News for 'cultural diplomacy'

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

In his media statement following talks with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic, Modi said both leaders agree that "terrorism is an enemy of humanity" and is inimical to forces that believe in democracy.

Why did Modi call Trinidad and Tobago PM 'Bihar ki beti'?

Why did Modi call Trinidad and Tobago PM 'Bihar ki beti'?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

This is Modi's first visit to the country as prime minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

TriServices need own space warfare schools, says CDS

TriServices need own space warfare schools, says CDS

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has highlighted the emergence of space as a new domain of warfare and emphasized the need for developing a "space culture" to prepare for future conflicts. He called for dedicated space warfare schools and research institutions to generate ideas, develop doctrines and strategies, and create new capabilities for space warfare. Chauhan believes that space will be crucial for future warfare, impacting all traditional domains of land, sea, and air. The CDS's remarks were made at the Indian DefSpace Symposium, where he also highlighted the importance of space research and its role in shaping the future of warfare.

India, Pak our friends, urge them to exercise restraint: Iran

India, Pak our friends, urge them to exercise restraint: Iran

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan and called on both India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid rising tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam terror attack. Araghchi, who is scheduled to travel to India on Thursday, emphasized the importance of easing tensions and preventing further escalation. During his talks with Pakistani officials, Araghchi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed their commitment to strong Pakistan-Iran ties and agreed to boost cooperation in trade, energy, and connectivity. Both sides also exchanged views on the situation in South Asia and the US-Iran talks, while agreeing that complex regional issues could be resolved through diplomacy and negotiations.

UP traders to boycott Turkish imports over Pak support

UP traders to boycott Turkish imports over Pak support

Rediff.com14 May 2025

India imports goods worth over Rs 1,200 crore from Turkey annually, including a significant share of fruits like apples.

Be Prepared For Another War!

Be Prepared For Another War!

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

India needs to be technologically and militarily prepared to defend itself from both Pakistan and China, alerts Ramesh Menon.

'Only Trump Can Unite Thackeray Brothers'

'Only Trump Can Unite Thackeray Brothers'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

'Like me there are crores of Marathi people in the state hoping for this miracle to work.'

Indian Army Is Ready For Dharma Guardian 2025

Indian Army Is Ready For Dharma Guardian 2025

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Dharma Guardian 2025 will primarily focus on urban warfare tactics and counter-terrorism operations and underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan.

SEE: PM Modi meets cricketing stars in Guyana

SEE: PM Modi meets cricketing stars in Guyana

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and interacted with leading cricket players of Guyana in Georgetown on Friday.

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Leaders from around the world extended their greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and expressing hope for a stronger future. The Indian diaspora across the globe celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm at Indian missions abroad, where the national tri-colour was unfurled, accompanied by cultural performances and patriotic fervour. The celebrations highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and its global partners.

Jeopardizing...: 6 US lawmakers write to AG against Adani indictment

Jeopardizing...: 6 US lawmakers write to AG against Adani indictment

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Six US Congressmen have written to the Attorney General of the United States expressing concerns over the Department of Justice's indictment of the Adani Group, alleging it jeopardizes relations with India. The letter, signed by Lance Gooden, Pat Fallon, Mike Haridopolos, Brandon Gill, William R Timmmons, and Brian Babin, criticizes the Biden administration's decision to pursue the case, arguing that it has no real injury to US interests and could negatively impact the strategic partnership between the US and India. The Congressmen call for an investigation into the DOJ's conduct and request records pertaining to the case.

Warning! Trump 2.0 Will Be Very Different

Warning! Trump 2.0 Will Be Very Different

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

'Trump has no more elections to fight and his soaring ambition, which is no secret, will be to carve out a presidential legacy that outshines by far all his mediocre predecessors.' 'Trump's turnaround on the H-1B visa debate shows that he can take tough decisions and there are no holy cows in his domain,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Afghanistan cricket reeling under sex apartheid

Afghanistan cricket reeling under sex apartheid

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

'We are committed to leveraging our influence constructively to support the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in fostering cricket development and ensuring playing opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan'.

Indian Spelling Bee Champs! What's The Secret Sauce?

Indian Spelling Bee Champs! What's The Secret Sauce?

Rediff.com31 May 2024

'The fact that India is multilingual and the kids grow up already bilingual or trilingual so learning another language or learning other spelling patterns is not really that hard.'

How diplomacy and poetry are linked

How diplomacy and poetry are linked

Rediff.com30 Oct 2012

It is widely accepted that the greatest literature is born when cultures, civilizations or worldviews come together. This often happens in case of diplomat-poets who often find themselves in exotic milieus, novel circumstances and in company of people with diverse viewpoints, says Abhay K.

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Ilahi, expressed concern about the stability and security of the "whole region" following the collapse of the Syrian government, highlighting Tehran's worries about the potential wider ramifications of the situation. Ilahi also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism between India and Iran, citing their shared cultural heritage and the recent easing of visa restrictions.

Anjali Bhatia chosen for Citizen Diplomacy award

Anjali Bhatia chosen for Citizen Diplomacy award

Rediff.com4 Feb 2008

Instituted by the US Center for Citizen Diplomacy, the awards recognize the honorees 'for inspiring others through their exemplary work as citizen diplomats and for promoting cultural understanding around the world.'

Indian-American teen wins Citizen Diplomacy award

Indian-American teen wins Citizen Diplomacy award

Rediff.com22 Jan 2008

The 19-year-old will be given the 'National Award for Citizen Diplomacy' at a ceremony in Washington on February 12.

With Yoga and Bharatnatyam, India woos the world

With Yoga and Bharatnatyam, India woos the world

Rediff.com8 Dec 2009

Hoping to take Bharatanatyam and yoga to places they have never been, India is planning to come up with at least eight new cultural centres in different parts of the world to use its soft power to spread its influence in regions of interest.

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The high commission of India in Dhaka and the assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting in the voluntary return of Indian nationals, he said.

President Patil leaves for six-day visit to China

President Patil leaves for six-day visit to China

Rediff.com26 May 2010

In a first visit by an Indian head of state to China in a decade, President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday left for Beijing. Besides Beijing, the six-day state visit will take the President to Loyang, where she will inaugurate the famous White Horse Buddhist temple, and Shanghai, where she will visit India and China Pavilions at the Shanghai Expo 2010 and address members of the India-China business forum.

'Sar pe laal topi Rusi...': Modi mentions Raj Kapoor, Mithun in Moscow

'Sar pe laal topi Rusi...': Modi mentions Raj Kapoor, Mithun in Moscow

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Modi's high praise of Russia as an ally and Putin's leadership came amid ongoing efforts by the Western world to isolate the Russian leader over the war in Ukraine.

How The US Helps India Counter The China Threat

How The US Helps India Counter The China Threat

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Reports (not denied by India) that the USA had 'for the first time provided real-time details to their Indian counterparts on the Chinese positions and force strength in advance of a PLA incursion' into Tawang at the LAC in December 2022, helping India thwart China's expansionist designs, show how operationally effective the USA-India friendship has become on the ground. A engaging excerpt from Sreeram Chaulia's must-read new book, Friends: India's Closest Strategic Partners.

Modi's 'hometown' diplomacy with China

Modi's 'hometown' diplomacy with China

Rediff.com21 May 2015

There are still a few lingering issues towards the progress of India-China bilateral relations, the approach for dealing with each other seems to be quite different. With Modi-Xi bonhomie strengthening, it seems that India and China are ready to recalibrate their approaches towards each other, says Sana Hashmi.

What Modi said before leaving for Russia

What Modi said before leaving for Russia

Rediff.com8 Jul 2024

India seeks to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as he embarked on a high-profile visit to Russia to hold summit talks with President Vladimir Putin amid the conflict in Ukraine.

The Restoration Of Indian Primacy

The Restoration Of Indian Primacy

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

It seems in the geopolitics of the 21st century, we can see the subcontinent acting as one geopolitical entity to secure its economic interests. Key to this transformation is a strong India that is pre-eminent but not dominant, notes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Delhi's appeasement strategy may now translate as more mega arms deals with the US, generating substantial business and job creation in the American economy. Make no mistake, Americans will use it to pressure India, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Party pics: Naomi Campbell & Manish Malhotra get together!

Party pics: Naomi Campbell & Manish Malhotra get together!

Rediff.com4 Dec 2017

What happens in Delhi...

Hijab Row Can Hurt Indian Diplomacy

Hijab Row Can Hurt Indian Diplomacy

Rediff.com17 Feb 2022

India and Indians can ignore Pakistan, but that cannot be said of other nations in the neighbourhood, where New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy constantly reverberates. Four of the eight SAARC member-nations are Muslim -- Afghanistan and Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Maldives. The rulers decide the nation's India or anti-India policy in the first two, and street-opinion contributes to the same in the latter two, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

India's Neighbourhood First Policy Crumbling

India's Neighbourhood First Policy Crumbling

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

The fundamental construct of India's neighbourhood policy still needs to be what Vajpayee postulated, Manmohan Singh embraced, and Modi energised. It's just that we need to junk domestic politics and excessive religiosity, while acquiring much humility and a renewed respectfulness towards our neighbours, recommends Shekhar Gupta.

Angry Young Men Review: Seeking Salim-Javed

Angry Young Men Review: Seeking Salim-Javed

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

Angry Young Men gloats in Salim-Javed's well-known attributes yet never gains access into the process or passion behind one of Indian cinema's greatest chemistries at work, observes Sukanya Verma.

The business of Indian diplomacy is business

The business of Indian diplomacy is business

Rediff.com14 Jun 2016

Making it easier to do business is a key element of our strategy, says Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

Ukrainian minister to visit India, may invite Modi to Kyiv

Ukrainian minister to visit India, may invite Modi to Kyiv

Rediff.com8 Apr 2023

Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova will pay a four-day visit to India from Sunday, the first official visit from the East European country since the Russian invasion began last year.

'The basic lesson is not to trust China'

'The basic lesson is not to trust China'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2023

'Three decades of intensive discussions, protocols and Confidence Building Measures were jettisoned one fine morning in 2020.' 'The primary lesson that has been learnt is that that there is no reliability about the Chinese.'

Mani Shankar Aiyar: The Lonely Eternal Maverick

Mani Shankar Aiyar: The Lonely Eternal Maverick

Rediff.com14 Oct 2023

Very few know of his scintillating mind, the outpouring of fresh ideas, the attention to detail in every endeavour, the extraordinary administrative and organisational skills, and a limitless stamina and energy with which he pursues every interest and commitment, notes Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad.

Ukraine apologises for Goddess Kali tweet

Ukraine apologises for Goddess Kali tweet

Rediff.com2 May 2023

The country's deputy foreign minister Emine Dzhaparova said that Ukraine 'regrets' the defence ministry's depiction of goddess Kali in a 'distorted manner' and that the European country 'respects unique Indian culture and highly appreciates support from India'.

'General Zia was real startled'

'General Zia was real startled'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

'But he was very quick and did a very stylish adab.' 'Of course, I didn't expect him to hug.'

President's arts council quits over Trump's Charlottesville remarks

President's arts council quits over Trump's Charlottesville remarks

Rediff.com19 Aug 2017

In a letter signed by 16 of 17 committee members including two Indian-Americans Jhumpa Lahiri and Kal Penn, they said reproach and censure are necessary following Trump's "support of the hate groups and terrorists who killed and injured fellow Americans in Charlottesville."

India, Greece elevate ties to strategic level; vow to double bilateral trade

India, Greece elevate ties to strategic level; vow to double bilateral trade

Rediff.com25 Aug 2023

In reflection of their growing congruence in areas of defence and security, the two sides, following the Modi-Mitsotakis talks, agreed to set up an institutional dialogue at the level of national security advisors, and boost defence industrial cooperation.

Settle border issues for 'legal ties': China to Bhutan

Settle border issues for 'legal ties': China to Bhutan

Rediff.com24 Oct 2023

Bhutan firmly abides by the one-China principle meaning Taiwan and Tibet are part of China and stands ready to work with China for an early settlement of the boundary issue and advance the political process of establishing diplomatic relations, it said.