News for 'Public Diplomacy'

Why Did Biden Spurn R-Day Invite?

Why Did Biden Spurn R-Day Invite?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

Biden is not risking his reputation in a crucial election year, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Mani Shankar Aiyar: The Lonely Eternal Maverick

Mani Shankar Aiyar: The Lonely Eternal Maverick

Rediff.com14 Oct 2023

Very few know of his scintillating mind, the outpouring of fresh ideas, the attention to detail in every endeavour, the extraordinary administrative and organisational skills, and a limitless stamina and energy with which he pursues every interest and commitment, notes Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad.

India's Untold Nepal Stories

India's Untold Nepal Stories

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

In 2017, a retired R&AW officer conveyed that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was keen to get monarchy restored in Nepal and suggested that I support these efforts.

Modi's concerns on nuclear arms impacted Russia amid Ukraine war: CIA chief

Modi's concerns on nuclear arms impacted Russia amid Ukraine war: CIA chief

Rediff.com18 Dec 2022

Notably, India has been calling for dialogue and diplomacy since the war began between Russia and Ukraine.

In phone call to Ukraine president, Modi emphasises on N-safety

In phone call to Ukraine president, Modi emphasises on N-safety

Rediff.com4 Oct 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday and asserted that there can be no military solution to the Ukraine conflict, while also underlining that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have catastrophic consequences.

India abstains from UN vote condemning Russia's annexations

India abstains from UN vote condemning Russia's annexations

Rediff.com13 Oct 2022

The 193-member general assembly voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to condemn Russia's "illegal so-called referendums in regions within the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine and the attempted illegal annexation of the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, following the organisation of the above-mentioned referendums".

When ISI Alerted India About Terror Plot!

When ISI Alerted India About Terror Plot!

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

The ISI was taking no chances and wanted no repeat of Pulwama; it wanted to make it clear at a political level it was not involved with the revenge attack being planned, but was only giving India a friendly tip-off. A stunning excerpt from Ambassador Ajay Bisaria's Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan.

US vetoes UN resolution on immediate Gaza ceasefire; UK abstains from voting

US vetoes UN resolution on immediate Gaza ceasefire; UK abstains from voting

Rediff.com9 Dec 2023

The 15-nation Council met on Friday to vote on the resolution tabled by the United Arab Emirates and backed by over 90 member states. The resolution got the backing of 13 Council members who voted in its favour while the United Kingdom abstained.

Can Modi Broker Peace In Ukraine?

Can Modi Broker Peace In Ukraine?

Rediff.com10 Apr 2023

Only the future will tell if Modi can leave his mark on the Ukraine crisis. Nonetheless, it is both a challenge and an opportunity for India's diplomacy, notes Rup Narayan Das.

China responsible for current downturn in ties: Jaishankar

China responsible for current downturn in ties: Jaishankar

Rediff.com30 Jun 2023

"It finally takes two hands to clap and China too must have the belief in a workable relationship," he said when asked whether the two Asian giants can have a working relationship.

'India and Canada are eager to be strong allies'

'India and Canada are eager to be strong allies'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2023

'India and Canada have almost 200 years of shared history and migrations. This won't be the last of our partnership.'

Pannun 'Plot': 'Biden has received a wake up call'

Pannun 'Plot': 'Biden has received a wake up call'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2023

'US officials must grapple with the possibility that one of its closest partners attempted an extrajudicial killing on its soil.' 'This is not something that friends typically do to friends.'

Pannun 'Plot': 'US and India have bent backward...'

Pannun 'Plot': 'US and India have bent backward...'

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

'...to prevent this episode from disrupting ongoing cooperation.' 'The discovery of this plot had the potential to derail much of what has been achieved in the relationship during this administration's tenure -- I don't think that fact has been sufficiently appreciated in India.'

The power game needs nimble diplomacy

The power game needs nimble diplomacy

Rediff.com3 Feb 2015

PM Modi seems to be gradually ending India's strategic ambiguity

The Crown Review: Appropriate Finale

The Crown Review: Appropriate Finale

Rediff.com19 Dec 2023

After the debacle of the first episodes of Season 6, the latter half give an even-handed treatment to intriguing not-so-well-known events of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, observes Vaihayasi Pande Daniel.

More secret documents found at Biden's residences: White House

More secret documents found at Biden's residences: White House

Rediff.com15 Jan 2023

Five additional pages of classified material have been found at the Delaware residence of President Joe Biden, the White House has said, bringing the total number of secret documents uncovered to about two dozen.

Watch out for the charming Peng Liyuan

Watch out for the charming Peng Liyuan

Rediff.com17 Sep 2014

"Wife diplomacy", which has become focus of China's new leadership, would come into full play in India on Wednesday when Chinese Xi Jinping arrives in Ahemdabad along with his singer wife Peng Liyuan, who has become a fashion icon here.

Modi ji, dariye mat, name China: Cong on Tawang clash

Modi ji, dariye mat, name China: Cong on Tawang clash

Rediff.com13 Dec 2022

The Congress alleged that whenever an issue of national security comes up, the "prime minister hides behind his ministers".

Jaishankar begins UNGA speech with 'Namaste from Bharat'

Jaishankar begins UNGA speech with 'Namaste from Bharat'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2023

India on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that the days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over, underlining that its presidency of the G20 sought to focus on key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interests of a few.

Beware! The Yellow Dragon Is Awake!

Beware! The Yellow Dragon Is Awake!

Rediff.com2 Nov 2023

Throughout 2022, China turned to the PLA as an increasingly capable instrument of Statecraft, strengthening its ability to 'fight and win wars' against a 'strong enemy', points out Ajai Shukla.

Weathering Foreign Policy Storms In 2023

Weathering Foreign Policy Storms In 2023

Rediff.com2 Jan 2024

Foreign policy is always a work in progress and ups and downs are built into foreign policy process. What is permanent is national interest. Hopefully, this year, which will also witness general elections in the country, will also clear clouds in the foreign policy horizon, observes Rup Narayan Das.

Lessons For The World From 2023

Lessons For The World From 2023

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

One looks upon the coming new year with foreboding as current wars in Ukraine and Gaza spill over and escalate and new ones erupt in incipient fault lines across the world, notes former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

'Netanyahu cannot eradicate Hamas'

'Netanyahu cannot eradicate Hamas'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2023

'Assassinating the leaders of an organisation, destroying their homes, buildings and institutions are not 'wiping out' an organisation.' 'Genociding the Lebanese or the Palestinians is something that Israel cannot technically do, let alone morally afford.'

'US-India initiatives will face new scrutiny'

'US-India initiatives will face new scrutiny'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2023

'This incident offers ammunition to those inside the US government and elsewhere who question the wisdom of trusting India, so it will have a lasting consequence no matter how it is managed.'

Modi strongly condemns civilian deaths in Israel-Hamas war

Modi strongly condemns civilian deaths in Israel-Hamas war

Rediff.com18 Nov 2023

Modi said New Delhi has emphasised on dialogue and diplomacy along with restraint to deal with the situation arising out of the Hamas-Israel conflict.

SC asks Kejriwal, LG to rise above 'political bickering'

SC asks Kejriwal, LG to rise above 'political bickering'

Rediff.com17 Jul 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday asked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena to rise above 'political bickering' and discuss who could head the national capital's power regulator Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), saying the two constitutional functionaries should get down to 'serious work of governance' away from glare of publicity.

Is Biden Using Trudeau To Get Back At Modi?

Is Biden Using Trudeau To Get Back At Modi?

Rediff.com25 Sep 2023

Once the Canadian investigation runs its course, Ottawa may put on the public domain further accusations passing for "evidence" -- and that could happen at some point closer to our general election. All in all, the big question is, what is it that the US is really up to, asks Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Are Uddhav-Raj Planning To Reunite?

Are Uddhav-Raj Planning To Reunite?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2023

According to insiders, "talks are on" between the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena at "an exploratory level".

Sonia Or Kharge: Who Will Be INDIA Chairperson?

Sonia Or Kharge: Who Will Be INDIA Chairperson?

Rediff.com30 Aug 2023

'Most leaders, from Lalu Yadav and Mamata to M K Stalin, respect and trust Sonia. She should continue unless she expressly declines.'

Are you saying Canada gave us documents?: Jaishankar in New York

Are you saying Canada gave us documents?: Jaishankar in New York

Rediff.com27 Sep 2023

"One, we told the Canadians that this is not the Government of India's policy," Jaishankar said. "Two, we told the Canadians saying that look, if you have something specific, if you have something relevant, let us know. We are open to looking at it," Jaishankar said while responding to a question from former US ambassador to India and CFR Distinguished Fellow Kenneth Juster, in his first public comments on the issue.

Not 'passive' on Russia-Ukraine war: India at UNSC

Not 'passive' on Russia-Ukraine war: India at UNSC

Rediff.com2 Dec 2022

The President of the Security Council for December said India has taken the side of peace and favours de-escalation through diplomacy and dialogue.

US offers all support to make India's G20 presidency a success

US offers all support to make India's G20 presidency a success

Rediff.com25 Feb 2023

Blinken will also attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Quad grouping and will hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar in Delhi.

Modi will bail out crisis-hit Pak, extend olive branch, claims ex-RAW chief

Modi will bail out crisis-hit Pak, extend olive branch, claims ex-RAW chief

Rediff.com25 Feb 2023

Dulat, however, pointedly said engagement with Pakistan has always been "influenced by domestic politics".

India abstains on resolution calling for Russia to pay reparations

India abstains on resolution calling for Russia to pay reparations

Rediff.com15 Nov 2022

India abstained in the United Nations General Assembly on a draft resolution calling for Russia to be held accountable for violations of international law by its invasion of Ukraine and requiring Moscow to pay reparations to Kyiv for damages, loss and injury resulting from the war.

A Serendipitous Civil Service Career

A Serendipitous Civil Service Career

Rediff.com22 Dec 2022

Every twist and turn in KMC's civil service career is attributed to serendipity, an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident. He plays down his capabilities, which took him to the top of the civil service as the Cabinet Secretary or his misfortune in losing a daughter in her prime and suggests that his career was indeed serendipitous, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

China asks US to respect Nepal's sovereignty as Kathmandu gives nod to MCC

China asks US to respect Nepal's sovereignty as Kathmandu gives nod to MCC

Rediff.com28 Feb 2022

Much to the surprise of Beijing, Nepal's Parliament on Sunday ratified the contentious US-funded $500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact along with an interpretive declaration a day ahead of the February 28 deadline set by Washington.

'Biden has thrown out the rule book for India'

'Biden has thrown out the rule book for India'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2023

'In the long run, I don't foresee major ramifications [about Trudeau's allegations].' 'There's just enough hypocrisy among Western nations for India to douse the outrage.'

India emerged stronger despite pandemic: PM

India emerged stronger despite pandemic: PM

Rediff.com23 Mar 2021

Addressing the BJP parliamentary party meeting, Modi said he relished all these challenges during the pandemic and the country also overcame them.

PM to discuss India's position on Ukraine during Europe visit

PM to discuss India's position on Ukraine during Europe visit

Rediff.com1 May 2022

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a tour of three European nations, India on Sunday once again called for the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, noting that was an appreciation of its position on the crisis by its partner countries.

Biden 'convinced' Putin has decided to invade Ukraine

Biden 'convinced' Putin has decided to invade Ukraine

Rediff.com19 Feb 2022

Biden previously stated he did not believe the Russian leader had made up his mind but acknowledged his insights into Putin's thinking were limited.