Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, friends. Let's begin this press briefing. The floor is open. So, we start here.
Snehesh: Sir, following the SR level talks, China issued a statement saying that both sides, that is NSA Doval and Wang Yi, have come to a six-point consensus on a package deal for resolving the boundary issue. The Indian statement doesn't mention that. So, what the China has said is right? Has India and China agreed based on what the Chinese have put out?
Siddhant Mishra, CNN News 18: Hi, sir. I'm Siddhant from CNN News 18. So basically, CNN News 18 has done a story in which we have accessed a report from Canada's Immigration Board which confirms granting asylum to suspected Sikh militants. Now, the report data documents are suggesting that the rise to asylum grant has happened since Jagmeet Singh's party has supported Justin Trudeau's party, sir. And we have a document from the Government of Canada on that. I would like you to comment on that. Thank you.
Yeshi Seli, The New Indian Express: This is Yeshi Seli from The New Indian Express. Following reports on the threat that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had made against security, concerns were raised about India's Ambassador to the U.S., and the U.S. Spokesperson in Delhi has said that we provide adequate security. Are you satisfied with the kind of security that they have, or are there concerns that India has expressed?
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Hi sir, Sidhant Sibal from WION. We have seen the Americans putting sanctions on the Pakistani missile project. What is India's stance on the Pakistani ballistic missile project, which can be a threat for India as well? My second question, Mahfuz Alam, he is the member of the interim government in Dhaka. He, in a Facebook post, said that there are Indian territories, which are Bangladeshi territories. He deleted the post later on. What is India's stance on that?
Madhurendra Kumar, News Nation: Sir, Madhurendra, main News Nation se. Abhi recent jo satellite pictures bata rahi hain ki Doklam me takariban 22 gaon, village China ne develop kiye hai, wahi ilaka hai jaha par Bharat ne China ke badhte huwe vistaarvaad ko roka tha, Bharatiya senao ne roka tha. Ye jo maujuda tasveere ubhar ke saamne aa rahi hain, wo Bharat ke Chicken Neck ke liye bhi threat paida kar rahi hain. Kya Bharat ka stand hai is masale par aur China ke is development par?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. The recent satellite images reveal that China has developed approximately 22 villages in the Doklam area. This is the same region where India, Indian forces had previously stopped China's advancing expansionism. These emerging visuals also pose a threat to India's Chicken Neck region. What is India's stand on this issue and on these Chinese developments?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: First coming to your question Snehesh. See, the SR level talks happened on 18th. After that, we put out our Press Release. Our Press Release gives you a perspective as to what was discussed. Now, the specific question about the six-point consensus, I think we can speak for our Press Release and give you details on that. I can say that, you know, what we have said in our Press Release, that both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the political parameters and guiding principles agreed in 2005. There were some questions about this 2005 also. It is a document which is available, publicly available. It is there on our website. So, I would encourage you to have a look at that. But please, I would urge that please refer to our Press Release. That gives you the details of the discussion that happened. As also, I mean, coming to your question, the six-point consensus, the six-point consensus is detailed in the Press Release that you referred.
Siddhant, regarding this, you know, as part of their immigration policy, countries have this program of granting asylum or taking a decision in regard to a person or an alien in their country. As far as the particular case that you referred to, I do not have any details. So, once… maybe if you share more details, I can give you our point of view on that.
Yeshi, on your question regarding threats, yes, as and when such threats are issued, we take them very seriously and we raise it with the U.S. government. In this particular case also, we have raised it with the U.S. government. And it is our expectation that the United States government will take our security concerns seriously and act on it.
Sidhant, regarding your question, see, as you know that we follow all developments which have a bearing on our security and our interest very closely. And we take these things very seriously and take action as appropriate.
On the question of the statement that you referred to, made by a Bangladeshi senior leader, we have taken this up with the Bangladeshi government. We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post that you referred has been taken down. We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments. While India has repeatedly signaled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation. And once again to repeat that we have strongly protested against this with the Bangladesh government.
Madhu aapka sawal do deshon ka hai, China aur Bhutan ko le ke sawal hai. Toh ye sawal chuki un do deshon ka hai, toh aapka sawal unko aap kare toh jyada behtar hoga.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhu, your question pertains to two countries, China and Bhutan. Since this is a matter concerning those two countries, it would be better if you direct your question to them.
Ayanangsha Maitra: Sir, we have seen the frustration and excitement both from Indian as well as Chinese enterprises on a business front. And since 2020, the Galwan incident, this has completely freezed. So how do you react to this situation and both showed up frustration and excitement among the entrepreneurs and business places, spread across India and China? Thank you.
Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Good afternoon sir, I am Ajay Banerjee with The Tribune. Sir, I bring you to the SR level talks again, sir. Two points mentioned in the Chinese statement, two specific points. One, they spoke about putting the border issue in an appropriate position in the bilateral relations. And second point, they mentioned both sides agreed to further refine the management rules for the border areas. So my question is, where does India place the border issue? What is India's appropriate position? And two, are we refining the management rules as this is a new border agreement on the cards?
Jugal Purohit, BBC: Hi sir, this is Jugal from the BBC. Sir, I've got two questions. First is on the SR level talks. Can you clarify what is to happen or what is India's stand in so far as the friction points are concerned? And the second question is, there is this one name that keeps dropping up very repeatedly in the political discourse. The name is George Soros. Now I want to understand, assuming he's not an Indian national, is there a case that we, as a government, have lodged and are pursuing with any foreign entity about this individual? Thank you.
Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Sir, Kallol from The Hindu newspaper. Sir, the Chief Adviser of the Bangladesh government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has said that the election in the country would be held either next year or early 2026. But responding to him, the main Opposition party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Party has said that by not announcing a clear date for election, the Chief Adviser has actually disappointed the political class, including BNP. So, what is really India's position as far as the speech is concerned, because he has not given a clear-cut date for holding an election in Bangladesh?
Manish Jha, TV9 Bharatvarsh: Sir main Manish Jha hu, TV9 Bharatvarsh se. Kal hum logo ne dekha ki kis tarah Egypt mei Muhammad Yunus aur Shehbaz Sharif gale lage. Lag raha tha ki kumbh ke bichhde bhai hain. Toh uske baad ye tay hua ki Bangladesh ab SAARC Summit bhi aayojit karega aur usko le kar Muhammad Yunus ne kafi positive apna reaction diya hai. Toh India ka kya kehna hain agar Bangladesh SAARC Summit ko aayojit karta hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Manish Jha from TV9 Bharatvarsh. Yesterday, we saw how Muhammad Yunus and Shehbaz Sharif embraced each other in Egypt, it felt like long-lost brothers were reuniting. Following this, it was decided that Bangladesh will host the SAARC Summit, and Muhammad Yunus has given a very positive response regarding this. What is India's take if Bangladesh hosts the SAARC Summit?
Manash Pratim Bhuyan, PTI: Sir, a little clarity actually on the six points that China has actually claimed and it was agreed. I mean, is there any divergences between the two sides on the six points? We agreed to certain points and not agreed to certain portion of the Chinese statement. Can you just give some clarity about whether there is an agreement on the six points or not?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, let me come to these questions first.
Ayanangsha, regarding business relations, we have, since October, issued several Press Releases giving you a readout of all the meetings that have happened, including at the highest level, where it has been agreed that we will take step by step action. SR level talks have happened. Earlier in Kazan, the Prime Minister and President of China, they met and now we will take it forward with other meetings and thereafter we will see how things shape on these matters.
Second question came from Ajay. See, what happened in the SR level talks, we have clearly defined in our Press Release. So, I would request you that please refer to our Press Release and I can only speak for my Press Release, our Press Release. If you have any question with the other Press Release, you should take that question to the relevant party. So, that is, Ajay, where I will stop.
Similarly, Jugal, your question again and I would tell you, I will request you to please… I would urge you to read the Press Releases in detail. You will get your answers there and I here, I am responsible for what we have put out in our Press Release. If you have any questions regarding that, I am here to clarify. And I would like to again, I mean, read out excerpts from our paragraph, from our Press Release where we have given all the details of the issues discussed. The two sides have reaffirmed their commitment to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the political parameters and guiding principles. And apart from discussing the framework for settlement of the boundary question, the SRs reviewed issues of peaceful border management comprehensively with this round. And for more details, I would again urge your attention towards our Press Release.
On the other question that you had on the friction points, External affairs Minister made a detailed statement in the Parliament. This particular statement is self-explanatory. So I would urge you to have a look at that.
On the other question about a particular individual that you raised, I don't have any idea. I mean, he's been in the news. There are several discussion points around him about his activities, etc, but we haven't come across any such issue where we need to… I don't have any update on it. I mean, we've seen him being discussed in the media.
Kallol, on Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary visited Bangladesh where we had a range of talks, including the Foreign Office Consultations, and we have very clearly defined our approach towards our ties with Bangladesh. We have said that we support a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. We have reiterated our willingness to build a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual trust, respect, and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns and interests. We've also emphasized that the people of Bangladesh are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy, and capacity building and such activities are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh. That is our approach to Bangladesh and our ties with Bangladesh, and as a democracy also.
Manish, aapka sawal Misr me hue varta ko le ke hai. Toh apko gyat hai ki jaha tak regional connectivity ki baat hai, hum log ka bharpur koshish raheta hai ki regional cooperation ko hum log majboot kare. Aur regional cooperation ko majboot karne ke liye kai ek saare jo hum logo ne programs ya jo platforms hain uske tahat hum log aage badhna chahate hain. BIMSTEC ek connectivity platform hai, isme kai ek desh humare pados ke jude huwe hain. SAARC bhi ek platform hai. Kai ek saalo se SAARC thanda pada hua hai aur kis karan se thanda pada huwa hai isse aap bhalibhaanti avgat hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Manish, your question is regarding the discussions that took place in Egypt. As you are aware, when it comes to regional connectivity, we make every effort to strengthen regional cooperation. And to strengthen regional cooperation, we aim to move forward under various programs and platforms that we have. BIMSTEC is a connectivity platform that connects several of our neighboring countries. SAARC is also a platform, but it has been inactive for several years, and you are well aware of the reasons behind its being inactive.
Manash, again your question, I would again refer you, see, if you have any doubts about a particular Press Release, you must take your questions to that particular party. They will be in a better position to answer. As far as we are concerned, we have clarified our points about the SR talks and we stand by those discussions.
Niraj Kumar, News18 India: Sir, Niraj hoon News18 India se. Sir, do din pehle ek aatanki module ka khulasa kiya hai Assam ke STF ne. 7-8 logo ko giraftaar bhi kiya jinka rishta Bangladesh se hai. Aur woh sleeper cell pure desh mei failana chahte the. Is tarah ki gatividhiya hoti hain, inko le kar diplomatic channel ke jariye Bangladesh sarkar se koi baatchit ki ja rahi hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, this is Niraj from News 18 India. Sir, two days ago, the Assam STF exposed a terrorist module. They also arrested 7-8 individuals who have connections with Bangladesh and were aiming to spread sleeper cells across the country. Regarding such activities, is there any discussion happening with the Bangladesh government through diplomatic channels?
Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Sir, this is Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. And going back to the SR talks from our Press Release, where you said positive directions towards resumption of border trade, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, can you give us a sense of what do you mean by positive directions? Can you clarify whether this is going to resume soon? Can you provide that clarification from our Press Release, sir?
Jessica Taneja, DD India: Sir, this is Jessica Taneja from DD India. Any update on the 16 Indian workers who are trapped in the Libya cement company? They say their passports and their phones are not with them, and their entire situation.
Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik: Good evening sir, I have two questions. One is on the SR level talks. Our Press Release mentions that there were discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. And the Chinese MFA also mentioned about issues of Global South featuring. So was UNSC reforms also discussed, because China is the only P5 country that hasn't openly come out in support of India's permanent residency. And the second question is on Myanmar, sir. The Arakan Army, there are reports that Arakan Army has made some advances and fighting has intensified. And we also saw that the Foreign Secretary was in Thailand recently. So could we get a reaction on the fighting and was Myanmar's situation discussed in that visit as well? Thank you.
Rezaul Hasan Laskar, Hindustan Times: Rezaul from Hindustan Times. Just a quick, related to what Keshav asked, when you talk about positive direction on cross-border cooperation, does that mean the two sides are now going to kind of finalize the modalities or is this now going to go ahead? I mean, following the SR talks. And number two, Myanmar, the reports are that the Arakan Army has actually captured a major headquarter today in Rakhine State. Except for Sittwe and another town, everything else is now under the Arakan Army. How are we looking at this situation?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, so, SR and Arakan.
So first, Niraj, apke sawal ka, dekhiye suraksha ko le ke jo bhi masla hota hai, wo us masle par hum log, us masle ko bahut dhyan se aur pure chusti ke saath usse hum log nipatte hain. Jaha tak apne aatanki ghatnao ki baat ki, suraksha ki baat ki, ispe jo humare agencies hain, jo authorities hain uspe wo apni gatividhiya kar rahe hain. Jaha tak suraksha ki baat hai, aur bhi anya, Bangladesh ke saath humare bahuaayami sambandh hain, bahut saare mudde ispe baat kiya jata hai aur bahut saari chijo, humare dono deshon ke beech mei bahut saare masle, bahut saare issues hain jispe hum log baatchit karte hain. Aur haal hi mei jab Videsh Sachiv ki bhi yatra hui, us darmayan bhi hum logo ne Foreign Office Consultations mei ye bahuaayami jo rishta hai hum log ka uske har mudde par humari charcha hui.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] So first, Niraj, on your question, when it comes to security matters, we address such issues with great attention and full diligence. As for the incidents related to terrorism and security that you mentioned, our agencies and authorities are actively dealing with them. In terms of security and other aspects, we have multifaceted relations with Bangladesh. Various issues are discussed between our two countries. Recently, during the Foreign Secretary's visit, we had discussions as part of the Foreign Office Consultations, covering every aspect of our multifaceted relationship.
Keshav, now, on positive directions, positive directions, as you would understand, is self-explanatory. It means that the discussions have gone into the positive direction. And thereafter, whatever else is required will be done to take these cross-border exchanges forward.
Jessica, on the update about those Indian workers, these Indian workers, they had reached Benghazi via Dubai. They had gone there but did not have proper documents. When they landed there, there were some issues regarding their work. When we came to know of these difficulties, we already, as you know, we have now our Embassy in Tripoli is active. We reached out to the workers. We reached out through our community members there. And we have given them a helping hand. We have arranged for their food, for their daily living articles. Our Cd’A in Tripoli has also met these workers. This happened, I think, on the 4th of November. Since these people had gone to Libya without proper documentation, so to exit the country now, they need an exit permit as per the guidelines of Libya. The Embassy is in touch with Libyan authorities to arrange for their exit permit. The exit permit is taking a little time because they had gone there without proper documentation. But once this exit permit is done, all these people who are having difficulties, our Embassy will facilitate their return home. As of now, our Embassy is in touch with them, their employers, and taking care of them. And we are closely following the situation and the development.
Dhairya, to your question, SR level talks is about the border. So obviously, the other issues are… there may be some reference to it, you know, obliquely, etc. But principally, the SR level talks are focused on the boundary question. You also talked about Myanmar. What was the question? Can you repeat on Myanmar?
Dhairya: Arakan Army is making advances. The fighting has intensified. So, would it be possible to get a reaction?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, yes, we are following developments in Myanmar very closely. We understand that the fighting has intensified and we are following the evolving situation very closely. You would also understand that some time back, because of the security situation, we had relocated our people serving in our Consulate in Sittwe to Yangon. But even though the relocation has happened, our Consulate in Sittwe continues to be functional. We also have several development cooperation projects there, which continue to go forward. And I must also emphasize that these projects are all grant-based projects from India, and they are intended to serve the interests of the people of Myanmar. And this is an aspect which, I guess, people who are there will keep these in mind as the situation evolves.
Also, on your question regarding the talks that happened in Thailand, yes, our Foreign Secretary participated in those talks in Thailand. The talks were on the land boundary neighbors of Myanmar. So, these talks happened on 19th of December, where we explained our position. You know, you are aware of our position on Myanmar. We have called for cessation of all violence. We have called for peace and stability and resolution of the ethnic issue through the establishment of a genuine federal democracy. We also believe that this process of return of stability should be Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned and should take into account the views of all stakeholders to ensure that peace and stability return to Myanmar early. Also, I would like to add that the land boundary neighbors of Myanmar also have a particular set of concerns.
Rezaul, your questions were similar to both.
Vishal Pandey, ABP News: Sir main Vishal Pandey hu ABP News se. Nepal mei crypto case mei do Bharatiyo ko giraftaar kiya gaya hai. 6 mahine se jyada ka samay ho gaya hai. Dono ko jamanat nahi mil pai hai. Dono pe aarop hai ki unke mobile phone mei crypto app tha jo ki Nepal mei gair kanooni hai. Bharat sarkar kaise is mamale ko dekhti hai, kaise unki madad kar sakti hai.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Vishal Pandey from ABP News. Two Indians have been arrested in Nepal in a crypto case. It has been more than six months, and they have not been granted bail. They are accused of having a crypto app on their mobile phones, which is illegal in Nepal. How does the Indian government view this matter, and how can it assist them?
Arunesh Sinha, ANI: Sir, I am Arunesh from ANI. I have two questions. Sir, the first question is, the Kremlin has already confirmed that President Putin will be traveling to India. The dates are being worked out. Some reports have said that it might be early next year. So, is there any chance that he might be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade? And the second question is, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party recently leveled allegations that the U.S. State Department meddles in India's internal matters, and the deep State there, and tries to spread anti-India agenda. So what is MEA's stand on it and is it India's official stand?
Altaf, Bloomberg: Thank you, Mr. Jaiswal. I know this question was asked before. I just want to ask again if there is an update. And this question is from millions of Afghans living in Afghanistan. So the question is, when will India normalize consular services in Afghanistan? Because they have been waiting for three years to get Visa and come to India. When will this finally happen? And they want to get a clear response on this. And my second question is, is India in talks with anyone in Afghanistan like the Defence Minister of the Taliban to normalize diplomatic ties or on other issues? We have heard that the Defence Minister is regularly contacting or in talks with the Indian government to normalize the ties. Thank you.
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir I'm Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. Two questions; who is the Chief Guest for the PBD program in Odisha next year? And my second question is, Bangladesh is looking for rice from India. So, have they contacted the government? Is the government ready to send it to them?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Vishal, pahela sawal apka crypto ko le ke Nepal mei. Dekhiye Nepal mei humare Bharatiya log rahe ya duniya ki kisi kone mei rahe, Bharatiya log bahar mei unki suraksha, unki zimmewari humari zimmewari hai. Aur is mamle mei bhi agar wo Bharat ke nagarik hain aur unpe waha pe koi mukadma ya kuch iss prakar ka chal raha hai, is masle pe mujhe vyaktigat is masle pe mere paas update nahi hai. Lekin main apko ye aashwasan de sakta hu ki jab bhi koi is prakar ka masla hota hai, humari Embassy ho, High Commission ho, jo Mission hai, wo chusti ke saath waha ki sarkar ke sath mil kar humare hito ko surakshit karne ka, humare hito par kaam karte hain aur karte rahenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Vishal, first your question about crypto case in Nepal. Look, whether our Indian people are in Nepal or anywhere in the world, their safety and responsibility are our responsibility. On this matter as well, if they are Indian citizens and there is any case or issue like this against them there, I don't have an update on it at the moment. But, I can assure you that whenever such matters arise, our Embassy, High Commission or Mission there works proactively with the government there to safeguard and protect our interests, and they will continue to do so.
Arunesh, this question I have answered earlier also. We have a mechanism of Annual Summits with Russia. The last Annual Summit, as you know, happened in Moscow, where our Prime Minister traveled for the Annual Summit. The next one will happen in India, for which dates will be decided between both countries, India and Russia, as per their mutual convenience. So once those dates are decided, etc., we'll let you know as to when the visit will happen for the Annual Summit.
The other question also that you asked, in the last presser, I had made our position known on this particular issue. But if you want, I can repeat it. Last time also, we had reacted to that. And I had said that we have seen reports about foreign interference in India, including in the international media. You are also aware that this was discussed in both Houses of Parliament, so that is our point.
Altaf, you know, our Joint Secretary J.P. Singh, who looks after Afghanistan in the Ministry of External Affairs, he has traveled to Afghanistan, Kabul, on a few occasions. And whenever those travels and those visits happen, we have given you an update as to the kind of interaction that we had. Yes, he met with interim Ministers last time when he visited. So, those details are already available in the public domain, on our website. I would urge you to have a look. We continue to focus on strengthening our ties with the people of Afghanistan. And on Visa matters also, we have regular dialogue, and hopefully we'll take these things forward as well.
Huma, on Chief Guest for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, yes, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the dates, you know, they are on 8th, 9th and 10th in Bhubaneswar. So, we should be hopefully announcing the Chief Guest for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas soon for your benefit. What I can tell you is that, you know, as it happens each time, the Chief Guest for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is someone from the diaspora community at an appropriate level, at the highest level, where he or she participates as the Chief Guest.
On Bangladesh, rice, I don't have an update on this, but what I understand is that traffic or trade between Bangladesh and India continues to function, and articles of trade are plying between both countries. There may be issues here and there, but by and large, trade is happening. On this particular issue of rice request, I don't have an update on this particular matter, but I can get back to you on this.
With that, ladies and gentlemen, let's come to the closure of this Press engagement. Thank you very much. Look forward to seeing you. Merry Christmas, and if I don't get to see you before that, then Happy New Year as well.
0 Comments