News for 'State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs'

SC asks Kejriwal, LG to rise above 'political bickering'

SC asks Kejriwal, LG to rise above 'political bickering'

Rediff.com17 Jul 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday asked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena to rise above 'political bickering' and discuss who could head the national capital's power regulator Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), saying the two constitutional functionaries should get down to 'serious work of governance' away from glare of publicity.

Modi strongly condemns civilian deaths in Israel-Hamas war

Modi strongly condemns civilian deaths in Israel-Hamas war

Rediff.com18 Nov 2023

Modi said New Delhi has emphasised on dialogue and diplomacy along with restraint to deal with the situation arising out of the Hamas-Israel conflict.

'US-India initiatives will face new scrutiny'

'US-India initiatives will face new scrutiny'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2023

'This incident offers ammunition to those inside the US government and elsewhere who question the wisdom of trusting India, so it will have a lasting consequence no matter how it is managed.'

Can Modi Broker Peace In Ukraine?

Can Modi Broker Peace In Ukraine?

Rediff.com10 Apr 2023

Only the future will tell if Modi can leave his mark on the Ukraine crisis. Nonetheless, it is both a challenge and an opportunity for India's diplomacy, notes Rup Narayan Das.

US offers all support to make India's G20 presidency a success

US offers all support to make India's G20 presidency a success

Rediff.com25 Feb 2023

Blinken will also attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Quad grouping and will hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar in Delhi.

Is Biden Using Trudeau To Get Back At Modi?

Is Biden Using Trudeau To Get Back At Modi?

Rediff.com25 Sep 2023

Once the Canadian investigation runs its course, Ottawa may put on the public domain further accusations passing for "evidence" -- and that could happen at some point closer to our general election. All in all, the big question is, what is it that the US is really up to, asks Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Modi will bail out crisis-hit Pak, extend olive branch, claims ex-RAW chief

Modi will bail out crisis-hit Pak, extend olive branch, claims ex-RAW chief

Rediff.com25 Feb 2023

Dulat, however, pointedly said engagement with Pakistan has always been "influenced by domestic politics".

India abstains from UN vote condemning Russia's annexations

India abstains from UN vote condemning Russia's annexations

Rediff.com13 Oct 2022

The 193-member general assembly voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to condemn Russia's "illegal so-called referendums in regions within the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine and the attempted illegal annexation of the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, following the organisation of the above-mentioned referendums".

Are you saying Canada gave us documents?: Jaishankar in New York

Are you saying Canada gave us documents?: Jaishankar in New York

Rediff.com27 Sep 2023

"One, we told the Canadians that this is not the Government of India's policy," Jaishankar said. "Two, we told the Canadians saying that look, if you have something specific, if you have something relevant, let us know. We are open to looking at it," Jaishankar said while responding to a question from former US ambassador to India and CFR Distinguished Fellow Kenneth Juster, in his first public comments on the issue.

Lessons For The World From 2023

Lessons For The World From 2023

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

One looks upon the coming new year with foreboding as current wars in Ukraine and Gaza spill over and escalate and new ones erupt in incipient fault lines across the world, notes former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

The Vaidik-Saeed affair is a wake-up call for Modi's government

The Vaidik-Saeed affair is a wake-up call for Modi's government

Rediff.com15 Jul 2014

'There are all sorts of characters moving around acting as unofficial representatives of the government and engaging in their own personal foreign policy initiatives. Clearly, the government needs to shut these characters down if it wants to continue enjoying any credibility, both domestically and internationally,' says Sushant Sareen.

Now, PM applies 'ad' balm to angry Tamils despite CHOGM miss

Now, PM applies 'ad' balm to angry Tamils despite CHOGM miss

Rediff.com13 Nov 2013

Seeking to assuage the feelings of the people of Tamil Nadu opposed to India's participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting meet in Sri Lanka, Centre on Tuesday detailed its relief and rehabilitation efforts for minority Tamils in the war-torn island nation.

Not 'passive' on Russia-Ukraine war: India at UNSC

Not 'passive' on Russia-Ukraine war: India at UNSC

Rediff.com2 Dec 2022

The President of the Security Council for December said India has taken the side of peace and favours de-escalation through diplomacy and dialogue.

China asks US to respect Nepal's sovereignty as Kathmandu gives nod to MCC

China asks US to respect Nepal's sovereignty as Kathmandu gives nod to MCC

Rediff.com28 Feb 2022

Much to the surprise of Beijing, Nepal's Parliament on Sunday ratified the contentious US-funded $500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact along with an interpretive declaration a day ahead of the February 28 deadline set by Washington.

Weathering Foreign Policy Storms In 2023

Weathering Foreign Policy Storms In 2023

Rediff.com2 Jan 2024

Foreign policy is always a work in progress and ups and downs are built into foreign policy process. What is permanent is national interest. Hopefully, this year, which will also witness general elections in the country, will also clear clouds in the foreign policy horizon, observes Rup Narayan Das.

'May be PM meant meditate and Trump heard mediate'

'May be PM meant meditate and Trump heard mediate'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2019

The former external affairs minister said, ""It was a problem of communication. But diplomacy is all about communication and if you are not able to communicate properly, what kind of diplomacy you are having."

Biden's point person on Russian sanctions to visit India

Biden's point person on Russian sanctions to visit India

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

In New Delhi, Singh will continue US administration's ongoing consultations with India, and advance a range of issues in the US-India economic relationship and strategic partnership.

Spike in oil price breaking India's back: Jaishankar

Spike in oil price breaking India's back: Jaishankar

Rediff.com28 Sep 2022

India is deeply concerned over the spike in the price of oil due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and it is "breaking our back," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said. Addressing a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after holding bilateral talks, Jaishankar on Tuesday said there is a very deep concern among developing countries about how their energy needs are addressed. Speaking about the Ukraine war, he said: "We have taken the position privately, publicly, confidentially and consistently that this conflict is not in anybody's interest."

At UNSC, Jaishankar's veiled attack on China, Pak

At UNSC, Jaishankar's veiled attack on China, Pak

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

Multilateral platforms are being misused to justify and protect perpetrators of terrorism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said

India, the lamb state

India, the lamb state

Rediff.com18 May 2014

'Until India fully absorbs the fundamentals of international relations, it will continue to get evil for good,' says Brahma Chellaney.

Kashmir situation deals body blow to India's image

Kashmir situation deals body blow to India's image

Rediff.com25 Nov 2019

An opinion is steadily gaining ground in Muslim countries in India's 'extended neighbourhood' that the Modi government is adopting State policies that are decidedly 'anti-Muslim', warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why Statehood Needs To Be Restored In J&K

Why Statehood Needs To Be Restored In J&K

Rediff.com25 Jul 2023

The best, wisest, and fairest next step in strengthening our own cause is to restore statehood to Jammu & Kashmir and allow the resumption of robust political activity. That's a box that remains unchecked on the Modi government's report card as we approach the fourth anniversary of Kashmir's Constitutional shift, notes Shekhar Gupta.

At UN, India votes against Russia's call for secret vote on Ukraine

At UN, India votes against Russia's call for secret vote on Ukraine

Rediff.com11 Oct 2022

Only 13 nations voted in favour of Russia's call for a secret ballot on draft resolution on Ukraine.

In apparent 'slip of tongue', Imran says US sent 'threat letter'

In apparent 'slip of tongue', Imran says US sent 'threat letter'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2022

"The letter stated that the no-confidence motion was being tabled even before it was filed, which means the Opposition was in contact with them," Khan alleged in his address to the nation.

India right country at right time to host G20 summit, says Rishi

India right country at right time to host G20 summit, says Rishi

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

Emphasising that various issues are on agenda at the G20 under India's leadership.

'Modi can't be seen in Xi's company'

'Modi can't be seen in Xi's company'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2022

'The MEA, hopefully, made it clear that the Indian PM can't be seen in Xi Jinping's company when China has, for all intents and purposes, annexed over 1,000 sq kms of Indian territory in eastern Ladakh, and essentially that the Wuhan spirit and the Mamallapuram spirit have turned into vinegar.'

A Challenging US Visit for Modi

A Challenging US Visit for Modi

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

This visit has ended on a vastly different note in comparison with Modi's previous visits. Call it a rebuke, call it a censure, call it a distancing from Modi, the sharp message would have gone home, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Sushma Swaraj passes away at 67

Sushma Swaraj passes away at 67

Rediff.com7 Aug 2019

AIIMS doctors said the BJP stalwart and former external affairs minister died of a cardiac arrest.

India Tries To Find A New Route in Kabul

India Tries To Find A New Route in Kabul

Rediff.com4 Nov 2021

The terrible beauty of Doval's initiative is that it is all about a new journey rather than about a set compass pointing toward a pre-determined destination, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Harsh Vardhan Shringla appointed as new foreign secy

Harsh Vardhan Shringla appointed as new foreign secy

Rediff.com24 Dec 2019

Shringla, a 1984 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, is considered an expert on India's neighbourhood and is currently serving as envoy to the US.

Modi Has Enormous Curiosity About The World

Modi Has Enormous Curiosity About The World

Rediff.com24 May 2022

'From the very start, PM Modi was insistent that visiting foreign leaders should be exposed to an India beyond its capital.' 'Through these experiences, he felt that the full Indian narrative would be much better understood across the world,' explains External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. A riveting excerpt from Bluekraft Digital Foundation's Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery.

G-23's Shashi Tharoor has a vision for Congress, will others see it?

G-23's Shashi Tharoor has a vision for Congress, will others see it?

Rediff.com30 Sep 2022

By filing his nomination as Congress president on Friday, Shashi Tharoor has shown he is no 'quockerwodger' -- a word he introduced into our lexicon which means someone acting on the instructions of an influential third party.

UN diplomats warn of 'other actions' after China blocks move on JeM chief

UN diplomats warn of 'other actions' after China blocks move on JeM chief

Rediff.com14 Mar 2019

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to give a sense of the feeling of other members of the Security Council after China blocked the move to designate Azhar a global terrorist. Beijing previously put a technical hold on similar proposals at the UNSC thrice.

High time PM breaks 'silence' on Islamophobic incidents: Tharoor

High time PM breaks 'silence' on Islamophobic incidents: Tharoor

Rediff.com12 Jun 2022

Amid outrage over the controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad by the Bharatiya Janata Party's now-sacked two functionaries, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said it is high time Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the 'proliferation of hate speech and Islamophobic incidents' in the country, asserting that his silence is interpreted by some as condoning what has been happening.

Afghan protestors outside UNHCR office can be Covid super spreaders: HC

Afghan protestors outside UNHCR office can be Covid super spreaders: HC

Rediff.com1 Sep 2021

The Delhi high court on Wednesday expressed concern over a large gathering of Afghan nationals protesting outside the UNHCR office and seeking refugee status, saying it could act as a super spreader of coronavirus as there is lack of adherence to Covid-19 appropriate norms.

Kim is alive, but is he well enough to rule North Korea?

Kim is alive, but is he well enough to rule North Korea?

Rediff.com4 May 2020

'What if Kim is alive as the latest reappearance suggests, but unable to rule?' 'Will his sister be installed as the leader to continue with the Kims's hereditary dynasty that began with the present ruler's grandfather?' asks Dr Rajaram Panda.

COVID-19: 'Modi is the Muqaddar ka Sikandar'

COVID-19: 'Modi is the Muqaddar ka Sikandar'

Rediff.com1 May 2020

'This pandemic has given him a new platform to perform,' says a member of the government. 'He should feel lucky that he has got an opportunity now to demonstrate to the world his original talent.' 'He needs a visionary script to perform.' Sheela Bhatt reports on the politics of the pandemic.

Tharoor lost Cong prez poll but score many political points

Tharoor lost Cong prez poll but score many political points

Rediff.com19 Oct 2022

Amid questions over his future, many political observers believe he has enhanced his political stature.

Boris Johnson is not the real villain of Brexit

Boris Johnson is not the real villain of Brexit

Rediff.com10 Jan 2020

'It is never a good idea to let the broad population determine policy that is the domain of experts and specialists,' notes Aakar Patel.

Modi-Sharif summit in Washington likely on March 31

Modi-Sharif summit in Washington likely on March 31

Rediff.com8 Mar 2016

Pakistan is growing restive with the below the radar screen diplomacy. This is the issue Modi and Sharif will grapple with at their Washington meeting, says Rajeev Sharma.