News for 'foreign ministers'

Iran files formal complaint with UN over ship seizures, accuses US of 'piracy'

Iran files formal complaint with UN over ship seizures, accuses US of 'piracy'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, accusing the US of engaging in 'piracy' following the seizure of Iranian vessels. The complaint was detailed in a letter sent by Iran's UN envoy to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council.

'Only they can play that role': Tharoor's dig at Pak over US-Iran talks

'Only they can play that role': Tharoor's dig at Pak over US-Iran talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor discusses India's role in the US-Iran peace talks taking place in Islamabad, emphasising the importance of peace over competition with Pakistan and highlighting India's regional interests.

8 killed, 95 injured in US-Israeli strikes on Iran bridge

8 killed, 95 injured in US-Israeli strikes on Iran bridge

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

At least eight civilians have been reported killed, and 95 others have sustained injuries following United States-Israeli strikes, Iranian state media Press TV reported.

Pak stood isolated after Mumbai attacks, but now...: Cong slams govt

Pak stood isolated after Mumbai attacks, but now...: Cong slams govt

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that Pakistan has gained global respectability due to the failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy.

Hampton Sky Realty Claims Innocence After Director's Arrest

Hampton Sky Realty Claims Innocence After Director's Arrest

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Hampton Sky Realty Limited, formerly directed by Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, has issued a statement asserting its innocence and cooperation with authorities following the arrest of Arora in connection with a money laundering probe.

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Rediff.com11 May 2026

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.

No talks with US until...: Iran denies sending negotiators to Pak

No talks with US until...: Iran denies sending negotiators to Pak

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Iranian news agencies have denied reports of Iranian officials travelling to Pakistan for negotiations with the United States, even as Pakistan prepares for potential talks and faces criticism from Israel.

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The gems and jewellery industry anticipates challenging times following the government's decision to increase gold import duty to 15 per cent, a move that exporters warn could fuel the grey market and heighten smuggling risks.

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to mediate between the US and Iran to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in West Asia, following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran. Sharif has been in contact with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other nations to promote dialogue and diplomacy.

'Diplomacy never ends': Iran keeps channels open amid stalled talks

'Diplomacy never ends': Iran keeps channels open amid stalled talks

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year.

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Rediff.com12 May 2026

India possesses two months of fuel stockpiles and faces no supply concerns despite global energy disruptions, according to Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. However, state-run fuel retailers are incurring losses of up to Rs 1 lakh crore in a single quarter due to elevated crude prices and unchanged retail fuel prices, raising questions about the sustainability of these losses.

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump seems to have estimated that Ghalibaf is a pragmatic politician who is receptive to close relations with the US and is enthusiastic about fostering business and economic ties in particular, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Petrol, diesel prices hiked again within a week, up by 90 paise

Petrol, diesel prices hiked again within a week, up by 90 paise

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased for the second time in a week, following a long freeze on revisions. The increase comes as global crude prices surge and state-run oil firms look to recoup losses.

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

BJP leader Tarun Chugh has served a legal notice to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for linking the BJP to recent blasts, demanding proof or resignation.

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, the UK, China, and the European Union.

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India would confront a more entrenched China, a less dependable United States, and a regional order increasingly shaped by great-power bargaining over which it exercises limited influence, notes Amberish K Diwanji.

'Worried' US pushed Pak to convince Iran for ceasefire: Report

'Worried' US pushed Pak to convince Iran for ceasefire: Report

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A Financial Times report reveals Pakistan's crucial role in brokering a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran, driven by White House concerns over rising oil prices and Iran's resilience.

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Talks between Iran and the US in Pakistan concluded without a deal due to disagreements over key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions, despite efforts to find common ground.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China are meeting in Urumqi to discuss regional security concerns and potential confidence-building measures.

Iran gives fresh proposal as Trump 'still not satisfied'

Iran gives fresh proposal as Trump 'still not satisfied'

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Iran has presented a multi-layered proposal to the US in an attempt to break the deadlock in peace talks, focusing on de-escalation and nuclear programme discussions.

Trump unlikely to accept Iran's peace plan to end war: Report

Trump unlikely to accept Iran's peace plan to end war: Report

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump is inclined to reject Iran's latest diplomatic proposal, which suggests restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear programme concerns, according to CNN. Concerns remain over Iran's nuclear enrichment and internal government fractures.

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led central government of playing 'dangerous games' with Punjab, alleging the misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI for political purposes.

21-hour US-Iran talks fail, ceasefire hangs in balance

21-hour US-Iran talks fail, ceasefire hangs in balance

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Direct talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, have failed to produce an agreement after 21 hours of negotiations, with disagreements over Iran's nuclear ambitions and sanctions proving insurmountable.

Iran reviews backchannel messages, warns it's ready for 'any attack'

Iran reviews backchannel messages, warns it's ready for 'any attack'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A spokesperson said the government is carefully assessing these communications in the context of the ongoing regional crisis.

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh declares Iran's unwavering commitment to a 'heroic nationalist defence' against perceived American and Israeli aggression, vowing to resist what he calls an 'invasion' to the very end.

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased by Rs 3 per litre each, marking the first rate hike in over four years. This decision follows a period of stable prices during recent state elections, despite rising global crude oil prices and significant losses for fuel retailers.

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.

Jaishankar dials Iranian FM, seeks safe passage for through Strait of Hormuz

Jaishankar dials Iranian FM, seeks safe passage for through Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has engaged in multiple conversations with his Iranian counterpart to secure safe passage for Indian merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amidst escalating tensions in West Asia.

US blockade to continue, says Trump; restrains Israel on Lebanon strikes

US blockade to continue, says Trump; restrains Israel on Lebanon strikes

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

United States President Donald Trump has welcomed the declaration from Tehran regarding the restoration of maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz.

'Don't Know Whether Vijay Understands...'

'Don't Know Whether Vijay Understands...'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

'...the enormous responsibility and faith the youth has put on his shoulders, that he is going to solve their problems.'

Trump signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Trump signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistan, aiming to allow Tehran's leadership time to form a unified proposal to end the seven-week war.

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses the Indian Ocean Conference, expressing deep concern over the West Asia conflict and its economic repercussions on energy, trade, and food security. India calls for a swift return to peace and opposes targeting civilians and infrastructure.

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Indian leaders to discuss strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Vance Leaves Pakistan After Mission Fails

Vance Leaves Pakistan After Mission Fails

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed after 21 hours, exposing deep divisions over nuclear ambitions and sanctions.

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

Mahmud went to Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to "catch a flight en route to Delhi," an Airport Aviation Security official was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune newspaper.

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'98 lakhs in Bengal, 97 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 2.83 crores in Uttar Pradesh.'

Pakistan Expresses Solidarity with Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Escalation

Pakistan Expresses Solidarity with Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Escalation

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to express solidarity amidst escalating regional tensions following attacks in Iran and the Gulf region.

Small taxpayers get relief window for foreign asset disclosure

Small taxpayers get relief window for foreign asset disclosure

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed a six-month foreign asset disclosure scheme for small taxpayers like students, tech professionals and relocated NRIs as she presented the Union Budget 2026-27.

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Indian government has revised the application fee for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and introduced changes to the application process, including abolishing the six-month continuous stay requirement.