News for 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs'

LS Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique's swearing-in

LS Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique's swearing-in

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Secretary-General of Lok Sabha Utpal Kumar Singh are also likely to accompany Birla.

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Vikram Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat, has been appointed as India's new ambassador to China, succeeding Pradeep Kumar Rawat. This decision comes as both countries attempt to improve bilateral relations following a period of strain.

B'desh summons Indian envoy over its missions' security

B'desh summons Indian envoy over its missions' security

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry condemned the violence, citing threats to diplomatic personnel and establishments, and urged India to ensure their safety and security.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Following attacks in West Asia, hundreds of Indians, including prominent personalities, are stranded in Dubai and other key hub airports due to flight disruptions, prompting appeals for government assistance.

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'The West Asia or the Gulf crisis has shown that what we develop as national infrastructure when things are not as bad as they could be, we forget to plan for adversities.'

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the central government of providing special treatment to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is accused in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case. Mann's criticism comes after Union Minister Amit Shah spoke about gang activities in Punjab.

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

India is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and working to ensure the safety of its citizens stranded in the region. Over 52,000 Indians have returned home following the partial opening of airspace.

China announces support for Iran amid Trump's warning

China announces support for Iran amid Trump's warning

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Lin Jian, said on Wednesday that China supports Iran in maintaining its stability, adding that Beijing has always opposed the interference in other countries' internal affairs and the use of force in international relations.

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

An Indian couple from Gujarat was dramatically rescued from kidnappers in Azerbaijan after intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the central government of providing 'VIP treatment' to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, criticising perceived double standards in dealing with crime.

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.'

'Contact with Iran difficult': Jaishankar outlines India's position on Middle East war

'Contact with Iran difficult': Jaishankar outlines India's position on Middle East war

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on India's position regarding the escalating conflict in West Asia, emphasising the need for peace, dialogue, and the safety of civilians, while also prioritising India's energy security and trade interests.

Maduro to face trial in US for 'narco-terrorism'

Maduro to face trial in US for 'narco-terrorism'

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice.

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Dozens of Indian-flagged ships and over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding areas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Delhi Court Seeks Clarification in Russian Woman's Child Custody Case

Delhi Court Seeks Clarification in Russian Woman's Child Custody Case

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has requested further information from the investigating officer in the child custody case involving Viktoriaa Basu, a Russian woman accused of illegally leaving India with her child.

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.

'For national security': Trump now threatens tariffs over Greenland

'For national security': Trump now threatens tariffs over Greenland

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Trump has repeatedly asserted that Greenland is important to safeguard the US from Russia and China's presence in the Arctic Ocean, and has demanded that the Kingdom of Denmark sell the self-governed territory.

'Ridiculous': India trashes Pak's airspace denial claim on Sri Lanka aid

'Ridiculous': India trashes Pak's airspace denial claim on Sri Lanka aid

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

India has refuted Pakistan's allegation that it denied permission to use Indian airspace for sending humanitarian aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, calling the claim 'ridiculous'.

Bangladesh's India envoy recalled to Dhaka amid tension

Bangladesh's India envoy recalled to Dhaka amid tension

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The interim government of Bangladesh has recalled its High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, to Dhaka for consultations amid tensions in bilateral relations between the two countries, Prothom Alo reported, citing diplomatic sources.

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Nehru was an idealist, he was certainly a visionary in one way, but Mao Zedong was not. Mao Zedong was a very down-to-earth strategist. He wanted to take Tibet, to take the plateau, to take the rivers, to take the minerals.'

Court Denies Bail to IPS Officer in Unauthorised Raids Case

Court Denies Bail to IPS Officer in Unauthorised Raids Case

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of a senior IPS officer from Mizoram, accused of conducting unauthorised raids, illegal detentions, and demanding money from a foreign national in Delhi.

Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers

Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The visas were granted to the five Iranian players after US President Donald Trump spoke to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following reports that the players had requested asylum.

Haryana Police to be Equipped with Body Cameras

Haryana Police to be Equipped with Body Cameras

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a plan to equip police with body cameras, establish new women and cybercrime police stations, and form an Anti-Terrorist Squad as part of a broader effort to modernise the state's police force.

Pak bombs terror camps in Afghanistan, claims to kill 70

Pak bombs terror camps in Afghanistan, claims to kill 70

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Pakistan launched a military operation targeting terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan following a series of attacks, including a suicide bombing that killed Pakistani soldiers. The action comes after repeated calls for the Afghan Taliban to prevent terrorists from using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, directing departments to assist Indian nationals affected by recent developments and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

Afghan foreign minister in India, to meet Jaishankar, Doval

Afghan foreign minister in India, to meet Jaishankar, Doval

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi for a six-day visit, marking the first high-level trip from Kabul since the Taliban's takeover. He is scheduled to meet with Indian officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Indian government informed Parliament that India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. The two countries also cooperate on strategic, economic, and defense matters, managing divergences through high-level dialogues.

Arunachal integral part of India: MEA on Shanghai airport detention

Arunachal integral part of India: MEA on Shanghai airport detention

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

India has rejected China's response to the detention of an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh at the Shanghai airport, asserting that the border state is an integral part of the country. The incident involved Pema Wang Thongdok, who was detained for 18 hours for holding an Indian passport.

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Lavrov's comments came two days after Russia accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington was using a wide range of 'coercive' measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.

India Scrap Arrival Cards For Foreigners

India Scrap Arrival Cards For Foreigners

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Starting Wednesday, October 1, foreigners in India have the option to submit a 'digital arrival card' online instead of the paper card.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Top Chinese diplomat, touted to be next foreign minister, detained

Top Chinese diplomat, touted to be next foreign minister, detained

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The 61-year-old senior diplomat was taken away for questioning in late July after returning to Beijing from an overseas work trip, the paper reported, quoting people familiar with the matter.

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Lavrov said that the US has set itself the objective of 'achieving economic domination', adding further to it that Americans want to control the routes to leading countries to provide its energy sources to them.

Energy security for 1.4 bn supreme: India refutes Trump's Russian oil claim

Energy security for 1.4 bn supreme: India refutes Trump's Russian oil claim

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's energy decisions are guided by national interest.

Padma Vibhushan for Dharmendra, here is full list of Padma awards 2026

Padma Vibhushan for Dharmendra, here is full list of Padma awards 2026

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

For the year 2026, the President has approved the conferment of 131 Padma awards. The list comprises five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.

Over 3,800 Indians deported from US in 2025, govt tells RS

Over 3,800 Indians deported from US in 2025, govt tells RS

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Indian government informed the Rajya Sabha that over 3,800 Indian nationals were deported from the US in 2025. The government is working with US authorities to ensure humane treatment during deportation operations and is taking action against illegal recruitment agents facilitating illegal immigration.