News for 'State for Consular'

US Needs India As Much As India Needs The US

US Needs India As Much As India Needs The US

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

India-US relations, like Rome, were not built in a day, nor can they be demolished in a day.
All said and done, when the new global order emerges, India can only remain with the democracies, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

The Country To Execute Most Indians Is...

The Country To Execute Most Indians Is...

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Kuwait has executed 25 Indian nationals in the past five years.

Want A US Visa? Unlock Your Social Media First

Want A US Visa? Unlock Your Social Media First

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

To 'protect national interest', US now require all F, M, and Jvisa applicants (students/exchange visitors) to make socialmedia profiles public for nationalsecurity vetting.

Omit social media, risk visa denial: US tightens screening rules

Omit social media, risk visa denial: US tightens screening rules

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Outlining each visa adjudication as a "national security decision", the US has asked applicants to share their social media usernames or handles of each platform they have used in the last five years.

Indian Students Caught In US Visa Turmoil

Indian Students Caught In US Visa Turmoil

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Uncertainty clouds US fall intake as Trump's visa ban on Harvard raises fears of wider policy shifts, pushing Indian students to explore alternative destinations.

EB-5 Visa Becoming Preferred Choice For US Migration

EB-5 Visa Becoming Preferred Choice For US Migration

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

With more than 1.2 million Indians stuck in green card backlogs, investor-driven EB-5 programme sees rising interest as a secure route for migration to the US.

US Visa Hurdles Delay Study Dreams

US Visa Hurdles Delay Study Dreams

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

'Such unpredictability is motivating families to seek destinations with a more stable educational system.'

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that there are currently over 10,000 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign jails. The Ministry of External Affairs shared country-wise data, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE having the highest number of Indian prisoners. The government has assured that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and provides consular assistance, legal aid, and financial support to those imprisoned.

Applying For US Visa? Clean Your Social Media First

Applying For US Visa? Clean Your Social Media First

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Delete posts that are offensive, political, divisive, or just plain immature, counsels Dr Karan Gupta.

25 Indians on death row in UAE, govt tells RS

25 Indians on death row in UAE, govt tells RS

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that 25 Indian nationals have been sentenced to death in the UAE, but the judgments are yet to be implemented. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that 10,152 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, are currently incarcerated in foreign prisons. The government provides assistance to Indian nationals sentenced to death abroad, including consular access and legal aid. In the past five years, Indian nationals have been executed in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The UAE authorities have not shared any data regarding the execution of Indians, but informal information suggests no executions have occurred since 2020.

Canada panel finds 'no foreign link' to Nijjar killing

Canada panel finds 'no foreign link' to Nijjar killing

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

A Canada commission report has said that 'no definitive link' with a 'foreign state' in the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was 'proven', smashing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that accused the involvement of Indian agents in the killing.

Hindu temple in Canada cancels event over 'extremely high threat'

Hindu temple in Canada cancels event over 'extremely high threat'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The Brampton Triveni temple in Canada has cancelled a consular event after the Canadian police warned them of an "extremely high and imminent" threat level of violent protests. The Life Certificate event, organised by the Consulate General of India, Toronto, was scheduled for November 17 at the temple premises. The cancellation comes almost a week after protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with devotees at a Hindu Sabha temple and disrupted an event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate at Brampton. India condemned the attack and called for the prosecution of those involved. Relations between India and Canada have been strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a potential involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.

Will grant consular access to Jadhav 'as per our laws': Pak

Will grant consular access to Jadhav 'as per our laws': Pak

Rediff.com19 Jul 2019

'Pursuant to the decision of the ICJ, Commander Kulbushan Jadhav has been informed of his rights under Article 36, Paragraph 1(b) of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations'

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified the process of deportation of Indian nationals from the US, stating that it is not a new phenomenon and has been ongoing for several years. He assured the Rajya Sabha that the government is engaging with the US to ensure that the deported Indians are not mistreated during their transit. Jaishankar also emphasized the need for strong action against the illegal migration industry while ensuring ease of visas for legitimate travellers. The minister provided details about the number of Indians deported from the US since 2009, highlighting the peak in 2019 with 2,042 deportations.

Return of Indian deportees from Panama after verification: Govt

Return of Indian deportees from Panama after verification: Govt

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is verifying details of deportation flights to Panama and Costa Rica, which were undertaken as part of a bridge arrangement between the US and the respective governments. The MEA spokesperson said that India is in touch with the local authorities in Panama and Costa Rica to ensure the return of any Indian nationals who may have been deported.

Defiant Pakistan rules out consular access to Jadhav

Defiant Pakistan rules out consular access to Jadhav

Rediff.com17 Apr 2017

"Under the law we cannot give consular access to Khubhushan who was involved in spying," Pakistan Military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor told reporters.

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.

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Canada's Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya has announced that he is running to be the next prime minister, hours before his Liberal Party announced that their next leader will be chosen on March 9.

US Embassy in Islamabad suspends consular services

US Embassy in Islamabad suspends consular services

Rediff.com25 Sep 2008

In the wake of the deadly suicide attack on Marriott Hotel, the United States embassy in Islamabad on Thursday suspended its consular services and said American officials would no longer be permitted to stay in or frequent hotels in the eastern city of Lahore.A statement issued by the embassy said routine consular services, including visa services, would be temporarily suspended on September 25 and 26. All visa interviews would be rescheduled, it said.

'Difficult To Trust Yunus Govt In Dhaka'

'Difficult To Trust Yunus Govt In Dhaka'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It was the hostility of the Yunus regime that made India careful and wary of dealing with them.' 'They gradually backed off and lowered the noise, but the damage was done.' 'Their true colours had been exposed.'

Bangladesh summons Indian envoy, suspends visa services in Agartala

Bangladesh summons Indian envoy, suspends visa services in Agartala

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Tripura's capital Agartala on Tuesday announced the suspension of all visa and consular services with immediate effect until further notice because of 'security reasons', a day after the mission's premises was breached by a group of people protesting against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka.

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

The 'deliberate attack' on a Hindu temple in Canada sparked strong condemnation in India on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

'With Trudeau in office, situation will get worse'

'With Trudeau in office, situation will get worse'

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

'The response from the police was disgusting -- they acted as the arm of the Khalistanis -- they attacked the Hindus, they did not push the Khalistanis off. They attacked the Hindus in their own mandir'

India has no jurisdiction in Nikhil Gupta case: Czech Republic

India has no jurisdiction in Nikhil Gupta case: Czech Republic

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

India's judicial authorities have 'no jurisdiction' in the case involving Nikhil Gupta, Czech justice ministry spokesperson Vladimir Repka has said, days after his family approached the Supreme Court seeking its intervention in the matter.

Must respect foreign courts: SC rejects Indian's plea in Pannun plot case

Must respect foreign courts: SC rejects Indian's plea in Pannun plot case

Rediff.com4 Jan 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea for consular access moved by a family member of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who is in a Czech prison following charges by the US relating to a foiled assassination attempt on Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Now, Pak rejects plea for consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav at ICJ

Now, Pak rejects plea for consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav at ICJ

Rediff.com13 Dec 2017

Pakistan said that Jadhav is not an ordinary person as he had entered the country with the intent of spying and carrying out sabotage activities.

US embassy in Dhaka to resume visa services this week

US embassy in Dhaka to resume visa services this week

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

Helen said the US embassy in Dhaka will resume this week its consular service to expedite visa processing.

Plot to kill Pannun: SC rejects Nikhil Gupta's plea

Plot to kill Pannun: SC rejects Nikhil Gupta's plea

Rediff.com4 Jan 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a petition by a family member of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, under detention in a Czech prison over allegations of involvement in a foiled plot to kill pro-Khalistan Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States, for consular access.

Foreign secretary raises safety of minorities in Bangladesh

Foreign secretary raises safety of minorities in Bangladesh

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Dhaka on Monday on a day-long visit to hold talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart, amid strained bilateral ties since August following the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Qatari court accepts India's appeal on ex-Navy personnel's death sentence

Qatari court accepts India's appeal on ex-Navy personnel's death sentence

Rediff.com24 Nov 2023

A Qatari court has accepted the appeal document on the sentencing of eight former Indian naval personnel to death, sources familiar with the matter said.

What Jaishankar said on defacement of temple in US

What Jaishankar said on defacement of temple in US

Rediff.com23 Dec 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed concern over the vandalism of a Hindu temple with anti-India graffiti in the United States, and said extremists and separatist forces outside India should not get such space.

Captured terrorist Bahadur Ali requests consular access to family

Captured terrorist Bahadur Ali requests consular access to family

Rediff.com11 Aug 2016

According to NIA sources, Ali's request has been forwarded to the ministry of external affairs from where it will be sent to Pakistan's High Commissioner Abdul Basit.

Wait, your US visa could be coming from China!

Wait, your US visa could be coming from China!

Rediff.com31 Mar 2023

Due to the huge pile-up of visa applications, the US consular officers in the neighbouring country are now adjudicating Indian visa applications where interview requirements have been waived.

US: Indian student hammered to death by drug addict he was helping

US: Indian student hammered to death by drug addict he was helping

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

Vivek Saini, a part-time clerk at a store that sheltered Faulkner, had shown kindness to the accused for almost two days and provided him with chips, a coke, water, and even a jacket for warmth, M9 News Channel reported on Sunday.

US hikes visa fees for Indians

US hikes visa fees for Indians

Rediff.com18 Nov 2005

The United States' consular sections in India on Friday announced a hike in their service fees following recent depreciation in rupee value against the dollar.

US takes steps to reduce visa backlog in India

US takes steps to reduce visa backlog in India

Rediff.com9 Feb 2023

India was one of the very few countries where applications for US visas saw a major upswing after coronavirus-related travel restrictions were lifted.

Judge slams US govt, but dismisses Mumbai native De Sousa's case

Judge slams US govt, but dismisses Mumbai native De Sousa's case

Rediff.com6 Jan 2012

Sabrina De Sousa, a United States consular officer in Milan, was abandoned by her own government and left to fend for herself in an alleged CIA kidnapping case in Italy. Rediff.com's George Joseph narrates her story.

India downgrades immunity for US diplomats, withdraws it for kin

India downgrades immunity for US diplomats, withdraws it for kin

Rediff.com24 Dec 2013

In a tough reciprocal action, India on Tuesday downgraded the immunity of certain category of American diplomats and withdrew the immunity enjoyed by their family members, in a fallout of the arrest of a senior Indian diplomat in New York.

Plot to kill Pannun: SC asks Gupta to move Czech court

Plot to kill Pannun: SC asks Gupta to move Czech court

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the hearing for January 4 2024, of the habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Nikhil Gupta, accused by the United States of conspiring to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a India designated terrorist, against his arrest and ongoing extradition proceedings in the Czech Republic.

India to give consular access to jailed Pak fishermen

India to give consular access to jailed Pak fishermen

Rediff.com19 Jun 2015

India on Friday said it would give consular access to jailed fishermen from Pakistan and other nations so that their identity could be established, a day after it announced that 88 Pakistani fishermen would be released over the weekend as a "goodwill" gesture.