Minister of State for External Affairs

May 11, 2026 8:35 PM

Costa Rica: MoS Margherita holds discussions with key ministers, interacts with Indian community

Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita held a meeting with Costa Rica's Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications Paula Bogantes Zamora on Monday, India time, with both sides exploring ways to deepen bilateral ties. Following their meeting, Margherita wrote on X: "Met the Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications of Costa Rica H.E Paula Bogantes Zamora. There was discussion to explore the many ways India and Costa Rica can de...

November 28, 2024 11:27 PM

India has taken up matter of rise in visa fees for students by Australia, MoS Singh informs Parliament

The Government of India has officially raised concerns with Australia over a significant hike in visa fees for international students, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed Parliament. MoS Singh informed that the Australian government had increased the visa fee for international students from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, effective July 1, 2024. Acknowledging the impact of the steep rise, the Minister expressed concern that the fee hike would create financial hardships ...

September 16, 2024 6:35 PM

Kuwait fire tragedy: Special IAF Aircraft carrying bodies of 45 Indian victims taken off for Kochi

A special Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying the mortal remains of 45 Indian victims from the tragic fire incident in Kuwait has taken off and is en route to Kochi. The aircraft is expected to arrive shortly at Cochin International Airport, where police forces and ambulances have been deployed in preparation for its arrival. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, who coordinated closely with Kuwaiti authorities to ensure the swift repatriation of the deceased, is on...

September 16, 2024 6:35 PM

Kuwait fire tragedy: UAE-based prominent NRI businessman announces relief fund for victims

A prominent NRI businessman and Chairman of UAE-based Lulu Group has announced ex-gratia amounting to the sum of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased in the tragic Kuwait fire mishap. So far around 45 Indians are reported to have lost their lives in the deadly fire that broke out in the "labour accommodation" in the Mangaf area of Kuwait, in the early hours of Wednesday. India's government and the government of Kerala also have announced similar relief funds. Kerala health minister ...