Asia

Trump says US seeks to reclaim Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base

US President Donald Trump said Washington is working to reclaim Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base, citing its proximity to China's nuclear facilities. China urged respect for Afghan sovereignty, while Kabul reiterated opposition to foreign troops. Afghan analysts warned against force as Russia cautioned about US military return efforts.

2025-09-20T05:07:37.061243+00:00 IST

Punjab govt forms relief committees as Pakistan floods kill 123

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz announced flood relief committees across districts and tehsils after floods hit 3,775 villages, damaging over 370,000 houses. PDMA said 123 people died in Punjab. Relief camps, evacuations and medical aid continue, while PPP leaders pressed for assistance through the Benazir Income Support Programme.

2025-09-20T04:55:03.905647+00:00 IST

Pak Defence minister on deal with Saudi Arabia

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday night gave conflicting statements on whether the country's nuclear capability "will be made available" to Saudi Arabia under the new defence agreement.

2025-09-20T04:53:48.196462+00:00 IST

“Regressive step in my view”: Ex-diplomat Trigunayat on H-1B fee

Former Indian diplomat Anil Trigunayat called Donald Trump's USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee plan "regressive," warning it will hit India hardest. He stressed India-US trade talks must resolve tariff issues, backed Ian Bremmer's view of India's strong global position, and urged vigilance over the Saudi-Pakistan defence deal.

2025-09-20T04:32:45.275639+00:00 IST

MEA cautions citizens over fake Job offers in Iran

The Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory after several cases of fake employment offers to kidnap Indians were reported in Iran.

2025-09-20T00:40:11.471571+00:00 IST

Indian Embassy issues travel advisory for Nepal, urges caution

The Indian embassy in Kathmandu on Friday issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Nepal, urging them to exercise due caution and strictly adhere to updates and instructions issued by the mission or local authorities.

2025-09-19T21:39:21.450264+00:00 IST

India, Canada hold Pre-Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi

India and Canada held pre-Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on Friday, led by Secretary (East) P Kumaran, while the Canadian side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison.

2025-09-19T18:28:32.240944+00:00 IST

MEA responds on Indian participation in Russia’s Zapad exercise

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday spoke about India's participation in the Zapad exercise in Russia, highlighting that NATO members like US and Turkiye also participated as observers.

2025-09-19T18:20:57.769612+00:00 IST

"In touch with family, investigation underway": MEA

"There has been an incident in California. We are in touch with the family. We also understand that an investigation is underway by local authorities," Jaiswal said.

2025-09-19T18:14:43.833988+00:00 IST

Trump, Xi emphasise US-China ties most important relation

While the US emphasised that the ties between Washington and Beijing are the most important bilateral relationship in the world, China urged the US to avoid taking unilateral trade-restrictive measures, as per Xinhua.

2025-09-19T16:11:58.116350+00:00 IST

Nepal starts clearing charred vehicles, government buildings

Nepal has started clearing charred vehicles from the streets and parking, with the government building getting a fresh paint following the violent protest of last week.

2025-09-19T15:02:35.523538+00:00 IST

EAM Jaishankar wishes Nepal on their National Day 

: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday extended warm wishes to Nepal on its National Day.

2025-09-19T14:52:43.886641+00:00 IST

China’s political pressure undermines UN principles

As the UN commemorates its 80th anniversary, Lin appealed to the international community to ensure the organisation's promise of "leaving no one behind" by recognising Taiwan's rightful role. Inclusion, he said, is essential to building "a brighter future for the Indo-Pacific and the world," as reported by Taipei Times on Friday.

2025-09-19T14:42:24.535967+00:00 IST

Kashmiri activist at UNHRC exposes Pakistan’s hand in Pahalgam

At the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, a Kashmiri activist, Javed Beigh, in his oral intervention, strongly condemned Pakistan for orchestrating the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Javed asserted that Pakistan-backed militants were directly responsible for the carnage, which targeted innocent tourists and further damaged Kashmir's social fabric.

2025-09-19T13:33:08.104025+00:00 IST

Trump-Xi hold telephonic conversation, reports Chinese media  

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephonic conversation, Xinhua news reported on Friday.

2025-09-19T13:20:27.414471+00:00 IST

"Discussions were positive," MEA on US-India trade talks

MEA highlighted that the "discussions have been positive and forward-looking, covering various aspects of the trade deal, adding that it was also decided to "intensify efforts to achieve an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement."

2025-09-19T12:57:20.722106+00:00 IST

“Absolutely no role for third-party mediation in India, Pak":MEA

he Ministry of External Affairs on Friday strongly affirmed the stance that issues between India and Pakistan will be resolved bilaterally, with no role for any third-party mediations. He also reminded how Pakistan continues to remain a hotbed of terrorism, with a close nexus between terrorists, Pakistani state and the military.

2025-09-19T12:55:29.524615+00:00 IST

Greek PM expresses support for early conclusion of India- EU FTA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on Friday, expressing support for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

2025-09-19T12:55:26.473509+00:00 IST

"Examining the implications": MEA on US on Chabahar port

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India is "examining the implications" of the United States' decision to revoke the sanctions waiver that applied to the Chabahar Port project in Iran.

2025-09-19T12:18:38.506962+00:00 IST

MEA responds to Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact, underlining how the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia has deepened over the years, and hence the mutual sensitivities and interests would be kept in mind.

2025-09-19T12:13:55.891429+00:00 IST

Austria eyes Indian students to fill labour gaps

Austria has launched a major initiative to attract Indian students to its leading technical universities, aiming to address its "great demand" for skilled labour.

2025-09-19T12:13:55.204888+00:00 IST