Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson on 28 June 2024
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon friends. Today I will begin with a statement, a statement on the US State Department’s report on International Religious Freedom 2023 and thereafter we will open the floor for questions.
We have noted the release by the US State Department of its report on International Religious Freedom for 2023. As in the past, the report is deeply biased, lacks understanding of India's social fabric and is visibly driven by vote bank considerations and a prescriptive outlook. We therefore reject it. The exercise itself is a mix of imputations, misrepresentations, selective usage of facts, reliance on biased sources and a one-sided projection of issues. This extends even to the depiction of our constitutional provisions and duly enacted laws of India. It has selectively picked incidents to advance a preconceived narrative as well. In some cases, the very validity of laws and regulations are questioned by the report, as are the right of legislatures to enact them. The report also appears to challenge the integrity of certain legal judgments given by Indian courts. The report has also targeted regulations that monitor misuse of financial flows into India, suggesting that the burden of compliance is unreasonable. It seeks to question the need for such measures. On its own part, the United States has even more stringent laws and regulations and would surely not prescribe such solutions for itself. Human rights and respect for diversity have been and remain a legitimate subject of discussion between India and the United States.
In 2023, India has officially taken up numerous cases in the US of hate crimes, racial attacks on Indian nationals and other minorities, vandalisation and targeting of places of worship, violence and mistreatment by law enforcement authorities, as well as the according of political space to advocates of extremism and terrorism abroad. However, such dialogues should not become a license for foreign interference in other polities. So that was my statement.
I now open the floor for questions.
Sidhant: Hi sir, Sidhant from WION. Sir this is in relationship to the same report. We have seen the comments by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying there is rise of hate crime in India. Your reaction? And, sir, I have a second question as well. We have also seen remarks by the Chief Minister of the Eastern State of West Bengal over the Teesta development India sending technical team. If you can give, what's the official reaction of the Ministry of External Affairs?
Madhurendra: Sir, Madhurendra main News Nation se. Blinken ka jo bayan hain sir us par main aapka reply chahunga ki kis tarah se Bharat ki ghatnaonko unhone sankalit karke unhone is tarah ki tippani ki hain us par Bharat ka jawab kya hain? Aur khas taur par jo aapne aapke statement mei kaha ki is tarah ki tamam ghatnayain America mei lagatar ho rahi hain lekin uspar unki aankhain nahin khulti, bhartiya ghatnaonko unhone vote bank politics ke liye istemal kiya hain. Toh kya vakai ye sirf vote bank politics hain ya particularly India ko target kiya ja raha hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. I would like your response to Blinken's statement regarding the events in India that he has commented on. What is India's response to his remarks? Specifically, in your statement, you mentioned that many such incidents are continuously happening in America, but they turn a blind eye to them, and Blinken has used events in India for vote bank politics. So, is this really just vote bank politics, or is India being particularly targeted?
Dusra sawal mera sir Russia ko le kar hain jahan par Bharat ke log gaye, wahan ki sena mei shamil hue, Ukraine war mei mare gaye, is ghatna ke baad jo aap logo ne sangyan liya, kitne log Bharat wapas aaye hain uska koi data hume mil sakta hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] My second question, sir, is regarding Russia, where Indian people went, joined their army, and were killed in the Ukraine war. After taking note of this incident, how many people have returned to India? Do you have any data on that?
Yeshi Seli: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. Is Prime Minister Modi going to Moscow? If yes, when?
Ayushi Agarwal: Sir Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Can we also have a confirmation of who India would be representing at the SCO Summit in Astana?
Pranay Upadhyay: Sir Pranay Upadhyay Zee News se. Lebanon ko lekar ek advisory Bharat sarkar ki taraf se jari ki gayi thi, Lebanon mei kitne bhartiya hain aur abhi wahan par kya sthiti hain? Humne kitne logon se sampark kiya hain wahan par?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Pranay Upadhyay from Zee News. An advisory was issued by the Indian government regarding Lebanon. How many Indians are there in Lebanon and what is the current situation there? How many people have we contacted there?
Huma Siddiqui: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. There is violence still going on in Kenya. So, any further advisory for the Indians and has anybody asked to be repatriated from there?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, first coming to your question, Sidhant, on the US State Department report, I just made a statement. I would refer you to look at the statement. You will get your comments, get answers for your comments. It is a very detailed statement that we have read out. So, that is where I would like you to refer to.
On the question of the letter of the Chief Minister that you mentioned, we have seen some reports in that regard too. For us, at least the facts do not bear out the assertions that have been made. The Ganga Water Treaty of 1996 is due for renewal in 2026 and for carrying out that exercise an internal review of this treaty is being undertaken and for that an internal committee has been set up. This internal committee has all stakeholders who are part of this in that committee including the West Bengal Government. The West Bengal Government has been attending these meetings regularly. In fact on 5th April 2024 a communication was received from the West Bengal Government indicating its drinking water and industrial water requirements for inclusion in the treaty beyond 2026. The committee has submitted its final report and which is presently under examination by the relevant Ministry. So that is where it is, your question regarding the letter from West Bengal Government.
Madhu aapka sawal US State department ke jo abhi report unhone jari kiya hain us par tha, us par humne apni tippani abhi de di hain. Toh main aapse aagraha karunga ki uska jo hindi roopantar bhi aapko is sabha ke baad aapko mil jayega, ki aap hamari tippani ko dekhain jo hum logon ne kaha hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhu, your question was regarding the report recently issued by the US State Department. We have already given our comments on that. I urge you to look at our statement, which you will receive in Hindi translation too after this session.
Russia ke mamle mei wahan par, pahle bhi maine bataya tha ki kariban 10 logon ko wahan se laya gaya hain chudakar, aur log ghar wapas aa gaye hain. Kariban 20 se 25 logon ne hamari embassy ko wahan unhone contact kiya tha ki unko wahan se chudaya jaye, is par hum log lagatar jor banaye hue hain. Russian authorities ke sath batchit hamari chal rahi hain aur hamara bharpur prayas hain ki jo bhi log wahan par hain unko hum log wahan se nikal paye jaldi se.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Regarding the matter of Russia, as I mentioned earlier, about 10 people have been rescued from there and have returned home. Around 20 to 25 people had contacted our embassy there, requesting to be rescued. We are continuously making efforts in this regard. We are in discussions with the Russian authorities and are making every effort to evacuate all the people who are still there as soon as possible.
Yeshi, Your question regarding Russia. See, we have a very well established bilateral summit arrangement with the Russian Federation. We have this bilateral summit meeting between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Russian Federation. 21 such meetings have happened so far. We are also preparing to hold the next summit. We will share the dates with you as soon as we can.
Ayushi your question regarding SCO participation. The Indian delegation at SCO will be led by External Affairs Minister. This SCO summit is to be held on 3rd and 4th of July. So External Affairs Minister will be leading our delegation there.
Pranay Lebanon ko le ke aapka sawal, us pe hamari jo dutawas hain Beirut mei unhone ek advisory jari kiya hain. wahan par hamare kafi bhartiya nagrik rehte hain, kaam karte hain, professionals hain. Jo mera information hain uske hisab se kariban 2 se 3 hajar log hamare log hain, aur humari embassy jo hain unse lagatar sampark banaye hue hain aur is prakar humne travel advisory nahi issue kiya hain, humne sirf itna bataya hain ki aap log embassy se sampark banaye rakhain taki is prakar ka koi bhi agar ghatna ho to usmai phir hum log jaldi se jaldi karyawahi kar sakte hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Pranay, regarding your question about Lebanon, our embassy in Beirut has issued an advisory. There are many Indian citizens living and working there, including professionals. According to the information I have, there are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 of our people there, and our embassy is in constant contact with them. We have not issued a travel advisory; we have only advised that they stay in touch with the embassy so that in the event of any incident, we can take action.
Huma, your question regarding Kenya. There also we issued an advisory. There was a protest linked to a local legislation. No Indian has been caught in the violence. Nobody has been impacted. That advisory still holds good. We have told our nationals to be cautious, to take care of their movements or how they go out in the city. But my understanding is that situation is also coming back to normal. It is improving and things are in order as of now.
Can we take more questions?
Pia: Pia with the Print. Sir, information is coming in that Deputy NSA Vikram Mishri will be taking over as Foreign Secretary. Who will be replacing him as Deputy NSA? And if you could also whether Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra will be deputed in DC as India's Ambassador to the US.
Siddhant: Hello, Sir. I am Siddhant from CNN News 18. Sir, yesterday EAM Jaishankar posted a letter, a reply that he has given to Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.K Stalin. And in the third paragraph of his reply, he says and I quote, "you are also aware that the genesis of the issue goes back to 1974, following an understanding between the Union Government and the State Government". I would like you to give a context to this particular paragraph in the EAM's letter, in a reply that he has given to Chief Minister. And what is the status of Katchatheevu issue? Are we going to take it up during the bilateral meeting with Sri Lanka? Thank you.
Kallol: This is Kallol from the Hindu. Sir, in view of the advisory issued by the Indian embassy in Beirut. I want to ask you, the situation that the embassy has talked about is because of obviously, Israeli attacks on Lebanon. So does India consider the attacks by Israel on Lebanon a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty?
Abhishek Jha: Sir, this is Abhishek Jha from CNN News18. My question is regarding one Indian national Satnam Singh having been dead in Italy in a very horrible condition. What has been the way we have raised it to the institution? And also, there are thousands of Indian workers who are working in dairy and farming sector in Italy. So have you also raised the concern for them so that such incidents doesn't happen in the future? Thank you.
Akshay Dongare: Hi sir, Akshay Dongare from DD India. Sir, this question with regards to the Mutual Evaluation Report of India and Kuwait, the FATF report, which discussed and adopted the joint FATF Mutual Evaluation Report of India, which assesses the effectiveness of India's measures to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. So any comments in regards to that?
Jaiprakash: Sir main Jaiprakash hoon dainik jagran se. China border ko lekar jo samasya hain sir us par koi pragati hai kya? Aur iske sath abhi pichle dinon ambassodor jo hain china ke unhone videsh mantri se mulakat ki thi, kya aap bata sakte hain kya baatain hui usme?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Jaiprakash from Dainik Jagran. Is there any progress regarding the issues at the China border? Additionally, recently the Chinese ambassador had a meeting with the Foreign Minister. Can you tell us what was discussed in that meeting?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: First, Pia, your question regarding appointments. I have yet to see official order on the issues that you mentioned, on the appointments that you mentioned. So as and when we have the official appointments, you will come to know about it.
Siddhant, your question regarding the letter that External Affairs Minister wrote to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The letter is about fishermen who have been caught in Sri Lanka. You specifically asked about a particular provision that has been mentioned. That is because, you know, there is a historical context to this issue. And that is what has been highlighted in the letter by External Affairs Minister. External Affairs Minister recently visited Sri Lanka. And he had extensive engagement with the leadership there. And they talked about all issues of mutual concern.
Kallol, regarding Lebanon, our embassy in Beirut has issued an advisory. That advisory is not a travel advisory, restricting Indians to travel to Beirut. It is an advisory for Indian nationals who are based in Lebanon so that they stay in touch with the embassy if there is an evolving situation there. And as a matter of abundant precaution, this particular advisory has been issued so that the embassy is enabled if there is a requirement to get in touch with Indian nationals. It can do so at the shortest possible time.
Kallol: My question was regarding the issue of Lebanese sovereignty. Does Israeli actions violate Lebanese sovereignty? That's the question.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: But all nations are sovereign nations, correct? So that is where it is. You are talking of a situation which has not yet to develop. As and when the situation will develop, we'll have a look at it. But the question right now is, you know, all nations in the world are sovereign nations. They are well within the right to do whatever they want as a sovereign entity.
Abhishek, your question regarding Mr. Satnam Singh, an Indian worker who passed away in very tragic circumstances in north of Italy. We have taken up this matter. You would have seen the leadership in Italy has spoken about it. After we've taken up the matter with the foreign ministry and local authorities, the gentleman who was his employer who was supposed to provide medical care, he has been arrested, and investigation goes on. We condemn such treatment, and we also call for more human treatment of workers in the country. We are in touch with the family of Mr. Satnam Singh, and we are providing all possible assistance in the matter.
Friend from DD India. Akshay, you would have seen a press release issued by PIB very few hours back on FATF. I understand the meeting still continues even as we speak in Singapore. The FATF press release will give you more details. But what I understand is that it has given a good outcome to India, an astounding outcome to India, and it's a significant achievement in that sense. India has also been placed in regular follow-up category, which is a distinction shared by only four other G20 countries. So it's a positive outcome for India as far as this FATF mutual evaluation is concerned.
Jaiprakash aapka sawal china ko lekar hai, china ko lekar jo hamari batchit chalti hai uspar hum lagatar aapko jo batchit hum donon deshon ke bich chalti hai hum logon ne aapke sangyan mei rakha hain, is madhyam se aur jo press vigaypti hum jari karte hain is madhyam se. Aage jab hamari batchit hogi toh us par hum prakash dalenge taki aapko bhalibhati kya chal raha hai usse avgat karaya jaye, jahan tak china ke rajdoot ke milne ki baat thi videsh mantri se, jab bahar se rajdoot yahan aate hain toh as a matter of courtesy, unko courtesy call diya jata hai, ye ek normal practice hai. China ke rajdoot aa kar unhone call on kiya videsh mantri pe, uske alawa New Zealand ke high commissioner bhi the, kuwait ke bhi the, kayi deshon ke rajdoot wahan aake External Affairs Minister ke sath unki mulakat hui.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Jaiprakash, your question is regarding China. We have kept you informed about the ongoing discussions between our two countries through various means, including press releases. We will shed light on future talks so that you are well informed about the progress. As for the meeting between the Chinese ambassador and the Foreign Minister, when ambassadors from other countries come here, they are given a courtesy call as a matter of practice. The Chinese ambassador met with the Foreign Minister as part of this normal practice. In addition, the High Commissioner of New Zealand, the ambassador of Kuwait, and several other ambassadors also met with the External Affairs Minister.
Divya: Sir, this is Divya from Indian Express. We have read reports about 10 Indian fishermen being charged with the death of Sri Lankan Navy sailor. So how is India planning to take it up?
Ileana: Good afternoon. Ileana, TASS News Agency. Randhir, can you please share some main topics of this upcoming Russian-Indian summit? And like what will be the agenda of it? Thank you.
Srinjoy: Sir, after his visit to Russia, Prime Minister on the 10th will be in Vienna. And this is the first time an Indian Prime Minister is going to Austria for a visit like this. It appears that start-ups is the major thing on the agenda. Is there anything else you can share with us about the visit?
Ayanangsha Maitra: This is Ayanangsha Maitra. Sir, this is regarding the MoUs signed between India and Bangladesh on the railway connectivity. The first question is, India will be accessing Bangladesh territory, so will there be any convenience fee or some monetary matters involved or is this completely reciprocatory? And will any paramilitary or security forces be deployed when the trains will be passing by those territories? And also if you could kindly share if there's any sort of joint production of railway hardwares between India and Bangladesh. Thank you, sir.
Sachin Budholiya: Main Sachin Budholiya hoon UNI se. Sir, Mera sawal ye hai ki nepal me pradhan mantri Prachand ne abhi Limpiyadhura aur Kalapani wala jo border area hai woh station ko dubara uthaya hai. Toh kya hamari abhi nepal se us border issue ko lekar koi batchit abhi chal rahi hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] I am Sachin Budholiya from UNI. My question is that recently in Nepal, Prime Minister Prachanda has again raised the issue of the border area of Limpiyadhura and Kalapani. Are there currently any discussions with Nepal regarding this border issue?
Pia: Pia with the Print. Sir, just a clarification on a sentence in the MEA statement issued yesterday about the Sri Lanka debt restructuring agreement. It says India offered unprecedented financial support of US$4 billion to Sri Lanka. This is the $4 billion in terms of food and financial assistance that we've extended to them over the last couple of years, right? Because the outstanding debt is only about US$1.3 billion. Just a clarification. Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So Divya, on the question of fishermen, you know we have always attached the highest importance to the welfare of our fishermen who get caught abroad. And we have tried our best to bring them back. Among these 10 fishermen, also our High Commission is aware of the matter, we are aware of the matter and we have taken up this issue with the Sri Lankan side. Hopefully, we'll see how best to take it forward.
Ileana, regarding your visit, the question that you asked, I've told you as and when we have an update on the visit, we'll provide to you. As of now, both countries are working to have a summit level meeting. The dates for that, presently we don't have, we will share with you as and when we can, as soon as possible.
Srinjoy, again the visit that you mentioned, the visit will be announced at an appropriate time including with the date that we have. Once we do that, then we'll be able to give you more details of the structure, the agenda, et cetera.
Ayan, a question regarding railway connectivity, when we had this special briefing by Foreign Secretary post the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh, he talked about all the MOUs and connectivity projects that we've undertaken. That also includes railway connectivity. We both countries are working together to enhance connectivity to a higher level, physical, digital in several ways so that we can strengthen our trade connections, people-to-people connections, and several other projects that we are doing together and bring the relationship to a higher level. As far as your questions on fees, on security aspects, these are very technical questions. These will be addressed as and when they come up for discussion in the technical committee and between the two governments.
Sachin aapka sawal Limpiyadhura aur in sabhi ko lekar raha, dekhiye pahle bhi hum logon ne kahan hai ki ye sab jo baatein hain, border ki baatain jo hum logon ke beech mei, bharat aur nepal ke beech mai jo dwipakshiya batchit hoti hai aur jo platform bana hua hai in sab cheezon ko discuss karne ke liye uske tahat kiya jata hai. Kuch din pahle bhi hum logon ne is par ek bayan diya tha ki hamari kya soch hai, to uspe mai kahuga, uspe videsh mantri ne bhi batchit kahin thi, kuchh din pahle, toh main aapka dhyan us bayan pe lana chahunga.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sachin, your question is regarding Limpiyadhura and related issues. As we have mentioned before, all these border matters between India and Nepal are discussed through bilateral talks and established platforms. A few days ago, we issued a statement outlining our stance, and the Foreign Minister also spoke on this matter. I would like to draw your attention to that statement.
Pia you asked a very technical question, $4 is our assistance, what is the kind component of it, what is the financial component of it, I will let you know, I don't have an update straight away. But in terms of assistance, it is significant assistance. We always remain committed to strengthening our neighbour. You would have seen the outcome of the MOU that the Government of Sri Lanka signed with OCC, the Creditors’ Council or Committee, of which India is also one of the co-chairs along with France and Japan. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support stabilization programmes, support economic prosperity in Sri Lanka.
Sudhi: Sir Sudhiranjan from Bloomberg. Recently, there was a briefing by Kurt Campbell. During the briefing, a couple of things that came out importantly was that US seeking institutionalized reforms in agencies that they believe are responsible for the thwarted murder attempt of a US national. And also, the US continues to seek criminal prosecution, it seems, because they are saying accountability. What has been the discussions between India and the US, and what kind of institutional reforms is the US asking for?
Abhishek: Sir my question is regarding recent comment made by Pakistan foreign minister where he said that the two nations cannot be on the perpetual hostilities, so what is your comment on that?
Sidhant: Sir, South China Sea has seen a lot of aggressive actions by the Chinese. We have seen a show of force by the Chinese, something that resembled Galwan as well. What is India's position on the ongoing situation in South China Sea?
Santosh Thakur: Sir main Santosh Thakur Navbharat se. Mera sawal sir ye hai ki aapne abhi jo US ko lekar pratikriya di hai, bahot hi kade shabdon me aur tivrata se, toh iski kya wajah hai sir ki is tarah ki woh report nikalte hain aur kya hamare samanvyay ki kami hai, jab hum rannaitik sajhedar hain, toh kya is tarah ki report jab woh taiyar karte hain toh woh consider nahi karte hain ki bharat ke sath hamari kis tarah ki mitratata ya hamare samanvyay mei kami rehti hai ki is tarah ki reports aati rehti hain? Thank you.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Santosh Thakur from Navbharat. My question is regarding your recent strong reaction towards the US, expressed in strong and intense words. What is the reason behind such a response, sir, and is there a lack of coordination on our part as political allies that leads to reports like these? When they prepare such reports, do they not consider the friendship or coordination gaps with India, which result in such reports? Thank you.
Sapna: Sir main Sapna Sadhna channel se. Sir, mera sawal ye hai, pichle dinon kashmir mei kuch aatanki ghatnayein hui thi, jismai kuch nirdosh log mare gaye the, mana ja raha tha ki ye Pakistan ki taraf se hui hai, toh pakistan se is baare mai kuch batchit ho rahi hai, kya bharat kuch sakhti baratne ki soch raha hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am from Sapna Sadhna channel. My question is that recently there were some terrorist incidents in Kashmir where innocent people were killed, and it was alleged to have originated from Pakistan. Is there any discussion with Pakistan regarding this matter, and is India considering any action in response?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Thank you.
Sudhi, first to your question. As you know that we have constituted a high-level committee on the matter that you referred. The high-level committee is looking into those aspects. As and when the findings come out, we will take appropriate action in that direction.
Abhishek your question regarding, Pak Foreign Minister.We have always maintained that good neighbourly relations or we have always sought good neighbourly relations free from cross-border terrorism as far as Pakistan is concerned.
Siddhant your questions regarding South China Sea, we have on several occasions also clarified our position as to how we look at developments in that part of the world. We have always emphasized on adherence to international law, respect for rules-based order and to resolution of disputes in a peaceful manner. Other than that, we also believe that there should not be any incident or approach that destabilizes the region. So that is how we would look at your question or answer your question in South China Sea, the developments that are happening in South China Sea. We oppose destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion as well. And we, of course, we underline the need for peaceful settlement of disputes.
Santosh aapka sawal us report ko lekar hai, us report mei jab humne bayan diya toh humne kaha hai ki america ke sath hamari batchit chalti rehti hai manav adhikar ko le kar uske alawa jo hamari vividhata hain usko leke kafi sari batchit chalti rehti hai aur ye batchit aage bhi chalti rehegi aur batchit ke madhyam se hi ek dusre ko hum behtar samjh sakte hain. Jahan tak is report par tippani ki baat hai uspe hamara statement humne diya hai, aur main chahunga ki aap us statement ko teekhi najar se padhe.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Santosh, your question is regarding that report. When we issued our statement on the report, we mentioned that discussions with America are ongoing regarding human rights issues, as well as our diversity. These discussions will continue in the future, as dialogue is the means through which we can better understand each other. Regarding comments on this report, we have already provided our statement, and I would like you to read that statement carefully.
Sapna your question regarding terror attacks. These are very serious security concerns for us and our agencies, our authorities are taking action as appropriate in the matter.
Pranay Upadhyay: Sir china ke Guangzhou mei ek bhartiya karobari ka pahle apharan hota hai aur baad mei uski hatya ho jati hai, is mamle ko le ke kya bharat sarkar ne, hamari embassy ne wahan take up kiya hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, in Guangzhou, China, there was a kidnapping followed by the murder of an Indian businessman. Has the Indian government or our embassy there taken up this matter?
Kallol: Sir, the External Affairs Minister visited the United Arab Emirates, I think that's his first foreign visit after he took office for the second time. So could you please give us some substantive points that were discussed during the visit?
And also, did the issue of the bilateral rights, the aviation sector that the United Arab Emirates is very keen about, did this issue also feature during the talks?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Pranay, dekhiye jo bhartiya samuday bahar me rah rahe hain, humare jo bharat ke log bahar mein reh rahe hain, unke hit ki suraksha karna hamare liye ek bahot badi jimmedari hai, jisko hum bahot seriously lete hain. toh koi bhi is prakar ki ghatna ho jahan par hamare log fase hue hon ya kisi karan wahan unko dukh ho raha ho, usko hum turant, us masle ko hum pick up karte hain, taki turant uspar karyawahi ho, aur jald se jald hamare log hain, ya toh riha ho ya wahan se wapas desh laute, ya jo mushkil mei hain usse woh bahar aaye. Guangzhou ka jo aapne bataya hai is masle pe exact kya update hai, main aapko dunga, mera pass abhi tatkal mei ek update nahi hai, lekin jaisa ki maine bataya ki in sabhi mamlon ko hum puri mustaidi ke sath, chusti ke saath utathe hain jab bhi koi baat hoti hai Bhartiya samuday ko leke.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Pranay, ensuring the safety and security of the Indian community residing abroad is a significant responsibility for us, and we take it very seriously. Whenever incidents occur where our people are affected or facing distress for any reason, we promptly pick up the issue to ensure immediate action. Our priority is to swiftly resolve the matter, facilitate the return of our people to India, or assist those in difficulty to come out of such situations. Regarding the incident in Guangzhou that you mentioned, I will provide you with the exact update. I don't have the latest update at the moment, but as I mentioned, we handle all such cases with utmost urgency whenever they arise.
Kallol, the External Affairs Minister visited UAE, that was the second visit after his reappointment. The first visit was to Sri Lanka. The second visit happened on, I think, this Sunday, last Sunday. He had meetings with his counterpart, the foreign minister. He also participated in a yoga event at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. He visited the BAPS Hindu temple as well. The prime minister had visited UAE in February and this particular visit was an occasion to review several of the arrangements, announcements that were made to take them forward. Several new projects were initiated when prime minister had gone, including digital connectivity, rupay arrangement between, fintech arrangement between UAE and India. So all these matters were discussed when the foreign minister travelled to UAE Abu Dhabi last. And the fact that he went there, it was the second visit after his reappointment, goes on to show the kind of importance we attach to our relationship with United Arab Emirates.
So with that, we come to the closure of this press engagement. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.
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