News for 'The Diplomat'

Indian priest elevated as cardinal by Pope Francis

Indian priest elevated as cardinal by Pope Francis

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The ceremony, held at the famous St Peter's Basilica and attended by clergy and dignitaries from around the world, witnessed the induction of 21 new cardinals from various countries.

India regrets breach of Bangladesh mission in Tripura

India regrets breach of Bangladesh mission in Tripura

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

India on Monday described as 'deeply regrettable' an incident of breach of the premises of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala by a group of people protesting against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in the neighbouring country.

Ajit Doval may travel to Beijing soon

Ajit Doval may travel to Beijing soon

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is likely to travel to Beijing within the next few weeks to lead the Indian delegation at a new edition of the Special Representatives dialogue on the larger boundary question that will be held after a gap of nearly five years, authoritative sources said.

'Monumental mistake': Trudeau doubles down on India

'Monumental mistake': Trudeau doubles down on India

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

"From the beginning, as of last summer, we've worked closely with our Five Eyes partners, particularly with the United States, where they have gone through a similar pattern of behaviour from India in regards to an attempted extrajudicial killing," Trudeau told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa.

Budget 2025: Defence Must Be The Priority

Budget 2025: Defence Must Be The Priority

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'The first and most basic responsibility of any government is to protect its people from external threats and internal harm.' 'Budget 2025-2026 has to focus on meeting this responsibility,' asserts R Jagannathan.

Open to legitimate return of undocumented Indians: Jaishankar in US

Open to legitimate return of undocumented Indians: Jaishankar in US

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

India has always been open to legitimate return of undocumented Indians to their country, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, noting that New Delhi is still in the process of verifying those from the United States who can be deported to India and the number of such individuals cannot be determined yet.

Netanyahu's Gaza Plan: Trap For Trump?

Netanyahu's Gaza Plan: Trap For Trump?

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'Netanyahu lured Trump into a trap by enticing him with a seductive scenario of massive lucrative business in Gaza's reconstruction.' 'Trump's imagination is running riot, completely disconnected from ground realities,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

India-China relations cannot be normal...: Jaishankar

India-China relations cannot be normal...: Jaishankar

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Jaishankar said India-China ties have been abnormal since 2020 when peace and tranquillity in border areas were disturbed due to Chinese actions.

Syria regime change: UN chief seeks international support

Syria regime change: UN chief seeks international support

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on people of Syria to seize a 'historic opportunity' for a stable and peaceful future, following the sudden fall of the 'dictatorial regime' of president Bashar al-Assad.

Voter turnout dips to 56% in phase 2 of J-K elections

Voter turnout dips to 56% in phase 2 of J-K elections

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

The first phase of polling, held on September 18, saw an estimated 61.38 per cent voter turnout, while the final phase is set to take place on October 1 in the crucial elections being held after 10 years.

No impact on India from Brahmaputra dam, claims China

No impact on India from Brahmaputra dam, claims China

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

China has reiterated its plan to build the world's largest dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has assured that the project, estimated to cost around USD 137 billion, will not have any negative impact on downstream countries, India and Bangladesh. The ministry has stated that the project has undergone rigorous scientific verification and will be conducive to disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as climate change response. India has expressed concerns about the dam, raising the issue during talks with the visiting US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. China has maintained that the project will not negatively affect the lower reaches and has committed to maintaining communication with downstream countries.

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The US is currently Earth's most powerful country and a certain latitude of understanding -- a world view -- is popularly expected from its leadership. From a country identified with freedom, constitution, debate, democracy and the likes of Abraham Lincoln even as it had the most powerful military around, the US, following Trump's actions, seemed repositioned as militarily powerful with other qualities secondary, observes Shyam G Menon.

No threat to Putin's position, Prigozhin wanted to become Prez: Diplomat

No threat to Putin's position, Prigozhin wanted to become Prez: Diplomat

Rediff.com26 Jun 2023

Russia's special presidential representative for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy said Prigozhin wanted to become Russian president but it was a "mistake".

India, China hold talks over special representatives' meet

India, China hold talks over special representatives' meet

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

India and China held talks in New Delhi to discuss the lessons learned from the eastern Ladakh military standoff and prevent its recurrence. The two sides also prepared for the next meeting of the Special Representatives on the boundary question. The talks took place under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). Both sides highlighted the importance of regular exchanges and contacts at diplomatic and military level to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

Over 2,000 cases of attack against Hindus in Bangladesh: Report

Over 2,000 cases of attack against Hindus in Bangladesh: Report

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR) on Friday presented a report on the state of minorities in Bangladesh following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

Bishnoi gang connected to 'Indian govt agents': Canada

Bishnoi gang connected to 'Indian govt agents': Canada

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

Incidentally, the allegations come at a time when Lawrence Bishnoi is in the news in India for his alleged involvement in the murder of Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai.

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for the alleged murder of a Yemeni national, faces imminent execution despite the payment of blood money. Despite the lack of bilateral ties between India and war-torn Yemen, family members and human rights activists are clinging to hope for a last-minute pardon. The family has raised funds through a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal fees and negotiations, and is prepared to pay any additional amount required. However, the execution order received presidential approval despite ongoing proceedings, leaving little time for intervention. Priya's family is burdened by debt and seeks urgent support from the Indian government to save her life.

'Trump has a style which Americans like'

'Trump has a style which Americans like'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'Trump would like the war in Ukraine to be over, and that it would be weighing on his mind even before the Inauguration ceremony in January next year.'

Canada updates travel advisory for India amid diplomatic row

Canada updates travel advisory for India amid diplomatic row

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

Amid worsening bilateral ties in the wake of tit-for-tat expulsions over the alleged Indian involvement in the killing of a Khalistani leader on its soil, the Canadian government on Tuesday issued a travel advisory, asking his citizens to 'exercise a high degree of caution'.

Situation at LAC stable but not normal: Army Chief

Situation at LAC stable but not normal: Army Chief

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh is stable but sensitive and not normal, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi said on Tuesday on the dragging military standoff between China and India in the region.

India, China to complete troop disengagement at Demchok, Depsang by Oct 29

India, China to complete troop disengagement at Demchok, Depsang by Oct 29

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

Disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops has started at two friction points in Demchok and Depsang Plains in the Eastern Ladakh sector, defence officials said.

Pak continuously used terrorism to disrupt polls in J-K: India in UNGA

Pak continuously used terrorism to disrupt polls in J-K: India in UNGA

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

India stressed that it is even more extraordinary for a country with a history of rigged elections to talk about political choices, that too in a democracy.

China confirms, standoff in Ladakh is over

China confirms, standoff in Ladakh is over

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

China on Tuesday confirmed that it has reached an agreement with India to end the standoff between the two armies in eastern Ladakh.

India lodges strong protest with Pak over remarks against Bhagat Singh

India lodges strong protest with Pak over remarks against Bhagat Singh

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over recent objectionable remarks made against Bhagat Singh, the government said in Lok Sabha. The Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, stated that India has been raising concerns about attacks on cultural heritage, growing intolerance, and lack of respect for minority communities in Pakistan. Singh also highlighted the strong ties between India and Bangladesh, emphasizing that their relationship is independent of Bangladesh's relations with other countries. The government closely monitors developments impacting India's national interests and takes necessary measures to protect them. Singh also provided information about the deportation of Indian nationals from the US, citing data from the US government.

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka over border tensions, accusing India of violating a bilateral agreement by constructing fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border. The development comes after Bangladesh officials alleged that India had halted construction of barbed wire fencing due to strong opposition from the Border Guard Bangladesh and local residents.

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Bangladesh reports 2,200 attacks on Hindus, other minorities in 2024

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

India has expressed concerns over a rise in violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, reporting 2,200 cases in Bangladesh and 112 in Pakistan this year. The Indian government has urged both countries to take measures to ensure the safety of minorities and has highlighted the issue at international forums. The government has also stated that it is monitoring the situation closely and has shared its concerns with the respective governments.

Canada leaked Nijjar info to Washington Post, didn't tell citizens

Canada leaked Nijjar info to Washington Post, didn't tell citizens

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Top Canadian officials have reportedly admitted to leaking details about India's interference to The Washington Post, but these specifics were not shared with Canadians, The Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

India, China to patrol once a week in Demchok, Depsang

India, China to patrol once a week in Demchok, Depsang

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The two sides had started coordinated patrols in the first week of the month after completing disengagement in both Demchok and Depsang in the last week of October.

Situation of 'emergency control' at LAC over: Chinese diplomat

Situation of 'emergency control' at LAC over: Chinese diplomat

Rediff.com1 Apr 2023

"The current border situation is overall stable," the Chinese diplomat said.

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

No single individual, institution, or action is to blame for this. The BJP is responding in kind -- definitely not without checking with its government. And they wait for Mr Trump, notes Shekhar Gupta.

US sanctions Pak, calls its missile programme a threat

US sanctions Pak, calls its missile programme a threat

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Asserting that Pakistan developing sophisticated missile technology will give it the capability to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States, a top White House official said on Thursday that the Asian country's actions are an emerging threat to the United States.

Russia grants asylum to ousted Syrian president Assad

Russia grants asylum to ousted Syrian president Assad

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The situation in Syria remains a focal point for all the neighbouring nations after Syrian rebels on Sunday entered the capital Damascus, forcing Assad to flee, ending his over two-decade rule in the country.

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

While there was no mention of India in the National Cyber Threat Assessment reports of 2018, 2020 and 2023-24, the 2025-26 assessment mentions India -- along with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea -- in the 'Cyber threat from state adversaries' section that introduces the state cyber threat ecosystem and discusses the cyber threats to Canada.

Gap between...: India's jibe at Trudeau's 'One India' remarks

Gap between...: India's jibe at Trudeau's 'One India' remarks

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

"What we have heard today only confirms what we have been saying consistently all along -- Canada has presented us no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats," the MEA spokesperson said in the statement.

We can't take Modi-Trump personal ties for granted because...: Ex-envoys

We can't take Modi-Trump personal ties for granted because...: Ex-envoys

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

As Donald Trump registered a historic comeback in the US presidential election, many former Indian diplomats on Wednesday concurred that the India-US ties will "continue to grow" from strength to strength, even as some of them cautioned that Trump is "highly unpredictable" and New Delhi will have to "wait and watch" to see what position he adopts going forward.

Canadian top cop urges Sikh community to 'speak out'

Canadian top cop urges Sikh community to 'speak out'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

The head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has urged the Sikh community in Ottawa to speak out as they continue to investigate allegations linking the Indian government to a campaign of violence on Canadian soil.

Israeli diplomat attacked in China amid war against Hamas

Israeli diplomat attacked in China amid war against Hamas

Rediff.com13 Oct 2023

Meanwhile, Israel has expressed its "deep disappointment" with China's response to the war.

Modi, Ambani, Shah Rukh, Salman attend star-studded Maha swearing-in

Modi, Ambani, Shah Rukh, Salman attend star-studded Maha swearing-in

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet colleagues Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of Nationalist Democratic Alliance-ruled states and prominent personalities from industry and Bollywood on Thursday attended the grand swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra Chief Minister in Mumbai.

Australian PM to 'privately' raise 'Indian spies' issue with Modi

Australian PM to 'privately' raise 'Indian spies' issue with Modi

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said matters like the expulsion of 'spies' are raised 'privately', when asked if an incident involving Indian citizens will come up when he meets his counterpart Narendra Modi at the Quad summit.

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Defence sources stated that the disengagement involves removing infrastructure and withdrawing troops from both sides. The process is expected to be completed by Tuesday.