News for 'external affairs ministry'

UK visa for Sania's son: Sports Ministry approaches MEA

UK visa for Sania's son: Sports Ministry approaches MEA

Rediff.com19 May 2021

Sania has been granted a visa but her son and his caretaker have not received UK visas owing to the current travel restrictions on Indians due to a surge in coronavirus cases in India.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

India ready to help resolve Israel-Iran conflict: MEA

India ready to help resolve Israel-Iran conflict: MEA

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Hours after United States President Donald Trump's claims of an Iran-Israel ceasefire, India on Tuesday said it stands ready to play its part to resolve the situation and insisted on 'dialogue and diplomacy' as the way forward.

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

The government is expediting visa-related issues to bring technicians to India from any country, not just China, as and when required, to ensure the smooth implementation of the flagship production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. "If those under the PLI scheme need to get their equipment installed, we try to expedite the ability to get technicians into India from any country, whichever it may be," Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Business Standard in an interview.

US: 'India Has Taken Advantage Of Ukraine War'

US: 'India Has Taken Advantage Of Ukraine War'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'India has intentionally taken advantage of the war in Ukraine to dramatically increase its purchases of Russian crude, when there are roughly 40 major crude providers that could satisfy Indian demand.'

India would do everything to...: Modi tells Zelenskyy

India would do everything to...: Modi tells Zelenskyy

Rediff.com15 Jun 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict and that the way to peace is through 'dialogue and diplomacy'.

Indian woman on death row in UAE already executed: Govt

Indian woman on death row in UAE already executed: Govt

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

An Indian woman sentenced to death in Abu Dhabi for the alleged murder of a four-month-old child has been executed on February 15, the Delhi High Court was informed on Monday. The woman, Shahzadi Khan, was handed over to the Abu Dhabi police on February 10, 2023 and sentenced to death on July 31, 2023. Her father, Shabbir Khan, had filed a petition seeking information about her well-being. The court was informed that the woman's last rites will be held on March 5.

Indian student critical after accident in US, MEA pushes for urgent visa

Indian student critical after accident in US, MEA pushes for urgent visa

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Neelam Shinde from Maharashtra's Satara was critically injured in the accident on February 14 and has been in a coma at a hospital since then.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Among the new entrants to the Union cabinet, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been given the agriculture and rural development portfolios, Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda the health portfolio and former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar the power portfolio.

India rejects Canada's election-meddling 'insinuations'

India rejects Canada's election-meddling 'insinuations'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The government of India was suspected of using proxy agents to provide "clandestine financial support" to candidates from three political parties in a federal election, Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail reported.

Sushma Swaraj's ministry declines RTI on Lalit Modi

Sushma Swaraj's ministry declines RTI on Lalit Modi

Rediff.com29 Jun 2015

At a time when Sushma Swaraj is under fierce opposition attack for "helping" Lalit Modi obtain United Kingdom travel documents, her external affairs ministry has refused to provide any information about the passport issue involving the scandal-tainted former Indian Premier League boss.

Rs 295 crore spent on Modi's foreign visits in 3 yrs

Rs 295 crore spent on Modi's foreign visits in 3 yrs

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The Indian government has released data detailing the expenses incurred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits from 2021 to 2025, including trips to the US, France, and other countries.

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

A high alert has been sounded in Uttar Pradesh's seven districts bordering Nepal. The districts are Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit.

Monitoring situation in Syria, we want...: India

Monitoring situation in Syria, we want...: India

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

India has called for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process to bring stability to the country, following the capture of power by Islamist rebels. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is monitoring the situation and has underlined the need for all parties to work towards preserving Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The MEA also emphasized the importance of a peaceful process that respects the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.

245 Indians return from Bangladesh amid violence

245 Indians return from Bangladesh amid violence

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

The 15,000 Indians including 8,500 students are safe, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

Home ministry may stall FDI plans of 6 Chinese firms

Home ministry may stall FDI plans of 6 Chinese firms

Rediff.com29 Jun 2020

The ministry of home affairs has received more than 20 proposals for foreign direct investment (FDI), including from China and Hong Kong, requiring security clearance between April and May. 'We are vetting some of these proposals which have come from various sectors. One of the applications is from a well known start-up,' an official said. 'We await inputs from Research and Analysis Wing, intelligence agencies, external affairs ministry, and embassies.'

India reiterates non-interference in Dalai Lama succession plan

India reiterates non-interference in Dalai Lama succession plan

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India has stated its neutral stance on religious matters following the Dalai Lama's announcement of his succession plan, which China has rejected. The statement comes as the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, with China urging India to exercise caution on Tibet-related issues.

Indian diplomats in Canada under surveillance: MEA

Indian diplomats in Canada under surveillance: MEA

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

"Over the last year or even more, the kind of things that we have seen attacking Indian diplomats, threatening, intimidating, harassing Indian diplomats...Yes, the threats have increased," he added.

The Country To Execute Most Indians Is...

The Country To Execute Most Indians Is...

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Kuwait has executed 25 Indian nationals in the past five years.

Saudi Arabia F15 jets escort Modi's aircraft

Saudi Arabia F15 jets escort Modi's aircraft

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft was escorted by Saudi F-15 jets as it entered Saudi Arabian airspace on Tuesday, highlighting the deepening defence cooperation between the two countries. Modi is on a two-day visit to the country and is expected to discuss boosting defence ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In an interview before his arrival, Modi described Saudi Arabia as "one of India's most valued partners, a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally."

How India Is Dealing With Trump's Barbs, Threats

How India Is Dealing With Trump's Barbs, Threats

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

'We are a responsible nation, and would prefer to deal with sensitive issues with the maturity they deserve rather than take to social media.'

Modi to visit China for SCO summit after 7 yrs amid thaw in bilateral ties

Modi to visit China for SCO summit after 7 yrs amid thaw in bilateral ties

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking his first visit in over seven years. The visit signals a potential improvement in India-China relations after recent tensions.

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The proposed legislation on Emigration (Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024) seeks to replace the Emigration Act of 1983 with a view to facilitate the circular mobility of people intending to emigrate for overseas employment.

'Biggest Meltdown In Indian Aviation History'

'Biggest Meltdown In Indian Aviation History'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

'It has got to be the biggest error in aviation. If it is the biggest error, then all those individuals in positions of power should be removed because they have caused the biggest meltdown in Indian aviation history.'

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

India, China set to resume Mansarovar yatra; agree on flight services

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is preparing to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, after a three-year hiatus. The decision comes as part of efforts to improve relations between India and China, which have been strained since a military standoff in 2020. The two countries have also agreed in principle to resume flight services between them.

Pannun plot: Govt panel recommends action against unnamed individual

Pannun plot: Govt panel recommends action against unnamed individual

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

A high-powered enquiry committee set up by the Indian government has recommended legal action against an unnamed individual after probing activities of organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations that undermined the security interests of both India and the US. The probe was ordered after the US alleged an attempt to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun by Indian agents in New York in 2023. The committee, which received full cooperation from US authorities, has also recommended functional improvements in systems and procedures to strengthen India's response capability.

Jaishankar Campaigns For Ex-Colleague

Jaishankar Campaigns For Ex-Colleague

Rediff.com11 May 2024

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Taranjit Singh Sandhu were colleagues at the ministry for external affairs for many years.

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The "weaponisation" of economic activity - through tariffs and sanctions - is now a reality, with countries leveraging these tools strategically, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue recently.

Working closely with Belgium for Mehul Choksi's extradition, says MEA

Working closely with Belgium for Mehul Choksi's extradition, says MEA

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is working closely with Belgium to extradite fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who was arrested in Antwerp on Saturday based on a formal request from the Indian government. Choksi is wanted by Indian probe agencies in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore bank loan fraud case involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB). His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also facing extradition proceedings in the UK.

Putin briefs Modi on Alaska talks with Trump on Ukraine war

Putin briefs Modi on Alaska talks with Trump on Ukraine war

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his summit talks with US President Donald Trump on ending the war in Ukraine.

In call with Modi, Putin confirms India visit for summit

In call with Modi, Putin confirms India visit for summit

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India for the annual high-level meeting as the two leaders held a telephone conversation, the Kremlin said on Monday.

In special gesture, Iran lifts airspace curbs to evacuate 1,000 Indians

In special gesture, Iran lifts airspace curbs to evacuate 1,000 Indians

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, said more evacuation flights could be operated in the coming days to bring back Indians if required.

We can manage our own affairs, India tells US

We can manage our own affairs, India tells US

Rediff.com22 Apr 2008

In remarks bound to rankle the Left parties in India, the Bush administration hoped that New Delhi would also ask Iran to comply with the United Nations Security Council's other requirements regarding its nuclear programme. Washington would also encourage New Delhi to ask Iran to "become a more responsible actor on the world stage by ending its rather unhelpful activities" regarding Iraq and support for terrorism, State Department Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey said.

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The DG-level border talks between India and Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Delhi next month, have been postponed following a change in plan by the neighbouring country, official sources said on Friday.

'Why Can't Mr Modi Reopen The Passes To Tibet?'

'Why Can't Mr Modi Reopen The Passes To Tibet?'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

On August 5, 1953, Jawaharlal Nehru sent a strange note to the foreign secretary. It is worth mentioning because it was symptomatic of the lack of knowledge about Western Tibet in India and in South Block in particular, notes Claude Arpi.

2 Indian nationals buried in UAE days after execution

2 Indian nationals buried in UAE days after execution

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Two Indian nationals, Shahjadi Khan and Muhammed Rinash Arangilottu, were executed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and buried in the presence of their family members. Shahjadi, a caregiver from Uttar Pradesh, was executed for allegedly murdering a four-month-old toddler, while Rinash, from Kerala, was executed for allegedly killing a UAE national. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the burials were conducted according to UAE regulations and that embassy officials assisted the families.

Hindu temple vandalised in US; India seeks stringent action

Hindu temple vandalised in US; India seeks stringent action

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The BAPS Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was desecrated, marking another incident targeting Hindu temples in the United States. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) condemned the act and called for unity against hate, while the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) demanded a thorough investigation and highlighted a pattern of such incidents in recent years.

India, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

India, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of their nuclear installations on Wednesday, fulfilling a decades-old agreement that prohibits attacks on each other's atomic facilities. The exchange took place amid strained relations between the two countries over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism. The agreement, signed in 1988, mandates the annual exchange of such lists, which has occurred for the 34th consecutive year.

FBI Praises CBI Rs 350 Cr Racket Bust

FBI Praises CBI Rs 350 Cr Racket Bust

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'Big Week For #USIndia Law Enforcement Collaboration'