PM Balendra Shah's India visit may take time: Nepal FM

IANS | April 13, 2026 10:24 PM

Kathmandu, April 13 (IANS) Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Monday suggested that it could take some time for Prime Minister Balendra Shah to visit India, though he has already received an invitation from the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the southern neighbour.

India and France hold Foreign Office Consultations in Paris, focus on expanding ties across sectors

IANS | April 13, 2026 9:23 PM

Paris, April 13 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired the India–France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens in Paris on Monday. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions covered a wide range of topics, including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cooperation in cyber and digital domains, AI, innovation, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening human and cultural ties, in connection with the latest global and regional developments.

Pakistan acted as 'courier', not 'mediator' during US-Iran ceasefire negotiations: Report

IANS | April 13, 2026 9:02 PM

Kabul, April 13 (IANS) Pakistan's mediating role between the United States and Iran resembled that of a courier rather than a mediator, lacking leverage, proposed solutions, and the ability to push both sides toward compromise. Pakistan acted as a diplomatic channel through which big powers like China communicated their positions without any direct engagement, a report highlighted on Monday.