Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin this press briefing. I open the floor for questions.
Somya Jaiswal, Republic TV: Sir, this is Somya Jaiswal from Republic TV. I have three questions. One on Binil Babu's mortal remains. What is the update on that? Second, the other Indian there, Jain Kurian; the family has a lot of issues regarding the infos and the help. Is it possible that he could be airlifted to India for further treatment? And third, Indians who are returning from Russia, they are saying that they were given Russian citizenship and they were not given the knowledge about the same. So do we have any information on that as well? Thank you.
Rezaul Laskar, Hindustan Times: Rezaul from Hindustan Times sir. Related question, Russia announced that it had stopped recruiting Indians in its military services in April last year and yet we see Indians are dying, Indians are being injured. Do we know how many people are still left there and why is this continuing despite PM taking it up twice with the Russian leadership?
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Sir, Sidhant from WION. There has been growing call inside Bangladesh for early elections. We also saw the U.S. Ambassador now saying that Bangladesh should announce some elections. What's India's position given that the unelected Government has essentially completed its tenure of two months?
Krishnamohan:. Sir my question is, there is a sort of rumor that America has not invited our Prime Minister. Instead, our Foreign Minister is going there and today I have learned from some newspaper that China is also sending their representative. So, I think that the MEA should clear this stand that what is a stand from America?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Dhairya? Any more questions on this invitation? Okay. Dhairya.
Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik: Good afternoon sir. Dhairya Maheshwari from Sputnik Sir. My question is in regards to the U.S. sanctions announced this week. Sir, Russian companies and around 183 vessels have been sanctioned by the U.S. and there are reports that India-Russia oil trade could be impacted and some say that there could be an oil shock for India in store. So would it be possible to clarify or possible to get a reaction? And sir, one question is about Pakistan. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, he stated this week that India has knowledge about terror training camps and launch pads being operated in POK. So, I mean, has the MEA taken this up? Would it be possible to get a reaction? Thank you, sir.
Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg: Sir, thank you for giving me the chance. Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. Sir, can you give us any understanding whether India has reached out to Saudi Arabia or Iraq or any other oil producing countries, keeping in mind that the supplies from Russia, you know, are now unstable? And any also comment on the way the sanctions have been introduced on the fleet?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So first, Somya, your question regarding Binil Babu. It was a very unfortunate death. We conveyed condolences to the family. Our embassy is in touch with Russian authorities so that his mortal remains, could come back to India as soon as possible. Regarding the other gentleman who was injured, he is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow. Our Embassy is in touch with him and also his, in regard to his welfare and well-being with the Russian authorities and hopefully he will be returning India soon after his treatment is completed. On the, because there are several other questions, so let me give you an update on the Indian nationals who were serving in the Russian army and status in-so far as their numbers, etc., is concerned to clarify issues that Rezaul has raised.
As far as, you know, we have been telling you that we are, we have been in constant touch with Russian authorities for early release and repatriation of Indian nationals who are serving in the Russian army. As of today, of all the known cases that have come to us, we have had 126 cases. Of these 126 cases of people who were serving in Russian armed forces or are serving in the Russian armed forces, 96 people have already returned. They have been discharged. They have been discharged from the Russian armed forces. As per our available information, 18 Indian nationals in the Russian army remain. Out of these 16 individuals, their whereabouts are not known and the Russian side has categorized them as missing. We remain engaged with the Russian authorities to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing Indian nationals as also seeking early release and repatriation of those who remain. So that is the status. 12 Indian nationals have died in the conflict who are serving in the Russian army. So that should clarify.
You also had a question regarding citizenship. That is, we are not aware of these details. Possibly people who went there, they would have taken certain decisions of which we are not aware. So that is the situation. 126 known cases, out of these, 96 people have come back, 12 people have died. There are 18 people who have been categorized. I mean, out of these 18 people who are still serving, 16 have been categorized by the Russian authorities as missing and we are seeking from the Russian authorities early release and repatriation of the rest of those who remain there.
One gentleman, of course, is injured, so he'll come back and mortal remains of one person has to come back.
Rezaul, that gives you update on the situation.
Sidhant, regarding elections in Bangladesh. See, our position as far as India-Bangladesh relations are concerned have been articulated number of times. We had the visit of our Foreign Secretary where we said that we want positive, we want to move in the positive direction. We want federal relations with the Government of, with the people of Bangladesh. We want to, we want India-Bangladesh relations to do well for the people of Bangladesh and the people of India. So that is what our approach is, a positive approach and that remains.
Krishnamohan Ji, your question regarding invitation. We had issued a press release and through that press release we had made our position very clear. I would like to reiterate what we had said and once again, I would like to read out for you. As we have already conveyed to you through a press release, at the invitation of the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, External Affairs Minister will represent the Government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America. So I hope that clarifies your question.
Dhairya, you asked a question regarding U.S. sanctions. These sanctions were announced a week back or so, on 10th January, if I recollect properly. These additional sanctions that have been announced, they pertain to several entities and individuals in the Russian energy sector. We are in touch with the U.S. authorities to clarify issues pertaining to the impact on Indian entities. We are working with all relevant departments and agencies to sensitize Indian companies on applicable provisions as also to inform them on new measures being implemented that could impact Indian companies in certain circumstances.
Also to answer related question from Sudhi, our oil purchases have been and always are guided by our own energy security requirements, along with prevailing global circumstances and market conditions. So that is how we look at the scenario.
Dhairya, you also had a question about cross-border terrorism. See, on cross-border terrorism we are very clear what our position has been. We have been conveying, even in last presser we talked about it. We are very firm that terrorism in whatever way it exists, wherever it exists, it needs to be fought tooth and nail and we have clearly called out countries who promote cross-border terrorism.
Okay. We can go for more questions.
Ayanangsha Maitra: Sir, this is Ayanangsha Maitra, independent journalist. This is a shoot question from the sanction arena. Sir, last month Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister visited New Delhi followed by an FOC. Is there some discussions on the sanction and is it Iran that is interested to export more crude oil to India?
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. I have two questions. One, so the QUAD foreign ministers are expected to meet on the sidelines of the Trump inauguration, if there is any detail on that? And my second question is, when is President Putin expected to visit India?
Srinjoy Chowdhury, Times Now: Sir, this relates to Suchir Balaji, an Indian whistleblower in California. As you know, Elon Musk has also been speaking about it. Have you also know about his parents asking for a complete investigation? Have Indian authorities in America been in touch with the American government regarding what exactly happened and if an investigation has been requested for?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Elena?
Elena, TASS Russian News Agency: Good afternoon. Elena, TASS News Agency. A lot of attention in the media nowadays to the possibility of the meeting between Trump and Russian President Putin after the inauguration of the new American President. So my question is, as a lot of discussions around this, where will this meeting take place. Can India host this high-level meeting, taking into account context of India on high level with a lot of leaders all over the world? Thank you.
Livia RodrÃguez, Prensa Latina: Livia RodrÃguez from Prensa Latina. I have two questions. First, Indian opinion relating with the perspective of relationships between Cuba and India in the year that both countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of their relationships and taking into account that Cuba is a partner country of the BRICS. And the second question is, we would like to know India's opinion of Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the list of countries that allegedly sponsored terrorism, a decision that was also celebrated by the majority of the international community. Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Sorry. Let me take these questions. So, Ayanangsha, regarding Iran, we had the Foreign Office consultations two weeks back with Iran, where we discussed several aspects of our relationship, including connectivity, Chabahar Port, other relationship, segments of the relationship that we have with Iran.
As far as energy is concerned, you know that there are certain conditions which need to be taken factored into while engaging with Iran.
Huma on the QUAD Foreign Minister's meeting. The Quad Foreign Ministers are expected to be in Washington, D.C. for the inaugural ceremony of President Trump. If I have any further update on the specific meetings, we will surely share with you.
On President Putin's visit, yes, this year we have to host the Annual Summit in India, as is the practice. Each year we have Annual Summit with Russia, once in Moscow or in Russia, any other city, and the following year in India. So, this year we have to host it. Those dates will be worked out through diplomatic channels, and we will then, when these dates are confirmed, we will let you know as to when we will be having this Annual Summit here in India.
Srinjoy, regarding your question on investigation, my understanding is that he is an American national. So, whatever investigation has to happen, the American authorities, I guess, are undertaking those investigations. He is a person of Indian origin, but I think he is an American national.
Srinjoy Chowdhury, Times Now: Parents have asked [unclear] now.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. I mean, he is a member of the diaspora, but he is an American national. When you are American national, American laws and American government has to take responsibility of the investigation.
Ileana, your question regarding possibility of meeting between two leaders, yes, two leaders that you mentioned, it is for them to decide to meet and where to meet etc. So that is how I will answer your question. Livia on India-Cuba ties, yes, this year we are celebrating 65th anniversary of India-Cuba relations. We have very warm and friendly ties with your country. We want to continue to build. In recent times you would have seen that we have engaged on several fronts including on development cooperation, humanitarian assistance and we want to continue to build on each and every segment of our engagement, science, technology, sports, sports is an important collaboration between India and Cuba and several other aspects of a bilateral relationship.
On the other question regarding the announcement by the United States, we feel that anything that helps in building or bringing peace and prosperity, anything that helps in building communities, societies and countries and their prosperity is helpful for all of us.
Can we go to more questions? Shivam.
Shivam Patel, Reuters: Hi sir, Shivam from Reuters. I have two questions. Our Foreign Secretary met the Taliban delegation recently and I just want to understand in the future are we going to see more engagement with Taliban and are we planning to enhance our diplomatic presence in Kabul? He also mentioned that India stands ready to support in terms of development projects. What could these development projects be?
Secondly, there are reports that some Chinese delegates participating in an auto expo in Delhi have not received visas. I just wanted to…
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Chinese you said?
Shivam Patel, Reuters: Chinese delegates participating in an auto expo in Delhi have not received some visas. Just wanted to check if that is the case and our Army Chief also said that there is a degree of standoff still persist along the border. Just wanted you to… just wanted to understand what Foreign Ministry is thinking on those lines.
Sarjana Sharma, Sanmarg: Namaskar main Sarjana Sharma, Sanmarg se hoon. Abhi jab Bharat aur China ke Videsh Mantriyon ki baithak mei tay hua tha ki Kailash Mansarovar yatra phir se shuru hogi. Jab ye yatra chalti thi toh January end ya February mei vigyapan aa jata tha aavedan mangne ke liye, toh is disha mei koi pragati ho rahi hain donon taraf se, ya kya taiyariyan ho rahi hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Namaskar, I am Sarjana Sharma from Sanmarg. Recently, during the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of India and China, it was decided that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra would resume. Earlier, when this Yatra was conducted, advertisements inviting applications used to come out by the end of January or February. Is there any progress being made on this matter from both sides, or what preparations are underway?
Neeraj Kumar Dubey: Sir namaskar, main Neeraj Dubey Prabhasakshi se. Pakistan ne Bhartiya Rakshamantri aur Senaa adhyakshya ke bayan ko bhramak bataya hain, uski aalochana ki hain aur saath hi kaha hain ki Bhartiya sena ka bayan darshata hain ki uska aatyadhik rajaneetikaran ho chuka hain.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Namaskar, I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. Pakistan has termed the statements of the Indian Defense Minister and Army Chief as misleading, criticized them, and also stated that the Indian Army's remarks reflect excessive politicization.
Manash Pratim Bhuyan, PTI: This is about U.S. lifting restrictions on three Indian nuclear entities this week. So how do you see it and then what is the next step in fact? Is India going to, you know, address issues regarding the liability clauses that have been actually creating some roadblocks for relation of India-U.S. nuclear cooperation?
Niraj Kumar, News18 India: Sir Niraj, News18 India se. Canada mei Justin Trudeau apne ne istife ka ailaan kar diya hain toh aane wale waqt mei aapko lagta hain Bharat aur Canada ke jo rajnaitik sambandh bigde hain usmei sudhar hoga, kyuki pahle bhi Bharat ka manna raha hain ki Trudeau administration ki wajah se sambandh kharab hue.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Niraj from News18 India. Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation in Canada. Do you think the strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada will improve in the future? Previously, India has maintained that the deterioration in relations was due to the Trudeau administration.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay first Shivam to your question. Our Foreign Secretary is meeting with acting Foreign Minister in Dubai. We have a technical mission in Kabul. Also, we have had engagements at Joint Secretary level and several of them in the past year or so. This was the highest level of engagement that we have had and we have clearly spelt out that we want to do more for… to offer humanitarian assistance and also to engage with the people of Afghanistan on development cooperation and both these counts we want to continue to build on what we are doing there to strengthen our long-standing relationship with the people of Afghanistan. We also want to do more on sports and you would have seen there are several cricket players from Afghanistan who play here in IPL. Greater Noida or one of the places also happens to be the home ground. See, these are… all these are areas where we want to build our relations so that we can bring more benefit of our approach, of our humanitarian assistance, of our engagement on development cooperation front that we have with Afghanistan.
[Response in Hindi on Reporter request] : Kabul mei hamara technical mission kai saalon se chal raha hain, sarkari star par ground Secretary level par hamari chalti rahi hain aur abhi kuch din pahle hamare Videsh Sachiv jo unke Acting Foreign Minister hain unse baat ki Dubai mei. Is meeting ke baare mei vistrit roop mei aapko press vigyapti ke madhyam se jankari di gayi, us press vigyapti mei humne bataya ki humanitarian assistance, jahan tak manavata ke aadhar par unko sahayata pradan karne ki baat hain hum log pichle saalon mei karte aaye hain, chahain dawai ki baat ho, chahe khadyaanna ki baat ho, khane-pine ke chizon ke baat ho, gehu ki baat ho, aur uske alawa hum log development cooperation ke mamle mei bhi wahan ke logon ki madat karna chahte hain. Pahle bhi hamare development cooperation kafi acchi rahi, toh in donon muddon par aur iske awala khel ke kshtra mei, aur unki sarkar ki taraf se jo request aaya hain ki health sector ke kshtra mei, in sabhi kshtraon mei hum kaam karna chahte hain aur taki wahan ke logon ki liye hum behtar, unke jivan ke liye, unke aanewale dinon ke liye aur behtar kaam kar sake.
Regarding visa matters, visa matters are dealt with established guidelines so, I don't want to go into details, but visas are being issued to people as per established norms and guidelines.
On the standoff part on that I would like to clarify. You said that there is seems to be a gap, you know , the Army Chief talked about a standoff and whereas we had made a statement that giving our position that you know disengagement, regarding disengagement etc. So we do not see any contradiction between you know what the Army Chief has said and the position that we have taken and the position here I would refer to the position taken by External Affairs Minister in the Parliament. EAM had made the position very clear in regard to disengagement where the October 21st understanding is concerned. Our objective has been to ensure patrolling as in the past to relevant patrolling points as well as resumption of grazing by our civilians as per long standing practice. This is indeed what we have agreed upon in regard to Depsang and Demchok. The terms of the disengagement agreements reached prior to 21st October 2024 continued to hold in relevant areas in eastern Ladakh. In addition External Affairs Minister had also underlined that the task of de-escalation remains to be addressed. So if you take these issues into account you would realize that there is absolutely no contradiction between the positions taken.
Sarjana ji Kailash Mansarovar yatra ke baare mei pahle bhi baat hui hain, hum logon ne bataya hain ki ispar China se hamari baat chal rahi hain, aur jab samzouta tay hoga ki kab is yatra ko shuru karna hain toh uske baare mei aapko hum vistrut mei jankari pradan karenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Ms. Sarjana, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been discussed earlier as well. We have mentioned that talks are ongoing with China regarding this. Once an agreement is finalized on when to resume the Yatra, we will provide you with detailed information.
Neeraj Rakshamantri ne jo baat kahin, aur hum logon ne aaj tak jo position liya hain hamare padosi mulkh se jo hamare rishtey hain uske baare mei usmai humko koi duvidha nahi honi chahiye ki wahan se jo failta hua aatankwaad hamare yahan se, yahan wahan se kahin aur jata hain woh pure duniya ke liye ek khatra ka roop hain aur hum log ek baar phir se aawahan karenge ki wahan ki sarkar cross border terrorism ko band karain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, the statement made by the Defense Minister and the position we have consistently maintained regarding our relations with our neighboring country leave no room for doubt. The terrorism emanating from there, whether it affects us or spreads elsewhere, poses a threat to the entire world. Once again, we urge their government to put an end to cross-border terrorism.
Then we had a question regarding three entities which have been taken off the entity list. These three entities happen to be Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Energy Research. The other one is Bhaba Atomic Research Centre and then Indian Rare Earths Limited. It is a welcome step. These were in the entity list of the US for several years now. This action by the US government will lead to greater collaboration between India and the United States in the field of nuclear energy, in the field of clean energy and also in the field of critical minerals. Some of these elements are also part of iCET conversation that we have with the United States. So it is a welcome step and we look forward to doing more with the United States in these areas that I mentioned. These are steps which will now be discussed. It will open up new avenues of collaboration in the civil nuclear field and hopefully the questions about liability etc. that you are talking about will also be discussed and taken forward.
Niraj, Canada ke sath, Canada ke andar ek kuch rajneetik gatividhiyan chal rahin hain, hum log uspe lagatar najar banaye hue hain aur hamari aasha ye hain ki jo ye rishtey hain, Bharat aur Canada ke beech, bade gehre rishtey hain, aarthik rishta hamara bada majboot hain, hamare log, Bhartiya samuday ke log wahan bahot rehte hain, hamare students wahan ke college mei padhte hain, aur uske alawa bhi anya tarike ka collaboration Bharat aur Canada ke beech chalta raha hain. Hamari aasha hain ki is saajhedari ko phir se hum barkarar karain aur isko phir se majboot karain, us disha mei jo bhi pahel hoga uska hum swagat karenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Niraj, there are certain political developments taking place in Canada, and we are closely monitoring the situation. Our hope is that the deep relationship between India and Canada, which includes strong economic ties, a large Indian community living there, Indian students studying in Canadian colleges, and various other forms of collaboration, can be maintained and strengthened. We look forward to taking any initiative that helps restore and reinforce this partnership.
Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Sir, good evening I am Ajay Banerjee, with The Tribune. Could you please clarify on the Russian people, 16 people are missing in Russia, have you informed the families of those people, 16 people? And sir, I have a question on the recent incident in the South China sea, an Indian Coastguard vessel was trailed dangerously by the Chinese coastguard, have we taken up the matter with the Chinese since we speak about the open, free-open and inclusive Indo-pacific?
Gautam Lahiri: Thank you sir, Gautam Lahiri. The border situation in West Bengal particularly with Bangladesh is becoming very tense as per the local report suggests. Meanwhile, the Home Advisor of the interim government has often said that they want to review the border agreement or the protocols. My question is whether any formal request has come or is it possible to review the old agreements which have been done by two sovereign nations?
Rezaul H Laskar: Reza from Hindustan Times. One quick China related query. There are reports suggesting that China is holding up the exports of capital machinery that is needed for plants in India including for Foxconn. Do we have anything on that?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: First, on the missing Indian nationals who were serving in the Russian army. On that, we are in touch with several families and they are also in the know of things. Sixteen of them are missing.
The second question you had on the South China Sea, I don't have an update on that but you know what our position is that we want peaceful settlement of all disputes in that region.
Gautam your question regarding border situation, we had made our position very clear. We had summoned the Acting High Commissioner and made our position on border fencing very clear and I would like to reiterate some of the points that we made across to our Bangladeshi counterpart. We remain committed to ensuring a crime free border with Bangladesh by effectively addressing cross border criminal activities, smuggling and trafficking, barbed wire fencing, border lighting installation of technical devices and cattle fences are measures that are aimed at securing the border. We expect that all earlier understandings and these are here I would like to underline our understandings in this regard will be implemented. This is what our expectation is that all earlier understandings in this regard will be implemented by Bangladesh in a cooperative manner approach towards combating such crimes.
Reza on exports that are being held back, I don't have an update but I guess these are matters which pertain to Foxconn and several other Indian private entities so they would be looking into it but I surely update if I have anything to add to that.
With that we come to the close of this press conference.
Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen.
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