News for 'South Asian Affairs'

Will India travel to Pakistan for 2027 SAF Games?

Will India travel to Pakistan for 2027 SAF Games?

Rediff.com15 hours ago

India has clarified its policy regarding participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, stating decisions will align with national sports policies and international governing bodies. While bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remain suspended, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multilateral events. The government also aims to simplify visa processes to position India as a global sports hosting destination.

'I Want The South Asian Community To Feel They Have A Voice At City Hall'

'I Want The South Asian Community To Feel They Have A Voice At City Hall'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

'As Mayor, I will use my platform to reject any efforts by the Trump administration to curtail immigration.'

MEA Clarifies India's Participation In SAF Games 2027

MEA Clarifies India's Participation In SAF Games 2027

Rediff.com12 hours ago

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India's participation in the 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan will be guided by the sports ministry's policy, which permits Indian athletes to compete in events with Pakistani participants and vice-versa. Separately, the MEA also commented on the ongoing legal proceedings for seven foreign nationals, including a US citizen and six Ukrainians, who were recently chargesheeted by the NIA for illegal entry and movement, though not under UAPA at this stage.

Indians, Pakistanis see each other as greatest threat: Pew

Indians, Pakistanis see each other as greatest threat: Pew

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A new Pew Research survey reveals that a significant majority of Indians (54%) consider Pakistan their greatest geopolitical threat, while 43% of Pakistanis view India as theirs, highlighting deep-seated distrust between the two nations.

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Faces NOC Controversy

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Faces NOC Controversy

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem is embroiled in a controversy with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for travelling to South Africa for training without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This unapproved travel could impact his participation in upcoming international competitions like the World Ultimate Athletics Championship and the Asian Games.

India backs 14 nations' reminder to China over South China Sea claims

India backs 14 nations' reminder to China over South China Sea claims

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India has reiterated its support for freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the South China Sea, backing a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling that rejected China's extensive territorial claims. This stance aligns with a recent joint statement by the US, UK, and other nations, emphasising peaceful resolution of maritime disputes under UNCLOS.

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

Rediff.com1 days ago

India and China are in what experts call 'a cooperation-versus-competition situation'.

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Japan is deepening its defence relationship with India while simultaneously expanding its economic, infrastructure and security engagement with countries around India -- particularly Bangladesh. The result is an emerging Japanese conception of South Asia in which India remains the strategic anchor, but the geography surrounding India is becoming increasingly important, points out Varun Arya.

Tripura Celebrates Asmita Dey's Historic Commonwealth Judo Gold

Tripura Celebrates Asmita Dey's Historic Commonwealth Judo Gold

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Tripura's Asmita Dey, the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold, was grandly felicitated by the state government. She received a Rs 10 lakh cheque and a plot of land in Agartala, with Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighting her inspiring journey and urging her to focus on the upcoming Asian Games.

'South Asian region, world cannot afford India, Pak confrontation'

'South Asian region, world cannot afford India, Pak confrontation'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan, expressing deep concern over rising tensions following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the attack and urged both sides to avoid a confrontation, which he described as catastrophic. The Secretary-General has also offered his good offices to support de-escalation efforts. The President of the UN General Assembly, Philemon Yang, has also expressed concern over the escalating violence and called for a resolution through diplomatic means. Meanwhile, Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack and reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorism.

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Japan's Yuto Nagatomo made history by becoming the first Asian player to feature in five FIFA World Cups during Japan's 1-1 draw against Sweden. This achievement places him among an elite group of players globally. The draw secured both Japan and Sweden's advancement to the Round of 32 in the 2026 tournament.

Let's Not Get Flattered By Sergei Gor's Kashmir Remarks

Let's Not Get Flattered By Sergei Gor's Kashmir Remarks

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

New Delhi must look for formal, institutional statements issued directly from Washington rather than rely on casual pronouncements meant for local audiences, notes Ambassador Rajasekhar.

India advocates establishment of South Asian Union

India advocates establishment of South Asian Union

Rediff.com7 Jul 2003

India on Monday strongly advocated the establishment of "South Asian Union" as it sought to enhance the bilateral trade - with Pakistan - which had the potential to touch $6 billion.

Pak PM praises Trump, says 'forever grateful' for brokering ceasefire with India

Pak PM praises Trump, says 'forever grateful' for brokering ceasefire with India

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed 'forever grateful' to US President Donald Trump for his 'timely' intervention in securing a ceasefire with India following a military conflict last year, a claim India has consistently rejected.

Maruti Suzuki's Q1 net profit falls 9% despite sales jump, as West Asia conflict drives up costs

Maruti Suzuki's Q1 net profit falls 9% despite sales jump, as West Asia conflict drives up costs

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) reported a 9.1 per cent year-on-year decline in net profit for the April-June quarter of 2026-27, marking its second consecutive quarterly fall. This dip occurred despite a significant 29.3 per cent jump in sales volume, primarily due to escalating commodity prices, increased energy costs, and logistics disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict.

Time India Embraces China And US

Time India Embraces China And US

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

India's dual pursuit of a robust strategic partnership with Washington and a pragmatic, tension-management policy with Beijing represents the essence of modern multi-alignment. By embracing economic pragmatism, learning to compartmentalize political differences, and engaging in continuous dialogue, India can secure its borders, grow its economy, and contribute to a stable, multipolar Asian century, points out Ambassador Rajasekhar.

I'm a big, big fan of Modi, India can count on me: Trump

I'm a big, big fan of Modi, India can count on me: Trump

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Taking to Truth Social on Monday evening, Trump reposted Gor's original Sunday night dispatch alongside a video snippet from the grand celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of America's independence, hosted at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in the national capital.

China tells Quad to stay out of its maritime backyard

China tells Quad to stay out of its maritime backyard

Rediff.com28 May 2026

China on Wednesday reacted strongly to the Quad Ministerial meeting that voiced serious concerns over the situation in the East and South China Sea, saying they should stop meddling in maritime affairs in its neighbourhood.

South Asian youth shine in nuke talks

South Asian youth shine in nuke talks

Rediff.com12 Apr 2011

Two young South Asian Americansan Indian American and a Pakistani Americanwho are rising stars in the United States strategic affairs community, were the featured panelists on the discussion of Nuclear Risk Reduction in South Asia after Mumbai at the 2011 Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference in Washington, DC at the Ronald Reagan Building Convention Center.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Brazil's World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Japan on Monday comes with the chance for revenge for Carlo Ancelotti's squad and a test of how far he has taken his team since a Tokyo collapse early in his tenure.

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India would confront a more entrenched China, a less dependable United States, and a regional order increasingly shaped by great-power bargaining over which it exercises limited influence, notes Amberish K Diwanji.

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

History may remember Takaichi Sanae not as the leader who simply accelerated Japanese rearmament, but as one who governed during Japan's transition from an industrial-age security model to a post-industrial strategic member of the global order, points out Varun Arya.

South Asian origin women unite against 'senseless violence' in Leicester

South Asian origin women unite against 'senseless violence' in Leicester

Rediff.com25 Sep 2022

In a joint appeal on Saturday, the community leaders and local politicians from the eastern England region described Leicester as a great place to live and work and called for solutions to the 'hate-filled violence.'

Indian Women's Archery Team Reach World Cup Final

Indian Women's Archery Team Reach World Cup Final

Rediff.com7 May 2026

India's women's recurve team secured a spot in the Archery World Cup Stage 2 final after defeating South Korea, while the men's team suffered an early exit against Bangladesh.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has emphasised India's commitment to safe maritime transit and condemned attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict and global energy market disruptions.

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.

Indian Women's Archery Team To Vie For Gold

Indian Women's Archery Team To Vie For Gold

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Indian women's recurve archery team secured a medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2, defeating South Korea in the semi-final. However, the men's team faced a disappointing defeat against Bangladesh.

South Asian Games: Hit or miss? Tell Us!

South Asian Games: Hit or miss? Tell Us!

Rediff.com17 Feb 2016

For the 12th successive time, none could match up to India's regional might but the host country's record-breaking medal haul of 308 can hardly hide the fact that the standard of competition in the South Asian Games has failed to rise significantly.

'Very Bad For Global Economy If War Continues'

'Very Bad For Global Economy If War Continues'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Even if the war ends tomorrow, which is unlikely, and we go back to the pre-war status quo, the world will still need some time to get over the sudden shock of oil price increases.'

Trump loyalist confirmed as US envoy to India

Trump loyalist confirmed as US envoy to India

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Gor, 38, was among 107 nominees confirmed by the Senate in a single en bloc vote on Tuesday, with 51 senators voting in favour and 47 against.

Trump Loyalist US Ambassador To India

Trump Loyalist US Ambassador To India

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'For the most populous Region in the World, it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.'

Modi speaks to France, Oman, Malaysia leaders amid Gulf energy hub strikes

Modi speaks to France, Oman, Malaysia leaders amid Gulf energy hub strikes

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India strongly condemns the recent attacks on energy infrastructure, warning of further destabilisation to the already uncertain global energy market.

Quantico To Citadel: Ranking Priyanka Chopra's Global Projects

Quantico To Citadel: Ranking Priyanka Chopra's Global Projects

Rediff.com4 May 2026

As Priyanka Chopra Jonas returns as the debonair spy Nadia in Citadel Season 2, we take look at how her Hollywood projects stack up against each other from underwhelming to standout.

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.

Indian-origin US advisor arrested for keeping 'TOP SECRET' docs

Indian-origin US advisor arrested for keeping 'TOP SECRET' docs

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

According to the Justice Department, Tellis, 64, the Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment think-tank, served as an unpaid senior adviser to the State Department and was also a contractor with the Office of Net Assessment at the Department of Defense.

I'm doing a trade deal with India: Trump in South Korea

I'm doing a trade deal with India: Trump in South Korea

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the US is 'doing a trade deal with India' as the two sides continue to hold talks on the proposed trade pact.

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.'

Closely monitoring situation: US on Red Fort explosion

Closely monitoring situation: US on Red Fort explosion

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The US Department of State's Consular Affairs, in a "security alert", said that "while the cause of the explosion is unknown at this time, the Government of India has placed several Indian states on high alert."