Page 5 - Ministry Of External Affairs

Indian security agencies seize thousands of illicit firearms annually: MEA

India said its security agencies annually seize thousands of illicit firearms, attributable to illegal trafficking from across our borders, despite a strong law-based framework in the country for controlling small arms and light weapons. The continuing prevalence of illicit small arms and light weapons and their availability to terrorists, armed groups and other unauthorised recipients is a clear indicator that the implementation of the UN Programme of Action (UNPOA) requires further and more effective efforts, Sandeep Arya, Additional Secretary, Disarmament & International Security Affairs division (D&ISA), Ministry of External Affairs said. Speaking Monday at the Eighth Biennial Meeting of States on Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, he said India views full and effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action as the cornerstone of multilateral efforts to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. We particularly .

India stands in solidarity with Afghan people: MEA after devastating quake

A day after sending relief material to earthquake-hit Afghanistan, India said it stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and remains firmly committed to providing them with required relief

India's e-passport rollout to start by end of year: All you need to know

TCS is working on a passport project with the government; earlier this year, the MEA renewed its 10-year Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) deal worth more than Rs 6,000 crore with the firm

PM Modi to visit Germany, UAE from June 26-28 to attend G7 Summit: MEA

"PM Narendra Modi will be visiting Schloss Elmau, Germany at the invitation of Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, for the G7 Summit under the German Presidency on June 26 and 27," the MEA said

Live: Shiv Sena must walk out of 'unnatural alliance', says rebel Shinde

From Maharashtra political crisis to coronavirus cases in India and more, catch all the latest developments from across the globe here

Greece Embassy hires staff to handle 'exceptionally high' visa demand

The move by Greek Embassy to hire more staff comes in the wake of several complaints by travel agents and tourists

Bangladesh foreign minister arrives in India for three-day official visit

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen arrived in India on Saturday on a three-day official visit that will include his participation in the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC)

Sri Lanka Army to cultivate land to ramp up food production: Report

The army established its Green Agriculture Steering Committee (GASC) on Thursday to supplement and promote the food security programme in Sri Lanka

BJP leaders' comments on Prophet not govt's view: MEA spokesperson

Facing widespread anger in the Arab countries over the controversial comments on Prophet Mohammad, India on Thursday said it has made it clear that the remarks do not reflect govt's views

India carefully monitors developments along its border areas: MEA

India on Thursday said it carefully monitors developments along its border areas including the construction of infrastructure by the Chinese side in the eastern Ladakh sector.

India participates in East Asia Summit Senior Officials' meet by Cambodia

Ministry of External Affairs official and Former Ambassador to Myanmar and Iran, Saurabh Kumar took part in the East Asia Summit Senior Officials' meeting on Wednesday over a videoconference

Iranian Foreign Minister arrives in India to boost bilateral ties: MEA

Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday to deepen historical ties and partnerships with India.

India has set of interests when it comes to dealing with Taliban regime: US

Different countries will engage with the Taliban regime in different ways, and India has a set of interests when it comes to engaging with them, the United States said

India deals with diplomatic storm after controversy over remarks on Prophet

Several Islamic countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Bahrain, Maldives and Oman denounced the comments of BJP leaders comments on Prophet Mohammad

Indian team's Kabul visit about humanitarian aid to Afghans, says MEA

India said on Thursday that the visit of its team to Kabul relates to delivery operations of its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

Looking forward to next round of talks with China on Ladakh row, says MEA

India on Thursday said it is looking forward to the next round of military talks with China at an early date for the resolution of the remaining issues in eastern Ladakh.

Not India-related issue, says MEA on procurement of Russian crude oil

India once again asserted on Thursday that its procurement of crude oil from Russia is guided by its energy security requirements.

PM Modi-Biden meet led to substantive outcomes, will add depth to ties: MEA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a productive meeting with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday that resulted in substantive outcomes which will add depth and momentum to the bilateral partnership, MEA

PM Modi joins US President Biden for launch of 12-nation IPEF: MEA

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in an event in Tokyo today to launch discussions for an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

China building second 'illegal bridge' on Pangong lake, says India

India on Friday said that a second bridge being constructed by China on Pangong lake is in an area that has been under illegal occupation of that country since 1960. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has never accepted such illegal occupation of India's territory. "We have seen reports of a bridge being constructed by China on Pangong Lake alongside its earlier bridge," he said. "Both these bridges are in areas that have continued to be under the illegal occupation of China since the 1960s," Bagchi said. He was replying to media queries on the matter. "We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities," the spokesperson said. "We have made it clear on several occasions that the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and we expect other countries to respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added.