Page 6 - External Affairs Ministry

Pahalgam terror attack: India bans all maritime access to Pakistan

India's shipping regulator, the Directorate General of Shipping, said in a notice on Saturday that the direction has been issued 'keeping in view of the present situation'

Pahalgam terror attack: EAM S Jaishankar speaks to EU counterpart

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke to his counterpart from European Union Kaja Kallas and discussed the Pahalgam terror attack. Following the phone conversation, Jaishankar welcomed European Union's strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations. "Good to speak with EU HRVP @kajakallas this evening. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Welcome European Union's strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations," Jaishankar said on X. Kallas also spoke to Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. "Rising tensions between India and Pakistan are alarming. I urge both sides to show restraint and pursue dialogue to ease the situation. Escalation helps no one," he posted on X. "I spoke to both @DrSJaishankar and @MIshaqDar50 today to convey these messages," he said.

EAM Jaishankar calls for revival of traditions to counter colonial legacy

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said pluralism has been in the past suppressed by colonialism and big power dominance, and it was essential to give voice to traditions, heritage and ideas amid attempts to democratise the world order. Addressing the Global Media Dialogue along with Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) here, he also made a strong pitch for smoother mobility for talent to contribute to stronger creativity. Jaishankar also highlighted the enormous possibilities that the era of artificial intelligence (AI) holds and asserted that "technology and tradition must go hand in hand". Amid increasing influence of artificial intelligence, the External Affairs Minister cautioned that irresponsible use of emerging technologies will be an increasing preoccupation and reducing bias, democratising content, and prioritising its ethics were all part of the emerging discourse. "The truth is th

India-China ties: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume from June, says MEA

After a gap of five years, India on Saturday announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from June. The resumption of the Yatra is seen as a part of efforts by India and China to improve ties after the two countries completed the disengagement of troops at the two remaining friction points of Demchok and Depsang under a pact sealed in October last year. "Kailash Manasarovar Yatra organised by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is set to take place during June to August 2025," said an Indian readout. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has not happened since 2020. "This year, five batches, each consisting of 50 Yatris, and 10 batches, each consisting of 50 Yatris, are scheduled to travel through Uttarakhand State crossing over at Lipulekh Pass, and through Sikkim state crossing over at Nathu La Pass, respectively," the MEA said in the readout. The applications for the Yatra can be submitted at the website kmy.gov.in, it noted. "The Yatris will be selected from among applican

We stand with India in times of need: Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson

Israel is a "friend" of India and friends stand with each other in times of need," Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said on Wednesday. Marmorstein's remarks, made during a virtual interaction with journalists, comes against the backdrop of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday in which at least 26 people, most of them tourists, died. "Israel is a friend of India. That is a constant. Friends stand with each other in times of need. And, we stand with India," he said. The message of solidarity with India had also come from Israel hours after the attack. "Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar posted on X on Tuesday. Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar had said on Tuesday that he was appalled by the attack. "Sad and appalled .

US V-P JD Vance, family reach Jaipur; to visit Amber Fort Tuesday

US Vice President J D Vance reached Jaipur from Delhi along with his family on Monday night and is set to visit the Amber Fort in the city the next day. He is set to deliver a lecture on US-India relations at Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) on Tuesday. The US vice president, his wife Usha Vance, and their three children -- Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel -- are staying at Hotel Rambagh Palace. They are scheduled to leave for Agra on Wednesday morning and then return to Jaipur in the afternoon as he is scheduled to visit the City Palace here. The Vance family will depart for the US early Thursday morning. Tight security arrangements have been put in place across the city for the vice president's visit. A Rajasthan government official said Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reviewed the preparations for the visit in a meeting on Saturday. He had directed officials to make all preparations to make the Vace family's Jaipur visit memorable. The official said the family will be welcomed in .

JD Vance, wife to visit Akshardham Temple; PM Modi to host dinner for them

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for US Vice President J D Vance and Indian-origin Second Lady Usha on Monday evening, after holding talks with the American leader that are set to focus on trade, tariff and several other key issues, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. The US vice president, his wife, Usha, and their three children -- Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel -- are scheduled to land at the Palam airbase here at 10 am on Monday on a four-day India visit. The Vances will be welcomed on their arrival by a senior Union minister. Besides Delhi, Vance and his family will travel to Jaipur and Agra. Vance is expected to be accompanied by at least five senior officials, including from the Pentagon and the State Department, the people cited above said. Hours after arriving in Delhi, Vance and his family are scheduled to visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple and could also go to a shopping complex selling traditional Indian handcrafted goods, they said. At 6:3

MEA slams Pakistan's misuse of OIC, calls it 'longstanding habit'

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was asked about Pakistan's repeated misuse of the OIC, where Saudi Arabia is regarded as a leading voice

Follow the law or face deportation: Trump admin warns int'l students

Students attempting to go against US laws will face the consequences, including deportation, the country's state department has warned. In a virtual interview with PTI, US Department of State spokesperson Margaret MacLeod said the Trump administration was rigorously enforcing immigration laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Alien Registration Act. "If you follow the law, America offers opportunities. But those who violate the law will face the consequences," MacLeod told PTI Videos on a question related to the issues faced by Indian students in various US universities. Indian students in the US are grappling with a growing threat of deportation as authorities cancel F-1 visas over a range of issues -- from participation in pro-Palestinian protests to minor legal infractions. During his weekly press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are aware that several Indian students have received communication from t

Dhaka's actions prompted India to halt transhipment facility: MEA

India on Thursday said its decision to withdraw the transhipment facility for Bangladeshi exports to third countries was in response to certain measures initiated by Dhaka that impacted bilateral trade. Though New Delhi did not elaborate on the steps by Dhaka, it is learnt the decision by Bangladesh's interim government to halt import of Indian yarn and closure of three land ports triggered the Indian response on the transhipment facility. "We stand for a democratic, for an inclusive, and for a prosperous Bangladesh. As far as trade issues are concerned, last week we had made an announcement regarding trans-shipment facility," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "We had taken that measure because of the congestion that we see on our Ports and our Airports. But I would also remind you, please do have a look at the developments that have happened on the Bangladeshi side prior to us announcing these measures," he said. The spokesperson was responding to questi

Indian missions in US in touch with students facing visa issues: MEA

Indian missions in the United States are in touch with Indian students facing issues relating to revocation of visas and extending possible support to them, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. The comments by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal came amid instances of Indian students in the US receiving communications from local authorities on possible revocation of their visas. "We are aware that several Indian students have received communication from the US government regarding their F-1 visa status, which happens to be the student visa," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing here. "We are looking into the matter. Our embassy and consulates, they are in touch with the students to provide support," he said. Jaiswal was responding to a question on several Indian students receiving communications from US authorities under the Donald Trump administration on possible revocation of their visas. According to reports, an Indian was among four students at Michigan .

India strongly trashes Pak Army chief's 'jugular vein' remark on Kashmir

Islamabad's only link with Jammu and Kashmir is the vacation of illegally occupied parts of the Union Territory, India said on Thursday, strongly trashing Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir's remark that Kashmir is "jugular vein" of his country. New Delhi also rejected Pakistan's assertion that the Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana is a Canadian citizen and it has nothing to do with him. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan may try very hard but its reputation as the "epicentre" of global terrorism will not diminish. Addressing a conclave of the Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad on Wednesday, Munir said Pakistan will not forget the issue of Kashmir and will stand by the Kashmiri people in the "struggle against the Indian occupation". "It was our jugular vein, it is our jugular vein, we will not forget it," he said. At his weekly media briefing here, Jaiswal said, "How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein?" "This (Jammu and Kashmir) is

'It's their prerogative': MEA on Australia's visa crackdown on Indians

New data from February 2025 showed that India became the top source country for student visas to Australia, surpassing China

India now engages the world with growing confidence, says Jaishankar

Jaishankar emphasised a shift in the national mindset--from one of apprehension to one of assertive optimism

Jaishankar urges envoys to explore northeast, share insights with govts

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said northeast India's relevance will grow with time, as he urged foreign envoys to "familiarise" themselves with the region and share its qualities with their government and industries. Virtually addressing a meeting of ambassadors for the upcoming North East Investors Summit 2025, organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jaishankar said the northeast region is at the heart of many key Indian policies -- Neighbourhood First, Act East or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). "The northeast adjoins five of our neighbours on land, its boundaries are the interface between the Indian subcontinent and the ASEAN," he said. The EAM said many recent initiatives involving India's immediate neighbours emanate from this region. Others such as the Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan project are equally important, he said. "In every sense, it is a hub, whose

Indians want to conquer hearts, not countries: President Murmu

Indians do not want to conquer countries but want to conquer hearts, President Droupadi Murmu said while interacting with Indian researchers here on Tuesday. During an interactive session with Indian researchers at Champalimaud Centre for Unknowns, the president told them to be the best ambassadors of India as they are identified by the name of their country. "You will excel in education. You will excel in research. You will become a good scholar but you will contribute to the economy and society, and follow rules and regulations here. Move ahead and make India proud," Murmu said in response to a question from a researcher. The president could not hold back the teacher in herself as she stood up from her seat to respond to every question directed at her by the researchers. "I had gone to a country where a senior leader asked me if Indians want to conquer the world. I said Indians do not want to conquer countries, they want to conquer hearts," she said. When asked about the strides

India sends more aid to Myanmar in C-17 aircraft under 'Op Brahma'

India on Sunday sent 31 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including replenishment stores for an Indian army field hospital unit deployed in Myanmar, to augment New Delhi's efforts to provide succour to the quake-hit neighbouring country. The aid was sent in a C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift aircraft. It took off from the Hindon air force station in Ghaziabad early Sunday, a senior official said. "#OperationBrahma@IAF_MCC C> C-17 plane departs for Mandalay with 31 tons of humanitarian aid, including replenishment stores for the Indian army field hospital unit," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X and also shared a few photos. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolted Myanmar last week, with the toll rising to over 3,000 even as rescuers continue to search through the rubble for signs of life. India mounted its relief mission named 'Operation Brahma' as a swift response to the devastation caused by the earthquake that hit Myanmar as well as Thailand on March 28. The field hospital,

Jaishankar, Dutch FM discuss new opportunities in semiconductor sector

Jaishankar expressed his delight at meeting Veldkamp, highlighting the growing cooperation between India and the Netherlands in various sectors

India can't change fanatic mindset of Pakistan, says Jaishankar in LS

The minister said New Delhi is tracking very closely the treatment of minorities in Pakistan and making its position well known

Jaishankar calls India optimistic society, contrasts it with global outlook

Jaishankar also emphasised India's technological embrace, underscoring the characteristic of the youth in India in embracing technology