Mea

PM Modi's foreign visits cost nearly ₹75 cr so far in 2026: Govt data

The government told Parliament that PM Modi's foreign visits made between February and July 2026 have cost around ₹74.59 crore so far, according to MEA data

Indian-flagged vessel attacked in Red Sea; all 13 Indians rescued

MEA said, "We condemn the attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya that sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen on August 4."

MEA should have a 'polar ambassador', purchase polar research vehicles

A parliamentary panel has recommended appointing a dedicated polar ambassador, acquiring ice-breaking research vessels and pursuing full Arctic Council membership to strengthen India's polar diplomacy

For Indian seafarers, war zones grow ever deadlier as risks mount

MEA has advised seafarers to assess conflict risks before accepting assignments after the death of 4 Indians on a merchant ship, reports Archis Mohan

1 Indian seafarer killed in attack on commercial vessel in Black Sea

An Indian national was killed in an attack on a commercial vessel while it was reportedly transiting Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea on July 18, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. The fresh incident comes to light days after the MEA said four Indians were among 10 killed in an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Ukraine on July 19. "It has come to our attention that on July 18, the commercial vessel MV OMORFI was attacked while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters. At the time of the incident, there were 10 crew members on board, including three Indian nationals," the MEA said. "As per available information, one Indian national tragically lost his life in the attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased. The other two Indian nationals on board are reported to be safe," it said in a statement. The MEA said the Indian mission in Russia has reached out to the relevant authoriti

MEA appoints Dr. K Srikar Reddy as India's next Ambassador to Qatar

The Indian government on Friday appointed Dr. K Srikar Reddy as its next envoy to Qatar as both countries push ahead with a strategic partnership focused on energy, trade and investment

India summons Russian envoy over killing of 4 Indians off Ukrainian coast

India on Tuesday summoned the Russian charge d'affaires (CDA) and lodged a strong protest over the killing of four Indian seafarers aboard a Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine. Sources said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told the Russian diplomat that the attack on the merchant vessel, which killed Indians, was unacceptable. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia attacked the civilian vessel navigating Ukraine's maritime corridor on Sunday and its crew included citizens of Syria and India. It is the first instance of death of Indian seafarers in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship was hit by Russian cruise missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force said. The vessel -- MV Golden Leo -- had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals, according to the MEA. India condemned the attack and reiterated that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members is "deplorable and should be ...

4 Indian nationals killed in Russian missile strike on vessel in Black Sea

India condemned the Russian missile strike on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel Golden Leo near Odesa that killed four Indian crew members and critically injured another

SC rejects Centre's challenge to quashing overseas CPV tender process

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the Centre's plea challenging a Delhi High Court verdict that quashed the tender process for outsourcing consular, passport and visa (CPV) services at Indian missions in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Singapore and Canberra. The top court, however, allowed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Engineers India Limited (EIL) to make temporary arrangements to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services while a fresh tender process is completed. "The SLP (special leave petition of the Centre) is dismissed. "However, having heard learned counsel for the parties and taking note of the submissions made before us, we are of the view that no impediment should be caused to the day-to-day functioning of the concerned establishments pending the completion of the fresh tender process," the bench said. To ensure continuity of services and compliance with the directions issued by the high court, the top court modified the impugned order. "It shall be open to EIL and

India's Chabahar Port terminal undamaged after attacks in Iran: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs said the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar has not suffered any damage and discussions on the project continue with stakeholders

Centre moves SC against HC order scrapping passport, visa services tender

The Centre has challenged the Delhi High Court's decision quashing the award of a tender for outsourcing consular, passport and visa services at four Indian missions abroad

Govt announces one-day national mourning for former Qatar Amir Sheikh Hamad

India will observe a one-day national mourning on Monday to honour former Qatar Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, recognising his contribution to India-Qatar ties

MEA rejects Pakistan's allegations over Karachi Rangers base attack

India on Sunday forcefully dismissed Pakistan's allegations of an Indian link to an attack on a military base in Karachi that left four paramilitary personnel dead, saying the neighbouring country should look inwards and take credible action against terror infrastructure on its soil. Reports from Islamabad said Pakistani security forces killed six terrorists and captured another alive after foiling a brazen attack by militants on a Sindh Rangers compound in Karachi on Saturday night. The attack left four paramilitary personnel dead and marked the city's first major terrorist strike since October 2024. Certain elements in the Pakistani establishment alleged an Indian link to the attack. "We have seen Pakistani reports making baseless allegations against India regarding the recent incident in Karachi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "We categorically reject them. Instead of pointing fingers at others, Pakistan would do better to look inwards, take credib

Gifts from abroad over the years via diplomatic channels up for auction

The first public Toshakhana e-auction features around 300 gifts received by Indian diplomats, with proceeds going to the Consolidated Fund of India

Centre hikes passport fees; 36-page passport to cost ₹2,500 from July 1

Under the revised fee structure, an ordinary fresh passport or reissue of a 36-page passport for applicants aged 18 years and above will cost ₹2,500

India advises against non-essential travel to Iran despite easing situation

India on Wednesday advised its people to continue avoiding all non-essential travel to Iran until further notice, despite recent improvements in the security situation. The Indian Embassy in Tehran said it has been closely monitoring the prevailing security situation in Iran and was issuing a revised advisory in light of recent positive developments and improvements in the overall situation. "Notwithstanding the recent improvements, Indian nationals are advised to continue to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran until further notice," the mission said in its advisory - a copy of which was posted on social media. The mission further advised Indian citizens presently residing in Iran, as well as those who may be required to travel to the country for unavoidable reasons, to exercise a high degree of caution, remain vigilant at all times and maintain constant awareness. It urged them to closely follow local developments through credible sources of information and comply with ...

PM Modi, Macron discuss expansion of UPI in France: Foreign Secy Misri

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the UPI is already available in several localities in France, including at the Eiffel Tower

MEA summons US envoy again over attacks on ships carrying Indians

India lodged a strong protest with the US over attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers, while the UN and Iran condemned the incidents

Third vessel with Indian sailors attacked by US Navy, three killed

New Delhi has lodged a strong protest with Washington after three merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members came under attack in West Asia within four days

PM Modi's five-nation tour will result in $40 bn investments in India: MEA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-nation foreign tour has secured fresh investment commitments worth nearly $40 billion across key sectors, the MEA said