News for 'Security and Strategic Affairs'

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The real intention of the 'Tariff Man' (as Trump calls himself) may not even be to put the 'Tariff King' (as he describes India) on the mat with a knockout punch but to arm-twist the Indian leadership to agree to some multi-billion dollar mega arms deal, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Want A US Visa? Pray to Lord Hanuman!

Want A US Visa? Pray to Lord Hanuman!

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

As the US gets tougher with visas, the prayers of US-bound devotees in India are getting more fervent, and their purse strings looser. Called Visa Hanuman temples (there are half a dozen all over India), some of them ask for a 'fee'.

No impact on India from Brahmaputra dam, claims China

No impact on India from Brahmaputra dam, claims China

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

China has reiterated its plan to build the world's largest dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has assured that the project, estimated to cost around USD 137 billion, will not have any negative impact on downstream countries, India and Bangladesh. The ministry has stated that the project has undergone rigorous scientific verification and will be conducive to disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as climate change response. India has expressed concerns about the dam, raising the issue during talks with the visiting US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. China has maintained that the project will not negatively affect the lower reaches and has committed to maintaining communication with downstream countries.

Waiting for de-escalation after disengagement: Jaishankar

Waiting for de-escalation after disengagement: Jaishankar

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Jaishankar said, "The immediate part which awaits us is what we call the de-escalation, which is the build-up of forces along the Line of Actual Control."

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

'The message that we intend to leave with at the end of this trip is one of real gratitude for the friendship and the close partnership that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have enjoyed over the last four years, but also one of tremendous optimism because we see a lot of opportunity in the future.'

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Defence sources stated that the disengagement involves removing infrastructure and withdrawing troops from both sides. The process is expected to be completed by Tuesday.

Chinese incursions into India strategically planned: Study

Chinese incursions into India strategically planned: Study

Rediff.com11 Nov 2022

In the 15-year dataset, the researchers noted an average of 7.8 incursions per year even though the Indian government's estimates are much higher.

Use or threat of use of nukes unacceptable: India, Germany on Ukraine war

Use or threat of use of nukes unacceptable: India, Germany on Ukraine war

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

The leaders also noted the "negative impacts" of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least-developed countries.

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Ilahi, expressed concern about the stability and security of the "whole region" following the collapse of the Syrian government, highlighting Tehran's worries about the potential wider ramifications of the situation. Ilahi also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism between India and Iran, citing their shared cultural heritage and the recent easing of visa restrictions.

CBI books freelance journalist with US-based portal for spying

CBI books freelance journalist with US-based portal for spying

Rediff.com16 May 2023

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered an FIR against a freelance journalist for allegedly collecting sensitive information related to the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Army, and sharing them with intelligence agencies of foreign countries, officials said.

China Remains Jaishankar's Main Problem

China Remains Jaishankar's Main Problem

Rediff.com15 Jun 2024

'China is India's primary strategic challenge, which will not go away.

'Always Treat China With Caution'

'Always Treat China With Caution'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

'Given China's past behaviour and their territorial claims, should we be sceptical regarding China's willingness to adhere to these agreements fully? The answer is yes.' 'As Ronald Reagan famously said in the context of the SALT talks, 'Trust, but verify!' India should also do the same.' 'This has already begun with foot patrolling, drones, satellite imagery and so on. India's military deployment did mirror China's and will continue to do so in the future.'

Hindu temple attack: SFJ Canada coordinator arrested

Hindu temple attack: SFJ Canada coordinator arrested

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Canadian police have arrested a 35-year-old Brampton resident on charges of assault with a weapon during a violent demonstration at a Hindu temple in the city, authorities said.

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

From bhikshus of Ashokan 3rd century BC and medieval Sufis to Oxfam, Omidyar and Soros now, non-State actors have any real power only when they work in conjunction with a real State, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

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.

'NSA Mike Waltz would be good for India-US relationship'

'NSA Mike Waltz would be good for India-US relationship'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Waltz after being elected as the Co-Chair of India Caucus in January last year had said that India is the world's largest democracy and an important strategic partner for the United States.

What's US NSA Doing In Delhi?

What's US NSA Doing In Delhi?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in New Delhi.

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.

'India-China Ties Will Be Deeply Strained'

'India-China Ties Will Be Deeply Strained'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

'Tensions and dialogue are likely to go hand-in-hand with China.' 'The goal should be to cultivate power so that one can negotiate from a position of strength.'

CBI arrests defence journalist, Navy ex-commander in spying case

CBI arrests defence journalist, Navy ex-commander in spying case

Rediff.com17 May 2023

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested freelance journalist Vivek Raghuvanshi and former Navy commander Ashish Pathak for allegedly collecting sensitive information on defence matters and passing them on to foreign intelligence agencies, officials said on Wednesday.

Atalji@100: Vajpayee's Unmatched Legacy

Atalji@100: Vajpayee's Unmatched Legacy

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

It was good fortune for India to have Atal Bihari Vajpayee lead the government at a crucial moment in our history. He avoided India meeting the fate of Iraq or Ukraine, asserts military historian Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

US intercepts Russian, China bombers near Alaska

US intercepts Russian, China bombers near Alaska

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) intercepted a group of bombers near Alaska, marking the first instance of joint Russian and Chinese operations prompting such a response from the United States, CNN reported, citing, a United States defence official.

Canada: Hindu protester held for 'inciting hatred'

Canada: Hindu protester held for 'inciting hatred'

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

One person has been arrested by Canada's Peel Regional Police in connection with the 'demonstrations' at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 4, a Peel police official said.

AAP + Cong Would Still Have Lost To BJP

AAP + Cong Would Still Have Lost To BJP

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Many were so disillusioned with AAP that they left it in droves. A 10% drop in AAP's vote share is a pointer to that. To assume that if AAP had teamed up with the Congress, the Congress' 6.3% vote share would have helped AAP retain control of Delhi is erroneous, argues Sudhir Bisht.

Egypt's strategic partnership for India, highest award for Modi

Egypt's strategic partnership for India, highest award for Modi

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

El-Sisi welcomed Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Egypt, at the Presidential Palace where the two leaders were closeted for one-on-one meeting after which the two sides signed a memorandum of understandng.

Fema tweaks on the cards to allow FPIs to seamlessly access FDI route

Fema tweaks on the cards to allow FPIs to seamlessly access FDI route

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

The government is planning to introduce legislative changes to the Foreign Exchange Management Act (Fema) regulations, with a focus on easing the pathway for inflows from a foreign portfolio investor to transition seamlessly into foreign direct investments (FDI) once the FPI surpasses the 10 per cent ownership threshold in a company. This move stems from multiple requests by foreign investors seeking to streamline the reporting requirements that arise when their stakes in Indian firms cross the 10 per cent mark.

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

While there was no mention of India in the National Cyber Threat Assessment reports of 2018, 2020 and 2023-24, the 2025-26 assessment mentions India -- along with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea -- in the 'Cyber threat from state adversaries' section that introduces the state cyber threat ecosystem and discusses the cyber threats to Canada.

Tatas may choose Singapore as key partner for semiconductor play

Tatas may choose Singapore as key partner for semiconductor play

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Tata Sons will likely choose Singapore as a "key partner" for its semiconductor plans, a senior minister from the city-state said on Friday. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran earlier in the day, Singapore's minister for home affairs and law K Shanmugam said semiconductors was a "big discussion" point during the meeting. "If they (Tatas) want to, they can do business with anybody in the world.

Govt will talk to Meiteis, Kukis: Shah reviews Manipur situation

Govt will talk to Meiteis, Kukis: Shah reviews Manipur situation

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

The home minister said the central forces deployment will be increased, if required, and that they should be deployed strategically to restore peace and tranquillity in the state, according to an official statement.

Modi lands in Philadelphia, to meet Biden ahead of Quad talks

Modi lands in Philadelphia, to meet Biden ahead of Quad talks

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

The annual Quad summit at President Joe Biden's hometown Wilmington is expected to roll out a series of new initiatives to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and explore ways to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

If we were more Bharat...: Jaishankar on India-China ties

If we were more Bharat...: Jaishankar on India-China ties

Rediff.com4 Jan 2024

The external affairs minister also recalled how Pandit Nehru was hesitant in taking assistance from the United States following the 1962 war with China as he was unsure how it would be seen.

Big blow to Russia in Ukraine, strategic city lost

Big blow to Russia in Ukraine, strategic city lost

Rediff.com11 Sep 2022

The war between Russia and Ukraine appears to be entering a new phase after Kyiv dealt a big blow to Moscow's grip on parts of the east with a fast-moving offensive that saw Ukrainian troops enter the strategic city of Izium after six months of occupation.

Urban Realtors Ride Redevelopment Bandwagon

Urban Realtors Ride Redevelopment Bandwagon

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

15 to 25 per cent of property registrations in Mumbai come from redevelopment, with over 3,500 projects approved by May 2024.

'India ready to...': Modi leaves for historic visit to Ukraine

'India ready to...': Modi leaves for historic visit to Ukraine

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

Ahead of his much-anticipated visit to conflict-torn Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield and it is ready to extend all possible cooperation for the restoration of peace and stability in the region.

'Pak doesn't have no first use of nukes policy, can look India in the eye'

'Pak doesn't have no first use of nukes policy, can look India in the eye'

Rediff.com30 May 2024

'The Indian gung-ho leadership may like to think about it, there should never ever be a doubt in anyone's mind, friend or foe, that Pakistan's operationally ready nuclear capability enables every Pakistani leader the liberty, the dignity and the courage to look straight into the Indian eye and never blink.'

India The Diplomatic Ambassador In Global Crises

India The Diplomatic Ambassador In Global Crises

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

Times have changed, situations have changed, but the basic nature of superpower geo-politics remains the same and so also India's diplomacy -- call it non-alignment, strategic autonomy or neutrality; it all depends on the time scale, notes Rup Narayan Das.

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The new guidelines, effective from August 1, aim to expedite visa approvals for nationals from China and other countries sharing land borders with India.

Modi, Macron discuss ways to further expand strategic partnership

Modi, Macron discuss ways to further expand strategic partnership

Rediff.com5 May 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held extensive discussions on a range of bilateral and pressing global issues, including the raging conflict in Ukraine, the situation in the Indo-Pacific and terrorism, as the two top leaders agreed on a blueprint to work together in making the India-France strategic partnership a force for global good.

Zelenskyy explains war situation, Modi says India willing to help

Zelenskyy explains war situation, Modi says India willing to help

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

Ukraine and Russia need to engage with each other to find a solution to the ongoing conflict between them, India said on Friday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv under the shadow of the raging war.

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Almost five years later, the three services have still not fully understood that joint/theatre commands are not a discussion point; they are the prime minister's diktat on a military reform measure that is in line with what armed forces around the world have implemented, points out Ajai Shukla.