Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson
December 29, 2023.
Shri Arindam Bagchi explained about Indian citizens imprisoned in jails in Qatar, Indian diplomats were expelled in some countries post the Nijjar incident, Talha Saeed who is the son of Hafiz Saeed, is contesting for the general elections in Pakistan, 25 Indians who had sought asylum in France after their aircraft was grounded,
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Very good afternoon to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this week's media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs. I don't have any particular announcements. So I am happy to open the floor for questions. Why don't I start with you. I saw your name first. Yeah. Please.
Madhurendra: Sir Madhurendra, mei News Nation se. Jo Qatar ki jailo me band humare kaidi hai Bharatiya kaidi hai unko le kar kal sunwai huwi. Aur uske baad ye jankari mili ki unko mrityudand ki saja ko kum kiya gaya hai. To abhi tak jo MEA ne dar-asal read kiya hai faisale ko, to uske mutabik main janna chahunga ki faisale me kya tabdali, kya badlav kiya gaya hai aur aage apke steps kya rahenge.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Sir Madhurendra, from News Nation. The hearing of our Indian citizens imprisoned in jails in Qatar took place yesterday. After that, information was received that the death penalty imposed on them has been reduced. Till now MEA has read the decision, so according to that, I would like to know what has been changed in the decision, and what will be the steps in the future.
Siddhant: Sir, Siddhant from WION. Sir, there were reports that Indian diplomats were expelled in some countries post the Nijjar incident. If you can confirm or deny or what's the stance of the Indian government and secondly on --
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Which country?
Siddhant: From U.S. and UK.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Not Canada?
Siddhant: Not Canada Sir. And Sir, Talha Saeed who is the son of Hafiz Saeed, is contesting election. He is standing for the general elections in Pakistan. Any reaction from the Indian government?
Pranay Upadhyaya: Sir Pranay Upadhyaya Zee News se. Mera sawal is chiz ko leke hai, there have been reports ki Hafiz Saeed ko handover karne ke liye India ke taraf se koi formal request bheji gai hai. Kya ye sahi hai aur agar hai to kab bheja gaya. Kya ispe details hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Sir, Pranay Upadhyaya from Zee News. My question is regarding reports suggesting that a formal request has been sent from India for the extradition of Hafiz Saeed. Is this information accurate, and if so, when was the request sent? Are there any details available regarding this matter?
Sanya: Hi, I am Sanya from CNN. On 24th December over 140 Rohingyas who were on their way from Bangladesh to Indonesia reached Sitapur beach in Andaman and Nicobar Island after their engine had stopped working. Where have they been kept since 24th December? And at what point or how did the Andaman authorities and security agencies get to know about the Rohingyas who had reached there?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: And in what way is this foreign policy issue? I will try to answer what I know but sorry, I may not be able to answer the way…how did they know, you would have to ask them. Okay, I'll come back to you.
Yeshi: This is Yeshi Seli from The New Indian Express. So these 25 Indians who had sought asylum in France after their aircraft was grounded, what is the update on them? And the Indians who returned where were they from? Were they from Punjab or other parts of India?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Madhurendra ji apka prasna Qatar ko leke tha. Dekhiye humne ispe kal ek vigyapti jari ki hai uspe pura detail de rakha hai. Jab tak hum nahi dekh paye judgment puri taraha hum khud na dekh paye, humari legal team na dekh paye hum aur tippani isme nahi karna chahunga. Apne dekha hai humne usmei kya kaha tha ki jo sentence hai usko reduce kiya gaya hai. Ye bayan diya gaya tha, ye judgment diya gaya tha matlab oral way me, aur jab tak detailed judgment na ho isme kehna thik nahi hai. Agla steps humne kaha ki discuss karenge legal team ke saath, unke families ke saath. To main sirf ye kahna chahunga ki sensitive mamla hai aur isme ap speculation na kare. Let's wait aur detail aa jaye humare pas. Humare jo Bharatiya hai unke pariwar wale hai un sab ke hit ke liye humara sabse sarwadhik concern humare uske bare mei hai. To us drishtikon se hum abhi thoda wait karte hai. Jab tak humara wo…judgment humare pas aye aur hum dekh paye, ki humare legal team hum dekh paye usme.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Madhurendra ji, your question was about Qatar. Look, we have issued a press release on it yesterday, providing complete details. Until we can see the judgment entirely, until we, our legal team, I would refrain from making any further comments. You must have seen, what we have said in it, that the sentence has been reduced. This statement was given orally, and until a detailed judgment is available, it is not appropriate to comment on it. Our next steps involve discussing the matter with the legal team and with the families. So I would just like to emphasize that this is a sensitive issue, and please do not speculate. Let's wait until we have greater details with us. Our foremost concern is for the well-being of our Indian citizens and their families. So, from that perspective, it would be advisable to wait, until we have the judgement with us and we can see it and our legal team sees it.
I have a feeling there will be questions in English on this. So let me say that in English, we have issued a detailed press release yesterday on this, you would have seen this. For the moment I don't have any additional information to share. Till we see the judgment, or the legal team gets to see the detailed judgment, let me also emphasize, as I have been doing and you've all been very patient on that the confidential and the sensitive nature of the case. And we would urge again, not to engage in speculation. The interests of the Indians and their family members is our foremost concern. And so please bear with us, let's find out exactly what it is. We have noted and the press release did say and I have it here…says that the sentences have been reduced. But till we have further details. I don't want to comment. We will also of course be discussing the next possible steps with legal team and the family members. So that's what is what I can share for the moment.
Regarding Siddhant, your query, let me start with the other one regarding you know…what is the name you said? Talha, let me clarify on that. Look on this issue I normally wouldn't like to comment about, you know what election processes are in a different country. However, so what I would like to say, is the issue of radical elements being normalized and participate in elections is something perhaps I should comment on. We have seen some reports in this regard. It is an internal affair. So let me not comment on it. But the mainstreaming of radical terrorist outfits in Pakistan is nothing new, and has been a part of their state policy for a long time. Such developments have serious implications for the security of our region. On our part, we will of course, continue to monitor all developments that have an implication on our national security. Let me leave it at that.
As regards the issue of Indian diplomats. You said being expelled from…look, to be honest, I'm not aware of any such development. There were some speculative reports, saying that intelligence officers are not being allowed, being posted abroad. As a matter of policy we do not comment on intelligence issues. I would caution against speculative reports and I'm not aware of any such incidents of expulsion.
You wanted to know in Hindi apka prasna, kaun puch raha tha? Aap puch rahe the Hindi me. Dekhiye is mudde ke sambandh me jo abhi Siddhant ne pucha, is sambandh me humne kuch reports dekhi hai. Halaki hum anya desho ke antarik mamlo par tippani nahi karte hai. Lekin Pakistan ke kattarpanthi aatankwadi sangathano ka is tarah se mainstream me aana koi nai baat nahi hai, aur lambe samaya se unki rajniti ka hissa ban chuka hai ye. Is taraha ke developments me humare chetra ke suraksha par gambhir prabhav padta hai. Humari or se hum un sabhi developments ko monitor karna jaari rakhenge jinka humari rastriya suraksha par kisi taraha se prabhav pad sakta hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Your question…Who was asking? You were asking in Hindi. Regarding the issue, which Siddhant just asked about, we have seen some reports on this matter. However, we do not comment on the internal affairs of other countries. The mainstreaming of radical terrorist outfits in Pakistan is nothing new and has been a part of their state policy for a long time. Such developments have serious implications for the security of our region. On our part, we will continue to monitor all such developments that have an implication for our national security.
Pranay…your question was slightly different. You had asked about whether requests regarding his activities. Look, as you're aware, the person in question is wanted in numerous cases in India, he is also a UN proscribed terrorist. In this regard, we have conveyed a request, along with relevant supporting documents to the Government of Pakistan to extradite him to India to face trial in a particular case. I think that is what you were referring to. So yes, we have of course been flagging the issue of activities that he's been wanted for. In this case you specifically mentioned whether we wanted to extradite him, yes, there has been a request sent to face trial in a particular case.
Pranay: This is a recent request?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: This is a recent request. Just some time ago, some weeks ago, I would say. I ought to check exactly when it was submitted, I have a date of when it was, I think our High Commission in Islamabad would have passed it on. But I could try to get you more information. But as I said activities of people who are, you know, wanted in criminal or terrorist activities here, we continue to take up these cases with partners, to say in this case, of course this extradition with Pakistan, where we have asked for…where we don't have I think extradition agreement but we've requested for him to be brought back to India to face trial.
Pranay: Sir mera sawal Hindi me tha.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Sir my question was in Hindi.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry main bhul gaya tha aapne English me suru kiya tha. Jaise maine kaha, jaisa ki aap jante hai ye jo vyakti ke bare me apne zikr kiya, kafi mamlo me India me wanted hai. Wo sanyukt rashtra dwara ek list hai us list ke bhi aatankwadi list me hai. Is sambandh me humne sambandhit documents ke saath Pakistan sarkar ko ek vishesh mamle me mukadame ka samna karne ke liye Bharat mei extradite karne ka anurodh kiya hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Sorry, I forgot…you started in English. As I mentioned, the individual I spoke about is wanted in numerous cases in India. He is on a list prepared by the United Nations, where he is listed as a terrorist. In this regard, with the relevant documents, we have requested the Pakistan Government to extradite him to India to face trail in a particular case.
Sanya your query regarding Rohingyas. Look, this is not really a matter for the Ministery of Foreign Affairs perhaps. Yes, we are aware of this. Humanitarian assistance was provided to a group who had got lost. I think they're still in Andaman and Nicobar. But I would have to refer to our concerned agencies for exact details of how they got to know. Probably it's a distress call. And my understanding is that they're still there. But I could be wrong. There are established procedures how to deal with it. Not sure this is the competence of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Yeshi, on your query on Indians who…are you referring to the case of a chartered flight from UAE to Nicaragua. As you are aware that it was grounded during a technical halt near Paris, and most of them subsequently after intervention from our Embassy, consular assistance, landed back in India, in Mumbai. A few Indians, I don't have the exact numbers could be about 25, I think, as you said, but it could be slightly different, stayed back there. And I would have to refer you to the French authorities to be honest, because these are now being processed or action is being…I mean, dealt by French authorities as per their local laws. And I think for reasons of privacy, as well as our lack of knowledge of French procedures, I would rather leave it at that. But my focus would be in that most of the passengers are now back in India. And as regards to the specific Indians who are there, if they require any assistance from us, and naturally, we would extend consular assistance.
Okay, let me take the next round of questions. Some people had their hand up. Yes, please you..
Anbarasan: Hi, this is Anbarasan from BBC. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity. I have two questions.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: One let's start with.
Anbarasan: Okay. We're hearing reports of another Chinese research vessel will be docking at Colombo port in the coming months. This would be the third ship in the last 15 months visiting Sri Lanka, and they say it is a research vessel. When I spoke to the Sri Lankan Foreign ministry spokesperson last month, initially they said that would come only for replenishment to restock. But within 24 hours, they were doing research for 48 hours above the sea. And do you have any comment to make on these visits? Whether India has concerns about this because there have been reports of this being studying the ocean bed as well as tracking satellites. So that's a security concern for --
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: It's okay. What is your query? I understand. Yeah I got that. Anything else you had?
Anbarasan: Second one is about Bangladesh elections. The main opposition BNP, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party spokesperson a couple of days ago said India is openly influencing the elections in Bangladesh, openly supporting the current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and what's your response? What's India's role? And what would you say to that comment? That's it. Thank you very much.
Umashankar Singh: Uma Shankar Singh NDTV India se. Mera sawal Qatar se juda huwa hai. Ek appeal ke aadhar pe jo maut ki saja thi usko karawas ki saja me badal di gai hai. Jo bhi quantum ho baad me pata chalega jo ki apne bataya. Kya ek dusara mauka bhi hai ki jo saja ab hui hai usko bhi reduce ya maafi ke liye baat ki ja sake. Is bare me agar clarity mil sake.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Uma Shankar Singh from NDTV India. My question is related to Qatar. The death penalty, based on an appeal, has been changed to a life sentence. Whatever the quantum is, as you mentioned, we will find out later. Is there another opportunity to discuss the current sentence for a reduction or pardon as well? If clarity can be provided on this matter.
Smita: Smita here. Just wanted to follow up, because I do believe there's an extradition treaty that we have with Qatar. So is India planning to…No, the prisoners, mutual…are you planning to …
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You mean the transfer of sentenced persons?
Smita: Yeah. For them to be able to come and complete their sentence in an Indian prison here? Will that…is that a request that is being made or has been made already by India? And is there any official invitation so far for Prime Minister to inaugurate the Swaminarayan temple in UAE. There are some reports on that
Srijoy: Sir Srijoy, Times Now. There is a Lakshmi Narayan temple in Surrey in Canada. Now, there are reports that one of the people involved in the temple, the President's son, his house was attacked and 15 bullets were fired. If you could brief us on that, please. Also, since the issue of China and Sri Lanka came up, just as we speak, several Chinese aircraft have joined…
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: What aircraft? Sorry, I didn't listen.
Srinjoy: Chinese made aircraft have joined the Sri Lankan Air Force. This is the Y-12 and it's gone into the eight tactical transport Squadron at Ratmalana. If you could, since Sri Lanka is a friendly country, if you could.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: What was the query? I mean, just generally comment on that. Okay fair enough. Okay. There was another hand.
Ayushi Agarwal: Sir Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir is there any update on the repatriation case of the Indian baby Ariha Shah who has been in the German foster care.
Sandeep: Sir mera naam Sandeep hai, News18 India se. Mera sawal hai ki Chushul ke counsellor ne ek report di hai. Unhone kaha hai ki jo Rezang La me war memorial tha Major Shaitan Singh ka wo dismantle kiya gaya hai aur ye bhi kaha gaya hai ki wo buffer zone me aa gaya hai, is wajah se usko dismantle kiya gaya hai. Kya ispe update hai Sir?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Sir, my name is Sandeep, from News18 India. My question is regarding a report given by the Chushul counsellor. They have stated that the war memorial of Major Shaitan Singh at Rezang La has been dismantled. And it has also been mentioned that it has come under the buffer zone, leading to its dismantling. Do you have any updates on this, Sir?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I see some more hands. So I will take another round. Give me few more minutes.
Okay, let me start with Mr. Anbarasan your query on this. Look, I think we have made our position pretty clear on this in the previous occasions when such reports have been there. I don't know what the specific one yet. You said its scheduled to dock. We have said that, we always monitor developments that may have a bearing on India’s security and we take necessary measures. I don't have anything further to add to that. I think that suffices for this question, too. As regards the issue of the elections in Bangladesh you specifically referred to comments by BNP party. I'm not going to get into that. Let me generally on that topic…let me reiterate what we've been saying. Perhaps you haven't heard. Our position on this has been consistent. I think we've said before, the elections are a domestic matter of Bangladesh and we believe that it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide their own future. And as a close and friend and partner of Bangladesh, we would like to see peaceful elections there and we will continue to support Bangladesh’s vision of a stable, peaceful and progressive nation then I think I'll leave it at that.
Umashankar Ji aapka prashna. And I think uske sath Smita your query also on the same thing. Umashankar ji, dekhiye abhi judgment jab tak nahi dekh payenge, hum kya keh sakte hai. Next step isi liye humne kaha, next step uske baad hi hum decide kar payenge ki kya exactly hai, jo abhi judgment aaya hai court of appeal ka. Aur uske baad humare pas kya options hai, kya next steps hongi. To tab tak speculation pe main nahi jana chaunga ki hum ye kar sakte hai ya nahi kar sakte hai. Judgment ke baad pata chalega.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Umashankar Ji, your question. And I think Smita, your query is also on the same thing. Umashankar Ji, look, until we see the judgment, we cannot comment anything. Next step, that's why we said, after seeing the judgment, we will be able to decide what exactly it is, the judgment that has come from the Court of Appeal. And then, what options do we have, what will be the next steps. So, until then, I don't want to speculate on whether we can do this or not. We'll know after the judgment.
Smita your query was regarding transfer sentenced persons. Yes, there is such agreement. However, I'm not sure if it is, in effect, because it requires ratification by both sides. And I would have to check whether the Qatari side has ratified that agreement. I'm not yet sure on that. So I would have to check whether it is in force. But again, this is something that we'll have to find out. As regards Prime Minister's visits, you know, these are announced at the appropriate time. And you know that better before…the invitation would have been extended. I mean, I saw a tweet the other day, but I don't remember it was from the Prime Minister's Office or not saying that he has accepted some invitation. I'm not sure if that is the one you're referring to the UAE. As I said, insofar as Prime Minister's visits are concerned, we would announce it at the appropriate time. But I do remember seeing yesterday, something on social media, perhaps you look at that.
Srinjoy, your query was regarding, it wasn’t…you meant link with the temple. But look, our understanding of that incident in British Columbia is that it was at a private residence related to of course, somebody who's a member of the temple managing committee, or I understand that investigations are underway in that case. And I don't think it's appropriate to comment at this stage, the motivation, the details behind it till such time that, you know, the investigation is not completed by the local authority. So let's wait for that. But yes, we are aware of that incident.
The Chinese aircraft in Sri Lanka, look again I will repeat broadly what I've been saying to Mr. Anbarasan right now, developments on our security, we keep a close eye on them. We maintain close watch and we will take, we take necessary measures for our security.
Ayushi on the issue of a baby in Germany, we again, as I said, this is an important issue. We continue to monitor it. I don't have an immediate update this week. But as I mentioned, I think it was last week I mentioned, if I have the report here. We had consular access, we were able to share with the child items to ensure the immersion of the child in Indian culture, as well as continued efforts to ensure that her rights are protected. I think, in fact I have some…the consular visit was in the second week of November, Embassy officials celebrated Diwali with the child. Pursuant to court orders, the parents were allowed visitation. We have been working towards cultural immersion of the child and resource materials relating to Indian festivals, customs and practices were handed over to the German authorities. We remain in constant engagement with the German authorities to safeguard the child's cultural and national identity and rights and to ensure her return to India. So that's what I had last.
Sandeep ji apka prasna tha Chushul me aur ek jo stories chal rahi hai ki humare yaha waha pe koi ek monument ke bareme. Dekhiye aap jaisa jante hai waha pe Rezang La ke jo incident tha '62 ka uske bareme, uske upar ek monument hai. Sab jante hai wo monument hai kafi saalo se hai wo. Aur us monument ke bareme matlab abhi ka nhi kafi saalo se hai. Aur koi aarop ki usme koi badlav huwa hai ye thik nahi hai. Mujhe jitna malum hai wo monument waisa hi hai, waha hai. Aur agar apko details chahate hai to aap army ya koi authority defense wagairaha se puche. Par hume jitna malum hai ki jo ek jo longstanding memorial hai Heroes of Rezang La ke bareme usmei koi aise aarop ki change huwa hai, thik nahi rahega.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Sandeep Ji, your question was about Chushul, and there is another story circulating about a monument there. See, as you know, there is a monument there related to the incident at Rezang La in '62. Everyone knows that the monument has been there for many years. Allegations of any changes to that monument are not accurate. As far as I know, the monument is as it has been. It is there. And if you want details, you can inquire with the army or any relevant defense authority. But from what we know, any claim of changes to the longstanding memorial for the Heroes of Rezang La is not accurate.
Somebody asked in English okay. As many of you know, there is a longstanding memorial to the Heroes of Rezang La, on the border. Any imputation that there has been any change in that monument is incorrect. And for any details, I would refer you to the concerned authorities.
Okay, I'll take another round of questions.
Megna: Sir Megna Dev from DD News. Sir there have been reports that a number of state governments like the Uttar Pradesh government has also recently invited applications to send workers to Israel. Do we have any details on it? And when are we planning to send workers to Israel as well as how many are we planning to send and including looking at the advertisements or the applications that have been invited by different states?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You mentioned a particular state government.
Megna: Uttar Pradesh government has done that as well.
Sridhar: Sir Sridhar from Asian Age, Sir there are reports that Canada has detained or arrested some people who make changes --
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Has arrested or will arrest?
Sridhar: Some reports say that they have been arrested, some say they are being detained. I'm not very sure of the status but these are apparently people who are involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. And taking into account Canada's allegation that India is involved in some way. So have they shared any details with the Canadian authorities because we have been maintaining Canada has not given us any evidence. And just one small clarification on the Smita's question. You said that you were not sure whether the treaty had been ratified by both sides and then you said you're not sure if Qatar has ratified. So have we ratified it?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Yes.
Sridhar: Okay.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: So that is the good assessment of that. Okay. We have ratified it.
Sridhar: Thank you.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: That why I said I don't know whether the Qataris have done it. Yeah, please.
Gautam: Hello, I'm Gautam Lahiri, freelance journalist. Recently, the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, came and visited India for the last week, probably. So do you have any idea about his visit or has he met any Indian officials during his visit in India?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: This is the official visit?
Gautam: That I don't know. I am just assuming.
Shashank Mattoo: Thank you Sir. Shashank Mattoo with the Mint. Sir the defense minister made a speech this week where he talked about India working with friendly countries to ensure stability in the Indian Ocean region for trade, this is in context of the Red Sea attacks. Last week we had asked a question about communications between India and the United States regarding this maritime task force that was set up, Operation Prosperity Guardian. Do you have any updates regarding those conversations about India potentially helping out with this task force, working together with other countries?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: We didn't say potentially we're joining and all. So your question was, last part was…you have any update on India potentially joining the task force?
Shashank Mattoo: Yes.
Snehesh: Sir, Snehesh from Print. Like to take where Shashank asked. Is India in talks with friendly countries not joining the coalition but is in talks with friendly countries for a larger convoy or a deployment, coordinated deployment in the Arabian Sea because we don't have the assets, enough assets to protect against the shipping lanes.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: That's your assessment Sir, please don't pass it on as mine.
Snehesh: No, are we in talks? And continuing with what Sandeep had said. You mentioned that the Heroes of the Rezang La Battle Memorial is still there. But I think what Sandeep was referring to was Shaitan Singh Memorial, which is there has that been dismantled or not. The Rezang La Memorial, of course remains where it is.
Rajiv: I am Rajiv from Malayala Manorama. Just wanted to have…do you have any updates on the committee progress, of the committee formed by India to inquire into the inputs given by US on the alleged plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Thank you very much. Let me try to answer those. Let me start with your question. Look, as I said, the Rezang La Memorial stands there. On the other one, I don't have any information. As I said, for any details of that one, you would have to ask the concerned authorities, but the one which is longstanding and well known is the Rezang La Memorial.
Regarding the issue of Canada and not…U.S. sorry, the U.S. you asked for the high level committee? No, I don't have an update on that. As I said, high level committee enquiry committee is looking into it. Once we have an update or when we are in a position to share something, we will certainly do that.
Related to that was on Canada, I think Sridhar your query was…let me put it this way. I have a lot of faith in the media. If you are unable to tell me that they are arrested or will be arrested, the details, I am certainly going to assure you, we have no information on that. What I can tell you about it is that, I think we have made our position very clear on where we stand on the issue. And I don't have anything further to add to that on the moment.
Gautam Lahiri your query regarding US Ambassador Bangladesh…I saw some media reports, frankly, that he is visiting. If you have any anything to share about his meetings; or if he had any meetings, we will certainly do so. It could be a private visit too. But I don't have anything particular to share right now with you on this.
As regards the issue of developments in the Red Sea, which I think you all also asked or somebody else asked, who asked? Shashank you asked? Look on that I think we discussed last week, on what are the possibilities that could happen. Let me just reiterate where we stand. As we said earlier, we value the free movement of commercial shipping, which is one of the fundamental principles underpinning global commerce. We are carefully evaluating all aspects of the unfolding situation in that region. Our defense forces are taking necessary measures in this regard. And in that context, I would also like to say I'm not in agreement whether we are in a position different or not. But I'm not aware that India is part of any multilateral initiative or operation presently in or around the Red Sea. So let me clarify that, India is not a part of any multilateral initiative or Operation presently in or around the Red Sea.
Are we in talks with other countries? Somebody asked you asked. Similarly, look, as I said, we are carefully evaluating all aspects of that. But what was your question on talks.
Unidentified Speaker: On the Arabian Sea.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: As I said, our defense forces are taking necessary measures. We are as you know, in the past, we have taken measures to ensure safe movement of shipping. We have been coordinating with other countries in the past, but he's specific query was are we part of multilateral initiatives. Right? No, we're not in the Red Sea area.
Megna on your question. I thought we answered this question last week. Oh, sorry. That was Haryana. Yes. Look, let me reiterate in the similar points. We have on a larger issue, being trying to promote safe legal mobility. We have been encouraged, we have been signing such agreements to ensure the rights of our labour, of people who travel are protected, they are safe, and that is a larger exercise that is going on. Separately, of course, Indians are free to go abroad to work if they find opportunities, which they do and we ensure that they are not victimized and they are not put in a difficulty. Perhaps what you mentioned is in the context of individual employers offering opportunities. I do not know if these are part of any state to state or government to government understanding. I'm certainly not aware of anything that has that. And I would also refer you to what we said in Parliament, vis-a-vis are we sending Indians to or Indian workers to Israel to replace Palestinian workers; an answer was given a definitive no. And I would refer to that, as our position to that. Okay, with that, you have more question?
Abhishek Jha: Sir Abhishek Jha from CNN News 18 this side. On a recent weekly briefing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China, on the reports of alleged Baloch terrorists confessing in Pakistani custody have said regarding the Baloch terrorists has confessed that Indian agencies are behind many terror activities in Balochistan. And on such reports, when the question was asked to the MoFA they said that to support and use terrorist groups and let them trive out of one’s selfish interests at the expense of international and regional security benefits no one and will only backfire. So do you have any comment on that? Because it was clearly in reference to India.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: That is your interpretation. Yeah Kallol.
Kallol Bhattacherjee: Kallol from The Hindu. My question is regarding the recent blast that took place outside the Israeli embassy. Certain responsible Israeli individuals have started blaming Iran for that incident. So I want to know has…like the Indian authorities informed the Israelis about certain aspects of that incident that has not been shared with the media so far? Because, you know, we have relations with both Israel as well as Iran. So but rarely do we see that sort of rancour between the two countries you know, third country that's in India.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Rarely?
Kallol Bhattacherjee: Rarely. Yeah. Like, you know, we don't really see that happening.
Huma Siddiqui: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express. Regarding the flight which has come back from Paris, has the Government been able to identify who are the people who are sending plane loads of Indians overseas?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me try to answer some of this. Let me start with you Kallol. Look on this issue, I don't think I'm the appropriate person to respond on this. The concerned agencies are looking into the matter. You've seen media report, they've also I think, briefed the media on that. Let them finish their investigations, we will have a better sense. I certainly am not aware of anything that you mentioned about blaming particular organ, entities or countries. We will…let's defer to them till they come out with some more definitive things. I'm not going to comment on what other countries might be issuing statements on.
Abhishek, your query was about…complicated. Somebody asked somebody in Chinese presser about something. Is that the one? Look, I normally don't like to comment on the third comments on that. But what I do recall, and let me see if I have the piece of paper here. Yes, I have the actual transcript of that. You want me to comment on what, the Chinese comments or the query? The Pakistanis have also made a comment on that by the way. The larger question, okay. So let me break it into parts. The Pakistanis were asked, I think the Pakistani Foreign Ministry was asked, and my response to you on that would be, you really want me to take the Pakistani comments on terrorism seriously? And on the Chinese one…look, we had a look at the comments. I don't think that what you're saying is accurate. The comments that we have seen don't have any reference to India, on the issue of terrorism and fighting terrorism together. I think there is no doubt on that. And we have been saying the same thing, that there should not be any difference. We should fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. So I don't think I would like to comment on that, vis-a-vis the context in which you put the question and links to Balochistan. My understanding the transcript is slightly different from the way you framed the question.
Huma, on the issue of the flight that was sent back from Paris or near Paris. Look, I think there are, you have to ask the concerned agencies, they're looking into any allegations that there are groups who are sending people illegally or not. As I said they are…I saw some reports that they're looking into it, but this is not an area for the Ministry of External Affairs to comment. I would have to refer you to the concerned agencies to see if they have any further information. Our objective of course, is to ensure safe and legal mobility. And if there is anything further, you know, that is for the concerned agencies, I would stop it at that.
Okay, thank you very much. This is the last presser, weekly presser of the Ministry of External Affairs for this year. So let me wish you a very happy new year and all the best for 2024. This also happens to be my last weekly press conference as the spokesperson. So thank you all for being with us. And from next time onwards, have the privilege of Shri Randhir Jaiswal, who will be taking this role. Thank you again. Good evening.
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