News for 'SAARC'

Dhaka sends babu to attend BIMSTEC home ministers' meet

Dhaka sends babu to attend BIMSTEC home ministers' meet

Rediff.com3 days ago

Bangladesh's Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will skip the first-ever BIMSTEC home ministers' meeting in New Delhi, with a senior bureaucrat leading the delegation. This absence underscores strained India-Bangladesh ties, particularly following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 and Dhaka's request for her extradition from India.

Indian Enterprises Boost AI Investment But Face Governance Challenges

Indian Enterprises Boost AI Investment But Face Governance Challenges

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A new report reveals that enterprise AI investment in India has surged by 119 per cent, exceeding the global average. However, only 22 per cent of Indian organisations have established adequate governance frameworks, creating a significant gap between rapid deployment and safe, scalable AI adoption. This lack of governance impacts operational depth and raises concerns about transparency, regulation, and data privacy.

A Sarpanch Who Is Changing Lives

A Sarpanch Who Is Changing Lives

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Smriti Singh was alarmed to learn that several girls and women in her village were using ash, wheat stubble and tattered rags during menstruation because they could not afford or access sanitary pads.

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'After announcing that she will return to Bangladesh, if she does not, her credibility will suffer.'

Delhi airport hold-up of Bangladesh PM adviser triggers diplomatic row

Delhi airport hold-up of Bangladesh PM adviser triggers diplomatic row

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Bangladesh summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner to convey "deep disappointment" after Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to the Prime Minister, was stopped and questioned by immigration authorities at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident led to Rahman's decision to return home despite being cleared to proceed.

Air India suspends several international flights amid high fuel prices

Air India suspends several international flights amid high fuel prices

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Air India has announced a reduction in international flights and temporary suspension of services on six routes, including Delhi-Chicago, due to airspace restrictions and high jet fuel prices.

Pak, China to form new bloc to replace SAARC?

Pak, China to form new bloc to replace SAARC?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

According to sources, India would be invited to the new proposed forum, while countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan are expected to be part of the grouping.

Medical Tourism Revenues Grow Despite Conflicts

Medical Tourism Revenues Grow Despite Conflicts

Rediff.com26 May 2026

While the West Asia conflict has led to a drop in patient footfalls, hospitals are seeing higher realisations as international patients increasingly travel for complex, high-end procedures.

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The broader conflict in West Asia, the largest international market for Indian carriers, has forced a sharp reduction in daily flights relative to the summer schedule.

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Air India and Air India Express are introducing a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights due to rising jet fuel prices, impacting travel costs for passengers.

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman called for maintaining law and order and sought cooperation in building a safe and humane Bangladesh after his party's victory in parliamentary elections.

Gulf War: Nasscom Warns Firms Of Cyber Threat Surge

Gulf War: Nasscom Warns Firms Of Cyber Threat Surge

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Periods of geopolitical uncertainty often see a rise in coordinated cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and infrastructure targeting.'

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.

Strong demand drivers likely to cushion TaMo

Strong demand drivers likely to cushion TaMo

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

A pickup in freight rates, rising fleet utilisation and a long-awaited replacement cycle are breathing fresh life into India's commercial vehicle (CV) market, strengthening the investment case for Tata Motors' CV arm (TMCV). Despite a broadly steady December quarter (Q3) performance, brokerages remain divided on whether the upswing is strong enough to offset margin pressures.

'India-Bangladesh ties under Khaleda Zia complex and strained'

'India-Bangladesh ties under Khaleda Zia complex and strained'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Former Indian envoys reflect on the life and legacy of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, highlighting her role in restoring democracy and the complex relationship between India and Bangladesh during her tenures.

SAARC is in trouble basically because ...: Jaishankar in veiled attack on Pak

SAARC is in trouble basically because ...: Jaishankar in veiled attack on Pak

Rediff.com3 Mar 2024

The external affairs minister said the SAARC is in trouble as one of its members has been supporting terrorism.

Pak reaffirms desire for normal ties with India, seeks dialogue

Pak reaffirms desire for normal ties with India, seeks dialogue

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Pakistan has reiterated its desire for normal neighbourly relations with India, while also criticizing India's decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The Foreign Office spokesperson emphasized Pakistan's commitment to diplomacy and regional cooperation.

India's Foreign Policy Panchnama

India's Foreign Policy Panchnama

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

There has never been a moment in India's history when it has been so adrift in the world, so confused about what it stands for and against and so humiliated, asserts Aakar Patel.

RBI launches mobile app offering access to Indian economic, financial data

RBI launches mobile app offering access to Indian economic, financial data

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Reserve Bank on Tuesday launched mobile application 'RBIDATA' which will provide access to more than 11,000 different series of economic data related to the Indian economy. The mobile app offers macroeconomic and financial statistics relating to the Indian economy in a user-friendly and visually engaging format, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in a release.

'Militants, Fundamentalists Are Running The Show In Bangladesh'

'Militants, Fundamentalists Are Running The Show In Bangladesh'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

'Militants are taking over the administration. Fundamentalists have been released from jail.'

Post Uri freeze, Pak wants to host the much-delayed SAARC Summit

Post Uri freeze, Pak wants to host the much-delayed SAARC Summit

Rediff.com25 Dec 2021

The 2016 SAARC Summit was originally planned to be held in Islamabad on November 15-19, 2016. But after a terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances". The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet.

India protests Bangladesh govt aide's territorial claim

India protests Bangladesh govt aide's territorial claim

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

India has lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over a now-deleted social media post by a key aide of Bangladesh's interim government that claimed certain areas of Indian territory should be part of that country. The post, which included a map showing parts of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam as belonging to Bangladesh, was made by Mahfuz Alam, a de facto minister in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. The post sparked backlash and was subsequently deleted. India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reminded all concerned to be "mindful" of their public comments and emphasized the need for responsibility in public articulation.

Pak suspends all trade with India, blocks airspace

Pak suspends all trade with India, blocks airspace

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The announcements were made after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to formulate the country's response to India's move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties after the Pahalgam terror attack.

SAARC meet cancelled as Pak wanted Taliban to represent Afghanistan

SAARC meet cancelled as Pak wanted Taliban to represent Afghanistan

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

India, along with some other members, objected to the proposal and due to lack of consensus or concurrence, the meet has been cancelled.

Modi proposes SAARC fund to tackle coronavirus

Modi proposes SAARC fund to tackle coronavirus

Rediff.com15 Mar 2020

In his opening address, Prime Minister Modi said the South Asian region has reported less than 150 coronavirus cases, but "we need to remain vigilant". "Prepare, but don't panic" has been India's guiding mantra in dealing with coronavirus outbreak, he said.

Pak PM holds high-level meet to discuss India's response

Pak PM holds high-level meet to discuss India's response

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Pakistan is holding a high-level security meeting to formulate a response to India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and downgrading of diplomatic ties. The meeting, convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will include the National Security Committee, three services chiefs, and key ministers. The move comes after India blamed Pakistan for a terror attack in Pahalgam, which Pakistan has denied. Diplomatic observers warn that the escalation could further strain relations between the two countries.

Army's booklet reveals what happened during Operation Sindoor

Army's booklet reveals what happened during Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Indian Army has released a booklet on Operation Sindoor, which was launched to avenge the April 22 ghastly Pahalgam attack in which Pakistan-backed terrorists brutally killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, and left many injured.

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Bangladesh has demanded a public apology and compensation from Pakistan for the 1971 atrocities, raising "historically unresolved issues" during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. Dhaka also asked Islamabad to pay USD 4.3 billion as its share from the combined assets at the time of East Pakistan's split from West Pakistan in 1971 to form an independent Bangladesh.

Pak FM boycotts SAARC meeting, cites Kashmir

Pak FM boycotts SAARC meeting, cites Kashmir

Rediff.com27 Sep 2019

Pakistan will not engage with India 'until and unless they lift the siege' in Kashmir, it said.

Mumbai attack: Tushar Mehta-led team appointed for trial against Rana

Mumbai attack: Tushar Mehta-led team appointed for trial against Rana

Rediff.com15 May 2025

He was sent to judicial custody on May 9 and lodged in Tihar jail after his custodial interrogation by the NIA.

Air India may help India become international transit hub

Air India may help India become international transit hub

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Consider this: despite a traffic of over 130 million passengers flying international-to-international (I2I) routes per annum over India, only one-sixth of the long-haul traffic (26 million) emanates from the country.

Pahalgam attack: India revokes 14 categories of visas given to Pak

Pahalgam attack: India revokes 14 categories of visas given to Pak

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Indian government has revoked 14 categories of visas for Pakistani nationals, including business, conference, visitor, and pilgrim visas, following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was made after a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, and the Home Minister has instructed state governments to ensure that all Pakistani nationals leave India by the set deadlines. The order does not apply to Long Term Visas (LTVs) and diplomatic and official visas issued to Pakistani nationals.

Amit Shah asks CMs to ensure no Pakistani stays after April 27

Amit Shah asks CMs to ensure no Pakistani stays after April 27

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing sustained cross-border terrorism and security concerns. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs the distribution and use of the Indus river and its tributaries between the two countries. India's decision follows a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, and has been met with strong condemnation from Pakistan.

Coronavirus: PM to participate in SAARC nations' video-conference

Coronavirus: PM to participate in SAARC nations' video-conference

Rediff.com14 Mar 2020

Modi said the coming together of SAARC leaders will lead to effective outcomes and benefit citizens in the fight against coronavirus. The PM on Friday had proposed formulation of a joint strategy by the SAARC nations to fight coronavirus, a suggestion that was backed by all the member states.

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and firmed up the responses to the terror attack.

Pak nationals who overstay in India can face 3 yrs in jail, Rs 3L fine

Pak nationals who overstay in India can face 3 yrs in jail, Rs 3L fine

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

According to the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which came into effect on April 4, overstaying, violating visa conditions, or trespassing in restricted areas could lead to three years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.

SAARC has 'survived' not 'triumphed': Sharif

SAARC has 'survived' not 'triumphed': Sharif

Rediff.com8 Dec 2016

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation has "survived" but not "triumphed" as had been envisaged, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said while lamenting the postponement of the eight-member grouping's Islamabad summit.

Pak nationals flock to Attari-Wagah border to return home

Pak nationals flock to Attari-Wagah border to return home

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Several Pakistani nationals visiting India started returning home through the Attari-Wagah land route in Amritsar on Thursday, a day after the Centre set a 48-hour deadline for them to leave the country. The decision came after India announced a raft of measures, including the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, and the immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the horrific terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians on Tuesday.

Eliminating terror a precondition, says Jaishankar after Saarc meet

Eliminating terror a precondition, says Jaishankar after Saarc meet

Rediff.com27 Sep 2019

Jaishankar was among the first ministers to arrive for the SAARC ministerial meeting. He was in the meeting for over 45 minutes and then left.

Rana being interrogated by NIA for 8-10 hours daily

Rana being interrogated by NIA for 8-10 hours daily

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the key mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is being interrogated for eight to ten hours daily by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to unravel a larger conspiracy behind the strikes. Rana, who was extradited from the US, is being grilled by NIA investigators to probe a larger conspiracy behind the attacks, in which 166 people were killed and over 238 injured. He is being allowed to meet his lawyer and is being provided with basic necessities. The investigators hope to find some important leads on his travels in parts of northern and southern India days before the carnage in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.