Gokhool with Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh Mela. The visit marks Modi's return to Mauritius after nearly a decade, showcasing the strong relationship between India and Mauritius.

'Let's Bring India's Tariff Towards America Down'

'Let's Bring India's Tariff Towards America Down'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'And America will invite India in to have really an extraordinary opportunity and relationship with us.'

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

Gold Loans On RBI, Finance Ministry Radar

Gold Loans On RBI, Finance Ministry Radar

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Loan against gold as a product is catching on fast. Let's keep the momentum going, but aim for sustainable growth. A few bad apples should not ruin the brunch, argues Tamal Bandyopadhyay.