News for 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs'

India abstains on UN Gaza ceasefire resolution; backs Palestinians' rights

India abstains on UN Gaza ceasefire resolution; backs Palestinians' rights

Rediff.com5 Apr 2024

India abstained on the resolution, along with France, Japan, Netherlands, and Romania among others. Those voting against the resolution included Argentina, Bulgaria, Germany and the US.

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.

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.

Chinese defence minister missing, rumoured to have been detained

Chinese defence minister missing, rumoured to have been detained

Rediff.com16 Sep 2023

Speculation about the missing Chinese Defence Minister General Li Shangfu may have been removed and detained became rife after he was conspicuously absent at the meeting of the Central Military Commission (CMC) in Beijing on Friday.

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.

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.

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.

India, Pakistan attempted to interfere in Canada's polls, alleges spy agency

India, Pakistan attempted to interfere in Canada's polls, alleges spy agency

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

India has strongly rejected as "baseless" allegations of its interference in Canadian elections and asserted that the core issue has been Ottawa's meddling in New Delhi's internal affairs.

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.

Piyush Goyal not against e-commerce platforms, but...

Piyush Goyal not against e-commerce platforms, but...

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

A day after lambasting e-commerce players for predatory pricing, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said he is not against online platforms but India wants such entities to be "fair and honest" in their conduct. Speaking with reporters in the financial capital, the outspoken Union minister said the rule of the law should be followed in letter and spirit, and made it clear that consumer preferences should not be influenced by algorithms.

Modi govt 3.0: Who is in, who is out

Modi govt 3.0: Who is in, who is out

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Over 65 Union ministers are likely to take oath, going by the visual of the meeting Modi held with his likely council of ministers.

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.

300 trafficked Indians revolt in Cambodia, several arrested: Andhra police

300 trafficked Indians revolt in Cambodia, several arrested: Andhra police

Rediff.com21 May 2024

As many as 150 youths from the port city and its vicinity have been stuck in Cambodia for a year already, where they are being coerced to carry out cyber crime and ponzi scams by Chinese handlers, the police said.

Law panel recommends mandatory NRI, OCI marriage registration

Law panel recommends mandatory NRI, OCI marriage registration

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

Such a legislation, the panel said, should be made applicable not only to the NRIs but also to those individuals who come within the definition of 'Overseas Citizens of India' as laid down in the Citizenship Act, 1955.

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.

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.

Kuwait fire: Indian mission swings into action

Kuwait fire: Indian mission swings into action

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

India's mission in Kuwait is ascertaining the full details from the concerned Kuwaiti authorities on the tragic fire incident in a building in the southern city of Mangaf which killed 49 foreign workers, including around 40 Indians, and injured 50 others, even as officials started an investigation into one of the worst fires in the Gulf nation.

Awaiting return of 69 Indians recruited in Russian army: Jaishankar

Awaiting return of 69 Indians recruited in Russian army: Jaishankar

Rediff.com10 Aug 2024

According to Jaishankar, the problem is that the Russian authorities maintain that these Indian nationals entered into contracts for services with the Russian army.

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.

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.

Foreign Secretary may improve India-China ties

Foreign Secretary may improve India-China ties

Rediff.com31 Jan 2018

'Vijay Gokhale's appointment as foreign secretary can be regarded as a certain 'adjustment' that could make a difference to the poor climate of India-China relations,' says Ambassdor M K Bhadrakumar.

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.

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.

Ex-RAW official charged in US in plot to kill Pannun

Ex-RAW official charged in US in plot to kill Pannun

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

Vikas Yadav, 39, was employed by the Cabinet Secretariat, which houses India's foreign intelligence service, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the federal prosecutors claimed on Thursday in an indictment filed in a US court in New York.

India Should Be Battle Ready With China

India Should Be Battle Ready With China

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

'With continued focus on votes, upcoming by-polls and purchasing politicians, the political hierarchy has little time for national defence.' 'They would do well to heed a veteran scholar, who says, "There will be war with China in the next few years. The next full scale war will have the involvement of Pakistan and terror elements, insurgents and intelligence assets operating inside India",' warns Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Never wanted Indians in our Army: Russia

Never wanted Indians in our Army: Russia

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Russia on Wednesday said it is hoping for quick resolution of the issue relating to India's call for return of Indians recruited into the Russian Army as support staff and asserted their recruitment was purely a commercial matter.

UN resolution asks Israel to leave Palestine, India abstains

UN resolution asks Israel to leave Palestine, India abstains

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

India abstained in the United Nations General Assembly on a resolution that demanded Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months, with Delhi underlining that it is a strong advocate of 'dialogue and diplomacy' and efforts should be made towards 'building bridges', 'not furthering divides'.

Markets end flat as investors remain on the sidelines

Markets end flat as investors remain on the sidelines

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

Among the 30 Sensex companies, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Asian Paints, Reliance Industries, ITC, Sun Pharma, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and JSW Steel were the major laggards. Larsen & Toubro, Tata Motors, Maruti, NTPC, Mahindra & Mahindra and UltraTech Cement were among the gainers.

'Already invited India to...': Zelenskyy to UNSC

'Already invited India to...': Zelenskyy to UNSC

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations Security Council that 'we have to prepare' the second peace summit to end the Russia-Ukraine war 'altogether' and he has invited India and other countries to join the peace process.

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.

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.

Want 'uninterrupted' dialogue with India: Pak foreign minister

Want 'uninterrupted' dialogue with India: Pak foreign minister

Rediff.com20 Aug 2018

Qureshi said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj sent a letter on Sunday to congratulate Prime Minister Imran Khan and mentioned about talks to resolve issues.

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.

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.

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.

Foreign policy, declassified

Foreign policy, declassified

Rediff.com21 Feb 2014

The external affairs ministry's files, as distinct from those of the ministry of defence or the agencies, at least from before 1974 should be declassified. And if select files that are more than 40 years old are not to be declassified, the ministry should follow explicit guidelines to justify taking such a view, says Jaimini Bhagwat.

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.

Jaishankar to attend meeting of SCO foreign ministers in Russia

Jaishankar to attend meeting of SCO foreign ministers in Russia

Rediff.com4 Sep 2020

"The external affairs minister will be visiting Moscow to attend the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers' meeting which is scheduled on September 10," spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivstava said at an online media briefing.