Ajay Kaul And Sagar Kulkarni In Colombo

Stories by Ajay Kaul And Sagar Kulkarni In Colombo

US top court upholds birthright citizenship, rejects Trump's order

US top court upholds birthright citizenship, rejects Trump's order

Rediff.com   1 hour ago

The US Supreme Court has struck down an executive order by President Donald Trump that sought to restrict birthright citizenship. The ruling reaffirms that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to all persons born on American soil, including children of undocumented or temporarily present parents. This decision overturns a key policy initiative from Trump's second term.

US Official Urges Nations Not To Re-Invent AI Stack

US Official Urges Nations Not To Re-Invent AI Stack

Rediff.com   17 hours ago

A senior US official has warned against the weaponisation of digital and artificial intelligence sovereignty by political voices, urging nations to avoid costly re-invention of existing technology. The official highlighted the economic dangers of rebuilding entire tech stacks and emphasised India's crucial role as an indispensable partner in global technological leadership due to its engineering talent and innovation ecosystem.

How US And India Are Strengthening AI Supply Chains Together

How US And India Are Strengthening AI Supply Chains Together

Rediff.com   4 days ago

The US and India are collaborating to de-risk global supply chains for artificial intelligence technologies, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing and critical minerals processing. This partnership is facilitated through the US-led Pax Silica initiative, which aims to address over-concentration issues and single points of failure in supply chains, fostering a resilient global economy.

India, US 'Very Close' to Historic Trade Deal

India, US 'Very Close' to Historic Trade Deal

Rediff.com   6 days ago

The United States and India are on the verge of finalising a landmark bilateral trade deal, aiming to boost trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, according to US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Poulos Morrison. The agreement seeks to open India's 1.4 billion-strong market to American goods on reciprocal terms, with ongoing high-level discussions to recalibrate the pact after recent changes in US tariff policy.

Join politics to combat anti-India sentiment, PIO lawmakers tell desis

Join politics to combat anti-India sentiment, PIO lawmakers tell desis

Rediff.com   6 days ago

Indian-American lawmakers are encouraging the diaspora to actively participate in US politics and run for public office at all levels. This call comes amidst increasing incidents of anti-India and anti-Hindu hate, with leaders emphasising that political representation is crucial to address community concerns and ensure their voices are heard.

US-Iran peace deal on track, negotiators are in Switzerland: Vance

US-Iran peace deal on track, negotiators are in Switzerland: Vance

Rediff.com   20 Jun 2026

US Vice President J D Vance confirmed that peace talks with Iran are underway in Switzerland, with negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner already present. Vance plans to join soon, expressing confidence in the US's strong negotiating position despite a delay caused by recent Israel-Lebanon firing.

Trump calls Modi a 'very tough cookie', 'great leader'

Trump calls Modi a 'very tough cookie', 'great leader'

Rediff.com   20 Jun 2026

Former US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'great leader' and 'tough guy' who has been in power for over 12 years, placing him alongside China's President Xi Jinping as leaders he admires for their power and ability to execute.

How Qatar's Jet Became The New Air Force One

How Qatar's Jet Became The New Air Force One

Rediff.com   20 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a newly refurbished Boeing 747-8i, previously owned by Qatar, which will serve as the new Air Force One. This luxury jet, featuring a red, white, and navy blue livery, replaces the older aircraft and will act as a "bridge" until new planes from Boeing are delivered by 2028. The aircraft underwent significant security modifications and is set to begin commissioning flights soon.

'The last ride': Trump takes final flight on old Air Force One

'The last ride': Trump takes final flight on old Air Force One

Rediff.com   19 Jun 2026

The iconic Boeing 747-200B, which served as Air Force One for 35 years, completes its final presidential flight, marking a significant transition for US presidential air travel.

Iran-US deal in trouble? Vance cancels Switzerland trip

Iran-US deal in trouble? Vance cancels Switzerland trip

Rediff.com   19 Jun 2026

US Vice President JD Vance has postponed his visit to Switzerland for technical talks with Iranian negotiators, citing logistical issues. These negotiations are crucial for finalising the details of a recently signed peace deal between the US and Iran, which aims to end the conflict in West Asia and includes a 60-day period for technical discussions.

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

Rediff.com   17 Jun 2026

The US Department of Defence has restored the name of the US Indo-Pacific Command to the US Pacific Command, reversing an eight-year-old decision. This change honours the command's deep historical roots, established in 1947, while its vast area of responsibility, extending to India's western border, and its mission remain unchanged.

FBI foils major attack on White House UFC event attended by Trump

FBI foils major attack on White House UFC event attended by Trump

Rediff.com   16 Jun 2026

The FBI announced it foiled a potential attack on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held at the White House last weekend, leading to multiple arrests. The alleged plot involved using explosive-laden drones and a sniper team to target the event attended by President Trump, with a "second wave" planned to storm the White House gate.

Trump announces Iran peace deal, to be signed in Switzerland on Friday

Trump announces Iran peace deal, to be signed in Switzerland on Friday

Rediff.com   15 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have announced a landmark peace deal between the US and Iran, which includes the crucial reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and the immediate cessation of military operations in Lebanon.

Israel strikes in Beirut delays US-Iran peace deal by a few hours

Israel strikes in Beirut delays US-Iran peace deal by a few hours

Rediff.com   15 Jun 2026

The signing of the US-Iran deal to end the conflict in West Asia has been delayed by a few hours due to Israel's strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, US President Donald Trump told local media in Washington, DC.

Trump turns 80, hosts UFC fight night at White House

Trump turns 80, hosts UFC fight night at White House

Rediff.com   14 Jun 2026

The White House on Sunday is witnessing a "fight night" in an octagon-shaped cage as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters slug it out in the marquee event on the South Lawn on a day President Donald Trump turned 80.

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Rediff.com   14 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced that a deal to end the war with Iran would be signed on Sunday, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz immediately becoming 'open to all'. This follows indications from Pakistan that negotiations were in their final stages, though Iran has yet to comment on the timeline.

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2026

The US has warned India that any violation of its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated, a statement made amidst a diplomatic row over the deaths of Indian seafarers in US attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman.

'Not justified': Jaishankar to Rubio on killing of 3 Indian sailors

'Not justified': Jaishankar to Rubio on killing of 3 Indian sailors

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lodged a strong protest with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over US Navy attacks in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. India also summoned the US Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi regarding the incident.

US Congress Pays Tribute To Indian-American Tech Leader Sivaramakrishnan Somasegar

US Congress Pays Tribute To Indian-American Tech Leader Sivaramakrishnan Somasegar

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2026

The US Congress has paid tribute to the late Indian-American entrepreneur Sivaramakrishnan Somasegar, known as 'Soma', for his significant contributions to Microsoft and the broader technology sector. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene highlighted his impactful career at Microsoft, his role in fostering new startups, and his community involvement, including co-founding the Seattle Orcas cricket team.

US Payment Giant Zelle Expands To India

US Payment Giant Zelle Expands To India

Rediff.com   12 Jun 2026

Zelle, a major US peer-to-peer payment service, is set to launch in India by the end of this year, marking its first international expansion. The move aims to tap into India's large remittance market, offering a service similar to UPI but integrated with bank apps. Zelle also introduced ZelleUSD, a stablecoin for future global payment capabilities.