News for 'State for External Affairs'

'No external party...': India slams Erdogan's Kashmir remarks at UNGA

'No external party...': India slams Erdogan's Kashmir remarks at UNGA

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

India on Tuesday firmly rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's reference to Jammu and Kashmir during his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), asserting that the issue pertains strictly to the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

External Affairs portfolio with PM

External Affairs portfolio with PM

Rediff.com7 Nov 2005

The decision was taken by the President.

India shifts Ukraine strategy, engages with Kyiv, Moscow

India shifts Ukraine strategy, engages with Kyiv, Moscow

Rediff.com6 days ago

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has publicly acknowledged India's intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, engaging directly with both Kyiv and Moscow. India is focusing on critical issues like Black Sea shipping safety, grain exports, and energy supplies, moving beyond its previous advocacy role. Jaishankar also highlighted India's historical ties with Russia and discussed the evolving global geopolitical landscape, including the repositioning of the US and the rise of China.

Jaishankar meets Rubio at UNGA, shares concerns on sanctions bill

Jaishankar meets Rubio at UNGA, shares concerns on sanctions bill

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. India raised its concerns regarding the recently signed "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which authorises tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Both leaders also discussed bilateral relations, regional priorities, and the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine.

India keeps Russia-Ukraine peace effort alive, says Jaishankar

India keeps Russia-Ukraine peace effort alive, says Jaishankar

Rediff.com5 days ago

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is entering an age of flux marked by conflicts and tariff volatility, requiring India to respond effectively to these challenges. He reiterated India's consistent stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted India's efforts to engage with both sides. Jaishankar also emphasised India's role in championing the voice of the Global South and navigating complex strategic partnerships in a multi-aligned world.

23 Indians rescued after tanker attacked in Russian waters

23 Indians rescued after tanker attacked in Russian waters

Rediff.com3 days ago

A Liberia-flagged oil tanker, Aframax Rio, carrying 23 Indian nationals, was attacked by drone boats off Russia's Black Sea coast near Sochi. All crew members were safely evacuated, though a significant fire is burning. The incident highlights escalating risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting India to express grave concern over attacks on international waterways.

Overseas job scams turning into trafficking traps, Centre warns states, UTs

Overseas job scams turning into trafficking traps, Centre warns states, UTs

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Union Home Ministry has issued a stern advisory to states and Union Territories, highlighting a "dangerous trend" of human trafficking through "overseas recruitment scams." These scams lure victims with promises of high-paying jobs abroad, only to trap them in "CyberFraud Centres." The ministry has called for a "specialised offensive" involving various state agencies to combat this growing menace, emphasising strict enforcement, agency verification, and public awareness.

What Is Driving India's Outreach To Neighbours?

What Is Driving India's Outreach To Neighbours?

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India has significantly increased its diplomatic engagements with Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, strongly criticised Pakistan for its support of terrorism, asserting India's right to self-defence and stating that friendship cannot coexist with terrorism. He also highlighted India's global responsibilities, contributions to the Global South, and its stance on reformed multilateralism and AI.

India ready for dialogue with Bangladesh on all issues, says MEA

India ready for dialogue with Bangladesh on all issues, says MEA

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India desires positive, constructive, and forward-looking ties with Bangladesh and is ready to discuss all bilateral issues. This comes amidst queries regarding the state of relations following a change in Bangladesh's government and upcoming international engagements.

'China Views India Through The Prism Of United States'

'China Views India Through The Prism Of United States'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

'Therefore, Beijing comes to wrong conclusions.'

Grateful to India, says Russia on Ukraine peace proposal

Grateful to India, says Russia on Ukraine peace proposal

Rediff.com3 days ago

Russia has expressed gratitude for India's readiness to contribute to resolving the Ukraine conflict, while Ukraine's Foreign Minister praised India's ceasefire proposal as the "broadest" among those received. President Putin also acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's "very good ideas" for a mutual settlement, highlighting India's intensified diplomatic efforts focusing on Black Sea safety, grain exports, and energy supplies.

'Stop facilitating infiltration': India summons Pak envoy after BSF action

'Stop facilitating infiltration': India summons Pak envoy after BSF action

Rediff.com6 days ago

India summoned Pakistan's Charge d'affaires to protest continued cross-border infiltration and alleged facilitation of drug smuggling, rejecting Pakistan's earlier protest regarding BSF action against suspected intruders. India stated BSF engaged infiltrators who posed a security threat after ignoring warnings.

Attack on seafarers 'unacceptable': Jaishankar at UNGA

Attack on seafarers 'unacceptable': Jaishankar at UNGA

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf, calling it "simply unacceptable." He also voiced deep concern over the "weaponisation of everything," which he stated has severe consequences for Global South nations, impacting peace, progress, and development globally. India urged restraint, de-escalation, and protection of civilians, while also highlighting the 4F crisis (food, fuel, fertiliser, finance) faced by developing countries.

Five Indians rescued, shifted ashore after projectile hits tanker in Hormuz

Five Indians rescued, shifted ashore after projectile hits tanker in Hormuz

Rediff.com7 days ago

Five Indian nationals aboard a Kuwait-flagged tanker were safely shifted ashore after the vessel was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, the Embassy of India in Oman said.

Will take steps to...: India reacts to US sanctions bill

Will take steps to...: India reacts to US sanctions bill

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

India has stated its commitment to protecting its economic interests and ensuring energy security after the US House of Representatives passed a bill allowing the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries, including India and China, for purchasing Russian crude oil. The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed India's resolve to maintain diversified energy sourcing and has articulated its concerns to US interlocutors regarding the bill's potential implications.

On Trump's UNGA Agenda: Mamdani, Macron and Zelenskyy

On Trump's UNGA Agenda: Mamdani, Macron and Zelenskyy

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump is set to engage in a series of high-profile meetings during the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, including discussions with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

MT El Gaia attack: India reiterates safe navigation in international waters

MT El Gaia attack: India reiterates safe navigation in international waters

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

India on Tuesday reiterated the call for free and safe navigation in international waters and the unhindered flow of commerce through international waterways in the region after the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT El Gaia came under attack off the coast of Oman, with 13 of the 14 Indian nationals on board rescued while search operations are underway for one missing seafarer.

Modi, Trump talk on phone amid sanctions threat

Modi, Trump talk on phone amid sanctions threat

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation to review progress in bilateral ties, covering trade, defence, and energy, against the backdrop of heightened trade friction due to the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026'.

Hasina's arrival in Delhi was 'unexpected': Indian envoy in Dhaka

Hasina's arrival in Delhi was 'unexpected': Indian envoy in Dhaka

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, clarified that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's arrival in New Delhi two years ago was unexpected and not facilitated by the Indian military. He addressed ongoing extradition requests from the current Bangladeshi government, stating India acted out of duty during tragic circumstances in Bangladesh.

LAC peace will determine state of broader bilateral ties: India to China

LAC peace will determine state of broader bilateral ties: India to China

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

India has asserted that the state of its border with China directly impacts the broader bilateral relationship, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Ministry of External Affairs also firmly rejected China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating its status as an integral part of India. This stance was reiterated during a recent Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination meeting, where both sides agreed to continue using diplomatic and military channels to resolve outstanding issues.

Work With The US, With Or Without Trump

Work With The US, With Or Without Trump

Rediff.com4 days ago

India-US ties may be strained, but abandoning the relationship is not the answer; India must deal with Washington firmly without becoming either servile or hostile, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

India, China hold high-level talks on Arunachal border ahead of BRICS meet

India, China hold high-level talks on Arunachal border ahead of BRICS meet

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Indian and Chinese armies held their first high-level commanders' flag talks in the Arunachal Pradesh sector, following Special Representatives dialogue. These talks, aimed at maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control, occurred amidst reports of aggressive military posturing and just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit.

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A high-level Indian delegation, including Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, paid tributes to the assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, conveying India's condolences.

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

India rejects US body's call for sanctions on RSS

India rejects US body's call for sanctions on RSS

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India has strongly rejected remarks by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) officials calling for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and advising against diplomatic courtesies for its leaders. The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson labelled USCIRF a "biased" organisation with its own agenda, lacking credibility.

Putin reaches Delhi for BRICS summit, to meet Modi today

Putin reaches Delhi for BRICS summit, to meet Modi today

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a three-day visit to attend the BRICS summit and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on expanding trade, investment, and energy cooperation amidst global geopolitical challenges.

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

India distances itself from Hasina's media interaction, says no role in it

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's recent media interaction in New Delhi, stating it played no role in the event nor endorsed her comments regarding the Bangladesh government. This comes after Bangladesh expressed outrage over the permitted interaction, which saw Hasina announce her determination to return to Bangladesh to restore democracy.

Stabbed pilot Capt Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced treatment

Stabbed pilot Capt Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced treatment

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot operating flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, is being airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced medical care after suffering stab wounds during a violent mid-air cockpit attack by his co-pilot.

MEA Clarifies India's Participation In SAF Games 2027

MEA Clarifies India's Participation In SAF Games 2027

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India's participation in the 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan will be guided by the sports ministry's policy, which permits Indian athletes to compete in events with Pakistani participants and vice-versa. Separately, the MEA also commented on the ongoing legal proceedings for seven foreign nationals, including a US citizen and six Ukrainians, who were recently chargesheeted by the NIA for illegal entry and movement, though not under UAPA at this stage.

X account suspended of outfit handling Mohan Bhagwat's NYC event

X account suspended of outfit handling Mohan Bhagwat's NYC event

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A US Congress-constituted advisory body on religious freedom, the USCIRF, has urged the Trump administration to revoke the visa issued to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, citing concerns over alleged violent attacks against religious minorities by RSS subgroups.

Exclusive Interview/Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor

Exclusive Interview/Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor

Rediff.com10 Sep 2009

'It's a rare privilege, within a matter of months, I have changed my residence, my profession, my daily thrust of work, and it's in some ways quite invigorating,' Shashi Tharoor, minister of state for external affairs, tells Aziz Haniffa in an exclusive interview.

Nepal floods: 290 Indians still missing, 200 stranded on Chinese side

Nepal floods: 290 Indians still missing, 200 stranded on Chinese side

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 288 Indian nationals remain missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal, including those working on hydropower projects and tourist groups.

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Rediff.com5 days ago

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively courting Sri Lanka's Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist party with strong Sinhalese nationalist roots, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations despite ideological differences. This engagement, highlighted by a recent high-profile visit by JVP leader Tilvin Silva, aims to foster cooperation on economic projects and address New Delhi's concerns over slow progress in India-aided initiatives in the island nation.

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Trinamool Congress has lost the chairpersonship of two significant Parliamentary panels following a reconstitution by Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This development comes after a split in the TMC, with rebel MPs joining the Nationalist Citizen Party and supporting the NDA. The TMC has strongly criticised the move, alleging that Parliament is being turned into a 'deep, dark chamber' due to their exclusion from committee leadership.

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

India has once again raised alarms over the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area and strongly condemned Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabian territory, "including on civilians and economic assets."

No rush for PM Rahman's India visit, B'desh stresses national interests

No rush for PM Rahman's India visit, B'desh stresses national interests

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has stated there is "no rush" for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India, emphasising that Dhaka will not compromise its national interests. State Minister Humaiun Kobir indicated the visit would occur after sufficient bilateral progress. The visit is crucial for mending India-Bangladesh ties, which have been strained, particularly following the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh's subsequent extradition request.

'Not justified': Jaishankar to Rubio on killing of 3 Indian sailors

'Not justified': Jaishankar to Rubio on killing of 3 Indian sailors

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lodged a strong protest with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over US Navy attacks in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. India also summoned the US Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi regarding the incident.

Gauhati HC Asks Assam Government To Pay Compensation

Gauhati HC Asks Assam Government To Pay Compensation

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Court said state machinery prevented woman from challenging Foreigners Tribunal order; directs authorities to try to locate her in Bangladesh and bring her back to India.