News for 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs'

Indonesia, Saudi, UAE and Afghanistan condemn BJP leader's remarks on Prophet

Indonesia, Saudi, UAE and Afghanistan condemn BJP leader's remarks on Prophet

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its condemnation and denunciation of the statements made by the BJP spokesperson, saying it insulted Prophet Muhammad.

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.

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.

Evera Cabs bets on BluSmart EVs to drive Rs 100 crore revenue in FY26

Evera Cabs bets on BluSmart EVs to drive Rs 100 crore revenue in FY26

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Delhi-based electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing firm Evera Cabs, which grabbed headlines after acquiring 500 cars from the now-defunct cab service BluSmart, is stepping up its presence in the EV cab segment. The company is aiming for revenue of Rs 100 crore in the ongoing financial year (2025-26), up from Rs 18 crore in 2024-25.

We support Canada's probe, want India to join: US special envoy

We support Canada's probe, want India to join: US special envoy

Rediff.com7 Oct 2023

Amid the diplomatic sparring and souring of bilateral ties in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Special Envoy and Coordinator, Global Engagement Centre, James Rubin said the standoff was a 'tricky subject' as he sought cooperation into the investigation as far as it goes.

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States will deport 119 Indian nationals who were living in the country illegally. The individuals will arrive in Amritsar, India, on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted the need to combat human trafficking. This deportation follows the arrival of a US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants earlier this month. Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump discussed the issue of illegal immigration during their joint press conference, emphasizing the need to dismantle the "ecosystem" of human trafficking. Modi emphasized India's willingness to take back its citizens residing illegally in the US, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the issue of illegal immigration was raised during the discussions, stressing the need to address the root causes of the problem. India seeks cooperation from the US to dismantle the rackets and ecosystems that facilitate illegal immigration, potentially involving collaboration between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

India hopes for temporary tariff waiver as US official comes calling

India hopes for temporary tariff waiver as US official comes calling

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

India and the United States will finalize the contours, schedule of negotiations, and terms of reference for a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) during a three-day meeting beginning Tuesday. The agreement is expected to be finalized in two tranches, with the first phase focusing on goods trade. The US team, led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, will be in India from March 25-29 to discuss the agreement. Both countries are aiming to conclude the first phase of the agreement by fall 2025.

Sheikh Hasina sworn in as Bangladesh PM for 5th term

Sheikh Hasina sworn in as Bangladesh PM for 5th term

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

Sheikh Hasina was on Thursday sworn in as the prime minister of Bangladesh for the fifth term, days after her Awami League won an overwhelming majority in the general elections boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'Trudeau using Nijjar's murder to divert attention'

'Trudeau using Nijjar's murder to divert attention'

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

All this is happening because Canada has for decades deliberately invited these foreigners and their tribal conflicts into our country. We should recognise this major blunder and work with the government of India to find solutions instead of jeopardising our relations with a rising world power and an important ally over this issue

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".

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.

India summons Maldivian envoy amid row over remarks against Modi

India summons Maldivian envoy amid row over remarks against Modi

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

The government of the Maldives on Sunday suspended three deputy ministers for derogatory social media posts against Modi.

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.

Australian journalist 'forced' to leave India for her reportage

Australian journalist 'forced' to leave India for her reportage

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

Avani Dias, the South Asia Bureau Chief of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, said she had to leave India on April 19, the day the Lok Sabha elections started after the government objected to her reporting on the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Pakistan expels Iran's envoy after airstrike, recalls man in Teheran

Pakistan expels Iran's envoy after airstrike, recalls man in Teheran

Rediff.com17 Jan 2024

Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs said that the violation of Pakistan's sovereignty is "completely unacceptable" and warned of serious consequences.

What assurance did Jaishankar give to Maldives

What assurance did Jaishankar give to Maldives

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday concluded a crucial visit to Male, assuring the country's top leadership that the Maldives remains an important partner of India in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.

Key Modi ministers retain their previous portfolios

Key Modi ministers retain their previous portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

While there are some new faces in the cabinet, leaders such as BJP president JP Nadda and Jual Oram have returned as ministers.

Ladakh Disengagement: What's The Reality?

Ladakh Disengagement: What's The Reality?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

The government needs to answer the critical question of whether it has accepted any restrictions on its infrastructure creation activities, asserts Ajai Shukla.

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.

What Modi, Xi told each other during first talks since Ladakh standoff

What Modi, Xi told each other during first talks since Ladakh standoff

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

In their first structured bilateral talks in nearly five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday agreed that India and China can have a 'peaceful and stable' relationship by displaying maturity and mutual respect and endorsed the pact on the resolution of the dragging eastern Ladakh border row.

MT Vasudevan Nair, Suzuki, ex-CJI Khehar Singh get Padma Vibhushan

MT Vasudevan Nair, Suzuki, ex-CJI Khehar Singh get Padma Vibhushan

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday approved 139 Padma awards including seven Padma Vibhushans, 19 Padma Bhushans and 113 Padma Shris.

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.

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.

10 Nepali students killed, 4 hurt in Hamas attacks in Israel

10 Nepali students killed, 4 hurt in Hamas attacks in Israel

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

In a press statement, the foreign ministry here said 10 Nepali nationals lost their lives in the recent attack by Hamas in Israel.

India, China diplomats discuss Ladakh disengagement

India, China diplomats discuss Ladakh disengagement

Rediff.com31 May 2023

The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

The Illusion Of LAC Disengagement

The Illusion Of LAC Disengagement

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Disengagement from the LAC will remain a chimera because China has given enough indications that the PLA will not move back any more. China has even deployed drones to monitor and deny any patrolling by Indian troops even in the buffer zones which are all in Indian Territory, explains Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

India fully withdraws soldiers from Maldives before deadline

India fully withdraws soldiers from Maldives before deadline

Rediff.com10 May 2024

The last batch of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives have been repatriated, confirmed Heena Waleed, President's Office Chief Spokesperson told Sun.mv news portal, without giving the number of Indian soldiers.

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.

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.

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

Signalling both change and continuity, India's new government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third consecutive term, got into work gear on Tuesday with cabinet ministers and ministers of state filing into their respective offices to assume charge.

Voter turnout dips to 56% in phase 2 of J-K elections

Voter turnout dips to 56% in phase 2 of J-K elections

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

The first phase of polling, held on September 18, saw an estimated 61.38 per cent voter turnout, while the final phase is set to take place on October 1 in the crucial elections being held after 10 years.

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.

Ayodhya's Ram temple gets FCRA nod, can receive forex donations

Ayodhya's Ram temple gets FCRA nod, can receive forex donations

Rediff.com18 Oct 2023

The Union home ministry has granted approval to the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra to receive contributions from foreign sources for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, its general secretary Champat Rai said on Wednesday.

Why Adani Solar Sought Visas For Chinese

Why Adani Solar Sought Visas For Chinese

Rediff.com8 Jul 2024

In seeking visa approvals for engineers from China, the company has reasoned that India lacks the expertise to set up such a solar facility.

China confirms, standoff in Ladakh is over

China confirms, standoff in Ladakh is over

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

China on Tuesday confirmed that it has reached an agreement with India to end the standoff between the two armies in eastern Ladakh.