News for 'State for External Affairs'

Hope everyone's rights are protected: UN on Kejriwal's arrest

Hope everyone's rights are protected: UN on Kejriwal's arrest

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the world body 'hopes' that in India and any country that is having elections, people's 'political and civil rights' are 'protected' and everyone is able to vote in a 'free and fair' atmosphere.

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.

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.

The Swades State Of Mind

The Swades State Of Mind

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

As Swades turns 20, Aseem Chhabra looks back at the film that spoke to him.

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.

Jaishankar holds talks with US Secretary of State Pompeo in Tokyo

Jaishankar holds talks with US Secretary of State Pompeo in Tokyo

Rediff.com16 Nov 2020

The meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo comes at a time both India and the US are at loggerheads with China.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

India can never permit others to have a veto on its choices: Jaishankar

India can never permit others to have a veto on its choices: Jaishankar

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said India can never permit others to have a veto on its choices and will do whatever is right in the national interest and for the global good without being intimidated to conform. In a video message for a function in Mumbai on Sunday, he said when India is etched more deeply in global consciousness, its repercussions are truly profound. In a world grappling with unhealthy habits, stressed lifestyles or recurring climate events, there is much learning to be gained from India's heritage. But the world will only know when the countrymen take pride in it, he said.

Only 19 Indians remain in Russian forces now, govt informs LS

Only 19 Indians remain in Russian forces now, govt informs LS

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The Indian government has informed the Lok Sabha that only 19 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian armed forces, after most were discharged and repatriated. The government is working with Russian authorities to ensure the safety and early discharge of the remaining 19.

SEE: Trump hugs Modi, says, 'we missed you a lot'

SEE: Trump hugs Modi, says, 'we missed you a lot'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the West Wing lobby in the White House in Washington, DC on Thursday.

Gaza humanitarian crisis requires sustainable solution: India at NAM summit

Gaza humanitarian crisis requires sustainable solution: India at NAM summit

Rediff.com20 Jan 2024

He advocated a two-state solution where the Palestinian people can live within secure borders.

'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.

Pak envoy urges Trump to help ease tensions with India

Pak envoy urges Trump to help ease tensions with India

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has urged President Donald Trump to help ease tensions with India, highlighting the Kashmir issue as a "flash point" in nuclear terms. He believes that the US should take a more comprehensive and sustained approach to address the situation rather than just immediate de-escalatory measures.

'Absurd': India counters China's claim over Arunachal

'Absurd': India counters China's claim over Arunachal

Rediff.com19 Mar 2024

"Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programmes and infrastructure projects," he said.

JD, Usha Vance to visit India next week amid tariff war

JD, Usha Vance to visit India next week amid tariff war

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha, the first Indian-American Second Lady, are set to visit India early next week. Vance will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit. The visit comes amid global concerns over President Donald Trump's policy on tariffs. Vance's visit is likely to be more of a private trip though it will have official components.

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.

'Deeply troubling': MEA on US funds for voting in India

'Deeply troubling': MEA on US funds for voting in India

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

India on Friday said that the United States' administration's information regarding funding in India is 'deeply troubling' and has led to concerns regarding foreign interference in India's internal affairs.

'Biggest Meltdown In Indian Aviation History'

'Biggest Meltdown In Indian Aviation History'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

'It has got to be the biggest error in aviation. If it is the biggest error, then all those individuals in positions of power should be removed because they have caused the biggest meltdown in Indian aviation history.'

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.

'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.'

'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.'

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.

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Slovak Republic's President, Peter Pellegrini, has expressed interest in adopting a tree-planting initiative similar to India's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inspiration came during a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who was on a two-day state visit to Slovakia. During a tree-planting ceremony in Nitra, Murmu highlighted Modi's initiative to plant trees in the name of mothers. Pellegrini was impressed and suggested that Slovakia could consider a similar program. The initiative, launched on World Environment Day last year, encourages people to plant a tree in their mother's name as a symbolic gesture of love and respect.

'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.'

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A multi-agency team has gone to the US and all paperwork and legal issues are being completed with US authorities to bring him to India, they said.

SAARC is in trouble basically because ...: Jaishankar in veiled attack on Pak

SAARC is in trouble basically because ...: Jaishankar in veiled attack on Pak

Rediff.com3 Mar 2024

The external affairs minister said the SAARC is in trouble as one of its members has been supporting terrorism.

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.

Nehru, Indira dubbed Katchatheevu as a 'little rock': BJP steps up attack on Cong, DMK

Nehru, Indira dubbed Katchatheevu as a 'little rock': BJP steps up attack on Cong, DMK

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

The BJP is hopeful that the issue will come in handy in its efforts to gain political traction in the Dravidian territory during the Lok Sabha polls, more so as it involves neighbouring Sri Lanka whose treatment of its own Tamilian citizens and Tamil Nadu fishermen has long been a charged political issue in the state.

Like peaceful neighbours....: Pak PM urges India again for talks

Like peaceful neighbours....: Pak PM urges India again for talks

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Addressing a special 'Youm-e-Tashakur' event at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, Shehbaz said that India and Pakistan fought three wars and got nothing.

'Insult to India and dignity of Indians': Tharoor on US deportations

'Insult to India and dignity of Indians': Tharoor on US deportations

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has condemned the manner in which Indians staying illegally in the US were deported, calling it an 'insult to India and the dignity of Indians'. He urged the Indian government to issue a message to the US, making it clear that it has no right to deport people in such an 'insulting manner'. Tharoor also pointed out that Colombia had previously refused to accept suspected immigrants of Colombian origin under similar circumstances, officially protesting when people were sent back in handcuffs. He demanded an explanation for the 'atrocious behavior' from the US government.

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'.

If we were more Bharat...: Jaishankar on India-China ties

If we were more Bharat...: Jaishankar on India-China ties

Rediff.com4 Jan 2024

The external affairs minister also recalled how Pandit Nehru was hesitant in taking assistance from the United States following the 1962 war with China as he was unsure how it would be seen.

Man dances away to renounce Indian citizenship

Man dances away to renounce Indian citizenship

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

An undated viral video of an Indian citizen dancing all the way to become a citizen of New Zealand has angered and divided netizens.

Tharoor admits to differences with Congress leadership

Tharoor admits to differences with Congress leadership

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said he has differences of opinion with some in the party leadership, but he is not going to speak about them in light of the bypoll in the Nilambur constituency.

'Indian Youth Can Expect Career Growth In Russia'

'Indian Youth Can Expect Career Growth In Russia'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

'Don't look at Russia only as a place to earn quickly and then leave.' 'Try to build experience in serious companies, skills and certifications that will serve you anywhere in the world.'

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

India and Canada have agreed to restore High Commissioners to each other's capitals at an early date, the first in 'calibrated steps' to restore stability to the 'very important relationship', Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.