News for 'State for External Affairs'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

Cong's 'somersault' dig at Jaishankar over Katchatheevu row

Cong's 'somersault' dig at Jaishankar over Katchatheevu row

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

Will Foreign Minister Mr. Jaishankar please refer to the RTI reply dated 27-1-2015...The Reply justified the circumstances under which India acknowledged that a small island belonged to Sri Lanka," Chidambaram said.

Bangladeshi Hindu leader held for sedition denied bail

Bangladeshi Hindu leader held for sedition denied bail

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

A Bangladeshi court on Tuesday denied bail to prominent Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, arrested on alleged 'sedition' charges, and sent him to prison, amid protests by community members in the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram.

India Should Be Battle Ready With China

India Should Be Battle Ready With China

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

'With continued focus on votes, upcoming by-polls and purchasing politicians, the political hierarchy has little time for national defence.' 'They would do well to heed a veteran scholar, who says, "There will be war with China in the next few years. The next full scale war will have the involvement of Pakistan and terror elements, insurgents and intelligence assets operating inside India",' warns Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Jaishankar to meet Blinken today amid row with Canada

Jaishankar to meet Blinken today amid row with Canada

Rediff.com28 Sep 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to meet United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC on Thursday, amid the diplomatic rumpus between India and Canada stirred over the killing of a Khalistani separatist.

NRI affairs ministry renamed

NRI affairs ministry renamed

Rediff.com9 Sep 2004

It will now be called the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The cabinet of the new government led by Rekha Gupta balances representation of all major communities that propelled the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in Delhi with a massive majority after over 26 years.

Mahatma Gandhi knew the importance of soft power: Doval

Mahatma Gandhi knew the importance of soft power: Doval

Rediff.com12 Jan 2024

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday called Mahatma Gandhi 'a great strategist' and said that the revered Indian leader knew the importance of utilising soft power against the brute forces during the freedom struggle.

Very difficult to engage with Pak because...: Jaishankar

Very difficult to engage with Pak because...: Jaishankar

Rediff.com25 Apr 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (local time) took a veiled dig at Pakistan and said that it is very difficult to engage with a neighbour, who practises cross-border terrorism against India.

Modi, Putin 'exchanged perspectives on Russia-Ukraine conflict'

Modi, Putin 'exchanged perspectives on Russia-Ukraine conflict'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

Modi in a post on X said the two leaders also discussed measures to further strengthen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

What Modi, Xi told each other during first talks since Ladakh standoff

What Modi, Xi told each other during first talks since Ladakh standoff

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

In their first structured bilateral talks in nearly five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday agreed that India and China can have a 'peaceful and stable' relationship by displaying maturity and mutual respect and endorsed the pact on the resolution of the dragging eastern Ladakh border row.

China to build world's largest dam near India border

China to build world's largest dam near India border

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. The USD 137 billion project, which is expected to dwarf even China's own Three Gorges Dam, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, the downstream riparian states. Concerns in India are centered around China's potential to control water flow, potentially enabling the release of large amounts of water to flood border areas in times of hostilities. The dam is part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, and the Chinese government claims that the project is safe and prioritizes ecological protection.

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Delhi's appeasement strategy may now translate as more mega arms deals with the US, generating substantial business and job creation in the American economy. Make no mistake, Americans will use it to pressure India, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'BJP Is Setting A Narrative That Gandhis Are Corrupt'

'BJP Is Setting A Narrative That Gandhis Are Corrupt'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'They want to keep the pot boiling all the time.' 'The BJP wants to set a political narrative that the Gandhis are doing wrong things.'

Pannun plot: Former official wanted by US was held in Delhi

Pannun plot: Former official wanted by US was held in Delhi

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Vikas Yadav, a former Indian government official charged by the United States authorities for his alleged role in a foiled plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, was arrested by Delhi Police in December last year in an unrelated extortion and kidnapping case, police sources said.

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'WFI must reverse all amendments made during its suspension and ensure checks and balances in decision-making within four weeks.'

Canada row: UK disagrees with India's position

Canada row: UK disagrees with India's position

Rediff.com21 Oct 2023

The United Kingdom has shown its disagreement with India's action after the India-Canada standoff which resulted in the departure of 41 Canadian diplomats from India and called for resolution of differences through discussion.

Jaishankar serving those whom his father called Asura: Trinamool MP

Jaishankar serving those whom his father called Asura: Trinamool MP

Rediff.com22 Feb 2023

Taking to Twitter, Jawhar Sircar wrote, 'S Jaishankar's father, K Subramanyam said 'Dharma was killed in Gujarat (2002 Riots). Those who failed to protect innocent citizens are guilty of adharma. Rama...would have used his bow against the 'Asura' rulers of Gujarat.' Shame on son --serving Asura!'

Modi govt hiked LAC infra budget to Rs 14,500 cr: Jaishankar

Modi govt hiked LAC infra budget to Rs 14,500 cr: Jaishankar

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

India should have learnt lessons from the 1962 war but no headway was made in the development of border infrastructure till 2014, he claimed, adding that the Modi government increased the budget for the same from Rs 3,500 crore to Rs 14,500 crore.

HC quashes govt order cancelling US-based professor's OCI card

HC quashes govt order cancelling US-based professor's OCI card

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Delhi High Court has set aside the Centre's order cancelling the Overseas Citizen of India card of a US-based professor, saying the notice lacked specific details or evidence supporting the allegations of "anti-India activities." The court ruled that the professor was deprived of a fair chance to present a defense, violating procedural fairness and principles of natural justice. The court has directed authorities to issue a fresh notice with specific grounds and allow the professor to respond before making a decision on his entry into India.

We don't...: Jaishankar on US Prez election outcome

We don't...: Jaishankar on US Prez election outcome

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

The EAM when asked about his view of the world at present, said it would be "very grim forecast, for the next five years".

Canada agreed to extradite only 5 terrorists: Ex-envoy

Canada agreed to extradite only 5 terrorists: Ex-envoy

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

Of the 26 requests sent to Canada for extraditing Khalistani terrorists, Ottawa has resolved only five and the rest remain in limbo, India's top envoy to that country has said, calling it the result of 'inaction'.

Modi meets Palestinian President in New York, discusses Gaza

Modi meets Palestinian President in New York, discusses Gaza

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Prime Minister Modi held separate talks with world leaders including his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, discussing various facets of bilateral ties and reaffirmed India's support for the Palestinian people.

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

EPS has had its way on most things, alliance-wise. A week earlier, he reiterated that he would not re-admit OPS and Sasikala Natarajan back in the party. It was a message not just to detractors in the AIADMK. It was even more so for the BJP leadership in Delhi. Even more important for the AIADMK was their demand for accepting EPS as the chief ministerial candidate of any alliance that the party would form, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

India's G20 Presidency Is Largest Ever

India's G20 Presidency Is Largest Ever

Rediff.com7 Sep 2023

The first summit in South Asia, it will host the largest delegation of 43 heads of State and government as well as the heads of international organisations.

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

India and China have agreed to work towards a "roadmap" for rebuilding mutual trust following the border standoff in eastern Ladakh, according to a statement from the Indian Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of a regional security conclave. Singh called for drawing lessons from the "unfortunate border clashes" of 2020 and emphasized the need for cooperation rather than conflict. Both sides agreed to work towards a roadmap for rebuilding mutual trust and understanding, and a meeting of the Special Representatives and Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will also take place soon.

Waiting for...: US on India's probe into Pannun murder plot

Waiting for...: US on India's probe into Pannun murder plot

Rediff.com7 May 2024

The United States is waiting to see the results of the Indian investigations on the murder allegations.

Putin Has To Tread Carefully With Trump

Putin Has To Tread Carefully With Trump

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

'There is no question that Putin's preference will be to avoid unpleasantness with Trump, leave alone a collision course,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Putin confers Russia's highest civilian honour on Modi

Putin confers Russia's highest civilian honour on Modi

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday officially conferred the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' award by Russian President Vladimir Putin for his contribution to fostering bilateral ties between the two countries.

'Baseless': India on Canadian charge of meddling in polls

'Baseless': India on Canadian charge of meddling in polls

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

India on Thursday strongly rejected as 'baseless' allegations of its interference in Canadian elections and asserted that the core issue has been Ottawa's meddling in New Delhi's internal affairs.

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.

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

What's US NSA Doing In Delhi?

What's US NSA Doing In Delhi?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in New Delhi.

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Ilahi, expressed concern about the stability and security of the "whole region" following the collapse of the Syrian government, highlighting Tehran's worries about the potential wider ramifications of the situation. Ilahi also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism between India and Iran, citing their shared cultural heritage and the recent easing of visa restrictions.

No country should...: Quad's clear message to China

No country should...: Quad's clear message to China

Rediff.com29 Jul 2024

The Quad also vowed to work towards a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific, a region that has seen increasing Chinese military muscle-flexing in the last few years.

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

While there was no mention of India in the National Cyber Threat Assessment reports of 2018, 2020 and 2023-24, the 2025-26 assessment mentions India -- along with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea -- in the 'Cyber threat from state adversaries' section that introduces the state cyber threat ecosystem and discusses the cyber threats to Canada.

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'By his words, actions, and body language during their joint press appearance wanted to convey his personal respect and, more broadly, his desire to work closely with India.'

Defence Is Key To India US Relationship

Defence Is Key To India US Relationship

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The China threat continues to resonate in the strategic partnership between India and the USA, points out Rup Narayan Das.

Cricket Is A Game, Not A War

Cricket Is A Game, Not A War

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Boycotting the Champions Trophy will not tackle the issue we have with Pakistan, points out Aakar Patel.

China responsible for current downturn in ties: Jaishankar

China responsible for current downturn in ties: Jaishankar

Rediff.com30 Jun 2023

"It finally takes two hands to clap and China too must have the belief in a workable relationship," he said when asked whether the two Asian giants can have a working relationship.