News for 'State for External Affairs'

No 'trade threat' behind truce: Govt sources reject Trump's claim

No 'trade threat' behind truce: Govt sources reject Trump's claim

Rediff.com12 May 2025

There was no reference to trade in talks between top leaders of India and the United States during the India-Pakistan military conflict, government sources said on Monday after American President Donald Trump claimed that he pressured New Delhi and Islamabad to stop hostilities by threatening to cut trade with both countries.

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

US military aircraft bringing back Indian migrants

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The United States has deported a group of Indian migrants on a military transport aircraft, marking the first such deportation to India as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. The US embassy in New Delhi confirmed that Washington is tightening immigration laws and removing illegal migrants. The deportation comes as India and the US are finalizing details for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in February. India has indicated its willingness to work with the US on addressing illegal immigration, and has said it will take back all Indians who have overstayed or are in the US without documentation.

'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.

Will The Dragon And Elephant Dance Again?

Will The Dragon And Elephant Dance Again?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

A meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit is being planned.

Should implement Modi-Xi consensus to boost ties: Chinese FM to Jaishankar

Should implement Modi-Xi consensus to boost ties: Chinese FM to Jaishankar

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on India to implement the consensus reached by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping at their summit in Russia, urging a restart of bilateral ties. Wang emphasized the importance of respecting each other's core interests, enhancing mutual trust, handling differences effectively, and bringing the relationship back on track. He suggested practical steps such as resuming flights, easing visa procedures, and planning commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Wang also highlighted the shared interests and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, advocating for mutual development and strengthening coordination in international affairs.

Canada snub? Modi to skip G7 summit amid strained ties with Ottawa

Canada snub? Modi to skip G7 summit amid strained ties with Ottawa

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

It is learnt that Ottawa is yet to send an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the summit, but Modi, in any way, would have skipped it as such a visit would have required a lot of groundwork considering the current state of ties between the two sides, said the people cited above.

NCW steps in as foreign secy, daughter trolled after India-Pak truce

NCW steps in as foreign secy, daughter trolled after India-Pak truce

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who faced trolling on social media in the wake of India and Pakistan reaching an understanding on May 10 to halt all military actions, has received support from veteran diplomat Nirupama Menon Rao, a body of Indian diplomats and a host of politicians from several parties.

Kuwait fire: IAF aircraft to bring back mortal remains of Indians

Kuwait fire: IAF aircraft to bring back mortal remains of Indians

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Kuwaiti authorities are conducting DNA tests on the bodies of those killed in the devastating fire incident in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area and an Indian Air Force aircraft is on standby to bring back the mortal remains of Indians killed in the incident, officials said on Thursday.

Don't know...: Trump on India citing US trade with Russia

Don't know...: Trump on India citing US trade with Russia

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

President Trump addresses questions about US imports from Russia and India's stance on purchasing Russian oil, hinting at potential tariffs.

Mamata wants UN peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh, says Modi must...

Mamata wants UN peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh, says Modi must...

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Banerjee stressed she wished for harmony, fraternal ties and cordial relationship to remain between all communities living in Bangladesh and elsewhere.

Use diplomacy to end tension: Nawaz Sharif advises PM brother Shehbaz

Use diplomacy to end tension: Nawaz Sharif advises PM brother Shehbaz

Rediff.com9 May 2025

It was said that Sharif wanted the PML-N-led coalition government to utilise all available diplomatic resources to restore peace between the two nuclear-armed states, saying he was not keen on taking an aggressive position, The Express Tribune reported.

'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.'

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

What's The Point Of Quad If Trump Equates India-Pakistan?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

If the only superpower, which calls India an ally, sees the region through an India-Pakistan prism, it is unacceptable. Rather than endorse India's sphere of influence, this undermines it, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'We have created massive infrastructure in the past six years.'

India calls for humanitarian aid in Gaza, stresses hostage release

India calls for humanitarian aid in Gaza, stresses hostage release

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

India has expressed concern over the situation in Gaza and called for the supply of humanitarian assistance to the affected people as Israel resumed bombing in conflict-hit Palestinian territory, shattering a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. India also underlined the need to release all hostages held by Hamas. The country's comments came as Israel pounded Hamas targets in Gaza, triggering uncertainty over the ceasefire that came into effect on January 19. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 400 people were killed in the Israeli bombing.

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."

'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.'

Govt says Op Ajay will continue as 235 more citizens return from Israel

Govt says Op Ajay will continue as 235 more citizens return from Israel

Rediff.com14 Oct 2023

Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, who welcomed the Indian citizens at the Delhi airport, said that this is the second phase and they are trying to facilitate those who are willing to come back to India.

Spoke as an Indian: Tharoor on his 'egg on my face' remark

Spoke as an Indian: Tharoor on his 'egg on my face' remark

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Tharoor had earlier criticised India's stance when Russia attacked Ukraine and called for condemnation of the aggression.

Tehran open to peace talks if..., says Iranian envoy; seeks India's help

Tehran open to peace talks if..., says Iranian envoy; seeks India's help

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

In an interaction with PTI Videos in New Delhi, Iran's deputy chief of mission to India Mohammad Javad Hosseini also said Americans should "put pressure" and bring the other side back to the negotiating table.

India Rekindles Love Affair With Russia

India Rekindles Love Affair With Russia

Rediff.com6 Jan 2024

EAM Jaishankar's mission is aimed at strengthening India's strategic autonomy in a complex international environment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Insecurity or jealousy? BJP hits out at Cong for ignoring Tharoor

Insecurity or jealousy? BJP hits out at Cong for ignoring Tharoor

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government nominated Tharoor, who serves as chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, to lead one of the seven multi-party delegations abroad for putting across India's stand against Pakistan for supporting terrorism.

India expands consular reach in US with 8 new centres, eases access

India expands consular reach in US with 8 new centres, eases access

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

Starting August 1, 2025, all consular services, including passport, visa, OCI, surrender certificate, life certificate, birth/marriage certificate, police clearance, attestations, and more, will be provided exclusively through VFS Global Centres.

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India last travelled to Bangladesh in 2014 when they played three ODIs.

Beijing ready to revive Russia-India-China troika

Beijing ready to revive Russia-India-China troika

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

China has expressed its support for Russia's initiative to revive the Russia-India-China (RIC) troika, emphasizing its importance for regional and global security and stability.

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.

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The Centre has defended in the Delhi high court its decision to cancel the overseas citizen of India (OCI) card of United States-based journalist Raphael Satter saying he maligned Indian institutions in the international arena through journalistic activities.

Pahalgam attack: Trump dials Modi, offers full support

Pahalgam attack: Trump dials Modi, offers full support

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

US President Donald Trump strongly condemned the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam in a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the "heinous attack". Trump conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack and said that India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror. The attack, which killed 26 people, mostly holidayers from other states, is the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. Modi, who was on a two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his visit and returned to New Delhi on Tuesday night after the attack.

'Pak Deftly Used Personal Diplomacy To Connect With Trump'

'Pak Deftly Used Personal Diplomacy To Connect With Trump'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'As one former Indian diplomat put it to me, Delhi has access to the White House, but Islamabad has access to Mar-a-Lago.'

India's imports of Russian oil under spotlight after Trump tariffs

India's imports of Russian oil under spotlight after Trump tariffs

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

From just 0.2 per cent before the Russia-Ukraine war to now accounting for 35-40 per cent of total crude imports, India's reliance on Russian oil has surged -- drawing fresh scrutiny with US President Donald Trump announcing a penalty on top of a 25 per cent tariff, or tax, on all goods going to the US.

682 Indians deported from US since January: Govt

682 Indians deported from US since January: Govt

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

According to the minister, the government continues to be engaged with the US to promote mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks for streamlining the movement of students and professionals and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel.

'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.'

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has not been a good trading partner and announced that he will raise the tariffs on New Delhi 'very substantially' over the next 24 hours because it is buying Russian oil.

Now, Trump threatens India with 'secondary sanctions'

Now, Trump threatens India with 'secondary sanctions'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

United States President Donald Trump has said India is 'very close' to China in terms of its purchases of Russian oil and will pay tariffs of 50 per cent as he indicated that 'you are going to see so much secondary sanctions'.

'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.'

Jaishankar speaks to new US Secy of State on phone

Jaishankar speaks to new US Secy of State on phone

Rediff.com30 Jan 2021

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke to newly appointed United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken during which they expressed commitment to consolidate and expand the India-US strategic partnership and reiterated commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Trump's ego can't be allowed to harm strategic India-US ties: Experts

Trump's ego can't be allowed to harm strategic India-US ties: Experts

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

A US lawmaker and former officials warn that President Trump's policies are damaging the strategic partnership between the United States and India, potentially driving India closer to China and Russia.

HC to hear MJ Akbar's plea against Priya Ramani acquittal on Sep 19

HC to hear MJ Akbar's plea against Priya Ramani acquittal on Sep 19

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has postponed the hearing of former Union Minister MJ Akbar's appeal challenging the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani in a criminal defamation case over her accusations of sexual harassment against him. The hearing has been adjourned to September 19 after Ramani's counsel sought an adjournment due to the unavailability of the senior lawyer arguing the case. Akbar had challenged the trial court's February 2021 order acquitting Ramani, arguing that the court erred in considering the case as a complaint for sexual harassment rather than defamation. The trial court had dismissed Akbar's defamation complaint and acquitted Ramani, saying no charges were proved against her.

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

India has expressed concerns over a rise in violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, reporting 2,200 cases in Bangladesh and 112 in Pakistan this year. The Indian government has urged both countries to take measures to ensure the safety of minorities and has highlighted the issue at international forums. The government has also stated that it is monitoring the situation closely and has shared its concerns with the respective governments.

'China Is Competing In A Space Where India Was Dominant'

'China Is Competing In A Space Where India Was Dominant'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'These efforts by Beijing can be weaponised one day with economic, security and political implications for India.'