Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, friends. Let's start this press briefing. I open the floor for questions. Let's begin with Siddhant there.
Siddhant Mishra, CNN-News18: Sir, I am Siddhant from CNN-News18. Sir, in UK, there were disruptions caused by the Khalistani forces in some of the theatres. Even film Emergency has been removed from those theatres after the protests from the Khalistani group. How do you look at this development? Thank you.
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir, I just want to know what is the real number of Indians, who are likely to be deported from the US after Trump's...
Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, there are some reports and videos of terrorist Pannun circulating on social media where he was seen at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony. If you can that, and if we have raised that with USA? And one more question. During the Foreign Secretary's visit to China, will the issues like visa and direct air connectivity come up?
Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. This is about the 8th naval veteran in Qatar. I believe Qatari authorities have re-examined some charges, and there is a case coming up on the 29th. What does that mean? Is he going to be tried again, or is the Indian government trying to get him back? And also about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Has China begun to issue visas for people interested to go from India?
Pranay Upadhyaya, Amar Ujala: Sir Pranay Upadhyaya Amar Ujala se. Bangladesh aur Bharat ki sima pe haal hi mei kafi tension ki reports aayi hain, donon taraf se graminon mei pathrav bhi hua is mamle ko lekar. Border fencing ko lekar kya progress hai aur kya Bangladesh sarkar ke sath is mamle mei koi resolution hua hai? Sath hi Bangladesh mei recently ek Pakistani Military deligation hai jiske ander ISI ke officials bhi hain. Pakistan aur Bangladesh ke beech badhte hue military cooperation aur khas taur par jo JF-17 aur aircraft kharid ko lekar jo chal raha hai usko Bharat ki tarike ke dekh raha hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir Pranay Upadhyaya from Amar Ujala. There have been several reports of tension along the India-Bangladesh border recently, with incidents of stone-pelting by villagers on both sides. What is the progress regarding border fencing, and has there been any resolution on this matter with the Bangladesh government? Additionally, a Pakistani military delegation, including ISI officials, is currently in Bangladesh. How does India view the growing military cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh, particularly regarding the potential purchase of JF-17 aircraft?
Shri. Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Siddhant first your question regarding developments in UK. You would have seen, and we have also seen several reports on how the film EMERGENCY, which was being screened in several halls, was being obstructed. We consistently raise concerns with the UK government regarding incidents of violent protests and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively and those obstructing it, must be held accountable. We hope the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible. Our mission, that is our High Commission in London, remains in touch, in regular communication with our community members for their safety and welfare. So, we expect the UK side to take strong, appropriate action in this matter.
Huma, your question regarding number of Indians, etc. See we have made this clear earlier as well. We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organized crime. For Indians, not just in the United States but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals, and they are overstaying or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, then we will take things forward, we will facilitate the return to India.
Now, the question you talked about numbers. At this point in time, any talk about numbers is premature. Ayushi, in response to your query, whenever there is an anti-India activity, we take up such matters with the US government. So, we will continue to raise such issues with the US government which have a bearing on our security, which have an anti-India agenda.
Regarding the upcoming visit to China of the Foreign Secretary, you would have seen that this visit is going to happen on 26th, 27th of January. Foreign Secretary will be meeting his counterpart, the Vice Minister in China, where all issues of bilateral interest will be discussed. This meeting flows from the understanding that the leaders reached in Kazan. And subsequent to that we have had meetings of the Special Representatives and we have had Foreign Minister level meeting as well. So, once the discussions and talks happen, then you will get a readout of what was discussed, what issues were taken up, etc. But all issues of mutual interest will be discussed.
Yeshi, on the 8th Naval veteran, as I had informed you earlier that there are certain requirements that he has to fulfill. As to the exact case, the technical details, I don't have an update. But now that you bring it to my attention, we will surely look into it, and update you on the matter. Also, as I said, during the Foreign Secretary's visit, all matters of mutual interest will be discussed and that would include, I guess, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as well.
Pranay Border fencing ko le ke hamare aur Bangladesh ke beech mei samjhaute hue hain. Border fencing isliye jaruri hai taki wahan par jo apradhi, jo crime related incidents hote hain usko hum log band kar sake. Border fencing ke jo bhi samjhaute aaj tak hue hain hamare, hamara ye manna hai ki Bangladesh usko ek positive approach ke sath, constructive approach ke sath isko implement karega hamare sath taki jis prakar ki gatividhiyan crime ko le ke, apradh ko le ke, human smuggling ko le ke, cattle smuggling ko le ke jo chalta hai border pe, ek crime free border banane ki jo hum logon ki soch hai usko ek swaroop diya jaye.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Pranay, agreements have been made between us and Bangladesh regarding border fencing. Border fencing is essential to curb criminal activities and crime-related incidents in the area. We believe that Bangladesh will implement all the agreements made so far with us on border fencing with a positive and constructive approach, so that issues like crime, human smuggling, and cattle smuggling along the border can be addressed and our vision to create a crime-free border can be achieved.
Pranay Upadhyaya, Amar Ujala: [inaudible]
Shri. Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Theek hai lekin jo bhi gatividhi chal rahi hai fencing ki wahan par woh donon deshon ke beech jo samjhauta hua hai uske marfat ho rahi hai, toh hum logon ka ye kehna hai ki jo bhi samjhauta hua hai usko implement karne ke liye donon deshon ko sath mil kar aur ek constructive approach se aage badhna chahiye.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Alright, but whatever fencing activities are taking place, these are being carried out as per the agreement between both countries. So, our stance is that both nations should work together with a constructive approach to implement the agreements effectively.
Pranay Upadhyaya, Amar Ujala: [inaudible]
Shri. Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Jo bhi gatividhiyan hamare pados mei ya hamare kshetr mei Bharat ke irdh girdh hota hai uspar hum hamesha paini nazar bana ke rakhte hain aur aise gatividhi khas kar jiska talluk hamare security, rashtriya suraksha ke sath hai uspar hamari nazar rehti hai aur jo jis prakar ka jo kadam uthane hain humko, woh hum uthayenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] We always keep a close watch on any activities happening in our neighborhood or in our region, especially those related to our security and national safety. We remain vigilant, and we will take whatever steps are necessary as per the situation.
Livia Rodriguez, Prensa Latina: Livia Rodriguez from Prensa Latina. We would like to know India's opinion on the decision of the new US government to include Cuba once again on the list of alleged sponsor of terrorism. A decision without any basis which also reinforces the illegal blockade against the Cuban people. Thank You.
Sidhant, WION: Sidhant from WION. we saw an ISPR statement, Pakistan's ISPR, which said that Indian army is being politicized. This is in response of what the Indian army said that there are terror activities in Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir linked with Pakistan.
Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik: Sir, the US President has made overtures to Russia asking for a deal on Ukraine. India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy. So, would it be possible to get a comment on how you view the overtures by the new US administration? Thank you.
Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Sir, Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. The new US President has been talking about looking at tariffs against Asian countries. Just wanted to check whether the Indian government has or is preparing any sort of this thing, in the event that tariffs are placed against India and whether discussions are on with the US government regarding fairness in trade. Thank you.
Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma from Bharat Express. Sir, Trump government ke aane ke baad se bahot saare Indian ke dimag mei ye baat hai ki illegal immigrants ko yahan pe bahar bheja jayega. Ek sawal ye hai ki kya jo illegal immigrants ko yahan pe lane ki baat ki ja rahi hai, ya jo wahan se bhejne ki baat ki ja rahi hai, ye hamare commerce and Industrial ties pe bhi iska asar padega ya amicably isko solve kar liya jayega?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma from Bharat Express. Sir, ever since the Trump administration came to power, many Indians are concerned about the possibility of illegal immigrants being deported. My question is, will the discussions about bringing back illegal immigrants or their deportation have any impact on our commerce and industrial ties, or will this issue be resolved amicably?
Shri. Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Livia first to your question. Any decision or any position of a country with regard to Cuba is a decision that, that particular country has made. We would not like to comment on that.
Sidhant, regarding your question. See the whole world knows who is promoting terrorism. In India when we have terror related attacks, where it is coming from. We all understand the genesis, the root of cross-border terrorism. So, in this context, when the whole world knows who is the progenitor of cross-border terrorism, to say that we are trying to politicize something, etc., is totally immaterial. Everybody knows that there are people, there are countries who are responsible for cross-border terrorism, and we call upon Pakistan to take strict action to stop cross-border terrorism.
Dhairya, in so far as Ukraine and Russian conflict is concerned, our position has been consistent all along. We stand for peace, and we want there be a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Our Prime Minister has said that this is not the era of war. He also said that there is no solution which lies on the battlefield. So that is our approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and we continue to stand by it. That for the resolution to happen, both sides will have to come together and seek a solution through diplomacy and dialogue.
Keshav, on tariff matters, India-U.S. relationship is very strong, multifaceted, and within that multifaceted relationship, the economic ties are something which are very special. In 2023, we reached a record level of trade in goods and services, amounting to $190 billion. We have established mechanisms between U.S. and India to discuss any matter, or trade matters, or matters related to trade, and we are in continuous dialogue. Our approach has always been to address issues in a constructive manner, which are in keeping with interests of both countries and I would like to tell you that we remain in close communication with the U.S. administration and would like to continue to work towards strengthening our economic partnership further.
Krishna Mohan ji jo awaidh migration hai aur jo trade ki baat hai ye do alag cheezain hain. Hamara rawaiyaa, neeti, policy, nazariya jo awaidh migration ko lekar hai woh bada clear hai, hum logon ne pahle bhi kaha hai hum iske khilaf hain, illegal migration ke khilaf hain. Khas kar isliye bhi khilaf hain kyuki iska wasta sangathit apraadh se hai, kai ek deshon mei hota aa raha hai. Aur bahar mei agar koi awaidh roop se reh raha hai, agar us individual ka hum ye sthapit kar sakte hain ki woh Bhartiya nagrik hai toh hum hamesha taiyar rehte hain lene ke liye. Toh ye jahan tak hai ye illegal immigration ki baat hui. Aur trade masle ki baat hai, woh trade masle Bharat aur America ke beech mei dwipakshiya sambandh bahot majboot hain. Donon deshon ke rishton mei trust ka bhav bahot uncha hai, aur aapne dekha hoga abhi jab videsh mantri ki bhi yatra hui us darmyan jaisa ki unhone apne press conference mei kaha aur main phir se dohrana chahta hoon ki donon taraf se ye mansha hai ki is rishtey ko aur majboot kiya jaye, isko bade paimane par ek badi soch ke saath aage liya jaye aur ismei aur bhi ambitious jo shabd istemaal kiya gaya hai 'the two sides are keen to build a bolder, bigger and more ambitious relationship.'
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Krishna Mohan ji, illegal migration and trade are two separate issues. Our stance, policy, and approach towards illegal migration are very clear. We have always stated that we are against illegal migration, particularly because it is linked to organized crime, as has been seen in many countries. If someone is residing illegally abroad and we can establish that the individual is an Indian citizen, we are always prepared to take them back. That covers the issue of illegal immigration. As for trade matters, India and the United States share very strong bilateral relations. There is a high level of trust between the two nations. You may have noticed that during the recent visit of the External Affairs Minister, as he mentioned in his press conference, both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening this relationship. The aim is to take it forward on a larger scale with a broader vision. In fact, the ambitious phrase used was that "the two sides are keen to build a bolder, bigger, and more ambitious relationship."
Kadambini Sharma, NDTV: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Sir abhi videsh mantri jab America daure par the toh unhone press conference mein kaha ki unhone yeh baat uthai hai ki Visa processing mein karib 400 dino ka waqt lagta hai yaha par normally aur yeh kafi chizo ko hamper kar raha hai. Toh kya iske pahle bhi videsh mantralaya ne baat ki aur kya abhi jab FM, EAM waha par the toh unko is par koi aashwashan mila hai jald action ka?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Sir, when the External Affairs Minister was on his visit to the U.S., he mentioned during a press conference that he raised the issue of visa processing taking approximately 400 days here, which is significantly hampering several things. So, has the Ministry of External Affairs addressed this issue earlier as well? And during the recent visit of EAM there, did they receive any assurance of action on this matter?
Srinjoy, Times Now: Sir, for the first time in over 15 years, a Bangladeshi warship, in this case a frigate, is taking part in a Pakistani military exercise. This one is the naval exercise AMAN. We would just like your comments on it. Sir second part of my question. The BGB and the BSF are meeting for four days in Delhi from the 16th to the 20th. Can you tell us what the agenda is and what is likely to be discussed?
Sachin Budhauliya, UNI: Sir main Sachin Budhauliya hu UNI se. Mera sawal yeh hai ki abhi China ke jo Charge d'Affaires ne ek article likha hai jo Tibet me wo Brahmaputra par ek bandh bana rahe hain aur usme unhone apna jo bhi paksh rakha hai usko Bharat ke samukh me dekhta hai unki safai ko.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, I am Sachin Budhauliya from UNI. My question is regarding the recent article written by China's Charge d'Affaires about the Dam they are building on the Brahmaputra in Tibet. In the article, they have presented their perspective. How does India view their clarification on this matter?
Ubeer Naqushbandi, The Tribune: Sir this is Ubeer from The Tribune Newspaper. Sir, my question is about this Pakistani ISI officials in Bangladesh. How big a threat is it for India?
Amiti Sen, The Hindu Business Line: Sir, I am Amiti from Hindu Business Line. Sir, U.S. President Donald Trump has also threatened Russia with more sanctions if it doesn't take steps to stop its war in Ukraine. So, is there a concern that it could have a spillover effect on India's trade ties with Russia, especially purchase of oil?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Kadambini, let's first come to your question. Visa. Hum logo ne dekha hai ki COVID ke baad se visa ko le ke, khaas kar American visa ko le ke, aur abhi anya desho ke hisaab se, usme kaafi samay lag raha tha aur aaj bhi sthiti kuch usi prakar ki hai. Toh hum log lagataar, halanki is baat ko waha ki sarkar se, unse, samne rakhte rahe hain ki agar visa me, visa dene me agar aap logo ko sahuliyat pahuche toh usse rishto ko, aarthik rishto ko, logo ke beech me jo rishte hain, sanskritik rishte hain, unko majbooti milegi. Log aayenge, jaayenge toh phir cheezein aur tezi se badhegi. Toh is baar is mudde ko humare videsh mantri ne apne jo Marco Rubio hain, Secretary of State, naye Secretary of State America ke, unse baat chit mein bhi unke samne laya taaki hum logo ne jaisa dono desho ka kalpana hai ki isko bolder, bigger aur ambitious relationship banana hai, uske liye zaruri hai is prakar ki jo procedural baatein hain, jo delays hain, unko kam kiya jaye.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Okay. Kadambini, let's first come to your question. Visa. We have observed that ever since COVID, particularly regarding American visas, and also with respect to to other countries, the process has been taking a significant amount of time. And even today, the situation is quite similar. So, we have been consistently raising this issue with their government to ensure that if there is some facilitation in visa issuance, it would strengthen relationships—economic relationships, cultural relationships, and people to people ties. When people travel back and forth, things progress more rapidly. This time, our External Affairs Minister also brought up this issue during discussions with Marco Rubio, the new Secretary of State of the United States, to highlight the matter. The idea is that, as both countries envision building a bolder, bigger, and more ambitious relationship, it is essential to address such procedural issues and reduce the delays.
Srinjoy, in regard to your question. We always keep a close eye and follow developments which have a bearing on our relationship, especially in our neighborhood, and on our national interest … and we will continue to do so.
The other question regarding meeting between BGB and BSF, I understand that discussions are underway to hold the meeting. Once these discussions are finalized and there are firmed updates, etc. we will share more details with you.
Sachin, jo aap article ki baat keh rahe hain, toh unhone apna paksh toh rakha hai, lekin jo humara paksh hai, hum logo ne kaha hai ki ek lower riparian state hone ke nate humari bhi chintaye hain, khaas kar mega hydro project ko lekar. Aur yeh hum logo ne Chinese sarkar ke samaksh rakha hai. Aur humara expectation hai, manna hai ki ispar amal kiya jayega.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sachin, regarding the article you mentioned, they have presented their perspective. As for our stance, we have conveyed that, as a lower riparian state, we also have concerns, particularly about the mega hydro project. We have raised this issue with the Chinese government, and our expectation and belief is that it will be acted upon.
Ubeer, there are developments which are happening in our neighborhood. We keep a close eye, close watch on all these developments. We monitor them and we take appropriate action as required.
Amiti, you talked about, you know, relationship of countries between Russia and United States. It is something that they have to look into. As far as energy requirements of India is concerned, we are guided by whatever the condition is there in the market, what the prevailing global situation is, what the market mechanism has to offer and what is our energy requirement or energy security requirements at this particular point of view. So, all these factors will guide our approach to how we engage countries across the world in terms of sourcing our energy requirements.
Vishal, ABP News: Main Vishal hu ABP News se. Mera sawal yeh hai ki Donald Trump aur Pradhan Mantri Modi ki pehli mulaqat kab sambhavit hai? Aur doosra sawal yeh hai ki PM Modi ka jo France daura hona hai, woh kitna mahatwapurna hai aur kya karyakram rahne wale hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] I am Vishal from ABP News. My question is that when is the first meeting between Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi? And the second question is that how important is PM Modi's visit to France and what is the plan?
Manas Pratim Bhuyan, PTI: This is Manas from PTI. It's a fact that there has been some sense of, you know, nervousness across the world about Donald Trump's tariff and I think India is no exception to it. And we impose very high tariff on some of the agricultural products. It is as high as 25% and there has been consistent U.S. pressure on India to open the Indian market for U.S. agricultural products. So, will we be, you know, open to just, you know, look at it and then lower the tariff? And again, the, I mean, is there, I mean, are the two sides talking about a possible meeting between the two leaders?
Gautam Lahiri: Sir, Gautam Lahiri. EAM has also said in that press conference that Bangladesh situation was also discussed. But I want to know whether it's a bilateral level or also at the Quad level Bangladesh was mentioned or discussed. And secondly, now after this meeting, can we say that India and U.S. are on the same page so far as Bangladesh’s present situation is concerned?
Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Yes sir, good evening Ajay Banerjee from The Tribune. I seek a clarification towards what Ayushi Agrawal had asked at the start of the press conference with regards to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Sir, it has been four days since Pannun attended Donald Trump's swearing-in. So, have we, so far, taken up the matter since Pannun is wanted in India, his organization is banned in India, U.S. and India are comprehensive strategic partners? Have we taken up or are we in the process of taking up the matter with the U.S.?
Raghavendra Verma, ZDF German Television: This is Raghavendra Verma from ZDF German Television. Sir my question is about the submarine deal. It's been quite some time, the speculations and now the reports are that the Mazagon Docks and the German company, ThyssenKrupp, will be getting this contract. Do you have any updates?
Shri. Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So Vishal, pehla sawal President Donald Trump ke Bharat daure ko lekar aapne pucha hai. Toh dekhiye, humare Pradhan Mantri aur President Trump ke beech ek, keh sakte hain, bahut warm personal relationship hai. Aur jaisa ki aapko pata hai, videsh mantri ke daure ke baad dono desh iss rishte ko aur mazboot karna chahte hain, ek nai uchai par le jana chahte hain. Aur iske aage main yehi kahunga ki jo high-level visit ki baat aap kar rahe hain, toh yeh tab tay hota hai jab dono desho ko convenient ho, dono desho mein ispe consultation ho aur aapas mein sahmati bane. Isko lekar mere paas abhi koi update nahi hai. Jab bhi koi update aayegi, toh main aapse sajha karunga.
Doosra, France ke daure ko lekar hai. France me AI summit ho raha hai. AI summit ke liye France ke Rashtrapati ne humare Pradhan Mantri ko neuta diya hai co-chair karne ke liye. Aur uss invitation ko humne svikar kiya hai. Uss daure ko lekar jo aur nai updates hongi, wo aapko usse awagat karaya jayega aane wale dino mein.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Okay. So Vishal, your first question is regarding President Donald Trump's visit to India. Look, our Prime Minister and President Trump share what can be described as a very warm personal relationship. And as you know, after the visit of the External Affairs Minister, both countries want to further strengthen this relationship and take it to new heights. Beyond this, I would say that the high-level visit you are referring to happens only when it is convenient for both countries, after consultations, and when mutual agreement is reached. As of now, I do not have any update on this. Whenever there is an update, I will share it with you. The second question is regarding the visit to France. An AI summit is being held in France, and the President of France has invited our Prime Minister to co-chair the summit. We have accepted that invitation. Any further updates regarding this visit will be shared with you in the coming days.
Manas again, I would be repeating myself, tariff issues you said. The world of India-U.S. economic collaboration is an expansive one. We have regular consultation and dialogue between the two countries on trade issues. This dialogue continues. We have a constructive approach in dealing with trade issues between India and United States in keeping with interest of both countries in mind.
So, the new U.S. Government has come in recently. Whatever issues are there, trade issues are there, we will talk it out, we will discuss … and we want to enhance. I talked about the trade, record levels of trade that we have between India and the United States … $190 billion in 2023. We want to further strengthen it, further expand it.
Gautam Ji regarding External Affairs Minister’s meeting with Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, he discussed bilateral issues, he also discussed global and regional issues. Regional issues were discussed in the ambit of that meeting. I am not sure if the Quad meeting discussed what you are referring to … Bangladesh issues or not. But on the Quad conversation, we have a read out, a joint press statement which gives you as to what the sense of the four partners, how they want to steer this Quad partnership. And the fact that it was held on the first day of the incoming presidency, incoming administration, speaks well of the Quad. And as EAM had said, the meeting itself was the message. So that is where I will stop.
Ajay on, see anti-India activities, … one person may have entered … I don’t know the details of it, etc. But as far as anti-India activities of people, individuals are concerned, we do take them up with the United States as and when those issues happen, and we will continue to take them up with the U.S. government.
Raghavendra, Germany is a very important defense partner. Defense partnership is growing, expanding. We hope that we will continue to build on a partnership, and further I do not have any more details about the commercial interaction, other things that you asked, we will have to wait.
Pranay Upadhyay, Amar Ujala: Sir, Pranay, Amar Ujala se. Haal ke mahino ke andar kai Chinese nationals ko pakda gaya hai, khaas taur par cyber fraud ke cases mein. Aur kai jo cyber fraud ke cases hain unko Chinese operator se link bhi kiya gaya hai. Iss mamle par abhi tak videsh mantralaya ne China sarkar ke saath in muddon ko uthaya hai, aur isko rokne ke liye kya upaay kiye ja rahe hain? Kin cases ko hum pursue kar rahe hain jo ki cross-country cyber fraud se jude hue hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, Pranay from Amarujala. In recent months, several Chinese nationals have been arrested, particularly in cyber fraud cases, and many of these cyber fraud cases have been linked to Chinese operators. On this matter, has the Ministry of External Affairs raised these matters with the Chinese government so far, and what measures are being taken to prevent such incidents? Which cases are we pursuing that are related to cross-country cyber fraud?
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir, I just want to know with Bangladesh and Pakistan getting closer to each other, what happens to the line of credit that we have given to Bangladesh? Are they using it or … ?
Siddhant, CNN-News 18: Sir, I am Siddhant from CNN-News 18. Sir, first day in office, Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an interview to an American media referred to India as an ally. Is India comfortable being referred as a U.S. ally? Thank you.
Shri. Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So first, Pranay, cybercrime ko leke. China aur Bharat ke beech mein jitne bhi duipakshiya mudde hain, Foreign Secretary ke iss visit ke dauran uss pe baatein ki jayengi. Aur jaha tak iss cyber-security ke pahlu ka sawal hai, aapne kaha ki yeh teesre desh mein hota hai toh, but technical si cheezein hain, usko dekhna padega kis tarah se isko hum log aage le jayein. Lekin jaha tak dono desho ke beech ke sawal hain, jo bhi mudde hain uspe baatchit hongi.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Okay. So first, Pranay, regarding cybercrime. All bilateral issues between China and India will be discussed during the Foreign Secretary's visit. As for the issue of cybersecurity, you mentioned that it happens in third countries, but there are technical aspects to it, and we will need to figure out how to move forward with it. However, as far as issues between both countries are concerned, any relevant matters will be discussed.
Huma, see, our approach to Bangladesh has been to maintain friendly ties, a positive approach to Bangladesh to build our relationship. We want, we support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. We want to strengthen our ties so that the people of India and the people of Bangladesh can prosper. So, that is our approach. It is independent of what's happening, … a particular country has in its relations, has to do with other countries in its relationship. Our approach to Bangladesh is very clear.
Siddhant, okay, you had a question. See, India-U.S. partnership has its own salience. We enjoy a comprehensive strategic global partnership. And as came out very clear in the visit of the External Affairs Minister to Washington, both sides are keen to build a bolder, bigger and more ambitious relationship. What you are referring to, the word that you are referring to has a different connotation in the U.S., sometimes they use it in a common parlance. But for that particular alliance to happen, you have to have a treaty partnership. But our own relationship with the United States is very strong. We have a comprehensive global strategic partnership, and we want to continue to build it.
Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.
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