Trascript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson on 01 February 2024
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon friends. Welcome to this Press engagement. Let's start, the floor is open, so we start with questions straight away.
Sandeep: Sir mera naam Sandeep hai, News 18 India se. Mera sawal hai ki ek video jo hai wo aaya tha social media pe aur Chushul ke Councillor ne video release kiya tha, jismai ye dikhaya gaya hai ki kaise Chinese PLA hamare grazers ko wahan se bhaga rahe hain aur unko wahan pe grazing nahi karne diya ja raha hai. Kya report hain? Kis tarike ki abhi filhal situation hai wahan?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, my name is Sandeep, from News 18 India. My question is regarding a video that surfaced on social media, released by the Councillor from Chushul. In the video, it is shown how the Chinese PLA is driving away our grazers from there and not allowing them to carry out grazing activities in that area. What are the reports on it? What is the current situation there?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Isse jude jitne sawal hain, puch le (Ask all the questions related to this).
Madhurendra: Sir, Madhurendra mei News Nation se. Main janna chahta hoon ki jo area hai khaas taur pe jahan par grazing karne se roka gaya hai, kya use India ne jo Chinese troops hain unka incursion mana hain, kyuki ye hamara area hai jismai Chini sainik ghuskar aaye hain, unka patroling dekha ja raha hai, aur kya ispar humne China se virodh bhi darj kiya hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. I would like to know whether India considers it as an incursion by Chinese troops, especially where grazing activities were stopped; because it is our territory where Chinese soldiers have entered, their patrolling is being observed, and have we also registered a protest against this with China?
Sidhant: Not on China, but my question is, today is the third anniversary of the coup in Myanmar. So what's India's position on that, India has been calling for democracy, so if we can talk about that. And my second question is, talking about Africa, there has been a pact between Somalia and Ethiopia, any reaction to that?
Mukesh: LAC par paanch buffer zone bane hain. Main Mukesh Kaushik hoon Dainik Bhaskar se. Paanch buffer zone bane hue hain unko Chinese PLA wahan par drone bhej kar unka surveillance karte hain ke koi uska ullanghan toh nahi ho raha. Kya ye drone bhejna us treaty ka ullanghan nahi hai ki buffer zone mai koi nahi aayega?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] I am Mukesh Kaushik from Dainik Bhaskar. There are five buffer zones at the LAC, and the Chinese PLA sends drones there to carry out surveillance to check any signs of violation there. Is sending these drones not a violation of the treaty that prohibits anyone from entering the buffer zone?
Srinjoy: Thank you. Sir, Srinjoy Times Now. Still on China, on the 27th of January, in the Asaphila sector, there was a transgression, a large number of PLA, though for a short while. Now, has this been taken up diplomatically by India with China?
Yeshi: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. Foreign Secretary was in Bhutan recently. Did the border issue and Bhutan's equation with China come during the talks?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: If we don't have any more questions on China, so that we can club them together.
Sandeep dekhiye aapka jo sawal raha grazers log, jo wahan par charwaha log hain unke bare mai. Toh hum logon ne bhi ek aisa video dekha hain media ke hawale se, lekin jahan tak specific aapke sawal ka jikar hai, main chahunga ki aap is sawal jo hamare relevant agencies hain unke paas le jaye. Jahan tak hum logon ka sawal hai, donon deshon ke log apne-apne jo unke ilake hain jahan grazing ho sakti hain, charwaha ja sakte hain, uske baare mai bhalibhati awagat hain. Aur koi bhi is prakar ka mudda agar aata hai jisme ki thodi khatpat hui ho, ya kuch friction hua ho, toh usko jo mechanisms hamare paas hain, jo platforms hain batchit ke unke jariye hum isko suljhate hain, uske jariye hum iski dekhrekh karte hain, ki kaise isko behtar kiya jaye.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sandeep, regarding your question about grazers, we have also seen a video through the media. However, concerning the specific aspect of your question, I would suggest that you take this question to the relevant agencies. On our part, both countries are well aware of the traditional grazing areas, where grazing activity can take place. If any issue arises, or if there is any friction, we have mechanisms and platforms for dialogue through which we address and oversee the situation, for ensuring betterment of the situation.
On this particular matter, I would suggest to all of you, if you have anything, if you are seeking very specific details, you should contact the relevant authorities, in this case, the Ministry of Defence. On our part, what we can say is that the two sides are aware of the traditional grazing areas in the border regions, in border areas. Any incident of friction is dealt with through established mechanisms, as appropriate.
Madhurendra, aapka bhi sawal isse juda tha toh aapka sawal ka maine jawab de diya hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhurendra, your question was also related to this, so I have answered your question too.
Sidhant, coming to your question regarding…today happens to be 1st of February, it marks the third anniversary of developments. On that I would like to say, that we are concerned with the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, which has direct implications for us. As a neighbouring country and friend of Myanmar, India has been long advocating for complete cessation of violence and Myanmar's transition towards inclusive federal democracy. We want an early resolution of the issue through constructive dialogue and return of peace and stability in the country.
Speaker: (inaudible).
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: The concern is, in general, all the developments that are happening in the country, security situation, all that is happening in terms of instability, violence, etc.
On Somalia and Ethiopia, I would like to convey to you that we have noted the development in the Horn of Africa, following the signing of an MoU between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Somaliland. India underscores respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. We call for peaceful dialogue between the parties to address the situation.
Srinjoy, referring to your question, as I had said in earlier Presser, there are issues between India and China, which are being discussed in two tracks, both on the Military to Military discussions, as also in the diplomatic channel. So all these issues, as and when they arise, these are taken up appropriately.
Yeshi, regarding your question on Bhutan, Foreign Secretary was there, he was in Bhutan, we have a read-out, there was a Press Release which gave details of all that we discussed, all bilateral issues were discussed. He called on the King, His Majesty. He also had an audience with the Prime Minister. He met the Foreign Secretary, where he conducted bilateral discussions on matters of connectivity, on energy, development cooperation and other aspects of our bilateral ties.
Sudhi: Sir, Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. We have seen some reports about the purchase of MQ9B drones by India being blocked, there is a certain amount of uncertainty over it from United States. Can you give us an understanding and is it actually true that you’re facing trouble because of the Pannun incident?
Rishabh: Sir, Rishabh from Times Now, adding to Sudhi’s question, there is another report that Congress has given a go ahead to the manufacturer of the drone to be sold to India, and the notification can be released in 24 hours. These are two contradicting reports that have come in. If MEA can clarify what is correct, and where are we standing on the deal as of now.
Siddhant: Hi Sir, I am Siddhant from CNN News18. Sir my question is regarding Maldives. Sir, world is watching what is happening in Maldives. Opposition parties’ MPs were beaten up inside the House and in fact, one female MP was harassed on the roads of Maldives, Sir. Some MPs have alleged that President Muizzu is trying to sort of bribe some MPs to make them come on his side, Sir. How does India look at the situation, the political turmoil that is going on in Maldives?
Suhasini: This is Suhasini Haidar from the Hindu. Just to follow up with Sudhi Ranjan's question, there was a recent visit by senior U.S. officials, including the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Donald Lu to Delhi over the weekend. So I just wanted to ask if they raised the question of the inquiry in India into the alleged assassination plot against Mr. Pannun; and whether there has been any progress on the high-level committee, high-level investigative panel, I think, that had been announced on November 18th by the Ministry of External Affairs; the composition of that panel, what progress, if any, has been made in these two months? So that was one question, but the other I had was on a different issue. I could ask it now, and that is on Israel. Given what we have seen over the past week, what is India's reaction to the ICJ verdict that basically calls on Israel to prevent acts of genocide? And secondly, there have been a number of countries, particularly in the West, that have withdrawn their contributions to UNRWA over allegations by Israel. India has, in fact, increased its contributions to UNRWA over, I think, up to 10 million a year now, since 2020. So is India considering any change in its contribution there? The last tranche, I think, just went last month.
Srinjoy: Sir, this relates to the Maldives issue. We are already aware of one Chinese vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 3 already in the Maldives. But we are getting reports of a second ship. And this is a large ship, 3,000 tons, it's called the Lanhai, or the Blue Ocean. Now that is also in the Maldives’ waters, which basically means two major ships of the Chinese in that island nation. Now, do you see this as a sort of flag waiving exercise in the wake of the change in government?
Manas: This is Manas from PTI. Just, again, relating to the drone deal, what is the actual status of the negotiations between India and the American officials on the drone deal? Because it's a government-to-government deal, announced during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Washington last year; and because there are contradicting reports about the status update, some reports suggesting, in fact, it is coming to Congress. There was another report yesterday that said that deal has been blocked. And overall, in fact, do you think the negotiations on big-ticket defence deals are slowing down in the wake of the allegations relating to the foiled plot to kill Pannun? What is the status of these discussions?
Vishal: Sir, mera naam Vishal hai. Main Zee News se hoon. Maldives ke maujuda Rashtrapati ke khilaf mahabhiyog laane ki taiyari hai aur vipakshi jo dal hain Maldives ke, woh lagatar ye keh rahe hain ki Bharat pratham neeti par Maldives ko chalna chahiye na ki China ki taraf. Bharat kaise dekhta hai jo mahabhiyog ki taiyari Maldives ke Rashtrapati ke khilaf laane ki hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, my name is Vishal. I am from Zee News. There are preparations underway to initiate impeachment process against the current President of the Maldives, and the opposition parties in the Maldives are consistently stating that Maldives should follow ‘India First’ policy rather than aligning with China. How does India view the preparations for impeachment against the President of the Maldives?
Speaker 2: In Maldives, There is this lawmaker who had earlier raised controversy by tweeting controversial comments against Prime Minister Modi. She had just tweeted a video which says that Indian government has been funding the overall political turmoil in Maldives, and there has been some meeting of Indian officials with the Maldivian…MDP members, also in Sri Lanka. If you have any comment on that?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Coming to the drone issue, Sudhi and all our friends. See, this particular matter relates to the US side. They have their internal processes in place and we are respectful of that. So that is where I would like to leave my comment.
Rishabh you had asked a question, related question.
Rishabh: Sir, the second report that I was talking about…Highest authority in India has also been informed about the Congressional agreement and India is in know-how that the deal is on and the green signal has been given. So what is the thing that India knows about the deal?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: On this, what I had to say, I have said that is where it is. It is a matter which pertains to the US side. They have their own internal processes and we are respectful of that. We have to be respectful and we are respectful of that.
Siddhant, you had a question on Maldives. See, as far as the question of Parliament or these questions are concerned, these are internal matters of Maldives and we would not like to comment on that. So that is where I would leave it.
Srinjoy, regarding your question about vessels of certain country coming to the Maldives; as we have said earlier as well, we always keep a close eye on developments which impact our interests, economic interests and security interests; and take necessary measures to safeguard them as and when required.
Regarding the high-level committee, Suhasini, the high-level committee has been constituted. It has to give a report. So, we should wait for the report. And thereafter, you'll get more details as to where we are. On the question of the Assistant Secretary, yes, he was here. He participated in the India-US Forum. He also had several other engagements. That is where I would like to leave it. On the question of this verdict of ICJ, I would like to say that we have taken note of the provisional measures that the ICJ has given a verdict on. So that is where we are as far as the ICJ provisional measures verdict is concerned.
On the UNRWA, India is an important development partner of Palestine. We have been extending assistance to them, both bilaterally and through the United Nations. But at the same time, we have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. And in this regard, we are deeply concerned at the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in October 7 terror attacks. We also welcome the investigations launched by the United Nations in this regard.
Vishal aapka sawal Maldives pe tha. Maldives ke Parliament ke bare mai tha. Dekhiye ye sab jo masla hai, Maldives ka, ye unka andruni masla hai, toh ispe hum log koi apna tippani dena nahi chahte hain. Ye unka khud ka maamla hai aur isko aapko is prakar se samjhana chahiye.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Vishal, your question was about the Maldives. It was about Maldivian Parliament. See, this issue concerning the Maldives is their internal matter, and we do not want to give any comments on it. This is their internal affair, and you should understand it that way.
Abhishek aapne jo baat kahi video wali, hum logon ne bhi us video ko media ke hawale se dekha hain, phir, ye unka andharuni mamla hain aur ispe hum koi tippani nahi karna chahenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Abhishek, regarding the video you mentioned, we have also seen that video through the media. Again, this is their internal matter, and we do not want to comment on it.
Speaker 3: (inaudible)
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Ye unka andruni mamla hai Ye toh media ke hawale se pata chala hain, ye toh video hain, video media mai dekha gaya hain, uske aage koi baat nahi aayi.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] This is their internal matter. It is known through the media, it's in a video that has been circulated in the media, and beyond that, there is no further information.
Siddhant: Hi, Sir, I'm Siddhant from CNN. Sir, my question is regarding the extradition of accused in Mahadev app case; and as court in Raipur has given permission to Enforcement Directorate to go ahead with the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal from UAE, Dubai. Sir, the leaders of both countries met twice in the last two months. Was this issue discussed? And if yes, what's the status of the extradition? Thank you.
Akhilesh: Sir, I'm Akhilesh Suman, a freelancer. My question is about situation in the Red Sea. External Affairs Minister went to Iran, talked to his counterpart. He also talked to Israeli Foreign Minister recently. French president was here in India, and Prime Minister talked to him. So, since our export and imports are getting affected due to the situation in Red Sea, Houthis are attacking, we have also done something; what is our entire policy? Are we going to align with international forces in containing the Houthis in the Red Sea, or did we request anything to Iran to contain them?
Kallol: Sir, this is Kallol from The Hindu. Few days back, we saw that the Taliban Ambassador presented his credentials in Beijing to President Xi Jinping. In that context, can we say that India may also, in near future, grant de facto recognition to the Taliban set up in Kabul, because there are obvious criticisms about Taliban on the human rights front, but then there is also a growing opinion that perhaps China is stealing a march ahead of India when it comes to Taliban. So, I would like your response on that Sir.
Mukesh: Sir, Mukesh Kaushik from Dainik Bhaskar. You may have seen the reports that Rishi Sunak Government in UK is denying visa to Hindu pujaris of India and because of that more than 50 temples including a Ram temple in Birmingham has been closed down. So are you taking up the issue with Rishi Sunak Government about this?
Pia: Pia, with the Print. Sir, I have two questions on the Budget. As per the Budget, India has significantly reduced its contributions to the UN. Last year's Revised Estimate was 382 crore. Now the allocation is 175 crore. So any reason for this reduction, which is almost halved? And second question is on our expenditure on what has been written as Miscellaneous General Services. It says that last year's Revised Estimate was 9,000 crores and the allocation this year is about 4,300 crores. Can you just specify what is this expenditure and what do you mean by Miscellaneous General Services? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So let’s take these questions. Pia, regarding your question, the Budget was presented by the Honorable Finance Minister today. There are several issues which pertain to the Ministry of External Affairs, including our international engagements and our development partnership. In regard to specifics, I don’t have an answer right now but regarding miscellaneous issues that you raised and also our Budget provisions, we have to look at it but we will come back to you on that count.
Mukesh ji aapne jo jikar kiya visa ke bare mai, isse aap avgat hain lekin main nahi hoon, toh main is mudde pe ja ke charcha karunga aur uske baad aapko batayenge ki kya sahi hai, kya ho raha hai, aur hum log kis prakar se is masle ko dekh rahe hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Mukesh ji, you mentioned the issue of visas, while you are aware of it, I am not. I will discuss this matter and then inform you about what is accurate information, what is happening, and how we are looking at this issue.
Kallol, regarding your question regarding Taliban, we have been attending several meetings on Afghanistan in various formats, both at the regional level and international level. You would have seen that recently we also participated in a regional meeting in Kabul where our Head of Technical Team attended. He apprised the meeting of India's longstanding friendship with the Afghan people and the humanitarian assistance that we are carrying out in the country. This particular meeting that we attended also should be seen in that particular context. That is where we are as far as our engagement with Afghanistan is concerned.
Akhilesh ji, your question regarding all the developments that are happening in the Red Sea area. We have spoken about this earlier as well. It's a matter of concern for not just us, but several international players. We have been discussing this matter with our interlocutors, the United States; France, French President was here; with Iran when our External Affairs Minister traveled there; also with President of UAE when he was here. So, it is a matter of concern and we want to address maritime security. We want to address freedom of navigation and as to how we can secure these lanes. You are also aware that Indian Navy is active in this area, in Gulf of Aden, in the Arabian Sea, and they have been providing support and succor to several vessels, not just Indians, but of other nations as well; and of course, supporting Indian sailors on them, which has been widely reported and also widely appreciated.
Siddhant, your question was regarding UAE. You see, there are several matters which per se pertain to the consular domain. These are matters which are being taken up as and when required. I do not have specific details to the questions you've asked, but these are ongoing questions which are discussed in consular engagement with countries.
Abhishek: Abhishek Jha from CNN News18. My question is regarding this Chinese Embassy. The post of Chinese Ambassador has been vacant for a very long time in Delhi. Do you have any update on when we can have the Chinese Ambassador in Delhi? There are some media reports that he may join soon. So, have you been apprised of the situation?
Kadambini: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Sir Red Sea mai ek European Union ke deshon ke coalition banne ki baat hai, jahan par Sirf merchant ships ko protect kiya jayega. Usmai attack ki baat nahi hai jaise ki US, UK kar rahe hain. Toh is babat kya Bharat kyuki us ilake mai active hai, Bharat ki navy bhi, kya koi feelers aaye hain ki Bharat bhi shamil ho, ya is tarah ki koi baat?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] This is Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. There are talks of a coalition of European Union countries in the Red Sea where only merchant ships will be protected. It does not involve attacks like what the US and UK are doing. What is India's stance on this because India is active in that region, Indian navy is also active in that region? Are there any talks of India joining the coalition or any related developments?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Abhishek, regarding your question, I have no update on what you've asked, hopefully at some point in time. As and when I have an update, I'll convey to you.
Kadambini ji aapka jo sawal hai…hum logon ne hamari jo neeti hai usse aapko maine avgat karaya tha, ki abhi jo sthiti hai, ispe hum koi bhi multilateral platform ya sanstha hain uske hum abhinn ang nahi hain. Lekin wahan ki jo sthiti bani hui hai, us par hum log najar rakhain hue hain. Aaj ek sthiti hai, kal ho sakta hai dusri sthiti ho jaye. Toh ye hamara pehlu hai is mudde pe.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini, regarding your question…I had informed you about our policy that currently, we are not part of any multilateral platform or organization. However, we are keeping an eye on the situation there. There is a situation there today, which may change tomorrow. So, this is our perspective on this matter.
If we do not have more questions, then we can call it a day. Thank you very much. Thank you for your participation and attendance. Have a good day.
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