MEA Archives - National Times

23 Jan

India Slams ‘Reprehensible’ Vandalism at Embassy in Croatia, Takes Up Matter Strongly With Zagreb

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiadiplomatic security, India-Croatia relations, Indian Embassy Zagreb, Khalistan, MEA

Zagreb,Croatia (Bureau): India strongly condemned the trespassing and vandalism at its Embassy in Zagreb, where pro-Khalistan elements removed the Indian national flag and briefly hoisted a Khalistan flag at the mission premises in a deliberate provocation ahead of Republic Day celebrations.Describing the act as “reprehensible,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has taken up the matter strongly with Croatian authorities both in New Delhi and in Zagreb, demanding that those responsible be identified and held accountable. The MEA termed the incident a serious breach of diplomatic security and a clear violation of international obligations under the Vienna Convention…

26 Nov

India Rebukes Pakistan for Remarks on Ayodhya Temple Flag-Hoisting, Calls Out Its Human Rights Record

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAyodhya temple, India-Pakistan, MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, saffron flag

New Delhi, November 26 — India strongly rejected Pakistan’s criticism of the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stating that Islamabad’s comments deserved “contempt” and that Pakistan should instead focus on its own human rights failures.MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to questions at the weekly media briefing, said Pakistan had “no moral standing to lecture others,” citing its long history of discrimination and mistreatment of minorities. “We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve,” Jaiswal said. “As a country with a deeply stained…

30 Oct

Trump Praises India for Reducing Russian Oil Imports, Calls New Delhi “Very Good” on Energy Cooperation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaDonald Trump, energy cooperation, India-US relations, MEA, Russian oil imports

Washington, October 30: US President Donald Trump on Thursday lauded India’s approach to reducing oil imports from Russia, describing New Delhi as “very good” in addressing Washington’s concerns over Moscow’s energy trade. His remarks come amid heightened global scrutiny of nations maintaining commercial ties with Russia following the Ukraine conflict.Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, Trump said, “Xi has been buying oil from Russia for a long time. It takes care of a big part of China. And, you know, I can say India’s been very good…

30 Oct

US Grants India Six-Month Sanctions Waiver for Chabahar Port Project in Iran

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsChabahar Port, India-US relations, MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, US sanctions waiver

New Delhi, October 30: The United States has granted India a six-month waiver from its sanctions on the Chabahar port project in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday. The move is expected to strengthen India’s trade and connectivity network across Central Asia and demonstrates Washington’s pragmatic approach toward New Delhi’s regional priorities.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the development, stating, “The US has granted India a six-month waiver from its sanctions for the Chabahar port project.” He added that the exemption reflects the continued cooperation between India and the US in advancing strategic infrastructure and regional connectivity.Jaiswal…

14 Oct

BLS International Banned from MEA Tenders for Two Years

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBanned, BLS International, MEA

Delhi/ Toronto ( Rajeev Sharma): In a major development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has debarred BLS International Services Ltd. from participating in any future tenders or projects for a period of two years.According to official sources, the decision — communicated to the company on October 10, 2025 — follows multiple allegations and complaints from applicants, as well as court cases related to the company’s operations in various visa and passport outsourcing services.However, the MEA clarified that this restriction will apply only to new tenders, and existing contracts and projects currently managed by BLS International will…

26 Sep

MEA Confirms 2,417 Indians Deported from US Since January, Emphasises Legal Migration

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaDeportation, illegal migration, India, MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, United States

New Delhi, September 26, 2025: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed that 2,417 Indian nationals have been deported or repatriated from the United States since January 2025. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted India’s firm stance against illegal migration, stressing the government’s focus on promoting safe and legal channels for migration.“Since January, 2,417 Indian nationals have been deported or repatriated from the United States. We remain committed to encouraging legal pathways and stand firmly against illegal migration,” Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing.Explaining the verification process, he noted that individuals without legal status abroad are returned to India…

11 Sep

MEA Flags Concern Over Indian Citizens Recruited by Russian Military, Warns of Serious Risks

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsMEA

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has once again raised alarm over the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army, cautioning citizens against accepting such offers and calling the situation dangerous and deeply concerning. Responding to widespread media inquiries, MEA spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian government is aware of recent cases involving Indians being drawn into Russia’s military structure, and has been actively engaging with Russian authorities both in Delhi and Moscow to put a stop to the practice. Repeated Warnings, Yet Rising Cases The spokesperson noted that over the past year,…

11 Aug

India Slams Pakistani Army Chief’s Nuclear Threat Remarks Made in U.S.

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia, MEA, nuclear sabre-rattling, Pakistan, Pakistani Army Chief

New Delhi, August 11, 2025 — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a sharp response to comments reportedly made by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff during his visit to the United States, denouncing them as “nuclear sabre-rattling,” a practice it said is characteristic of Pakistan.In its official statement, the MEA said such remarks showcased “irresponsibility” and reinforced long-standing doubts about Pakistan’s nuclear command and control. It warned that these concerns are heightened in a country “where the military is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups.” The ministry also voiced regret that the Pakistani Army Chief chose to make these statements…

01 Aug

India Clarifies Stand on Defence, Energy, and Global Partnerships: MEA

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia foreign policy, India Russia Relations Update, MEA, Nimisha Priya case, Top news

National times bureau :- The Ministry of External Affairs has said that India’s defence decisions are based purely on national security needs and strategic assessments. On energy, India chooses sources based on market options and global conditions. Responding to questions on India-Russia ties, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India maintains strong, independent relations with all countries, including Russia, based on mutual interests. On India-US ties, he highlighted the deep strategic partnership rooted in shared democratic values. He added that despite global challenges, the India-US relationship is growing stronger, especially in defence under the India-US COMPACT for the 21st century. Regarding…

19 Jul

India and Canada Make Strides to Rebuild Diplomatic Ties: MEA

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, India, MEA

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India and Canada are taking concrete steps to mend their strained relationship, with both nations actively working towards reinstating their High Commissioners, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had a "constructive discussion" on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada last month. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to revitalizing bilateral ties and laid the groundwork for restoring full diplomatic engagement. "We had the meeting at the Prime Minister level in…