News for 'external affairs ministry'

India, Canada diplomatic row: Will it hurt bilateral trade?

India, Canada diplomatic row: Will it hurt bilateral trade?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The escalation in the diplomatic row between India and Canada will not have an impact on the bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries, government sources said on Tuesday. They also said that the bilateral trade value is not significant and Canadian funds can route their investments through Singapore, the UAE and the US. "India is a preferred investment destination," they said.

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with Chinese officials. The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and to resume bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Dalai Lama an honoured guest: India rejects China's charge

Dalai Lama an honoured guest: India rejects China's charge

Rediff.com7 Jul 2022

External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the birthday greetings by the prime minister to the Dalai Lama should be seen in this overall context.

Plot to kill Pannun: FBI chief to visit India next week

Plot to kill Pannun: FBI chief to visit India next week

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

It is expected that FBI chief Wray will hold talks with senior Indian security officials.

India to pursue Dalla's extradition with Canada

India to pursue Dalla's extradition with Canada

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

India on Thursday said it will pursue an extradition request with Canada for Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, following his arrest in that country.

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

Her comments come a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Geneva that roughly 75 percent of the "disengagement problems" with China are sorted out but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier.

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

India asks Canada to recall 41 diplomats by Oct 10: Report

India asks Canada to recall 41 diplomats by Oct 10: Report

Rediff.com4 Oct 2023

Neither India nor Canada reacted to the report that came 12 days after New Delhi asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in India.

Slumdog novelist Vikas Swarup is new MEA spokesperson

Slumdog novelist Vikas Swarup is new MEA spokesperson

Rediff.com26 Mar 2015

Vikas Swarup, whose debut novel was made into the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire, has been appointed as spokesperson in the external affairs ministry.

Indian Army successfully patrols disengaged Depsang

Indian Army successfully patrols disengaged Depsang

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

The Indian Army has commenced a verification patrolling at Depsang, the second friction point in eastern Ladakh, the government said on Saturday.

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Ministry of External Affairs officials summoned the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena at its office in South Block in Delhi and lodged a strong protest against a US State Department official's remarks on Kejriwal's arrest.

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

China 'firmly opposes external interference' in Maldives

China 'firmly opposes external interference' in Maldives

Rediff.com12 Jan 2024

'The two sides agree to continue firmly supporting each other in safeguarding their respective core interests,' a joint statement issued at the end of Muizzu's talks with Chinese leaders said.

Must ensure full respect for LAC: Jaishankar to Wang Yi

Must ensure full respect for LAC: Jaishankar to Wang Yi

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The Jaishankar-Wang talks came amid the dragging border row in eastern Ladakh that entered its fifth year in May.

India, Taliban govt meet in Dubai; discuss Chabahar Port, cricket and aid

India, Taliban govt meet in Dubai; discuss Chabahar Port, cricket and aid

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

India has said it will consider engaging in development projects in Afghanistan and provide material support to the country in the health sector. The announcement came after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with the Taliban regime's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai.

What assurance did Jaishankar give to Maldives

What assurance did Jaishankar give to Maldives

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday concluded a crucial visit to Male, assuring the country's top leadership that the Maldives remains an important partner of India in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.

India summons US diplomat over Kejriwal remarks

India summons US diplomat over Kejriwal remarks

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

Reports had it that a US state department official had said that Washington "encouraged a fair, transparent and timely legal process for chief minister Kejriwal".

Govt ushers in de-layering in bureaucracy, jt secretary reports to secretary

Govt ushers in de-layering in bureaucracy, jt secretary reports to secretary

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

The Centre has taken a major step towards increasing efficiency in decision-making by empowering joint secretaries to report to secretaries directly, officials said on Wednesday.

''Trump Will Do A Deal With China'

''Trump Will Do A Deal With China'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'Trump's desire to withdraw the US from some arenas on the global stage will result in ceding space to China.'

India's Kachchatheevu claim has no ground: Lanka minister

India's Kachchatheevu claim has no ground: Lanka minister

Rediff.com5 Apr 2024

The statements coming out of India on 'reclaiming' Kachchatheevu island from Sri Lanka have 'no ground', the Sri Lankan Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda has said.

Tension in Odisha college as Nepali student ends life; one detained

Tension in Odisha college as Nepali student ends life; one detained

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

A third-year B-Tech student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, India, died by suicide in her hostel. Police are investigating a possible case of blackmail by a male student, who is currently in custody. The incident sparked protests from Nepali students on campus, leading to heightened security measures and the temporary relocation of some students.

India, China discuss LAC at 31st WMCC meet, seek to ease differences

India, China discuss LAC at 31st WMCC meet, seek to ease differences

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

During the meeting, it was reiterated that "restoration of peace and tranquillity, and respect for the LAC are the essential basis for restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations", it said.

Hindu temple in Canada cancels event over 'extremely high threat'

Hindu temple in Canada cancels event over 'extremely high threat'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The Brampton Triveni temple in Canada has cancelled a consular event after the Canadian police warned them of an "extremely high and imminent" threat level of violent protests. The Life Certificate event, organised by the Consulate General of India, Toronto, was scheduled for November 17 at the temple premises. The cancellation comes almost a week after protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with devotees at a Hindu Sabha temple and disrupted an event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate at Brampton. India condemned the attack and called for the prosecution of those involved. Relations between India and Canada have been strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a potential involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States will deport 119 Indian nationals who were living in the country illegally. The individuals will arrive in Amritsar, India, on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted the need to combat human trafficking. This deportation follows the arrival of a US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants earlier this month. Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump discussed the issue of illegal immigration during their joint press conference, emphasizing the need to dismantle the "ecosystem" of human trafficking. Modi emphasized India's willingness to take back its citizens residing illegally in the US, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the issue of illegal immigration was raised during the discussions, stressing the need to address the root causes of the problem. India seeks cooperation from the US to dismantle the rackets and ecosystems that facilitate illegal immigration, potentially involving collaboration between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'WFI must reverse all amendments made during its suspension and ensure checks and balances in decision-making within four weeks.'

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

We need to equip the Indian Armed Forces, not 'commercial' as Trump wants, but 'operationally' looking at growing Chinese military capabilities, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Honey-trapped Moscow embassy man passed on info on weapons systems

Honey-trapped Moscow embassy man passed on info on weapons systems

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

The ATS in its probe through electronic and physical surveillance found that he was involved in anti-India activities with the network of the ISI handlers.

Will India-Maldives smoke peace pipe at next meeting?

Will India-Maldives smoke peace pipe at next meeting?

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

India on Thursday said it remains committed to take forward its development agenda with the Maldives, including implementation of various welfare projects in the island nation.

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

China and India were able to "reduce differences" and build "some consensus" on disengaging troops from friction points to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh and agreed to maintain dialogue to reach a resolution acceptable to both sides at an "early date", the Chinese defence ministry said on Thursday.

Operation Kaveri: India brings back home 186 more citizens from Sudan

Operation Kaveri: India brings back home 186 more citizens from Sudan

Rediff.com1 May 2023

On Sunday, 229 Indians arrived in Bengaluru while 365 people reached Delhi the day before.

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India and Qatar on Tuesday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership and double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani signed agreements and MoUs to strengthen economic cooperation, including a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. The strategic partnership will cover the "entire spectrum" of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy security, and regional and international cooperation. Both leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen and broaden the energy partnership, including "exploring mutual investments." The Amir's visit provided an "excellent opportunity" for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss and "cement a strategic partnership for enhanced future cooperation."

India summons Canadian envoy over Khalistan slogans at Trudeau event

India summons Canadian envoy over Khalistan slogans at Trudeau event

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

It said the actions not only impact India-Canada relations but also encourage a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens.

China's spl envoy on Afghanistan on quiet visit to India for peace talks

China's spl envoy on Afghanistan on quiet visit to India for peace talks

Rediff.com6 Aug 2022

People familiar with the development said on Friday that the Chinese envoy held wide-ranging talks with the external affairs ministry's point person for Afghanistan J P Singh.

Canada cop who attended Khalistani protest, suspended

Canada cop who attended Khalistani protest, suspended

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

On Sunday, protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the Hindu temple and disrupted a consular event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate.

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

Signalling both change and continuity, India's new government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third consecutive term, got into work gear on Tuesday with cabinet ministers and ministers of state filing into their respective offices to assume charge.

8 Indians serving in Russian forces dead; 63 seek early discharge: Govt

8 Indians serving in Russian forces dead; 63 seek early discharge: Govt

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

The government has received requests for facilitation of early discharge of some Indian nationals purportedly recruited into the Russian armed forces in unclear circumstances, he said.

India hopes for temporary tariff waiver as US official comes calling

India hopes for temporary tariff waiver as US official comes calling

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

India and the United States will finalize the contours, schedule of negotiations, and terms of reference for a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) during a three-day meeting beginning Tuesday. The agreement is expected to be finalized in two tranches, with the first phase focusing on goods trade. The US team, led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, will be in India from March 25-29 to discuss the agreement. Both countries are aiming to conclude the first phase of the agreement by fall 2025.

India to launch 'Operation Ajay' for return of citizens from Israel

India to launch 'Operation Ajay' for return of citizens from Israel

Rediff.com12 Oct 2023

The announcement comes as the military conflict between Hamas militants and Israel continued for the fifth day.

'Freedom of choice': India on US criticism of Russia ties

'Freedom of choice': India on US criticism of Russia ties

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has a long-standing relationship with Russia which is based on "mutuality" of interests.

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

China has defended its plan to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, assuring that the project will not affect riparian states and safety issues have been addressed through decades of studies. The dam, estimated to cost USD 137 billion, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, but Chinese authorities maintain that the project has been thoroughly studied and safeguards are in place. The dam is part of China's efforts to develop clean energy and respond to climate change.