News for 'Pacific Island Countries'

Meet Obama's new desi advisors

Meet Obama's new desi advisors

Rediff.com7 May 2014

United States President Barack Obama last week announced his intent to name three Indian Americans among 14 new members to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Hate crimes against Asian Americans must stop: Biden

Hate crimes against Asian Americans must stop: Biden

Rediff.com12 Mar 2021

Biden's reference to the hate crime against Asian Americans was welcomed by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna.

'Kamala Has A Very Strong Connect With India'

'Kamala Has A Very Strong Connect With India'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'This victory would mean a huge inspiration for the next generation who can say that coming from India I can be anybody I want to be if I work hard and acquire the right skills.' 'They could be the next President, members of the Senate, or another Sundar Pichai.'

'India should not behave like a big brother towards Maldives'

'India should not behave like a big brother towards Maldives'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

'India should respect Maldivian nationalism and their desire to be not over-dependent on India.' 'India should not behave like a big brother towards Maldives as many times, we tend to behave like that.'

2036 Olympics in India? PM Modi's major announcement

2036 Olympics in India? PM Modi's major announcement

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM Modi said that people will witness the Summer Olympics taking place in India as well. Last year, PM Modi said that India will make efforts to host these big sporting events.

Revealed: Biden's Plans for Desis

Revealed: Biden's Plans for Desis

Rediff.com18 Jan 2021

'And we said to him, "What will you do for us if we jump in early?"' 'His answer was very simple: "I'm going to have the most diverse cabinet and administration in the history of the US".' '"You can expect that you will have a seat at the table, okay? Number one. So influence if I win".' '"Number two, you should fully expect that we will focus on the issues that you care about: Immigration".'

Mahadev app owner detained in Dubai, to be deported to India

Mahadev app owner detained in Dubai, to be deported to India

Rediff.com13 Dec 2023

Uppal, 43, was detained last week in that country and the ED authorities are in touch with the Dubai authorities to get him deported to India, they said.

China hardening its position along LAC: US Defence Secy

China hardening its position along LAC: US Defence Secy

Rediff.com11 Jun 2022

The Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a tense border standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5, 2020, when a violent clash between the two sides erupted in the Pangong lake area.

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Leaders from around the world extended their greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and expressing hope for a stronger future. The Indian diaspora across the globe celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm at Indian missions abroad, where the national tri-colour was unfurled, accompanied by cultural performances and patriotic fervour. The celebrations highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and its global partners.

China launches 3rd aircraft carrier, eyes extending range in Indo-Pacific

China launches 3rd aircraft carrier, eyes extending range in Indo-Pacific

Rediff.com17 Jun 2022

The Fujian was launched at a brief ceremony held at the Shanghai shipyard, the official media reported from the eastern metropolis.

Modi-Biden hold hour-long talks ahead of Quad summit

Modi-Biden hold hour-long talks ahead of Quad summit

Rediff.com22 Sep 2024

The war and Modi's recent visit to Ukraine is expected to figure prominently in the bilateral meeting, according to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

Indian armed forces building partnerships in vital Indo-Pacific region: PM

Indian armed forces building partnerships in vital Indo-Pacific region: PM

Rediff.com3 Jun 2018

The Indian armed forces, especially the Navy, are building partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region for peace and security, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, he said.

10 new countries in just over 2 decades!

10 new countries in just over 2 decades!

Rediff.com19 Sep 2014

Rediff.com lists 10 new countries that were formed over the last two decades

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The US is currently Earth's most powerful country and a certain latitude of understanding -- a world view -- is popularly expected from its leadership. From a country identified with freedom, constitution, debate, democracy and the likes of Abraham Lincoln even as it had the most powerful military around, the US, following Trump's actions, seemed repositioned as militarily powerful with other qualities secondary, observes Shyam G Menon.

Support family reunification, activists tell Obama

Support family reunification, activists tell Obama

Rediff.com16 May 2013

A coalition of Asian-American groups led by activist Deepa Iyer recently met United States President Barack Obama to urge him to support family reunification in the new comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Past govts lacked confidence in people's ability: Modi

Past govts lacked confidence in people's ability: Modi

Rediff.com3 Sep 2023

His government's decision to host G-20 events across the country is an investment in capacity-building among people, cities and institutions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, as he took a jibe at previous governments asserting they lacked confidence in people's abilities to hold mega events outside the capital, in smaller places.

US takes steps to reduce visa backlog in India

US takes steps to reduce visa backlog in India

Rediff.com9 Feb 2023

India was one of the very few countries where applications for US visas saw a major upswing after coronavirus-related travel restrictions were lifted.

3 days in US: This is PM Modi's itinerary

3 days in US: This is PM Modi's itinerary

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

New initiatives to boost cooperation to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific, ways to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and addressing concerns of the global South will be the focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to the US beginning Saturday.

'Trump Wants To Make America White Again'

'Trump Wants To Make America White Again'

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

'There are 725,000 Indians here without proper papers. They are subject to deportation immediately under this (Trump's immigration plan). Immediately!' 'They want to prevent new immigration, get the people who are already here out of here, and only allow population increases in the white population.'

'Kamala-Trump Race Is Very Close'

'Kamala-Trump Race Is Very Close'

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

'If Trump wins the election, there's not going to be much turmoil.' 'But if he loses, he will not accept the results.' 'And if it is close, which I think it's going to be, he's going to contest it.' 'But at the end of the day, the truth will prevail.'

How Can India Deal With Trump 2.0?

How Can India Deal With Trump 2.0?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

It would be a challenge to India's policy makers how to deal with Trump so that mutual economic growth remains sustained and mutual understanding on global issues are not hampered, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

US warship sails near island claimed by China in South China Sea

US warship sails near island claimed by China in South China Sea

Rediff.com25 May 2017

The guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey conducted a patrol within 20 kilometres of Mischeef Reef, part of the Spratly Islands.

H-1B visa renewal programme to start in Dec, Indians to benefit most

H-1B visa renewal programme to start in Dec, Indians to benefit most

Rediff.com29 Nov 2023

In a move that will benefit a significantly large number of Indian technology professionals, the US is set to begin a pilot programme for domestic renewal of certain categories of H-1B visas in December. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Japan or Environment: What is US priority?

Japan or Environment: What is US priority?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2021

Bibhu Prasad Routray explains why the US is supporting Japan's resolve to release 'treated' radioactive waste water into the Pacific Ocean. And what role China plays in the US decision.

China Threat Leads India Japan To Boost Defence Ties

China Threat Leads India Japan To Boost Defence Ties

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

The compulsion behind India and Japan to deepen security cooperation is in response to China's growing political and economic clout and its assertive behaviour in disputed areas. This has been the key driver for bringing both India and Japan closer in the domain of security cooperation, explains Dr Rajaram Panda.

Chinese fighter jet endangers Australian plane near South China Sea

Chinese fighter jet endangers Australian plane near South China Sea

Rediff.com6 Jun 2022

Australia's Defence Ministry on Sunday claimed that a Chinese fighter jet's aggressive manoeuvres endangered an Australian reconnaissance plane near the South China Sea.

General To Head Largest Muslim Democracy

General To Head Largest Muslim Democracy

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

Prabowo was accused in the late 1980s of making a number pro-democracy activists mysteriously disappear and for human rights abuses in the provinces of East Timor and Papua and was denied a visa to the US.

No Prez in Taiwan: China protests Modi's reply to Lai greetings on poll win

No Prez in Taiwan: China protests Modi's reply to Lai greetings on poll win

Rediff.com6 Jun 2024

Modi's remarks came in response to a congratulatory message from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on his election victory.

10 Indian-Americans win state, local polls in US

10 Indian-Americans win state, local polls in US

Rediff.com9 Nov 2023

At least 10 Indian-Americans, almost all of them Democrats, have won local and state level elections held in several parts of the country, reflecting the growing political empowerment of the ethnic community that constitutes a little over one percent of the United States' population.

How The US Helps India Counter The China Threat

How The US Helps India Counter The China Threat

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Reports (not denied by India) that the USA had 'for the first time provided real-time details to their Indian counterparts on the Chinese positions and force strength in advance of a PLA incursion' into Tawang at the LAC in December 2022, helping India thwart China's expansionist designs, show how operationally effective the USA-India friendship has become on the ground. A engaging excerpt from Sreeram Chaulia's must-read new book, Friends: India's Closest Strategic Partners.

Why Modi's visit to Fiji Islands is timely

Why Modi's visit to Fiji Islands is timely

Rediff.com18 Nov 2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be the second Indian prime minister to visit Fiji after Indira Gandhi, comes at a time when the islands are moving to consolidate the new democratic system

'Against Trump, Kamala Is Formidable'

'Against Trump, Kamala Is Formidable'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2024

'Just think about it. She's a prosecutor, he's a convicted felon. I love that juxtaposition.' 'She's a woman, and she's black and South Asian. He's a white guy who grew up with enormous [wealth].' 'She grew up in a very average, lower middle class/middle class kind of setting with a single mother.'

Diplomatic Expulsions: Games Nations Play

Diplomatic Expulsions: Games Nations Play

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

India and Canada have mutually beneficial political and economic linkages. The two countries should get together and find a solution. The expulsion war should, in the meantime, be a guarantee against any deterioration of the situation, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, the first Indian head of mission to be ever expelled by any country.

Japan-Philippines Send Strong Message To China

Japan-Philippines Send Strong Message To China

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The trigger that led Japan and the Philippines to ink the deal was because of the deteriorating security situation in the South China Sea. China's coast guard increased the frequency and intensity of incursions into Philippine waters, provoking the Philippines to take countermeasures to deter China, explains Dr Rajaram Panda.

Bidens host largest-ever Diwali reception at White House

Bidens host largest-ever Diwali reception at White House

Rediff.com25 Oct 2022

United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden on Monday hosted a Diwali reception at the White House in what they called the largest since the People's House started celebrating the festival during the George Bush administration.

All you must know about the Olympics surfing in Tahiti

All you must know about the Olympics surfing in Tahiti

Rediff.com27 Jul 2024

Surfing makes its second Olympic appearance at the Paris 2024 Games after a successful debut in Tokyo, with competition being held this time on the French Polynesian island of Tahiti.

India to get 'below normal' rainfall in June as monsoon stalls: IMD

India to get 'below normal' rainfall in June as monsoon stalls: IMD

Rediff.com19 Jun 2024

India has received 20 per cent less rainfall since the start of the monsoon period on June 1, with the rain-bearing system making no significant progress between June 12 and 18, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

130 Indian Americans appointed to key positions in Biden admin

130 Indian Americans appointed to key positions in Biden admin

Rediff.com15 Sep 2022

"This is something to be proud of," said Raj Panjabi, who is currently serving as Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefence on the White House National Security Council.

Grace period for retrenched H1-B workers to be extended to 180 days

Grace period for retrenched H1-B workers to be extended to 180 days

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

A presidential advisory sub-committee has recommended the federal government to extend the grace period for H1-B workers, who have lost their jobs, from the existing 60 days to 180 days so that the workers have enough opportunities to find a new job or other alternatives. "The immigration subcommittee recommends the Department of Homeland Security and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to extend the grace period for H1-B workers, who have lost their jobs, from 60 days to 180 days," Ajay Jain Bhutoria, member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, said on Tuesday. In his presentation, Bhutoria highlighted the significant challenges faced by H1-B workers laid off from their jobs.

'As a daughter of Indian immigrants, I'm proud to serve President Obama'

'As a daughter of Indian immigrants, I'm proud to serve President Obama'

Rediff.com17 Dec 2014

Aditi Hardikar says she is proud to honour her parents' sacrifices by giving back to her community and country.