All stories by Lalit K Jha
India too has views on human rights situation in US: Jaishankar
Rediff.com14 Apr 2022Responding to a question, Jaishankar said while the issue of human rights was not discussed during the current meeting, it has come up in the past.
Russian forces are committing 'genocide' in Ukraine: Biden
Rediff.com13 Apr 2022It is for the first time he's publicly invoked the word genocide since Putin began his deadly assault on Ukraine on February 24.
Officials 'intimidated' Indian journalists critical of govt: US report
Rediff.com13 Apr 2022India in the past rejected similar reports.
India, US ask Pakistan to act decisively against terror
Rediff.com12 Apr 2022The demand for action by Pakistan was made through a joint statement issued after the 2+2 ministerial attended by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
US reaffirms support for India's membership to UNSC, NSG
Rediff.com12 Apr 2022The Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to support India's permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council and New Delhi's entry to the Nuclear Suppliers' Group.
US monitoring incidents of human rights violation in India: Blinken
Rediff.com12 Apr 2022Blinken made these remarks at a joint news conference with Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and their Indian counterparts -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh -- after the conclusion of the 2+2 Ministerial on Monday.
In US, Jaishankar replies to questions on Russian oil import
Rediff.com12 Apr 2022India's total purchase of oil from Russia in a month is probably less than what Europe does in an afternoon, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said.
India helped Ukraine, understand its ties with Russia: US
Rediff.com12 Apr 2022The 2+2 was attended by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and their Indian counterparts S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh respectively.
Biden didn't ask Modi to do anything in particular on Russia: WH
Rediff.com12 Apr 2022The virtual meeting between the two leaders came in the midst of some disquiet in Washington over India's position on the Ukraine crisis as well as its decision to procure discounted Russian oil.
White House rules out Russia's ouster from UN Security Council
Rediff.com9 Apr 2022Suspension is the only method provided for in the UN resolution that established the Human Rights Council back in 2005.
H-4 visa holders may get an automatic right to work in America
Rediff.com8 Apr 2022Two US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that aims at granting an automatic right to H-4 visa holders to work in the country, a move which will benefit the spouses of thousands of foreigners, including Indians, and also address the labour shortage affecting American businesses. H-4 visas are issued to dependent spouses and children who accompany H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders to the United States. Many H-4 visa holders are highly skilled people in their own right and previously had careers of their own or worked to support their families.
Biden hails Russia's ouster from UN human rights council
Rediff.com8 Apr 2022The 193-member UN General Assembly on Thursday voted to adopt a draft resolution moved by the US to suspend Russia from the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) over allegations that Russian soldiers killed civilians while retreating from towns near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.
Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed as first Black woman judge of US SC
Rediff.com8 Apr 2022The United States Senate took the historic decision by 53-47 votes after three Republican Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney voted in her favour along with 50 members of the ruling Democratic Party.
Key Congressional committee passes bill to end Green Card cap
Rediff.com8 Apr 2022A Green Card, known officially as a permanent resident card, is a document issued to immigrants as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently in the US.
US 'ready to help' India cut Russian oil imports
Rediff.com7 Apr 2022"We do not think India should accelerate or increase imports of Russian energy and other commodities even as, obviously, those decisions are made by individual countries," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.
Ukraine crisis: US and allies target Putin's daughters, Russian banks
Rediff.com7 Apr 2022These sweeping financial sanctions follow the action earlier this week to cut off Russia's frozen funds in the United States to make debt payments.
Not in India's best interest to continue investing in Russian equipment: US
Rediff.com6 Apr 2022The defence secretary was responding to a question from Congressman Joe Wilson, a friend of India in the Congress who, of late, has been critical of India deciding to take an independent position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
It's becoming difficult for Putin to fund Ukrainian war: US
Rediff.com6 Apr 2022The White House is planning another set of sanctions on Russia. This is likely to be announced on Wednesday.
Biden urged to enter into a trade deal with India
Rediff.com5 Apr 2022A top Republican lawmaker has welcomed India signing a trade deal with Australia, and urged the Biden administration to enter into a similar arrangement with New Delhi that can advance Washington's strong economic agenda in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region. "I'm pleased to see #Australia & #India sign a strong trade deal," Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch said in a tweet. "The US needs to do the same and advance a strong economic agenda in the #IndoPacific. "The Biden Admin's failure to lead hurts US growth and our partnership in the region," Risch said in another tweet.
US seeks Russia's suspension from Human Rights Council
Rediff.com5 Apr 2022Observing that 140 United Nations member states have already voted to condemn Russia over its unprovoked war and the humanitarian crisis it has unleashed upon the people of Ukraine, Thomas-Greenfield said Russia should not have a position of authority in that body, nor should the international community allow Russia to use their role on the Council as a tool of propaganda to suggest they have a legitimate concern about human rights.