News for 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs'

Xi, Sharif to attend virtual SCO meet hosted by India

Xi, Sharif to attend virtual SCO meet hosted by India

Rediff.com30 Jun 2023

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping and PM Shehbaz Sharif will attend via video conference, the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads meeting of the SCO on July 4.

Think-tank funded by Gates, World Bank loses FCRA status

Think-tank funded by Gates, World Bank loses FCRA status

Rediff.com17 Jan 2024

The Union home ministry has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) for alleged violation of laws, a move the public think-tank termed "incomprehensible and disproportionate" and vowed to seek legal recourse against.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka shuts embassies in Norway, Iraq

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka shuts embassies in Norway, Iraq

Rediff.com5 Apr 2022

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka has decided to temporarily shut its embassies in Norway and Iraq, as well as the country's consulate general in Sydney, the ministry of foreign affairs said on Tuesday.

India lambasts US report on religious freedom

India lambasts US report on religious freedom

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

In an unusually hard-hitting response to criticism against it in a United States government report on religious freedom, India on Friday described the findings as 'deeply biased', visibly driven by 'votebank' considerations and a mix of imputations and selective usage of facts.

Separatists in Canada crossing 'big red line': Indian envoy

Separatists in Canada crossing 'big red line': Indian envoy

Rediff.com8 May 2024

"Indians will decide the fate of India, not the foreigners," Verma told the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations, a prominent think-tank.

Germany 'takes note' of Rahul's disqualification

Germany 'takes note' of Rahul's disqualification

Rediff.com30 Mar 2023

As Germany took note of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday accused the Congress of 'inviting foreign powers' for interference in India's internal matters and the Opposition party hit back, alleging that its rival was attempting to divert attention from the Adani issue.

India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 eyes $2 trillion exports by 2030

India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 eyes $2 trillion exports by 2030

Rediff.com31 Mar 2023

The government on Friday came out with Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 which seeks to boost the country's exports to $2 trillion by 2030 by shifting from incentives to remission and entitlement based regime. Unlike the practice of announcing 5-year FTP, the latest policy has no end date and will be updated as and when needed, said Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Sarangi while briefing media about FTP 2023. Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled FTP 2023 which will come into effect from April 1, 2023.

How India Won Back Maldives's Trust

How India Won Back Maldives's Trust

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

The avoidable stresses and strains in ties helped in one way. It showed for the entire region how a matured India handled diplomatic relations, especially with a smaller and suspicious neighbour, with practised dignity and patience, unruffled by provocations in word, deed and action, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Court issues fresh summons to BBC, Wikimedia, US library over documentary row

Court issues fresh summons to BBC, Wikimedia, US library over documentary row

Rediff.com8 Jul 2023

They said according to the Hague Convention, the service upon a foreign entity had to be served through the prescribed rules.

US remarks on Kejriwal's arrest unwarranted: MEA

US remarks on Kejriwal's arrest unwarranted: MEA

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

India on Thursday said the United States State Department's recent remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is 'unwarranted' and asserted the country is 'proud of its independent and robust democratic institutions' and committed to protect them from any form of undue external influences.

Unjustified pressure on India over energy ties: Russia

Unjustified pressure on India over energy ties: Russia

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

India is a great power that determines its national interests and chooses its partners, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said, describing as "completely unjustified" the "enormous pressure" on New Delhi due to its energy cooperation with Moscow.

Russia agrees to discharge Indians serving in its army

Russia agrees to discharge Indians serving in its army

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Russia on Tuesday agreed to India's demand to ensure early release and return to home of the Indian nationals working in the Russian military as support staff after Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'very strongly' raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin.

No foreign entity has right to comment on India: Govt on US religious rights report

No foreign entity has right to comment on India: Govt on US religious rights report

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

No foreign entity or government has any locus standi to comment on the fundamental rights of Indian citizens, the government said on Thursday, rejecting a report by the US state department on the alleged curtailment of religious freedom in India.

As India pulls out, China moves into Maldives with free military aid

As India pulls out, China moves into Maldives with free military aid

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

China on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster "stronger" bilateral ties with Male, weeks after President Mohamed Muizzu set a deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his island nation.

2,000 Indians evacuated from Ukraine: Foreign secy

2,000 Indians evacuated from Ukraine: Foreign secy

Rediff.com28 Feb 2022

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India has also approached the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva and requested it to be cognizant of the security interests of the Indian citizens and escort them out, wherever possible, when it starts its operation in Ukraine.

Will Modi Achieve A Cease Fire In Ukraine?

Will Modi Achieve A Cease Fire In Ukraine?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

Ukraine is currently in the middle of a strategic offensive into Russia's Kursk region.

Prophet remark: 3 countries summon Indian envoys; outrage in Gulf

Prophet remark: 3 countries summon Indian envoys; outrage in Gulf

Rediff.com6 Jun 2022

Qatar, Iran and Kuwait on Sunday summoned India's Ambassadors and the key Gulf nations expressed their strong protest and condemnation of the controversial remarks of a BJP leader against Prophet Muhammad.

India to adopt reciprocal visa policy for foreign tourists

India to adopt reciprocal visa policy for foreign tourists

Rediff.com1 Oct 2021

With India set to open up its border for international tourists, the government has decided on 'reciprocal treatment' to the applicants under new visa conditions. The visa facilitation will depend on the applicant's home country's policy for the Indian tourists.

China 'firmly opposes' US recognising Arunachal as Indian territory

China 'firmly opposes' US recognising Arunachal as Indian territory

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

China on Thursday said it 'firmly opposes' the United States recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as part of Indian territory and affirmed that Washington, DC has nothing to do with the India-China border dispute.

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

As Prabhakaran was leaving his house, Rajiv Gandhi called his son Rahul and asked him to fetch his (Gandhi's) bulletproof jacket. He put the jacket on Prabhakaran's back and remarked with his usual charming smile: "Take care of yourself."

Need to get out of 'cult worship' that Nehru era was 'great years': Jaishankar

Need to get out of 'cult worship' that Nehru era was 'great years': Jaishankar

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday took a critical view of some of the key decisions made by the Jawaharlal Nehru government, and said one needs to get out of this "cult worship" that the period from 1946 onwards was "great years" and the country did "splendidly".

Modi Breaks Fresh Ground In Foreign Policy

Modi Breaks Fresh Ground In Foreign Policy

Rediff.com23 Mar 2022

'The big power struggle in faraway Europe erupted at a most critical juncture when India has been increasingly sceptical about American policies and statesmanship,' argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

India, China agree to hold early military talks; review LAC situation

India, China agree to hold early military talks; review LAC situation

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

The virtual talks took place under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

US evades question on giving nod to Pak strike on Iran

US evades question on giving nod to Pak strike on Iran

Rediff.com19 Jan 2024

The United States on Thursday (local time) evaded a question on whether Pakistan held prior consultations with Washington, DC before conducting retaliatory air strikes on Iran.

Pannun murder plot: Indian national Nikhil Gupta extradited to US

Pannun murder plot: Indian national Nikhil Gupta extradited to US

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

He is expected to be produced before a federal court in New York on Monday.

Pak summons Indian envoy, calls for Yasin Malik's release

Pak summons Indian envoy, calls for Yasin Malik's release

Rediff.com19 May 2022

Pakistan has summoned India's charge d'affaires in Islamabad to the ministry of foreign affairs and handed over a demarche to him conveying Islamabad's strong condemnation of the framing of "fabricated charges" against Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik.

Rs 63.8 crore: Cost of Pak PM's foreign trips

Rs 63.8 crore: Cost of Pak PM's foreign trips

Rediff.com18 Feb 2016

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is under fire for spending a whopping Rs 638 million on his foreign trips and living at least every fifth day of his tenure out of the cash-strapped country.

Finmin reimposes spending curbs on ministries, depts for Q2

Finmin reimposes spending curbs on ministries, depts for Q2

Rediff.com1 Jul 2021

The finance ministry on Wednesday reimposed expenditure curbs on ministries and government departments for July-September quarter. There will be no spending restrictions on the ministries of health, rural development, agriculture, MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) and railways as part of a two-pronged strategy. "The existing guidelines for expenditure control have been reviewed. "Keeping in view the evolving situation arising out of Covid-19 and anticipated cash position of the government, it is felt essential to regulate Quarterly Expenditure Plan (QEP)/Monthly Expenditure Plan (MEP) of specific ministries/departments for July-September, 2021," the Department of Economic Affairs in the finance ministry said in a notification.

Rules amended, babus can now retain gifts from foreign dignitaries

Rules amended, babus can now retain gifts from foreign dignitaries

Rediff.com21 Sep 2021

The Centre has amended an over-50-year-old rule to allow IAS, IPS and IFoS officers to retain gifts received from foreign dignitaries while being members of the Indian delegation, according to an official order.

Modi meets Meloni in Italy, here's what they discussed

Modi meets Meloni in Italy, here's what they discussed

Rediff.com15 Jun 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni in Bari during which they discussed defence and security cooperation and hoped for further enhancing the defence industrial collaboration.

Palestinians have been denied their homeland: Jaishankar

Palestinians have been denied their homeland: Jaishankar

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

He stated that what transpired on October 7 was a 'terrorist attack' but also acknowledged, in reference to the Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza, that every response must take into account something called international humanitarian law.

Beneficial ownership norms in focus as MNCs face scrutiny

Beneficial ownership norms in focus as MNCs face scrutiny

Rediff.com12 Jun 2024

The latest ruling by the Registrar of Companies (RoC) in the LinkedIn Technology Information case for violating significant beneficial ownership (SBO) norms has brought the amended rules into the spotlight. Experts suggest that more entities, particularly multinational companies (MNCs), are expected to face greater scrutiny. "Companies are closely watching this space.

Maldives assumes control of Indian chopper, civilian crew post military exit

Maldives assumes control of Indian chopper, civilian crew post military exit

Rediff.com7 Mar 2024

The principal director of plans, policy, and resources management for the Maldives National Defence Force, Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed said that discussions are underway for withdrawing Indian troops from the Maldives.

India-US statement on cross-border terror riles Pakistan

India-US statement on cross-border terror riles Pakistan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2023

Pakistan has formally lodged a protest with the US over its joint statement with India against the country's involvement in cross-border terrorism.

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Rediff.com17 Mar 2024

Zhang made the remarks in response to India's enhancement of its military readiness through the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, according to a report posted on the Chinese defence ministry's website on Friday.

Not angry but...: BNP leader on Hasina's stay in India

Not angry but...: BNP leader on Hasina's stay in India

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

'New Delhi has to make up its mind whether it wants to be a friend of the Bangladeshi people or they want to be a friend of a section of people, or one party or one leader'

Ukraine claims to have killed 12,000 Russian troops

Ukraine claims to have killed 12,000 Russian troops

Rediff.com8 Mar 2022

According to the MFA data, 1036 armoured vehicles of different types, 48 aircraft, 80 helicopters, 303 tanks, 120 artillery pieces and 56 MLRs were hit during the combat.

The Last Indian Villages On Tibet Border

The Last Indian Villages On Tibet Border

Rediff.com23 May 2024

'It is a breathtaking journey towards the Tibet border, especially since the Border Road Organisation has accomplished a fabulous feat in black-topping the road till the border.' 'One is left with a salute for the dauntless Indian soldiers who spend the winter in these majestic, though inhospitable areas (we were told that the temperature comes down to minus 40 in winter),' recounts Claude Arpi.

Find solution to save career of foreign-returned students: SC to govt, NMC

Find solution to save career of foreign-returned students: SC to govt, NMC

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

The top court said it hoped the Centre will give due importance to its suggestion and find out a solution to save the career of the students who are an asset of the country.

Govt likely to issue CAA rules before poll code comes into effect

Govt likely to issue CAA rules before poll code comes into effect

Rediff.com27 Feb 2024

The rules for the CAA are likely to be issued before the MCC comes into effect, sources privy to the development said.