News for 'central-asia'

India U17s Seek To Bounce Back Against Uzbekistan

India U17s Seek To Bounce Back Against Uzbekistan

Rediff.com5 days ago

India U17 team will look to bounce back from their defeat against Australia as they face Uzbekistan in their final Group D match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 campaign.

Why China's new county near PoK raises security concerns

Why China's new county near PoK raises security concerns

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

China has established a new county in Xinjiang province near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border, a move seen as strengthening security along the Wakhan Corridor and addressing concerns about Uyghur separatist militants.

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Rediff.com1 days ago

This is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A US trade representative described India as a 'tough nut to crack' during trade agreement negotiations in Washington, highlighting India's protection of its agricultural markets and the ongoing discussions on specific commodities.

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's anti-doping programme has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, with no tests conducted for three years and the country's exiled anti-doping chief admitting there is currently 'no hope'. The programme faces numerous challenges, including a lack of Doping Control Officers, logistical issues, and political instability.

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'In a volatile global market, India is pursuing a low-risk, low-return policy, akin to a SIP -- slow, steady investment.' 'Pakistan is following a high-risk, high-return policy.'

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the country refused permission for the US to land two warplanes at Mattala International Airport, citing a commitment to neutrality amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.

Iranian plane set to pick up aid from India hit by US strike

Iranian plane set to pick up aid from India hit by US strike

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Iranian officials allege a US airstrike on Mashhad airport damaged a Mahan Air plane set to collect vital medical aid from India.

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

US Special Representative Sergio Gor met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and Sri Lanka's stance on the Middle East crisis. The visit occurs amidst regional tensions and US efforts to secure trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

By appearing to privilege ideological affinity over strategic balance, India risks eroding the trust painstakingly built across West Asia. Once the perception takes hold that India's friendship is conditional and transactional, rebuilding credibility will be difficult, warns Amberish K Diwanji.

US to return 3 ancient sculptures taken illegally from Indian temples

US to return 3 ancient sculptures taken illegally from Indian temples

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Smithsonian will return three ancient bronze sculptures to India after evidence showed they were illegally removed from Tamil Nadu temples in the 1950s

Indians Now Boarding For Central Asia

Indians Now Boarding For Central Asia

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

Just over a three-hour flight from Delhi, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia have seen a big jump in visitors.

ICG ship Sarthak makes historic visit to Iran's Chabahar Port

ICG ship Sarthak makes historic visit to Iran's Chabahar Port

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Indian Coast Guard ship Sarthak visited Chabahar port in Iran, marking the first such visit and underscoring India's growing maritime engagement in the region. The visit aims to strengthen institutional linkages and enhance mutual understanding in maritime safety and security.

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India is evaluating its involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran due to potential US tariffs. The US had granted India a waiver for the project, but it expires soon. India is exploring options to continue supporting the port's development while minimizing exposure to US sanctions.

Putin-Modi selfie speaks thousand words: US representative

Putin-Modi selfie speaks thousand words: US representative

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

United States representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove while talking about the famous car selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it spoke a thousand words.

Now NCERT Class VII book expands account of Ghazni's plunders, killings

Now NCERT Class VII book expands account of Ghazni's plunders, killings

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

The six-page section, titled The Ghaznavid Invasions, states that Mahmud of Ghazni conducted 17 campaigns in India, returning each time with large quantities of treasure. The old NCERT class 7 history textbook had a paragraph on Mahmud of Ghazni.

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

US lawmakers have expressed concerns that policies enacted by the Trump administration, such as the H1B visa fee and tariffs on India, are detrimental to American businesses and threaten the relationship between the United States and India.

India, Central Asian nations to work with Afghanistan on security

India, Central Asian nations to work with Afghanistan on security

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

India and Central Asian nations agree to collaborate with Afghanistan on security challenges amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. The discussions took place at the third India-Central Asia meeting of top security officials in Bishkek.

Modi, Putin unveil 2030 roadmap amid US pressure

Modi, Putin unveil 2030 roadmap amid US pressure

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

India and Russia have solidified a five-year plan to enhance their economic and trade partnership, while also addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the threat of terrorism.

'We will defend our people against terror': Jaishankar at SCO meet

'We will defend our people against terror': Jaishankar at SCO meet

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, advocating for a 'zero tolerance' approach to terrorism and emphasizing the need for the SCO to adapt to the changing global landscape.

Another setback: Cong on India's exit from Tajikistan airbase

Another setback: Cong on India's exit from Tajikistan airbase

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

India has wrapped up its operation at a strategic air base in Tajikistan's Ayni following the lapse of a bilateral agreement, people familiar with the matter said this week.

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.

India in active dialogue for trade pact with US, EU, Oman: Goyal

India in active dialogue for trade pact with US, EU, Oman: Goyal

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

India has implemented a number of free trade agreements with developed nations and is in active dialogue for such pacts with nations including the US, Oman, and the EU, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said. India has implemented trade pacts with Australia, the UAE and EFTA bloc. It has also signed an agreement with the UK.

Don't do deals with gun...: Piyush Goyal on trade talks with US

Don't do deals with gun...: Piyush Goyal on trade talks with US

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

India does not do trade agreements in a hurry or with a "gun to our head", Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. He said India is actively negotiating trade pacts with countries and regions, including the European Union (EU) and the US.

Russia-China Gas Pact Poses New Challenges For India

Russia-China Gas Pact Poses New Challenges For India

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

India should simultaneously prioritise domestic exploration and production of more oil and gas in the country, and ensure we retain diversified suppliers for imports, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.

India-US trade deals: 'Both sides to push for early conclusion'

India-US trade deals: 'Both sides to push for early conclusion'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The commerce ministry on Tuesday said the discussions with visiting US Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch on the proposed bilateral trade agreement were positive and forward looking.

India-US trade talks to resume with Lynch's arrival

India-US trade talks to resume with Lynch's arrival

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Trump administration's chief negotiator Brendan Lynch is arriving in India to hold talks on the India-US bilateral trade deal, which were impacted after the US imposed 50 per cent import tariffs on Indian goods.

India, US Fast-Track Trade Deal Talks

India, US Fast-Track Trade Deal Talks

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'A deal will only be possible if India stops buying Russian oil -- but even then, New Delhi must not compromise its core red lines.'

India's Foreign Policy Panchnama

India's Foreign Policy Panchnama

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

There has never been a moment in India's history when it has been so adrift in the world, so confused about what it stands for and against and so humiliated, asserts Aakar Patel.

Afghans Are Adept At Playing India Against Pakistan

Afghans Are Adept At Playing India Against Pakistan

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

'During the 5-day visit, Amir Khan Muttaqi would have, conceivably, bumped into our powerful security agencies one way or another and some interaction would have ensued, which, in turn, can lead to future dealings.' 'Indeed, this will be the one crucial template of the Indo-Afghan relationship that Pakistan will be monitoring closely,' points Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Rubio voiced "appreciation" for New Delhi's continued engagement on bilateral issues, including trade, defence and energy.

Modi returns after Japan, China trip; calls SCO summit 'productive'

Modi returns after Japan, China trip; calls SCO summit 'productive'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Describing the visit as "productive" in a post on X, the PM said he emphasised India's position on key global issues during his engagements.

'Pakistan Has Gotten Into A Sweet Spot With The US'

'Pakistan Has Gotten Into A Sweet Spot With The US'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Pakistan has found itself in a favourable position after Operation Sindoor by appreciating the mediation as claimed by Trump and recommending him for the Nobel Peace Prize.'

Will Modi, Trump meet soon? US official says sure, but...

Will Modi, Trump meet soon? US official says sure, but...

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Trump is not shy when he is frustrated with countries'

US tariff shock puts MSMEs at risk

US tariff shock puts MSMEs at risk

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

India's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) - which contribute over 45 per cent to outbound shipments - are facing a major disruption following the United States (US) decision to impose 50 per cent additional tariffs on the country's exports. MSME industry bodies have raised an alarm over the deep impact, seeking immediate government intervention.

Comeback King! Sreeshankar wins in Portugal

Comeback King! Sreeshankar wins in Portugal

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

Sreeshankar wins long jump title in Portugal

How Monsoon 2025 Turned Into A Nightmare

How Monsoon 2025 Turned Into A Nightmare

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

IMD data shows in the 24 hours between September 1 and 2, Haryana received 806 per cent more rainfall than normal, Punjab 759 per cent, Himachal Pradesh 510 per cent, Delhi 740 per cent, Chandigarh a staggering 1,638 per cent, and Rajasthan 193 per cent.

US policy towards India takes 'unfortunate turn', says Kaushik Basu

US policy towards India takes 'unfortunate turn', says Kaushik Basu

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Former World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu on Thursday said the US economic policy towards India has taken an unfortunate turn, noting that President Donald Trump's harsh stance against New Delhi appears baffling. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods from August 1, amid signs of a stalemate in the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations between the two countries.

IndiGo Q1 profit skids 20%; sees 12% passenger growth

IndiGo Q1 profit skids 20%; sees 12% passenger growth

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

The country's largest airline IndiGo on Wednesday reported a 20 per cent decline in profit after tax at Rs 2,176.3 crore for the June quarter as airspace curbs and overall challenging operating environment crimped its bottom line even as the carrier flew 12 per cent more passengers during the period.