India

India Issues New Visa Restrictions on Pakistan, Advisory for Its Citizens

India Issues New Visa Restrictions on Pakistan, Advisory for Its Citizens

New Delhi (National Times): In response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security has approved immediate changes to its visa regime with Pakistan. It comes amid rising tension between the two countries. India on Wednesday announced a set of restrictions against Pakistan and in continuation to its previous decisions, India has come with more visa restrictions against Pakistan. Suspension of All Pakistani Visa Services No new visas will be issued; consular services for Pakistan are effectively halted as of today. Revocation of Existing Visas (Effective April 27, 2025) All previously valid visas—tourist, business, student—held by Pakistani nationals…
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India-Pakistan Tensions Rise Sharply After Pahalgam Terror Attack

India-Pakistan Tensions Rise Sharply After Pahalgam Terror Attack

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 civilian lives, including 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese national, diplomatic and security tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated significantly.The Indian government has taken a series of stern measures, including downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan, expelling Pakistani defense personnel, and reducing its diplomatic staff in Islamabad. In a strong message of protest, the Attari-Wagah border crossing has been closed, and the historic Indus Waters Treaty, a cornerstone of bilateral agreements, has been suspended.Furthermore, all Pakistani nationals in India on…
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Five Key Measures India Has Taken Against Pakistan After the Pahalgam Terror Attack, and What They Signal

Five Key Measures India Has Taken Against Pakistan After the Pahalgam Terror Attack, and What They Signal

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In the aftermath of the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, India announced a set of diplomatic and security measures aimed at pressuring Pakistan to act against militancy. Here’s what each step means: Indus Waters Treaty Suspended What it means: India has placed its obligations under the 1960 Treaty “in abeyance.” While water flow continues today, Pakistan’s Punjab, heavily dependent on these rivers for irrigation, now faces uncertainty. The move sends a potent political warning, 'future water supplies could be curtailed if terror persists'. SAARC Visa Stickers for Pakistanis Cancelled…
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India a Strong Contender for Permanent Seat in Expanded UNSC: UN Panel Chief

India a Strong Contender for Permanent Seat in Expanded UNSC: UN Panel Chief

New York, April 18, 2025: India has emerged as a “sure contender” for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) if the body is expanded, according to Philip Sibanda, Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform. Speaking at an informal General Assembly meeting, Sibanda praised India’s consistent global leadership and its significant contributions to peacekeeping.Representing Zimbabwe as its Permanent Representative to the UN, Sibanda emphasized the growing support India enjoys among member states. He highlighted India’s democratic credentials and its leadership within the G4 group—comprising India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—as key indicators of its suitability…
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PM Modi, Elon Musk Explore New Frontiers in Tech and Innovation

PM Modi, Elon Musk Explore New Frontiers in Tech and Innovation

New Delhi, April 18, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Thursday to explore avenues of collaboration in emerging technologies, space exploration, and innovation-driven development. The conversation reaffirmed growing ties between India and global tech pioneers.According to officials, both leaders discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas like sustainable development, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. The call follows their earlier in-person meeting in Washington, D.C., and comes amid India’s expanding efforts to position itself as a global hub for innovation.Elon Musk, who was joined by his family during the interaction, expressed admiration for…
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Air Passenger Traffic Between India and Singapore Hits Record 5.5 Million in 2024

Air Passenger Traffic Between India and Singapore Hits Record 5.5 Million in 2024

New Delhi (National Times): In a landmark development, air passenger traffic between India and Singapore has soared to an all-time high, crossing the 5 million mark in 2024, according to data released by Singapore Changi Airport. The total traffic reached 5.5 million passengers, representing a 12% year-on-year increase and a 15% rise over pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. India now ranks as Changi Airport’s sixth-largest market. Currently, six airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, DrukAir, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines, operate approximately 280 weekly flights connecting 16 Indian cities to Singapore. Major Indian metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru,…
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Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrated Across India with Joy, Fervor, and Tight Security

Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrated Across India with Joy, Fervor, and Tight Security

March 31, 2025 – Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, with millions gathering at mosques and eidgahs to offer prayers, embrace each other, and exchange festive greetings. The festival, marking the end of Ramzan, was observed peacefully, although isolated incidents of clashes were reported in some regions.Celebrations Across Major CitiesIn Delhi, thousands of worshippers, including children and the elderly, thronged Jama Masjid under tight security. Paramilitary forces were deployed to ensure order. After prayers, people visited restaurants and neighbors to enjoy traditional sweets like sewai and kheer.Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on social media, wishing for…
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India Seeks Action Against Pro-Khalistani Elements in US, New Zealand

India Seeks Action Against Pro-Khalistani Elements in US, New Zealand

New Delhi, March 17, 2025 – India has formally conveyed its concerns to the United States and New Zealand over the activities of pro-Khalistani separatist groups operating on their soil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have sought stronger action from both countries to curb these separatist activities.Modi raised the issue with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during their recent meeting. Modi highlighted the threat posed by Khalistani elements and stressed the need for cooperation to tackle them. He referenced the 2019 Christchurch terror attack and the 26/11 Mumbai attack, calling terrorism in any form “unacceptable.”"Strict…
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Costa Rica agrees to accept Indian migrants deported from US, first batch arrives Wednesday

Costa Rica agrees to accept Indian migrants deported from US, first batch arrives Wednesday

San Jose, Feb 18 (PTI): Costa Rica has agreed to serve as a "bridge" to repatriate illegal immigrants in the US, including from India and Central Asia, according to an official release on Tuesday.The first group of 200 migrants will arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport on a commercial flight on Wednesday, according to a statement by Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles' office."The Government of Costa Rica agreed to collaborate with the United States in the repatriation of 200 illegal immigrants to their country. These are people originating from countries in central Asia and India," said the statement.The…
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Donald Trump Imposes ‘Reciprocal Tariffs’ on India, Strengthens Trade and Defense Ties

Donald Trump Imposes ‘Reciprocal Tariffs’ on India, Strengthens Trade and Defense Ties

Washington, DC, February 14, 2025 – US President Donald Trump has announced that India will face reciprocal tariffs, meaning the US will match any duties and taxes that New Delhi imposes on American goods. Trump Pushes for Fair Trade During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump made it clear that he wants a level playing field.“We’re just going to do it the easy way,” Trump said. “Whatever you charge, we charge.”Trump criticized India’s high tariff rates, especially on US-made cars. He described India as one of the highest tariff nations in the world and called for…
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