News for 'State for External Affairs'

Former foreign minister Natwar Singh passes away

Former foreign minister Natwar Singh passes away

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

Former External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh passed away on Saturday night after a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 93.

India slams US tariff hike as 'unfair, unjustified'

India slams US tariff hike as 'unfair, unjustified'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The United States action of levying 25 per cent additional tariff on Indian goods is 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable', India said on Wednesday in a firm reaction, signalling increasing tensions between the two strategic partners over New Delhi's energy ties with Moscow.

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

According to a statement issued by the Grand Mufti's office, the decision was made after a high-level meeting held in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, where it was decided to completely cancel the death sentence, which had been temporarily suspended earlier.

Look at India, Pak: Trump repeats truce claim after Putin meet

Look at India, Pak: Trump repeats truce claim after Putin meet

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Stressing that wars are "very bad", Trump said that he seems to have "an ability to end them, to get people together" for which he uses the "power of the United States".

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha heads a diplomatic mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore, to seek international cooperation after the Pahalgam attack while highlighting Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.

Trump claims India may exit Russian oil trade; New Delhi says no such move

Trump claims India may exit Russian oil trade; New Delhi says no such move

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

On Friday, during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, when asked about media reports that some Indian oil companies have stopped taking oil from Russia, had said India has made clear its approach on the issue.

India ready to help resolve Israel-Iran conflict: MEA

India ready to help resolve Israel-Iran conflict: MEA

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Hours after United States President Donald Trump's claims of an Iran-Israel ceasefire, India on Tuesday said it stands ready to play its part to resolve the situation and insisted on 'dialogue and diplomacy' as the way forward.

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.

Why John Abraham Met Jaishankar

Why John Abraham Met Jaishankar

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Dr Jaishankar meets up with movie star John Abraham, who plays J P Singh, currently India's ambassador to Israel, in The Diplomat.

Why are more than 60 envoys from different nations visiting Assam?

Why are more than 60 envoys from different nations visiting Assam?

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Assam is hosting over 60 ambassadors from various countries on a trip to showcase its potential. The ambassadors will visit Kaziranga National Park, witness a Jhumur dance performance, and attend a business summit. The state government aims to highlight the peaceful atmosphere and convince countries with negative travel advisories to withdraw them.

In Rio, BRICS to echo India's voice on terror, condemn Pahalgam attack

In Rio, BRICS to echo India's voice on terror, condemn Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

The formulations in the declaration in reference to terrorism is going to be to our "satisfaction", Dammu Ravi, secretary (economic relations) in the external affairs ministry said on Monday.

India not to blame for Pakistan's devastating floods: Experts

India not to blame for Pakistan's devastating floods: Experts

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

Hydrology experts suggest that India cannot be directly blamed for the devastating monsoon flooding in Pakistan this year, citing greater destruction upstream of the border and lack of evidence for intentional action.

Trump's Russian Roulette Over India's Oil Supply

Trump's Russian Roulette Over India's Oil Supply

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The trade relationship between India and the United States has been strained by the imposition of 25% tariff by the US on Indian goods.

China welcomes Modi to SCO Summit; calls meet a symbol of unity

China welcomes Modi to SCO Summit; calls meet a symbol of unity

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

China welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the Tianjin Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), expressing hope that the event will be a 'gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results'.

Reiterated 2-state solution: Jaishankar meets Palestine minister

Reiterated 2-state solution: Jaishankar meets Palestine minister

Rediff.com20 Jan 2024

The conflict between Israel and Hamas-led factions has killed more than 24,000 people on the Gaza side as affected people face pathetic living conditions sans water, power, food and medical aid.

SEE: Modi meets Elon Musk, his children

SEE: Modi meets Elon Musk, his children

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in Washington on Thursday. US President Donald Trump has chosen Musk to head a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) last month. Musk arrived at Blair House with his three young children, who were sitting with Musk when he met Modi. Earlier, Modi met US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. The meeting with Waltz was the first engagement of the day. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval were also present at the meeting. Modi arrived in the US capital Wednesday evening for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. After arriving at Blair House, the President's Guest House, Modi met the US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Just hours before her meeting with Modi, Gabbard took the oath of office as the 8th Director of National Intelligence in the presence of Trump.

'Taliban Never Supported Pakistan On Kashmir'

'Taliban Never Supported Pakistan On Kashmir'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'Pakistan wanted India out of Afghanistan to which again the Taliban told Pakistan to take a walk.' 'Six months after they came back to power in 2021 India was back in Afghanistan at the request of the Taliban.' 'The Taliban realised that India has no agenda of its own in Afghanistan.'

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump on Monday vowed to work towards a 'trusted' partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence in their first phone conversation since the American leader's inauguration last week.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

UNSC report on Pahalgam cites TRF claim, Lashkar link

UNSC report on Pahalgam cites TRF claim, Lashkar link

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

A UN Security Council report states that The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack and published a photograph of the attack site. The report also cites assertions that the attack could not have happened without the support of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT).

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

India and Belgium on Monday explored potential defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime domain, and discussed ways to strengthen defence industrial cooperation.

Pahalgam, Op Sindoor to dominate Parl this week; will Tharoor speak?

Pahalgam, Op Sindoor to dominate Parl this week; will Tharoor speak?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

A big question mark is on whether Shashi Tharoor, who had led the delegation to the US among other countries, will be picked as speaker by the Congress, as the seasoned Lok Sabha member's enthusiastic endorsement of the government's action following the terror attack has soured his ties with his party.

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

In a move sending a strong signal to China, foreign ministers from Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- in a joint statement on Tuesday strongly opposed any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.

Parliament logjam ends, discussion on Pahalgam next week

Parliament logjam ends, discussion on Pahalgam next week

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Opposition parties have agreed to the agenda of taking up a special discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor on Monday in Lok Sabha and the next day in Rajya Sabha, brightening up the prospect of normalcy returning to Parliament after the virtual washout of first-week proceedings.

'Ended 5 wars': Trump again takes credit for India-Pak truce

'Ended 5 wars': Trump again takes credit for India-Pak truce

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire after a "long night" of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim on several occasions.

Rubio dials Jaishankar, Pak army chief; offers assistance

Rubio dials Jaishankar, Pak army chief; offers assistance

Rediff.com10 May 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement early Saturday.

Rubio speaks to Jaishankar, Sharif, urges both sides to de-escale

Rubio speaks to Jaishankar, Sharif, urges both sides to de-escale

Rediff.com8 May 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday spoke separately with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, emphasising the need for de-escalation and reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.

Op Sindhu: 296 more Indians, 4 Nepalese nationals evacuated from Iran

Op Sindhu: 296 more Indians, 4 Nepalese nationals evacuated from Iran

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Another special flight carrying 296 Indian nationals and four Nepalese nationals stranded in conflict-hit Iran landed safely in New Delhi on Wednesday, taking the total number of people evacuated under Operation Sindhu to 3,154.

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian students in the US to comply with American laws following the detention of a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. The MEA spokesperson said that the two Indians did not reach out to Indian missions in the US for assistance. Badar Khan Suri, the postdoctoral fellow, was detained on charges of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." Ranjani Srinivasan, a student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas. The MEA spokesperson also said that India is keen to bolster educational ties with the US.

Trump claims 5 jets shot down during India-Pak conflict, gives no details

Trump claims 5 jets shot down during India-Pak conflict, gives no details

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

US President Donald Trump claimed that "five jets were shot down" during the conflict between India and Pakistan in May and repeated his assertion that the fighting ended following his intervention. India has maintained that the two sides halted their military actions following direct talks between their militaries without any mediation by the US.

'Potential Threats To India's Security From Saudi-Pak Pact Are Serious, But Manageable'

'Potential Threats To India's Security From Saudi-Pak Pact Are Serious, But Manageable'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'Saudi-Pak defence pact is to anchor the defence and security of Saudi Arabia and not Pakistan, per se, with Islamabad being the junior partner.'

Pahalgam Attack: Diplomatic Win For India

Pahalgam Attack: Diplomatic Win For India

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

It is also the first time that TRF has been mentioned in any UN document. This marks the first mention of the LeT and any other Pakistan-based terror group in the report since 2019.

I was in the room: Jaishankar on Trump's India-Pak truce claim

I was in the room: Jaishankar on Trump's India-Pak truce claim

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Jaishankar said that the Pahalgam attack "was an act of economic warfare. It was meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir, which was the mainstay of the economy. It was also meant to provoke religious violence because people were asked to identify their faith before they were killed."

'Within 5 hours, it was done': Trump repeats he stopped India-Pak nuke war

'Within 5 hours, it was done': Trump repeats he stopped India-Pak nuke war

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Trump also repeated his claim that seven fighter jets or more were shot down during the hostilities.

'Daughter doesn't know how to survive in war-like situations'

'Daughter doesn't know how to survive in war-like situations'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

'It's been five days now since I made the last video call to her. It's a terrible state for a mother to be in'

'New Delhi Can Hobnob With Moscow And Beijing, But...'

'New Delhi Can Hobnob With Moscow And Beijing, But...'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'...it should not delude itself into thinking that India's security or its great-power ambitions will be advanced by those partnerships.'
'Instead, what India should focus on is on riding out the next three-and-a-half years of Trump's presidency with minimal damage to itself.'

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says Operation Sindoor conveyed India's resolve to act against terrorism, following UN Security Council's call to bring Pahalgam attackers to justice.

'Saudi Arabia Won't Align With Pakistan Against India'

'Saudi Arabia Won't Align With Pakistan Against India'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'The background for the Saudi-Pakistan agreement is the fact that the regional security order has collapsed due to the Israeli attack on Doha.' 'The Americans have largely abandoned their security guarantee for West Asia and the region has no choice but to look at alternatives.'

Modi holds 'insightful discussion' with Vivek Ramaswamy

Modi holds 'insightful discussion' with Vivek Ramaswamy

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Indian-American billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in Washington, D.C., discussing India-US relations, innovation, biotechnology, and the role of entrepreneurship. Modi also met with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during his visit.

Pahalgam attack: Modi chairs crucial cabinet meet on security

Pahalgam attack: Modi chairs crucial cabinet meet on security

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Shah briefed the prime minister on the attack and discussed the measures to be taken in its aftermath.