Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, let me wish you all a very Happy New Year. This is the first time that I am meeting most of you. So, a very happy and a prosperous 2025 to each one of you. With that, let's begin the Press Engagement.
Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. I have two questions. One on Bangladesh. Has there been any response from our side to Bangladesh regarding Sheikh Hasina's extradition?
Second, sir, there has been a lot of debate on H-1B visas. We saw recent comments by US President-elect Donald Trump which is in contrast to what he had said earlier. What is India's comment on that, since Indians are main beneficiaries of H-1B visas, how it is going to impact India-US relationship?
Pranay Upadhyaya, Amar Ujala: Sir Pranay Upadhyaya from Amar Ujala. My question relates to the recent media reports published in the Washington Post claiming that India tried to subvert the Maldivian government and since the Maldivian Foreign Minister is likely to visit India, I want your comment on that.
Also, there are media reports claiming that Indians have carried out certain operations inside Pakistan and some hawala payments being done, claimed by the media report. What do you have to say on that?
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir I'm Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. The PBD is happening. Who is the Chief Guest for the PBD? The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister was here. So, can you just give a sense of what was discussed because apparently energy security was one of the issues that they wanted to discuss.
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Hi sir, Sidhant from Wion. Sir, my question is, any update on the Nimisha Priya case? And we have seen how the Iranians are keen to help the Indian side of the issue. How do you see that outreach by the Iranian side?
Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, K.M. Sharma from Bharat Express. There has been a report that extradition of Tahawwur Rana is very close. Is this so or not?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Let's look at these questions first and then we will come back.
Ayushi, first your question regarding Bangladesh. You know, a week back we had confirmed, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time.
On H-1B visa, you would understand that this India-U.S. partnership which is an expansive world and both our countries have strong and growing economic and technological partnership. And within this ambit, mobility of skilled professionals is an important component in this ambit and in this collaboration. India-U.S. economic ties benefit a lot from the technical expertise provided by skilled professionals, with both sides leveraging their strengths and competitive value. We look forward to further deepening India-U.S. economic ties which are to our mutual benefit.
One your question, Pranay, regarding articles recently published, these are articles that you referred were published by Washington Post, one on Maldives and the other one in relation to Pakistan. So, to that, I would say that both the newspaper and the reporter in question appear to nurse a compulsive hostility towards India. You can see a pattern in their activities. I leave you to judge their credibility. As far as we are concerned, they have none. As far as Pakistan is also mentioned in the article, so in Pakistan, I would like to remind you what Hillary Clinton said. And she said, and I quote, "you can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbors”. So, that is my response to your question.
Huma, on the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations which are going to be held next week in Odisha, we will be having a formal Press Conference and a Press Release where you will be given the details of the Chief Guest etc. So, I will urge you to just be a little patient.
On the visit of the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, yes, he is visiting India. He is to have talks with his counterpart that is Foreign Secretary shortly. Once the talks are over, because he has come here for the 19th India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations, once those consultations conclude, we will have a Press Release where you will get details of all the issues that were discussed and how we intend to take forward our ties with Iran. So, by evening you will have more details on that. Possibly, there will be several other calls on or some meetings as well. So we will update you on those.
Sidhant, on Nimisha Priya case, we are closely following the developments there. As we had told you earlier also that the government is extending all possible help in the matter and we will see how things go forward from here.
Krishna Mohan ji, your question regarding Tahawwur Rana, this is a matter which is still under consideration in the US side. So it is, I understand, with US court that is where it is presently where it lies at this point in time.
Madhurendra Kumar, News Nation: Sir Madhurendra, mei News Nation se. Bangladesh mei Hindu sant Chinmoy Das ki rihai ko lekar abhi sawal bana hua hai. Jis tarah se unki arji ko kharij kiya gaya aur unko rihai nahi mili hai, usse phir ek baar ye sawal uthne lage hain ki manvadhikar aur khaas taur pe Hinduon ki suraksha ka jo sawal hai, use Bangladesh mei address sarkar nahi kar rahi hai, kyu ki tamam dalilon ko phir se kharij karke unko jamanat nahi diya gaya hai.
Ek sawal aur hai sir ki kya PM Modi Trump ke shapath grahan samaroh mei jayenge, aisi charcha chal rahi hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. The issue of Hindu saint Chinmay Das's release in Bangladesh remains a matter of concern. The way his plea was rejected and he was denied bail has once again raised questions that the government in Bangladesh is not addressing issues related to human rights and, specifically, the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, since all the arguments were rejected and he was denied bail.
There’s another question, sir, will PM Modi be attending Trump’s oath taking ceremony, there are talks on it?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: To ispe pehle wale pe sawal kya hai aapka?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] So, what is your question in the first part?
Madhurendra Kumar, News Nation: India’s concern.
Niraj Kumar, News18 India: Sir, Niraj hoon News18 India se. Israel mei jo haal ke dinon mei Bharatiya workers ki sankhya badhi hai, 7 October ke baad ismei kitna ijafa hua hai, aur 7 October se pahle kitne Bharatiya the jo wahan kaam kar rahe the, aur 7 October ke baad abtak woh sankhya kitni hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Niraj from News18 India. In recent days, the number of Indian workers in Israel has increased. How much has this number grown since October 7, and how many Indians were working there before October 7? What is the current number of Indian workers in Israel since then?
Rishabh Madhavendra Pratap, Times Now: Good evening sir. I have two questions, both related to China. One, there is a dam being built and it’s being reported to be world's largest dam for that matter on the Chinese part of Brahmaputra river. It will affect definitely India and Bangladesh. While China says that it won't affect that much to India and Bangladesh, but will India have a response to that? A.
B. There are two new counties that have been created. One by China and one of those county has a significant part of Aksai Chin into it. So what will be your response on that?
Ayanangsha Maitra: Sir this is Ayanangsha Maitra. This is in line of the visit of a sanctioned country, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Majid. So, were sanctions, currency and Chabahar discussed during the bilateral meeting? And also Afghanistan?
Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Sir, Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. Connected question to what Rishabh had asked sir with regards to China. The Press Release with regards to the Special Representatives meeting had pointed out that positive movements towards rivers were discussed. So was this dam discussed during the SR meeting? Was there any sort of discussion on this kind of water sharing during the meeting sir? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, we have five questions.
First, Madhu aapka sawal Bangladesh mei jo rihai ki baat aapne kahi, hum logon ne pahle bhi kaha hai ki hamara ye manna hai, aur hamara expectation hai ki Bangladesh mei jis prakar ki karyawahi chal rahi hai, uspe jo wahan individuals hain jinko giraftar kiya gaya hai, unko ek fair trial milega yehi hamari apeksha hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] First, Madhu, regarding your question about the release of individuals in Bangladesh, as we have stated earlier, it is our expectation that the ongoing proceedings in Bangladesh , it will be ensured that the individuals who have been arrested receive a fair trial. This is our expectation.
Dusra jo aapne kaha Trump ki nayi aane wali sarkar ke baare mei, toh America ke sath hamare bade gehre aur ghanisth risthey hain. Hamari strategic partnership hai. Pichle kai ek saalon mei, aur dashkon mei is rishtey mei bahut majbooti aayi hai, aur naye aane wale Trump sarkar ke administration ke sath bhi hum log majbooti se kaam karna chahenge. Iske alawa aapko pata hoga ki abhi Videsh Mantri aur hamare Foreign Secretary bhi wahan ka daura karke aaye hain, jiske baare mei hum logon ne aapko bataya bhi hai media ke madhyam se. Toh hum aane wale dinon mei is rishtey ko aur pragadh aur majboot karna chahenge. Baki jo sawal aapka raha uspar agar koi aur development hoga toh hum aapko jarur awgat karayenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Secondly, regarding your question about the upcoming Trump administration, India shares a deep and close relationship with the United States. We have a strategic partnership, and over the past several years and decades, this relationship has grown significantly stronger. We look forward to working closely with the new Trump administration as well. Additionally, as you may know, our External Affairs Minister and Foreign Secretary recently visited the U.S., and we have already shared details about it through media. In the coming days, we aim to further strengthen and deepen this relationship. As for your specific question, if there are any developments, we will certainly keep you informed.
Niraj, 7 October ko jo ghatna hui Israel mei, us waqt tak ye hamara manna hai koi 20,000 log wahan par hamare the, us 20,000-21,000 mei 2000-3000, 2500 log wapas aaye the. Aaj ki sthiti ye hai ki bahut log wapas bhi gaye hain, apne kaam ke liye gaye hain, apni swechha se gaye hain, aur kuch log government to government route jo karar hua hai, agreement hua hai, uske tahat gaye hain, woh bhi swechha se gaye hain. Toh kul milakar jo hum logon ka manna hai ki abhi wahan 30,000 se 32,000 log hamare hain. Toh ek 20,000 hua aur abhi ka jo ek mota-mota jo aanklan hai woh 32,000 logon ka hai. Jyadatar log jo hain ismei log hain wahan par caregivers hamare bahut tadad mei hain. Uske alawa jo log wahan construction works mei kaam karne ja rahe hain, G2G ke madhyam se aur apne bhi raste se privately bhi log ja rahe hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Niraj, regarding the incident in Israel on October 7, at that time, we believe there were around 20,000 Indians present there. Out of these 20,000-21,000, approximately 2000-3000 or 2,500 people returned to India. As of today, many individuals have gone back to Israel, either for work or willingly. Additionally, some have gone through the government-to-government route under the agreements, and they too have done so willingly. Currently, we estimate that there are about 30,000 to 32,000 Indians in Israel. Earlier, the number was around 20,000, but now the rough estimate is 32,000. A significant proportion of them are caregivers. Apart from that, many are construction workers who have gone there either through the G2G mechanism or privately.
Rishabh, your question on China. First about the dam that you referred to, we have seen the information released by Xinhua on 25th December 2024 regarding a hydropower project on the Yarlung-Tsangpo River in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory. These have been reiterated alongwith the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries following the latest report. The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas. We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests.
You also had a question regarding the counties. We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in India's Union Territory of Ladakh. We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian Territory in this area. Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India's long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China's illegal and forcible occupation of the same. We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels on this matter.
Ayanangsha, about what has been discussed etc., as I told you, the Foreign Office Consultations wherein Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran and our Foreign Secretary will be leading the two sides is to happen shortly within a few hours. So once the meeting happens, you will get a readout of what is going to be discussed. But as you know, our relations with Iran are deep and wide and engaging. There are several components to it, economic facets to it, people-to-people ties, cultural ties, etc., so on and so forth. All these issues will be discussed.
Keshav, you referred to the SR level meetings. On that, what was discussed was clearly defined in the Press Release from our side. So I would urge that please focus on the content of those Press Release where we discussed all issues of mutual interest.
Jessica Taneja, DD India: Jessica Taneja from DD India. There are reports that Indian nationals with valid U.S. and Schengen visa are being stopped by Mexican immigration authorities. Any comments on that?
Srinjoy Chowdhury, Times Now: Sir, this relates to Bangladesh. At this point, they are in discussions with a Turkish firm called Otokar to buy 26 light tanks for their army. Now considering the situation since the last three months and also the fact that the geography of Bangladesh, being what it is, on its north, west and east, there is only India and the south is the Bay of Bengal. So these tanks are being purchased at this point. Now does India see this purchase as a message? And if it is a message, what can India say on it?
Gautam Lahiri: Thank you, Gautam Lahiri, well, I am drawing your attention to recently, some reports have appeared that terrorists have been arrested in Bengal and they were mostly foreigners, but they are holding Indian passports. After that, West Bengal government has written to Ministry of External Affairs to look into this matter to change the rules, if possible, so that no non-Indian gets the passports. What is your comment on that?
Jugal Purohit, BBC: Hi, sir, this is Jugal from the BBC. You did mention that India has received extradition request from Bangladesh. Will you be able to shed some light on what is the case that government has made out for extradition? Because there are dozens of cases in which Sheikh Hasina has been named as an accused, so some light on that, possibly.
Manish Jha, TV9 Bharatvarsh: Sir main Manish Jha hoon TV9 Bharatvarsh se. Halaki aapne Madhurendra ke sawal ke jawab mei bhi bataya ki kya Pradhan Mantri Modi Trump ke oath mei jayenge ya nahi. Lekin kyunki aapne ye jikar kiya ki Videsh Mantri bhi wahan gaye the aur aapne dekha hoga ki Bharat mei bahut saare political leader khas kar ke kai Member of Parliament hain, kai former Member of Parliament hain, unhone bahut saari aisi tippaniya ki ki Videsh Mantri kyu America gaye hain, aur usko lekar bahot saari statements aapne media mei dekhi hongi. Toh Videsh Mantralaya ka ispar kya reaction hai, jis tarah se Videsh Mantri ko ispar troll kiya gaya hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Manish Jha from TV9 Bharatvarsh. You have addressed Madhurendra's question about whether Prime Minister Modi will attend Trump's oath-taking ceremony. But you have mentioned that External Affairs Minister visited the U.S and you might have noticed that many political leaders in India, particularly several Members of Parliament and former Members of Parliament, have made remarks questioning why External Affairs Minister visited the U.S. You would have seen several statements that surfaced in the media regarding this. What is the Ministry of External Affairs' response to the way the External Affairs Minister has been trolled over this matter?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So first, Jessica, to your question, I would also use this opportunity to draw your attention to this particular problem which our nationals are having. A number of Indian nationals with valid visas who have gone to Mexico, they have faced problems at the airport, at immigration points, for lack of documentation or for lack of satisfactory answers to immigration authorities. In all such cases, our Embassy has intervened and tried to support and provide them whatever assistance they can. But because of this difficulty, our Embassy has issued travel advisories which are available on their website. This is to inform Indian travellers who are going to Mexico that they must keep these difficulties in mind or follow all the regulations that are there in place so that they are not discomforted when they are travelling to Mexico. So I would urge from this podium that Indian nationals who’re desirous to travel to Mexico must look at these travel advisories as you are planning your travel to Mexico.
Srinjoy, on your question, Foreign Secretary had visited Bangladesh and after the visit, we had come out with an understanding through a Press Release where we clearly mentioned that India supports a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, and we also 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. So, this has been our approach to Bangladesh and this will be our approach to the question that you asked and as far as security issues that you raised, as you know that we closely follow all developments in our neighbourhood and take appropriate measures and actions.
Gautam da, your question, Indian passports are meant for Indian nationals. If there has been any digression away from that, our agencies, our authorities will take appropriate action, legal action in that regard.
Jugal, regarding the Bangladeshi request, I have shared with you what I had to share. Beyond that, I have nothing more to comment on this matter.
Manish, Videsh Mantri aur hamare Videsh Sachiv donon America ki yatra kar ke aaye, America ke sath hamare bade acche sambandh hain, gehre sambandh hain, Videsh Mantri wahan par apne jo counterpart hain, Secretary Of State unse mulakat ki, uske alawa unhone jo NSA hain unse bhi mulakat ki, aur jo incoming NSA hain Mike Waltz unse unki mulakat hui aur sath hi sath transition team ke kai memberan ke sath unki mulakat hui. Toh Videsh Mantri ka daura jo America ka hua woh jo hamare rishtey hain usko majboot karna aur lagatar donon deshon ke beech mei vartalap chalte rahe, masle aage badhte rahe, rishtey majboot hote rahe is objective ko le kar ye daura hua tha.
Jahan tak dusre sawal ka jawab hai, maine kahan ki jo naye Trump administration U.S. ki aanewali hai uske sath hum log milkar kaam karna chahenge aur in rishton ko aur bhi majboot karna chahenge. Aapne dekha hoga pichhle do dashak mei ya usse jyada mei ye rishtey nai uchai mili hai aur lagatar har din, har mahine, har saal aap dekhenge ki nayi uchai par ye rishtey ja rahe hain, chahe woh aarthik mamla ho, chahe woh technology ka mamla ho, chahte wo logon ke bich ke rishtey ka mamla ho. Toh is sandarbh ko aapko dhyan mei rakhna padega jo sawal aapne kiya usko samjhane ke liye.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Manish, both External Affairs Minister and Foreign Secretary recently visited the U.S. India shares a strong and deep relationship with the U.S. During his visit, External Affairs Minister met his counterpart, the U.S. Secretary of State, and NSA as well as the incoming NSA, Mike Waltz. Additionally, he met with several members of the transition team. The purpose of the visit to U.S. was to strengthen our ties further, ensure continuous dialogue between the two nations, advance mutual issues and strengthen the relationship.
As for your second question, as I mentioned earlier, we look forward to working closely with the incoming Trump administration in the U.S. to further bolster our ties. Over the past two decades or more, this partnership has reached new heights, and it continues to grow with each passing day, month, and year, be it in economic ties, technology ties, or people-to-people ties. It’s essential to consider this context, as far as your question is concerned.
Kadambini Sharma, NDTV: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Sir abhi aapne bataya ki maujuda NSA se Videsh Mantri ki mulakat hui, humne tasvire bhi dekhi. Aur Jake Sullivan agle hafte Bharat aa rahe hain, toh kya yahan ke daure ke liye kuch visesh agenda hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Sir, you just mentioned that External Affairs Minister met the current NSA, and we have also seen the pictures. Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit India next week. Is there any specific agenda planned for his visit?
Pranay Upadhyaya, Amar Ujala: Sir Pranay Upadhyaya, Amar Ujala se. Jaisa ki aap jante hi hain, haal mei Bharat ki kai law enforcement agencies vibhinna rajyon ke andar Bangladeshi jo avaidh ghuspaithiye hain ya nagrik hain yahan par, unko deport kar rahi hain. Aur isi beech ek bayan Paschim Bengal, jo ki Bangladesh se juda hua hai jiski seema lagi hui hai, uski Mukhyamantri ka bhi aaya hai ki ghuspaith karwayi ja rahi hai, aur jo BSF jaisi agencies hain woh usmei involve hain. Kya is sambandh mei khas taur par jo deportation ki process chal rahi hai, isko lekar Bangladeshi sarkar ke sath koi sampark hua hai, samvad hua hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Pranay Upadhyaya from Amar Ujala. As you are aware, recently several law enforcement agencies in India have been deporting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants or nationals from various states. Amid this, a statement has also been made by the Chief Minister of West Bengal, which shares border with Bangladesh, alleging that infiltration is being carried out and that agencies like the BSF are involved in it. Has there been any specific communication or dialogue with the Bangladeshi government regarding the ongoing deportation process?
Neeraj Dubey, Prabha Sakshi: Sir main Neeraj Dubey Prabha Sakshi se, mera sawal ye hai ki sir abhi jo Canada mei Bharatiyon ke apmaan ka ek naya mamla samne aaya hai, usmei jo Bharatiya chhatr hain unko refugee keh kar unka apman kiya ja raha hai, toh is tarah ke mamle wahan par lagatar badh rahe hain, is par Videsh Mantralaya ki pratikriya?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Neeraj Dubey from Prabha Sakshi. My question is regarding the recent cases in Canada where Indian nationals have been disrespected and are being referred to as refugees. Such incidents are increasing. What is Ministry of External Affairs’ response on this?
Ellie Grounds, ABC Australia: Hi, sir. Ellie Grounds from ABC Australia. Just another question on Nimisha Priya. Her lawyer says that their Indian Mission in Saudi Arabia has facilitated the previous payments of so-called blood money. The family of the man says that he hasn't received them. Can you that the Indian government was helping to facilitate those payments, and if it will continue to do that in the coming weeks?
Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Kallol Bhattacherjee from The Hindu, sir. So far, we used to see there are fishermen-related problems between India and Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, and India and Sri Lanka. But yesterday's Press Release made it clear that there have been arrests of Indian fishermen by Bangladesh as well as of Bangladeshi fishermen by Indian authorities over the last two to three months, which basically coincides with the downturn in bilateral relationship. So my question is, this particular development where Indian authorities and Bangladesh authorities are basically apprehending and arresting fisherfolks, is this a reflection of the negative turn in the relationship?
And my second question is, on the 31st of December 2024, the student coordinators of the uprising in Bangladesh had promised to take out a rally where the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh was to be buried. They were prevented from doing it by the interim government. And now the interim government has said that they would come out with a July declaration, which is, in a way, being interpreted as an alternative to the 1972 Constitution; probably would give it an alternative path for the country for the future of Bangladesh. Do you think these sort of initiatives and announcements tantamount to downgrading the current Constitution of Bangladesh?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, Kadambini pehla sawal aapka, America ke Rashtriya Suraksha Salahkar Jake Sullivan Bharat ki yatra par aane wale hain, unki mulakat apne Bharatiya counterpart Ajit Doval sahab, unke sath hogi. Jaisa ki maine pahle bataya ki ye rishta kaamvaar itna bada hai ki ismei lagatar donon deshon ke beech, donon pakshon ke beech mei vistrit batain chalti rahti hain, donon paksh ek dusre se batchit karte rahte hain. Aur is sarkar ki avadhi khatam ho rahi hai, lekin kyuki ye rishta itna majboot hai ki ye jo is prakar ka aana jana aur jo sarkar ki avadhi khatam hone se pahle, ye hamere rishtey ki majbooti ko darshta hai. Toh ismei bahut saari batchit hogi, jo iCET ke mamle mei aur bhi chizain hain, bilateral mudde hain, woh batchit hogi Rashtriya Suraksha Salahkar ki jo meeting hone wali hai usmei, 6 tarikh ko mere khayal se ye hoga.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Okay, Kadambini, regarding your first question, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit India and will meet with his Indian counterpart, Shri Ajit Doval. As I mentioned earlier, the relationship between India and the U.S. is extensive, with continuous and detailed discussions taking place between both sides. Although the current U.S. administration is nearing the end of its term, the strength of this relationship is evident in such exchanges and visits even during this period. So, there will be extensive discussions, including matters related to iCET and other bilateral issues, during the National Security Advisors' meeting, which I think, is scheduled for the 6th.
Pranay, aapka sawal illegal infiltrators, unke deportation ko lekar hai, dekhiye hamare desh mei kanoonvad aur vidhivad log aayen aur jayein, agar vidhi aur kanoon ke khilaf log aayenge aur jayenge toh unpar karyawahi hogi. Toh bada sidha sawal hai, jo hamare force hain, jo sena bal hain, jo border par tainat hain, unka kaam hai ki desh ko surkshit rakhna aur desh ko vidhivad aur kanoonvad aage le jana, toh woh apna kaam kar rahe hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Pranay, your question on illegal infiltrators and their deportation, in our country, the movement of people must comply with the law. If individuals enter or depart in violation of legal norms, appropriate action will be taken against them. It’s a straightforward matter, our armed forces stationed at the borders, are tasked with safeguarding the country and ensuring that everything operates within the framework of law. They are performing their duty.
Pranay: Koi number hai sir?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation]: Is there a number, sir?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Kitne log deport hue uski mujhe jankari nahi hai, lekin ispar main aap logon ki avgat kara sakta hoon.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] I do not have information on how many people have been deported, but I can provide you with an update on this matter.
Neeraj, Bharatiya chhatr Canada mei, mere khayal se kariban 4 lakh 30 hazar se jyada Bharatiya students hain, shayad duniya mei itne tadad mei hamare students koi aur desh mei shayad nahi hain. Isse hum logon ko Bharat aur Canada ke beech mei jo logon ke beech mei jo sambandh hain, aur jo hamare aarthik sambandh hain usko kafi majbooti milti hai. Aur hum chahenge ki jo students hamare ja rahe hain unko koi kathinai na ho, unke dekhbhal ke liye hamara Consulate, hamara High Commission waha hain, aur ye chhutput ghatnayain jo wahan hui hogi usko humko dekhrekh karne ke liye hamara High Commission aur Consulate lagatar taiyar hain, aur har tarike ka sehyog dene ke liye taiyar hain hamare chhatron ko.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, there are over 4,30,000 Indian students in Canada, which is probably the largest number of our students in any country worldwide. This significantly strengthens the people-to-people connections between India and Canada, as well as our economic ties. We expect to ensure that our students face no difficulties. Our High Commission and Consulates in Canada are there for the support and welfare of Indian students. Any isolated incidents that may occur are dealt with by our High Commission and Consulates, and they are always prepared to provide assistance to our students in every possible way.
On your question regarding Nimisha Priya, I said that we are closely following the developments around her sentencing and thereafter I also said and I would like to repeat that the government is extending all possible support in the matter.
Kallol, on the fishermen issue, see these fishermen, as you would have seen in the Press Release that we issued, this exchange is going to happen on 5th, 95 fishermen from their side, Indian fishermen and 90 from our side. This will happen on 5th of January. These fishermen had gone astray as it happens in waters where you don't have proper marking etc., or sometimes people can just lose their way, so that is what has happened. As far as, to your other question, general approach to our relations with Bangladesh is concerned, we have made it very clear and I would like to repeat again, this approach of ours to fostering ties with Bangladesh was made very clear during Foreign Secretary's visit to Dhaka, where he highlighted India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. He also reiterated India's 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. He also emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in Bangladesh-India relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh including in areas of trade, connectivity and other capacity building areas are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh. So, that has been our approach. There are several developments that are happening. There are developments happening on a daily basis, but our generic approach to Bangladesh is what I told you. We would like to foster these ties.
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Sir, yesterday the Pakistani Foreign Minister held a briefing in which in response to a question on India, he said that it takes two to tango and there needs to be a goodwill from the Indian side to reciprocate from the Pakistani side. What's your reaction on that?
And another second question on China, there have been reports of new epidemic there. It's been reported. Any reaction or any concerns?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: On the epidemic there, I don't have an update but now that you've raised it, I will also look at it. I have not seen any myself, but let me come back to you.
On the question of the comments made by the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, there I would like to refer to ‘tango’. The relevant T word there is ‘terrorism’ and not ‘tango’.
With that, we come to the closure of this Session. Thank you very much.
0 Comments