News for 'The Diplomat'

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi invited for IPL 2026 final

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi invited for IPL 2026 final

Rediff.com16 May 2026

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been invited to attend the ICC Board meeting and IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif expected to decide on the visit amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.

US ready to boost energy sales to India: Rubio ahead of New Delhi visit

US ready to boost energy sales to India: Rubio ahead of New Delhi visit

Rediff.com22 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the US is ready to sell as much energy as India is willing to buy. He described India as a 'great partner' ahead of his visit to New Delhi.

IPL 2026: Rahane drops strong message on captaincy pressure

IPL 2026: Rahane drops strong message on captaincy pressure

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane said thoughts of stepping down never crossed his mind despite the side's disastrous start to the IPL season, adding that it is important to show character when the team is struggling.

'Not true': Iran denies participation in second round of talks in Pakistan

'Not true': Iran denies participation in second round of talks in Pakistan

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Iran has denied agreeing to participate in a second round of peace talks, contradicting claims made by the United States. The denial comes as tensions remain high in West Asia, with a ceasefire window nearing its end.

Iran offers 'new proposal' to US to end war, reopen Hormuz

Iran offers 'new proposal' to US to end war, reopen Hormuz

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

In a significant diplomatic manoeuvre aimed at de-escalating regional tensions, Iran has reportedly submitted a "new proposal" to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries.

Deal vs War: Trump-Netanyahu Clash on Iran in Tense Call

Deal vs War: Trump-Netanyahu Clash on Iran in Tense Call

Rediff.com21 May 2026

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a tense phone call over the future course of the war on Iran, with Washington favouring a deal instead of resuming strikes, according to US media reports.

From US to China to Lashkar: NIA traces GoPro camera trail in Pahalgam probe

From US to China to Lashkar: NIA traces GoPro camera trail in Pahalgam probe

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Indian investigators are tracing the supply chain of a US-manufactured GoPro camera found with Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, revealing a potential external logistics network supporting terror outfits in Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian National Killed In Moscow Region Drone Strike

Indian National Killed In Moscow Region Drone Strike

Rediff.com17 May 2026

An Indian worker was killed and three others were injured in a drone attack in the Moscow region, the Indian embassy in Russia said. The incident occurred amid escalating hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Iran in a 'state of collapse', Tehran wants us to open Hormuz: Trump

Iran in a 'state of collapse', Tehran wants us to open Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that Iran is in a "state of collapse" and has requested the United States to help "open" the Strait of Hormuz.

Is Pakistan's mediation stalling US-Iran peace deal?

Is Pakistan's mediation stalling US-Iran peace deal?

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Doubts are emerging about Pakistan's role in mediating peace negotiations between the US and Iran, with suggestions that Islamabad's efforts are stalling and failing to secure a definitive response from the United States.

'Don't listen to losers': Trump slams Republicans over Iran deal

'Don't listen to losers': Trump slams Republicans over Iran deal

Rediff.com25 May 2026

US President Donald Trump's proposed peace deal with Iran has drawn significant criticism from both Republican and Democrat senators, who express deep concerns that it would legitimise Tehran as a 'dominant force' and potentially allow it to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz and uranium enrichment capabilities.

Indian killed in Moscow drone strike from Odisha; joined job 2 months ago

Indian killed in Moscow drone strike from Odisha; joined job 2 months ago

Rediff.com19 May 2026

An Indian worker from Odisha was killed and two others were injured in a drone attack by Ukraine in the Moscow region. The deceased, A Rameya, was working at an oil refinery. Efforts are underway to repatriate his body.

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com20 May 2026

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has acknowledged that despite political differences with Narendra Modi, the prime minister is working to uphold India's prestige internationally. Pawar emphasised the importance of collective effort for national interest and cited examples of past leaders who prioritised the country's reputation.

US flag on Gulf map, alien and more: Trump's AI blitz on Iran

US flag on Gulf map, alien and more: Trump's AI blitz on Iran

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric against Iran by posting AI-generated images and videos depicting US military strikes, warning Tehran that time is running out to secure a ceasefire agreement.

Amid West Asia tensions, Iran FM Araghchi dials Jaishankar to discuss crisis

Amid West Asia tensions, Iran FM Araghchi dials Jaishankar to discuss crisis

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke with Indian counterpart S Jaishankar to discuss the West Asia crisis, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Crude Oil Futures Climb Over 3%; Brent breaches $107

Crude Oil Futures Climb Over 3%; Brent breaches $107

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Crude oil prices surged over 3% in futures trade after US President Donald Trump expressed doubts about the Iran ceasefire, reigniting fears of supply disruptions from West Asia and pushing Brent crude above USD 107 per barrel.

India-Pak truce a favour to Sharif, Munir: Trump repeats mediation claims

India-Pak truce a favour to Sharif, Munir: Trump repeats mediation claims

Rediff.com16 May 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the 'ceasefire' that he got done between India and Pakistan was a favour to their army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

India trashes claim of declining minority rights, media freedom

India trashes claim of declining minority rights, media freedom

Rediff.com17 May 2026

India has rejected allegations of declining media freedom and erosion of religious and minority rights, asserting that the country is a vibrant democracy that guarantees free speech to all.

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India is the only significant power that all parties trust, or at least do not distrust, notes former defence secretary Ajay Kumar.

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Chinese leaders, including its generals, will have to weigh whether they can win a war if they ever attack Taiwan and if at all, can they sustain the subsequent devastation, notes Rup Narayan Das.

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee Ebrahim Azizi on Saturday said that Iran has prepared a "professional mechanism" to regulate maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through a designated route, which will be unveiled soon.

Coordination with us must to pass Hormuz: Iran FM in Delhi

Coordination with us must to pass Hormuz: Iran FM in Delhi

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all commercial vessels, requiring ships to coordinate with Iranian naval forces due to regional tensions and a US blockade.

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The United States and Iran concluded the first phase of in-person talks in Islamabad, with both delegations exchanging written texts to formalise areas of understanding. The discussions, involving key representatives from both sides, are aimed at reducing tensions and exploring possibilities of a structured understanding.

Araghchi meets Munir in Pak, Iran says no talks planned with US

Araghchi meets Munir in Pak, Iran says no talks planned with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied reports of planned talks with the United States during a visit to Islamabad, Pakistan, despite US envoys also visiting the region.

'Losing side can't dictate terms': Iran calls Trump's ceasefire a 'ploy'

'Losing side can't dictate terms': Iran calls Trump's ceasefire a 'ploy'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Despite a ceasefire extension, Iran has rejected the United States' conditions for negotiations, creating uncertainty in ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Iran-US peace talks hang in balance amid tensions

Iran-US peace talks hang in balance amid tensions

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Uncertainty surrounds the planned second round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, as both sides engage in brinkmanship. Despite Pakistan's security preparations, Iran has yet to confirm its attendance, citing a lack of seriousness from the US in pursuing diplomacy and violations of the ceasefire.

Trump backtracks on Taiwan independence after China visit

Trump backtracks on Taiwan independence after China visit

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Following his visit to China, US President Donald Trump has suggested a potential shift in Washington's approach to Taiwan, expressing reluctance to engage in military conflict over Taiwan's independence and cautioning against unilateral moves.

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Iran has denied sending a delegation to Islamabad for peace talks with the United States, contradicting Pakistan's claims of mediating the negotiations. The denial highlights a lack of confidence in Pakistan's ability to ensure security for high-level participants and underscores the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran.

Mishandling Taiwan issue could spark China-US clash, Xi Jinping warns Trump

Mishandling Taiwan issue could spark China-US clash, Xi Jinping warns Trump

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger conflicts between the two countries during wide-ranging talks on trade, Iran, and energy security.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge on US-Iran Talk Hopes

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge on US-Iran Talk Hopes

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged significantly in early trade, mirroring a global market rally and a drop in crude oil prices below USD 100 per barrel, driven by renewed hopes of diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran.

Netanyahu's testimony in graft trial put off due to security reasons

Netanyahu's testimony in graft trial put off due to security reasons

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Jerusalem District Court has postponed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled testimony in his ongoing corruption trial due to security and diplomatic considerations, as requested by the defence.

'We win regardless...': Trump on US-Iran talks in Islamabad

'We win regardless...': Trump on US-Iran talks in Islamabad

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in America's position amid US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, stating that Washington stands to 'win' regardless of a deal.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 slump in early trade

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 slump in early trade

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Indian equity markets experienced a significant decline in early trade, with the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty dropping, as escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a surge in global oil prices dampened investor sentiment. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 8, 2026.

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India would confront a more entrenched China, a less dependable United States, and a regional order increasingly shaped by great-power bargaining over which it exercises limited influence, notes Amberish K Diwanji.

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his trip to Islamabad was "very productive" and involved "good consultations" with Pakistan's top leadership amid uncertainty over the second round of peace talks to resolve the war in West Asia.

Indian Equities Extend Losses as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Indian Equities Extend Losses as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Indian equity markets, including the Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant downturn for the second consecutive day, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and persistent foreign fund outflows.

Mother's Day: Our Mummas' TASTY Recipes

Mother's Day: Our Mummas' TASTY Recipes

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Recipes that we learned from our Mothers are almost sacred for us, especially when we no longer have them with us anymore. Here are 14 wonderful Mummy recipes Our Mummies often don't write their recipes down but every time our Ammas make a particular dish, it's more spectacular than the last time they made it! Without doubt, right? We were fortunate to get a few of our Ammis to jot down how she made a certain oh-so-yummy preparation

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative to restore free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainty over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the US and Iran.