Ministry of External Affairs

November 13, 2025 2:15 PM

MEA rolls out upgraded Passport Seva Programme and e-Passports

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday announced the nationwide rollout of its upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0), the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP V2.0), and the launch of e-Passports for citizens in India and abroad. The initiative marks a major step in the government’s efforts to modernise passport services and strengthen security through technology-driven solutions. According to the Ministry, the revamped Passport Seva Programme was implemented across all 37 Passpo...

October 16, 2025 10:08 PM

No phone call took place between PM Modi and Trump: MEA rejects US President’s claim

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that no phone call took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, rejecting the US President’s claim that the two leaders had spoken. When asked about Trump’s statement that India would stop buying Russian oil, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified, “On the question of whether there was a conversation or a telephone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump - I am not aware...

October 6, 2025 7:12 AM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit India on Oct 8-9, hold talks with PM Modi in Mumbai

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday said that United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer will undertake his first official visit to India on October 8-9 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, Starmer and PM Modi will meet in Mumbai on October 9 to take stock of progress in diverse aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with ‘Vision 2035’, a focussed and time bound 10-year Roadmap of programmes and initiatives in key p...

October 3, 2025 10:35 AM

India, China to resume direct air services by late October

India and China have agreed to resume direct air services between the two countries later this month, marking a step towards the gradual normalization of bilateral ties, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Thursday. The decision follows a series of technical-level discussions held earlier this year between the civil aviation authorities of both countries on restoring flight connectivity and updating the existing Air Services Agreement. Under the arrangement, direct flights ...

September 30, 2025 3:46 PM

India re-elected to ICAO Council with stronger mandate

India has been re-elected to Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the 2025–2028 term, securing more votes than in the previous election held in 2022. The elections were conducted on 27 September during the 42nd ICAO Assembly Session in Montreal, Canada. Part II of the ICAO Council comprises States making the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation. India’s stronger mandate reflects the growing c...

September 26, 2025 8:59 PM

‘Our stand on Kashmir is very clear’: MEA after Turkish President’s UNGA remarks

India on Friday firmly restated its position on Jammu and Kashmir, making it clear that the matter is strictly bilateral and does not require involvement from outside parties. The response came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the Kashmir issue during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Addressing the media, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that New Delhi's approach has not altered. "Our stand on the Kash...

September 26, 2025 8:55 PM

‘Closely monitoring, examining impact’: MEA on 100% US tariffs on branded pharma imports from Oct 1

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India is closely monitoring the impact of US President Donald Trump's announcement to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports of branded and patented pharmaceutical drugs, effective from October 1, 2025. In a weekly briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that relevant ministries and departments are monitoring the situation and examining its potential effects. "We saw a notice yesterday on social media that talked about new tariffs. ...

September 26, 2025 7:42 PM

2,417 Indian nationals have been deported or repatriated from US since January 2025: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that 2,417 Indian nationals have been deported or repatriated from the United States since January 2025. During the weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's firm stance against illegal migration, emphasising commitment to promoting legal pathways for migration. "The number of deportations that have happened from the United States since January; 2417 Indian nationals are deported or repatriated from the United Sta...

September 26, 2025 6:51 PM

‘Factually incorrect, entirely baseless’: India rejects NATO chief’s claim on PM Modi-Putin phone call

India on Friday firmly dismissed remarks made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on a purported conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin as "factually incorrect and entirely baseless." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that no such discussion had ever taken place and urged NATO leadership to act with greater caution. India criticised the remarks after Rutte suggested that PM Modi had sought clarifications from Putin on Russia's war...

September 11, 2025 12:45 PM

‘Stay away from any offers’: India warns citizens against joining Russian Army

India on Thursday issued an advisory cautioning its citizens against joining the Russian Army, following reports that several Indians who had travelled to Moscow were being pushed into combat roles in the ongoing war in Ukraine. “We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian Army. The Government has, on several occasions over the past year, underlined the risks and dangers inherent in such actions and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly,” the ...