MEA Archives - National Times

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…

09 Apr

PM Modi Invited to Russia’s Victory Day Parade; India Yet to Confirm Participation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaMEA, Narendra Modi, Russia Victory Day, Victory Parade 2025

New Delhi, April 9, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an official invitation from Russia to attend the country’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Tuesday.“The Prime Minister has received an invitation from Russia,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing. He added that a final decision on Modi’s participation would be taken “at the appropriate time.”The invitation comes ahead of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, a significant commemoration of the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany during World War II. Moscow has extended invitations to…