News for 'State for Ministry of External Affairs'

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.

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger.

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.

Setback for India? US revokes sanctions waiver for Chabahar port

Setback for India? US revokes sanctions waiver for Chabahar port

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

India has said it will take all steps to protect its national interests and ensure comprehensive national security in all domains after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a strategic defence pact.

Will Jaishankar continue to craft an assertive foreign policy?

Will Jaishankar continue to craft an assertive foreign policy?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

When S Jaishankar became India's external affairs minister in May 2019, he was largely considered a political lightweight despite his undisputed mastery over foreign policy.

Amid Trump's tirade, Indian Army reminds US of Pak deal

Amid Trump's tirade, Indian Army reminds US of Pak deal

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

In response to US criticism of India's oil imports from Russia, the Indian Army shared a 1971 news clip highlighting the US's role in arming Pakistan.

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.

Grief counsellors to help families of AI crash victims

Grief counsellors to help families of AI crash victims

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Teams have been formed and assigned to individual families with a rank of a deputy collector or tehsildar rank officer. Bodies will be handed over to the families and taken in ambulance to the village or district with a police pilot, Pandey said.

Modi receives Kuwait's highest honour

Modi receives Kuwait's highest honour

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

Kuwait on Sunday conferred its highest honour -- 'The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer' -- on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in strengthening the good relations between the two countries.

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.

Rare Earth Magnet Crunch Persists For Automakers

Rare Earth Magnet Crunch Persists For Automakers

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

'Despite assurance from China, none of the companies have received supplies from Chinese sellers.'

Attempting to avoid...: Vanuatu cancels Lalit Modi's passport

Attempting to avoid...: Vanuatu cancels Lalit Modi's passport

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has directed the Citizenship Commission to cancel the passport issued to former Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi, citing his attempt to avoid extradition. Modi had applied to surrender his Indian passport to the Indian High Commission in London, but the Vanuatu government stated that Interpol twice rejected India's request for an alert notice due to lack of evidence. The statement emphasized that holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and applicants must seek citizenship for legitimate reasons, which does not include evading extradition.

Mehul Choksi extradition: India assures Belgium on prison conditions

Mehul Choksi extradition: India assures Belgium on prison conditions

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The Indian government has provided assurances to Belgian authorities regarding the prison conditions awaiting Mehul Choksi if he is extradited. The details focus on meeting European standards for humane treatment and addressing concerns about overcrowding and solitary confinement.

Centre evacuates fresh batch of 290 Indians, 1 Sri Lankan from Iran

Centre evacuates fresh batch of 290 Indians, 1 Sri Lankan from Iran

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

India on Monday evacuated 290 Indian nationals and one Sri Lankan citizen from Iran amid an escalation in hostilities between the Persian Gulf nation and Israel following the United States bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites.

Pakistan says India shared flood information, but...

Pakistan says India shared flood information, but...

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Pakistan has urged India to fully adhere to the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), expressing concerns about the level of detail in flood information shared through diplomatic channels.

Indian student critical after accident in US, MEA pushes for urgent visa

Indian student critical after accident in US, MEA pushes for urgent visa

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Neelam Shinde from Maharashtra's Satara was critically injured in the accident on February 14 and has been in a coma at a hospital since then.

US: 'India Has Taken Advantage Of Ukraine War'

US: 'India Has Taken Advantage Of Ukraine War'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'India has intentionally taken advantage of the war in Ukraine to dramatically increase its purchases of Russian crude, when there are roughly 40 major crude providers that could satisfy Indian demand.'

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The proposed legislation on Emigration (Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024) seeks to replace the Emigration Act of 1983 with a view to facilitate the circular mobility of people intending to emigrate for overseas employment.

Gravity of charges hinder efforts to save Nimisha Priya from execution

Gravity of charges hinder efforts to save Nimisha Priya from execution

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

The gravity of charges against Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been sentenced to death by a Yemeni court after being convicted of murdering a citizen of the country, has made it difficult for the efforts to seek relief for her to succeed, sources said.

India slams China's 'vain' bid to rename parts of Arunachal

India slams China's 'vain' bid to rename parts of Arunachal

Rediff.com14 May 2025

India on Wednesday outright rejected China's attempts to rename some places in Arunachal Pradesh, saying such 'preposterous' attempts will not alter the 'undeniable' reality that the state 'was, is, and will' always remain an integral part of India.

'You'll weather it': Fiji PM backs Modi over US tariff move

'You'll weather it': Fiji PM backs Modi over US tariff move

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka discussed US tariffs on Indian goods with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that "somebody is not very happy with you." The discussion occurred during Rabuka's visit to India to strengthen ties.

Rs 295 crore spent on Modi's foreign visits in 3 yrs

Rs 295 crore spent on Modi's foreign visits in 3 yrs

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The Indian government has released data detailing the expenses incurred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits from 2021 to 2025, including trips to the US, France, and other countries.

Modi meets Israeli Prez in Dubai, says he supports two-state solution

Modi meets Israeli Prez in Dubai, says he supports two-state solution

Rediff.com2 Dec 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and underscored India's support for an early and durable resolution of the Israel-Palestine issue through dialogue and diplomacy.

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.

'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.

FBI Praises CBI Rs 350 Cr Racket Bust

FBI Praises CBI Rs 350 Cr Racket Bust

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'Big Week For #USIndia Law Enforcement Collaboration'

Pakistan's nukes to be available for Saudi under new pact

Pakistan's nukes to be available for Saudi under new pact

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The entry of other Arab countries in the mutual defence deal between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not ruled out, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said, adding that 'doors are not closed' for such developments.

Natwar Singh: A man who wore many hats, but always spoke his mind

Natwar Singh: A man who wore many hats, but always spoke his mind

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

K Natwar Singh wore many hats as he straddled the worlds of diplomacy, politics and writing but what remained consistent across decades was his sharp-wit and plainspeaking.

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

China has defended its plan to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, assuring that the project will not affect riparian states and safety issues have been addressed through decades of studies. The dam, estimated to cost USD 137 billion, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, but Chinese authorities maintain that the project has been thoroughly studied and safeguards are in place. The dam is part of China's efforts to develop clean energy and respond to climate change.

The Country To Execute Most Indians Is...

The Country To Execute Most Indians Is...

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Kuwait has executed 25 Indian nationals in the past five years.

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, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

India, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of their nuclear installations on Wednesday, fulfilling a decades-old agreement that prohibits attacks on each other's atomic facilities. The exchange took place amid strained relations between the two countries over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism. The agreement, signed in 1988, mandates the annual exchange of such lists, which has occurred for the 34th consecutive year.

No proof to link Modi to Nijjar plot: Trudeau govt

No proof to link Modi to Nijjar plot: Trudeau govt

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

"The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada," the statement added.

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.

'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.

Will wait for India to build dam on Indus river, then...: Pak Army chief

Will wait for India to build dam on Indus river, then...: Pak Army chief

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Weeks before the Pahalgam attack, Munir said Pakistan will not forget the issue of Kashmir, asserting, "It was our jugular vein." His comments were trashed by India.

'Problem Is Not Family-Owned Businesses'

'Problem Is Not Family-Owned Businesses'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

'Instead of one or two families controlling 10% to 15% of GDP, it has to be broad based. Then, the resilience of the economy also will be higher.' 'Then, if something happens to one business, it will not hurt the economy badly.'

Jaishankar lands in Islamabad as India swears by SCO, but no bilaterals

Jaishankar lands in Islamabad as India swears by SCO, but no bilaterals

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

It is the first time in nearly nine years that India's foreign minister travelled to Pakistan even as the ties between the two neighbours remained tense over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

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.

Trump says lost India, Russia to 'darkest' China; New Delhi says...

Trump says lost India, Russia to 'darkest' China; New Delhi says...

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duties for India's purchase of Russian crude oil.