News for 'State for External Affairs'

Consular staff in Canada remain under audio/video surveillance: India

Consular staff in Canada remain under audio/video surveillance: India

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The Indian government has lodged a strong protest with Canada after consular officials at the Indian consulate in Vancouver were informed they were under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications had been intercepted. The Indian government maintains that Canada has provided space for pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity and has urged Canada to take action against anti-India elements.

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The high commission of India in Dhaka and the assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting in the voluntary return of Indian nationals, he said.

No data on undocumented Indians residing in US: Centre

No data on undocumented Indians residing in US: Centre

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The Indian government does not track the number of undocumented Indian immigrants residing in the US. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, said these immigrants have "legally exited India" but have either overstayed their visa validity, or have entered the US illegally or without valid documents. The response comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to the US, during which he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Trump. The two leaders are likely to discuss India-US cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, defense, technology and immigration.

Centre denies permission to Kerala minister to visit Kuwait

Centre denies permission to Kerala minister to visit Kuwait

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

George reportedly waited for hours at the airport, hoping for permission from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Pahalgam attack: What Putin, Trump, Netanyahu said

Pahalgam attack: What Putin, Trump, Netanyahu said

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, expressing solidarity with India. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. The attack came during US Vice President J D Vance's maiden visit to India. Prime Minister Modi, who had arrived in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit earlier in the day, cut short his visit and departed for New Delhi on Tuesday night following the attack.

Kerala woman among 17 Indians onboard ship seized by Iran

Kerala woman among 17 Indians onboard ship seized by Iran

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

The father said that he has not received any updates from the state or the Central governments regarding his daughter's current status.

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

India has exempted Bangladeshi exports to Nepal and Bhutan as such trade facilitation is mandatory for landlocked countries under the framework of provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Ministry of External Affairs officials summoned the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena at its office in South Block in Delhi and lodged a strong protest against a US State Department official's remarks on Kejriwal's arrest.

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Taking a dig at a section of Bangladeshi politicians, who said the country has legitimate claims over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wondered whether Indians 'would have lollipop' when external forces would try to occupy Indian lands.

Egg on my face: Tharoor admits he was wrong on India's Ukraine war stand

Egg on my face: Tharoor admits he was wrong on India's Ukraine war stand

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has conceded that he was wrong in opposing India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the country's current position allows it to play a significant role in achieving lasting peace. Tharoor, who had initially criticized India's neutrality, now acknowledges that the policy has positioned India as a mediator, capable of engaging with both Russia and Ukraine.

Can Nimisha Priya Escape Death In Yemen?

Can Nimisha Priya Escape Death In Yemen?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'You know the situation in Yemen now. There is no government there.' 'The rebels are in control. So, there is no diplomatic channel through which we can negotiate.'

Pak PM Sharif seeks talks with India, but backs Kashmiris for...

Pak PM Sharif seeks talks with India, but backs Kashmiris for...

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country wants to resolve all issues, including Kashmir, with India through talks. He reiterated his "unwavering " support for the Kashmiri people during a speech in Muzaffarabad on the occasion of "Kashmir Solidarity Day. "

US to deport 487 more Indians, details given to New Delhi

US to deport 487 more Indians, details given to New Delhi

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

India has raised concerns with the US over the recent deportation of 104 Indian immigrants, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealing that US authorities have identified up to 487 presumed Indian citizens with "final removal order." Misri also highlighted the "ecosystem to promote illegal migration" and stressed the need for action against those involved in facilitating such operations.

India summons US diplomat over Kejriwal remarks

India summons US diplomat over Kejriwal remarks

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

Reports had it that a US state department official had said that Washington "encouraged a fair, transparent and timely legal process for chief minister Kejriwal".

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Sources close to the top BJP leadership tell me that Tharoor has already had secret meetings with the BJP's top brass and is waiting patiently to make his next move, reports Ramesh Menon.

ED searches Soros' funding agency, investment arm in Bengaluru

ED searches Soros' funding agency, investment arm in Bengaluru

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Soros, a Hungarian-American political activist, and his organisations like OSF have been accused by the ruling BJP of acting against India's interests. His utterances during the Adani-Hindenburg controversy also drew criticism from the party.

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'Horrific act of terror that the people of Israel are waking up to this morning. AG Pam Bondi called to let me know and was at the scene. 2 dead in shooting targeting Israeli embassy staffers outside Jewish Museum in Washington DC'

US Supreme Court rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea to stay extradition

US Supreme Court rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea to stay extradition

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The US Supreme Court has denied the application of Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, seeking a stay on his extradition to India. Rana, currently detained in Los Angeles, had submitted the application after Associate Justice Elena Kagan initially denied it. Despite a renewed appeal, the Supreme Court ultimately rejected the request.

Tharoor Vs Bhutto: India-Pak delegations to face off in US

Tharoor Vs Bhutto: India-Pak delegations to face off in US

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Tharoor said that though India's case might not be at the top of the agenda for the US media, India can get its message across easily.

Modi-Vance talks on Monday; US VP to visit Akshardham temple

Modi-Vance talks on Monday; US VP to visit Akshardham temple

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Vance is expected to be accompanied by at least five senior officials, including from the Pentagon and the State Department, the people cited above said.

Pannun plot: Govt panel recommends action against unnamed individual

Pannun plot: Govt panel recommends action against unnamed individual

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

A high-powered enquiry committee set up by the Indian government has recommended legal action against an unnamed individual after probing activities of organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations that undermined the security interests of both India and the US. The probe was ordered after the US alleged an attempt to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun by Indian agents in New York in 2023. The committee, which received full cooperation from US authorities, has also recommended functional improvements in systems and procedures to strengthen India's response capability.

Modi congratulates 'friend' Trump on historic inauguration

Modi congratulates 'friend' Trump on historic inauguration

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump on his historic inauguration as the 47th US president and said he looks forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both the countries as well as to shape a better future for the world.

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

'We remain in touch with the Chinese side, in Beijing as well as in Delhi, to bring predictability in the supply chain.'

None of our business: J D Vance on India-Pak conflict

None of our business: J D Vance on India-Pak conflict

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has said it will not get involved in the conflict, stressing that it is "fundamentally none of our business." While acknowledging concerns about a potential nuclear war, Vice President J D Vance emphasized that the US cannot control India and Pakistan, but can encourage them to de-escalate. The US has also reiterated its support for direct dialogue between the two countries and encouraged efforts to improve communications.

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House. India is currently working on the logistics of Rana's surrender and extradition, with several final steps to be completed before he is sent back to India. The joint statement issued by India and the US during Prime Minister Modi's visit reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism and eliminating terrorist safe havens. The leaders also called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

'If you follow the law, America offers opportunities. But those who violate the law will face the consequences.'

7 Indians hurt in car-ramming attack at German Christmas market

7 Indians hurt in car-ramming attack at German Christmas market

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

Seven Indians were injured in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The attack left at least five people dead and nearly 200 injured. The Indian embassy in Berlin is providing all possible assistance to the injured Indians. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack and said its mission in Germany is in contact with the injured Indians and their families.

What Modi told Trump in first phone call after his victory

What Modi told Trump in first phone call after his victory

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President-elect Donald Trump have 'reaffirmed their commitment' to working together to further strengthen bilateral ties across a range of sectors, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his visit to France, which included co-chairing an AI summit and bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He is now headed to the US for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. Modi's visit to France included discussions on trade, defense, energy, and cultural linkages. He also inaugurated India's new consulate in Marseille. During his visit to the US, Modi will also interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community.

Modi went abroad 21 times since 2019, Jaishankar 86 times

Modi went abroad 21 times since 2019, Jaishankar 86 times

Rediff.com2 Feb 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken 21 trips abroad since 2019 and over Rs 22.76 crore was spent on these visits, the government said on Thursday.

'Senseless attempts': India on China renaming places in Arunachal

'Senseless attempts': India on China renaming places in Arunachal

Rediff.com2 Apr 2024

India on Tuesday outrightly rejected as 'senseless' China renaming some places in Arunachal Pradesh, and asserted that assigning 'invented' names does not alter the reality that the state 'is, has been, and will always be' an integral part of India.

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

PIX: Modi meets J D Vance, Usha and their sons in Paris

PIX: Modi meets J D Vance, Usha and their sons in Paris

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice President J D Vance and his family, Estonian President Alar Karis, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris. The meetings focused on bilateral relations, AI collaboration, and trade opportunities. Modi also invited Estonia to explore opportunities in India's growth story. He concluded the summit by expressing India's willingness to host the next AI Action Summit.

Sorry state of affairs: SC on lack of sexual harassment panels at workplace

Sorry state of affairs: SC on lack of sexual harassment panels at workplace

Rediff.com12 May 2023

The top court said there are serious lapses in the enforcement of the 2013 Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act.

China Remains Jaishankar's Main Problem

China Remains Jaishankar's Main Problem

Rediff.com15 Jun 2024

'China is India's primary strategic challenge, which will not go away.

Lekhi denies answering query on Hamas in LS, MEA says...

Lekhi denies answering query on Hamas in LS, MEA says...

Rediff.com9 Dec 2023

The unstarred question No. 980, titled "Declaration of Hamas as Terrorist Organisation", was put by Congress MP Kumbakudi Sudhakaran.

India to host Quad FMs' meet on Friday, focus on Indo-Pacific situation

India to host Quad FMs' meet on Friday, focus on Indo-Pacific situation

Rediff.com2 Mar 2023

The meeting to be presided over by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Australia's Penny Wong.

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Here is the complete list of ministers in Modi 3.0 and their portfolios:

Must ensure full respect for LAC: Jaishankar to Wang Yi

Must ensure full respect for LAC: Jaishankar to Wang Yi

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The Jaishankar-Wang talks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May.

Modi meets Yunus of Bangladesh, flags concern over attacks on Hindus

Modi meets Yunus of Bangladesh, flags concern over attacks on Hindus

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

In his first meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged concerns over the attacks on minorities, including Hindus and conveyed that any rhetoric that vitiated the environment was best avoided.