News for 'Special US Representative for Pakistan'

'Beating Pakistan Doesn't Feel Special Anymore'

'Beating Pakistan Doesn't Feel Special Anymore'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'India-Pakistan match, if it does not happen, no big deal. Honestly, for a long time now, the actual game has never lived up to the hype and the drama we built up before the match.'

Vice President JD Vance to lead second round of Iran talks in Pakistan

Vice President JD Vance to lead second round of Iran talks in Pakistan

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

US Vice President JD Vance is set to arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening to lead a high-level American delegation in a second round of ceasefire negotiations with Iran, CNN reported, citing White House on Sunday.

Gauhati High Court Gives Woman Citizenship Relief

Gauhati High Court Gives Woman Citizenship Relief

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The high court granted the petitioner one opportunity to establish her claim to Indian citizenship.

US negotiators to head to Pakistan for Iran peace talks on Tuesday

US negotiators to head to Pakistan for Iran peace talks on Tuesday

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Ahead of the expiry on Tuesday of the two-week ceasefire declared by US President Donald Trump in the conflict with Iran, US media outlets reported on Sunday that negotiators Steve Witkoff, special envoy for peace missions and Jared Kushner will head to Islamabad for talks with Iran.

Why Is India On US Priority Watch List For IP Rights?

Why Is India On US Priority Watch List For IP Rights?

Rediff.com1 May 2026

India is among six countries on the priority watch list in a US report addressing the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iranian representatives have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, preferring instead to engage with Vice President J D Vance.

US envoys to hold direct talks with Iranian delegation in Pak

US envoys to hold direct talks with Iranian delegation in Pak

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are travelling to Pakistan for direct talks with an Iranian delegation as part of efforts to end the seven-week war, the White House announced.

'In India Politics Has Taken Over Business'

'In India Politics Has Taken Over Business'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'When we start describing somebody as an enemy that is the start of politics and emotion after which no business can take place.' 'We need to get out of this, allow Indian businessmen to do business with China.'

Shabnim Ismail Returns To South Africa Squad For T20 World Cup

Shabnim Ismail Returns To South Africa Squad For T20 World Cup

Rediff.com12 May 2026

South African pacer Shabnim Ismail reverses her international retirement to join the squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in the UK, bringing valuable experience to the team.

The Cricket Series Aamir Khan Is Making A Film On

The Cricket Series Aamir Khan Is Making A Film On

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Aamir Khan's upcoming film, aims to shed light on the 1952-1953 India-Pakistan series, which occurred just five years after Partition and marked Pakistan's first official Test series.

Araghchi meets Munir in Pak, Iran says no talks planned with US

Araghchi meets Munir in Pak, Iran says no talks planned with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied reports of planned talks with the United States during a visit to Islamabad, Pakistan, despite US envoys also visiting the region.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has urged India to take the lead in bringing peace to West Asia, highlighting the UAE's role in stalling BRICS consensus on the conflict. Gharibabadi also discussed a new framework with Oman for merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

'Losing side can't dictate terms': Iran calls Trump's ceasefire a 'ploy'

'Losing side can't dictate terms': Iran calls Trump's ceasefire a 'ploy'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Despite a ceasefire extension, Iran has rejected the United States' conditions for negotiations, creating uncertainty in ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Iran-US peace talks hang in balance amid tensions

Iran-US peace talks hang in balance amid tensions

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Uncertainty surrounds the planned second round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, as both sides engage in brinkmanship. Despite Pakistan's security preparations, Iran has yet to confirm its attendance, citing a lack of seriousness from the US in pursuing diplomacy and violations of the ceasefire.

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host talks between the US and Iran to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following reports of Pakistan's involvement in backchannel diplomacy.

No Indian, no Pakistani when you represent the USA: Monank Patel

No Indian, no Pakistani when you represent the USA: Monank Patel

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

USA captain Monank Patel reflects on sharing the Wankhede with Jasprit Bumrah, his move to the US, cricket's rise in America and leading a diverse team at the T20 World Cup.

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Talks between Iran and the US in Pakistan concluded without a deal due to disagreements over key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions, despite efforts to find common ground.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

Trump dispatches Vance, Kushner to Pak for Iran talks

Trump dispatches Vance, Kushner to Pak for Iran talks

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that a high-level American negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, is en route to Pakistan to initiate critical negotiations with the Iranian leadership.

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The United States and Iran concluded the first phase of in-person talks in Islamabad, with both delegations exchanging written texts to formalise areas of understanding. The discussions, involving key representatives from both sides, are aimed at reducing tensions and exploring possibilities of a structured understanding.

Pahalgam Memorial Honours Terror Attack Victims

Pahalgam Memorial Honours Terror Attack Victims

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

A memorial has been erected in Pahalgam to honour the victims of a terror attack last year. Security has been increased across Kashmir ahead of the anniversary.

21-hour US-Iran talks fail, ceasefire hangs in balance

21-hour US-Iran talks fail, ceasefire hangs in balance

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Direct talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, have failed to produce an agreement after 21 hours of negotiations, with disagreements over Iran's nuclear ambitions and sanctions proving insurmountable.

Made lot of progress, ball in Iran's court: Vance

Made lot of progress, ball in Iran's court: Vance

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

US Vice President J D Vance stated that while progress was made during peace talks in Islamabad, it is now up to Iran to further the discussions and address US concerns regarding its nuclear ambitions.

Modi's ill-advised...: Cong slams PM on Pak mediation reports

Modi's ill-advised...: Cong slams PM on Pak mediation reports

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Indian government's diplomatic strategy, claiming a 'severe setback' if reports of Pakistan mediating between the US-Israel and Iran are accurate. The party alleges Pakistan's diplomatic engagement has surpassed India's, despite military successes.

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

...reopen for up to six months. Until then, the Strait stays nearly closed. The world pays. And no one, including the man who started this, can say when it ends, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trump has said he would be present at the signing ceremony in Islamabad. Don't be surprised if the Pakistani hosts make it a grand event in the geopolitics of the region. Trump would love that, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Chaffing under public ridicule in the US as well as internationally for having 'lost' the war, Trump is under immense pressure to do something, cautions Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Every part of my body prayed for dropped catch'

'Every part of my body prayed for dropped catch'

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Not just my lips every part of my body prayed for dropped catch: Faheem Ashraf

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The core issues to be settled -- access to Hormuz, Israel's aggression in Lebanon, the question of Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and compensation -- are thorny enough to require weeks of patient negotiation. The most likely outcome of the opening sessions is that both sides take the measure of each other, establish what is and is not negotiable, and return home without having broken anything. That would count as progress.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

Northern Borders 'Stable Yet Sensitive': Defence Ministry

Northern Borders 'Stable Yet Sensitive': Defence Ministry

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

The deployment of the army in all sectors along the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border between India and China, is 'robust, well poised and prepared to deal with any emerging contingency'.

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The next two to three weeks will not be decided in Washington.' 'They will be decided in Tehran, in whatever calculation Iran makes about the costs of continued resistance against the costs of appearing to have yielded.'

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

USA won't fear India in T20 World Cup, says Harmeet Singh

USA won't fear India in T20 World Cup, says Harmeet Singh

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

USA all-rounder Harmeet Singh doesn't want his side to put any team "on a pedestal", urging them to showcase same brand of cricket that they displayed two years ago in the T20 World Cup.

Meet Desi Stars Lighting Up T20 World Cup

Meet Desi Stars Lighting Up T20 World Cup

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

From the USA to UAE, Canada to Italy, Indian-origin cricketers will represent associate nations at the T20 World Cup. Meet the Desis chasing global glory at a home away from home.

Khaleda Zia to be laid to rest beside husband; Jaishankar to attend funeral

Khaleda Zia to be laid to rest beside husband; Jaishankar to attend funeral

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

The funeral of Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday, and she will be buried with full state honors beside her husband, late president Ziaur Rahman.

Jailed Imran Khan, gave life-time immunity to Munir: India slams Pak at UN

Jailed Imran Khan, gave life-time immunity to Munir: India slams Pak at UN

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

India strongly responded to Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty at the UN Security Council, accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorism and violating the spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty.

T20 World Cup: 'There Are No Weak Or Tough Teams. All Are The Same'

T20 World Cup: 'There Are No Weak Or Tough Teams. All Are The Same'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Suryakumar Yadav believes there are no weak teams in the T20 World Cup and wants India to stay relaxed, play fearless cricket and give fans pure entertainment.