Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon dear friends. Let us begin this press conference. I open the floor for questions.
Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. So just wanted to have your reaction on the recent comments made by US President Donald Trump on the issue of 21 million dollars funding for voter turnout in India. Has the US side discussed this or raised this issue with India before?
Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: Just following up on the question about the Department of Government efficiency's claims in the US about payments that were to have gone to India that's what the social media post says, that this money of 21 million dollars was to have gone to India and has since been cancelled. I wanted to ask if the Government knows where this money was expected to be received and under what category that was going to be. I think they talked about voter education but obviously the Indian Government would know where that money was to have been received in the future.
My second question is related to that. Which is that in the last well probably 50 years but in the last 10 years in particular, since the 2015 joint statement between India and the US I think it's called 'Sabka Vikas, Sajha Bayan", there are a number of MOUs that the Indian Government has entered into with the USAID. So, there are MOUs with the Department of Animal Husbandry, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a number of others for the Gandhi King Fellowship which was held I think in June. The signing was done in the presence of the National Security Advisors of both countries. So, these are all specific MOUs with USAID. In light of the comments made by President Trump, I wanted to know if India is considering cancelling all its MOUs and agreements with USAID, and if there is an inquiry underway about the money that actually already had come in. I do have a question later about the Indian immigrants, but I can wait on that.
Rishabh, Times Now: Good afternoon. This is Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, I have two questions, both on Bangladesh. When External affairs minister met his counterpart Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of IOR, was SAARC discussed? Because there are reports that SAARC was discussed and Bangladesh wanted to resume SAARC. Also, a related question to Bangladesh that we have seen, there have been comments coming in from the members of interim Government which are quite violent toward India, and anti-India statements. Is that affecting the bilateral talks or bilateral negotiations whatever is happening between Delhi and Dhaka?
Rezaul, Hindustan Times: Rezaul from Hindustan Times. I was just wondering if we could get a kind of a quick snapshot of how much aid we have received from the USA that even in the last five years or two or three years, and you know how much of that is from USAID out of the total figures.
Sidhant, WION: Sir, short while ago the Indian External Affairs minister, the Chinese FM had a bilateral meeting, a second bilateral meeting since the Kazan talks. So essentially if you can brief us what was the key talking point from the Indian side and what were the expectations over next steps in terms of normalization of the relationship.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. We've got five questions. Ao we'll come back for more. So, Ayushi and Suhasini, our question is regarding USAID, the information that has been put out. So, you know we have seen information that has been put out by the US administration regarding certain USAID activities and funding. These are obviously very deeply troubling. This has led to concerns about foreign interference in India's internal affairs. Relevant departments and agencies are looking into this matter. It would be premature to make a public comment at this stage.
So, Rezaul, relevant authorities are looking into this matter, and hopefully we can come up with an update on that subsequently.
[Answer in Hindi] Ameriki sarkar ki taraf se unke administration ki taraf se ye khulasa kiya gaya hain ki kuch USAID ki activities aur funding ke bare mei. Ye jo khulasa kiya gaya hain, ye concerning hain, troubling hain, aur isko le ke kaafi sari chintayain hain, foreign interference ko le ke apni andhruni mamale mei. Hamare yahan jo agencies hain, departments hain jo is mamle mei kaam karte hain, karyarat hain woh is mudde par aur chhanbin kar rahe hain, aur kaam kar rahe hain. Aur is waqt is mudde pe koi bhi public comment ya ghoshna karna mere khayal se samyochit nahi hoga.
Rishabh, on your question regarding Bangladesh, first question was regarding whether SAARC came up for discussion or not. Yes, the matter was brought up by the Bangladesh side in External Affairs meeting. When EAM met with Bangladesh Foreign advisor in Muscat. Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymieing SAARC. EAM conveyed that it is important that Bangladesh should not normalize terrorism.
Regarding a second question about the comments being made by certain advisors and what sort of impact it will have on our dealings. Yes, we obviously have taken note of such remarks which are of course not helpful. It is for the concerned individuals to reflect on implications for their particular domain. So that is how I would like to answer your question.
Siddhant, on the meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. Just a while ago, we had this meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg. External Affairs Minister and Chinese Foreign Minister His Excellency Wang Yi met on the sidelines of G20. The meeting lasted for about 30 minutes. The two ministers reviewed developments in a bilateral relationship since their last meeting in November. Specifically, the management of peace and tranquility in border areas, Kailash-Mansarovar-Yatra resumption, trans-border rivers, flight connectivity and travel facilitation were discussed. There was also an exchange of views on G20 and SCO. So that is to give you a readout of the External Affairs Minister meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. In addition, we have put out his opening remarks which are available in the public domain. So, I would refer you to them. Thank you.
Mukesh Kaushik, Dainik Bhaskar: Sir, Mukesh Kaushik from Dainik Bhaskar. Jaisa aapne kaha ki relevant department isko dekh rahe hain USAID ko, can you tell us ki ye relevant department konse hain, kya unki koi internal Ministerial mechanism banayi gayi hain? Aur do you disagree with the reports that money was not for India but for Bangladesh?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Mukesh Kaushik from Dainik Bhaskar. As you mentioned that the relevant department is looking into USAID, can you tell us which departments these are? Have any internal Ministerial mechanisms been established for this? And do you disagree with the reports that the money was not for India but for Bangladesh?
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui. I don't know if this question was asked. At KIIT there was an incident where a Nepalese student has committed suicide. So what is the MEA doing about that? I mean, do you have anything, any update on the situation there?
Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik News: Good evening, Sir. Dhairya Maheshwari from Sputnik. Sir I have two questions. One is regarding the meeting between EAM Jaishankar and FM Sergey Lavrov. The readout, the Russian readout said that, you know, Mr. Jaishankar was briefed on the Riyadh Summit and now there are some differences between Ukraine and U.S. administrations. So, how does India look at the normalization of relations between – a step towards normalization of relations between U.S. and Russia? Sir the second question is in regards to the meeting between the Brazilian Foreign Minister and EAM Jaishankar. Sir, was the threat of imposing tariffs on BRICS countries, was that discussed during the meeting? Thank you, sir.
Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Sir, thank you. Good evening, Keshav from ThePrint. Just associating with what was asked earlier, when discussions with the Brazilian Foreign Minister took place as well as when EAM Jaishankar called upon the President of South Africa, was BRICS' future discussed given that the U.S. President, Donald Trump, said that BRICS is dead and has been attacking the regional bloc at various levels over the last few months. And secondly, continuing with the question of the meeting with Mr. Lavrov, did India take any position with regards to bringing both Ukraine and Russia to the table given that the Riyadh Summit did not have the participation of Ukraine? Thank you, sir.
Bramh Prakash Dubey, News India: Bramh Prakash Dubey, News India se. Mera sawal hai ki America mein avaid roop se reh rahe Bharatiyon ko wapas bheja ja raha hai. Kuch tasveerein aayi hain Panama mein jinko chhoda gaya hai. Toh usko lekar kya jaankari hai? Dusra, jis tarah se unko sainik vimaan se pehle bheja gaya, usko lekar parliament mein kai opposition ki partiyon ne aapatti jatayi thi. Desh mein usko lekar virodh bhi ho raha hai. Toh Bharat sarkar ne kaha tha ki woh U.S. se baat karenge. Usko lekar kya jaankari hai? Kyunki abhi bhi usi tareeke se vyavhaar kiya ja raha hai, Bharatiyon ko usi tareeke se bheja ja raha hai hathkadi lagakar.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] This is Bramh Prakash Dubey from News India. My question is that Indians residing illegally in America are being sent back. Some images have surfaced from Panama where they have been abandoned. What information do you have regarding this?
Secondly, the way they were previously sent on military aircraft had drawn objections from several opposition parties in Parliament. There are also protests happening in the country regarding this. The Indian Government had stated that they would discuss the matter with the U.S.
What is the update on that? Because even now, the same treatment is being given, and Indians are being sent back in the same manner, with handcuffs
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Mukesh ji. Dekhiye, USAID ke mudde pe jo mujhe kehna tha, main aapko usse avagat karaya hain aur yeh bataya hain ki bahut saare Bharatiya sarkar mein ikai hain jo ispe USAID ke saath kaam karti hain. Kai ek mantralaya hain. Toh jitne bhi isse sambandhit mantralaya hain aur jo agencies kaam kar rahe hain, woh is mudde ko abhi dekh rahe hain. Toh jab ek update humare paas aayega, toh aapse hum saajha karenge.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Okay, Mr. Mukesh. Look, on the issue of USAID, what I had to say has been conveyed to you, and it has been stated that there are many units in the Indian Government that work with USAID. There are several ministries. So, all the ministries concerning this and the agencies working are currently monitoring this issue. So when an update comes to us, we will share it with you.
Huma on KIIT, what happened there with the Nepali students, we are deeply saddened by the tragic death of the Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Bhubaneswar. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. The Government of India, as you know, accords high priority to the safety, security, and well-being of all international students in our country. MEA has been in constant touch with the Odisha Government and KIIT authorities since the matter, this situation came to light. We have also maintained close contact with the Nepalese authority. Pursuant to our outreach, several steps have been taken by the Odisha Government, as well as the KIIT Institute to address the situation. Odisha police has made several arrests, including the accused, and cases have been filed against these people. The Government of Odisha has also constituted a high-level fact-finding committee based on whose findings appropriate legal and administrative actions shall be taken going forward. The Odisha Government has also taken steps to facilitate the return, because as you would know, several of the students had gone back, and now they are coming. So, the Odisha Government has also taken steps to facilitate the return of Nepalese students and ensure the safety, security, and participation in academic activities. The Odisha police, local police in Bhubaneswar, has also established a 24x7 helpline number for Nepalese students. We remain in regular contact with the Nepalese authorities, as also the Odisha Government, to ensure real-time communication and coordination in this matter. Nepalese students studying in India form an important facet of the enduring people-to-people ties, links that we share with Nepal. The Government of India will continue to take all necessary actions and steps to ensure the safety and security and well-being of all Nepalese students in India.
Dhairya, regarding a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Russia. External Affairs Minister had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Russia on the sidelines of G20's Foreign Ministers' meeting in Johannesburg. If I'm not wrong, the meeting happened yesterday. They discussed all aspects of India-Russia bilateral ties, naturally. And also, they discussed the recent developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict, including what transpired, or including the developments that happened in his Riyadh meeting. And they have agreed to remain in touch. We've also posted details of this meeting on our digital platforms.
Insofar as the External Affairs Minister's meeting with the Brazilian Foreign Minister is concerned, yes, he did have a meeting with the Brazilian Foreign Minister, because we also form part of the TROIKA; India, Brazil, and South Africa. And both leaders discussed bilateral ties, global developments, our work in G20, and how we could contribute to the process further. And these were some of the discussions, some of the issues that were discussed in the meeting with the Brazilian Foreign Minister.
Keshav, on the question of BRICS, what direction it is going, I would ask you to look at the remarks made by the External Affairs Minister on the discussion. There was a discussion session in G20 yesterday titled 'Discussion on the Global Geopolitical Situation' that happened yesterday, where External Affairs Minister has spoken about the developments in the world in general terms, and what G20 means in that regard, et cetera. So that will give you an answer as to what is our position on BRICS and how we see things going forward.
Again, he called on President Ramaphosa. Obviously, this meeting was important, because South Africa is the Chair, and President Ramaphosa will be conducting the summit meeting. The G20 summit meeting, when it happens in Johannesburg later this year. In the call-on, obviously, there were issues of bilateral nature, which were discussed as also issues concerning G20 meetings.
And specifically, the G20 session that EAM addressed was focused on the challenges that we see in the world today. So those issues you can refer to in his remarks.
Bramha Prakash ji Panama mein kuch deportees America se laye gaye hain. Inko America se Panama laya gaya hai. Wahan par ye inko hotel mein rakha gaya hai. Usme se kuch log Bharatiya nagarik ho sakte hain. Iski pusti tabhi hogi jab inka verification jo hai, documentation hai, uska verification hum kar lenge. Ek baar ye sthapit ho jati hai ki ye log jo wahan gaye hain, woh Bharat ke nagarik hain, toh phir unko dasthavej jaari kiya jayega taki unko phir wahan se apna ghar, Bharat wapas laya jaye. Toh ye hai jo main aapse abhi saajha kar sakta hoon jo humare paas jo available information hai.
Ek aur baat aapne kahi jo flights aayi thi 15 aur 16 tarik ko uske bare mei ki usme bhi kya bedi laga ke laya gaya log ko. Toh main yeh keh sakta hoon ki 15, 16 tarik ko jo flights lai gayi hain, hum logon ne apni concerns jo hain, woh American sarkar ke saath saajha ki thi ki jo wahan se log aaye, unko ek humane tareeke se laya jaye aur unke saath jo unki religious sensitivities hain, unka dhyan mein rakha jaye. Toh humari understanding ke hisaab se, jo 15 aur 16 February ko jo jahaj aayi Amritsar mein, usme bachchon ko aur jo auratein hain, unko kisi prakaar ka woh shackling nahi kiya gaya.
[Response in English]: We have seen some reports about deportation flights to Panama and Costa Rica. Now it is our understanding that these have been undertaken as per a bridge arrangement between US and the respective Governments. Both Costa Rica and Panama have agreed to serve as transit countries for deportees while the US bears all the costs of the operation. We have some Indian nationals we understand in the group and our mission in Panama, which is also accredited to Costa Rica, they are in touch with the local authorities. In case of Panama, we are verifying the details whether the individuals concerned are Indian nationals or not. Once that verification details are complete, then arrangements will be made for the return of these Indian nationals back home. In case of Costa Rica, while we have heard that some people have been sent from United States, we have heard this through media. Officially, we have yet to hear from the Costa Rica side.
Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: Just a follow up to your answer just now. Are we to understand that Indians can be picked up at will in the US, sent to a third country without our okay on this, and are we in any way taking it up with the United States either in Washington or in Delhi, that none of this constitutes. One thing you said was that women and children are no longer being shackled but men are still being shackled. Military planes are still being used. Suspected illegally entered Indian immigrants because these are people the US is saying are illegal immigrants, are being picked up and sent to a third country and the Indian Government does not seem to have a visible response to it other than to say we will make arrangements if and when required.
Rezaul, Hindustan Times: Rezaul from Hindustan Times. There are legal experts in Panama who are actually questioning the validity of these deportations to Panama. They are saying that they don't seem to have a sound legal basis. Wouldn't this complicate the issue for people who are, who may be of Indian origin, I mean Indian nationality over there? And are we discussing this with the US?
Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg: Sir, Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. Any understanding that you can give us as to whether the Government of India including the Ministry of External Affairs have gotten together and deciding a response or a preparation for the trade agreement that India and US is supposed to be doing by fall, and if so where is that exercise sir?
Ajay Banerjee, Tribune: Sir, I am Ajay Banerjee from the Tribune. I seek to refer to you to a media report today which has appeared in the English newspaper in India which has fact checked Donald Trump's claim of giving 21 million dollars to India. So, sir, my question to you is have we agreed, or have we accepted the fact that 21 million dollars have come to India or not? That is the only point.
Agni, ABP: Sir, this is Agni from ABP. Yesterday in a press conference DG BGB categorically said and denied the allegation of minority atrocity in Bangladesh. He said that this is an exaggeration and media planted. What is your reaction to this sir?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, we have got five questions here. So, Suhasini, first, you know, whether they are being picked up at will or not, I think you should take your question to the relevant Government. As far as our understanding is concerned, the people who have been sent back to Panama, they were staying in the United States illegally. Now, they are there in Panama, we are taking care of them. Once their identity is established and we are certain they are Indian Nationals, documentation will be done, and there will be arrangements by relevant authorities there would be made for them to return back home. So, hopefully that should happen soon.
Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: [inaudible]
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: We understand that the United States Government has had arrangement with few countries. That's why I made this reference to bridge arrangement between the United States and the respective Governments. So, Costa Rica and Panama happens to be part of that.
Rezaul on legal experts on deportation, you know, this may be a view in Panama. But as far as we are concerned, we have made it very clear right from the very beginning that if there are any Indian national abroad who is staying there illegally and we happen to verify that he is an Indian national, we are ready to take them back. This is exactly what is happening in the case of Panama as well. My understanding is that once their details are … we are certain that they are Indian nationals, arrangements will be made for them to return home.
And question regarding whether we are discussing, yes, we are in talks with the Panama Government there. Our embassy there is in regular touch. They have had consular access. In fact, there was an issue that, you know, some of them were having some difficulty there. That may have been case with people from other nationalities, not with people who are, who supposedly are of Indian nationality.
Sudhi on the trade agreement, see the joint statement that was adopted few days back when the Prime Minister visited United States, it is a very clear language in the joint statement as to how both sides are going to move forward on this bilateral trade arrangement by fall of 2025. So, I would refer you to that. But just to highlight that. Both sides have agreed to negotiate the first tranche of a mutually beneficial multi-sector bilateral trade agreement by fall of 2025. The joint statement in fact also refers that the two sides will take an integrated approach to strengthen and deepen bilateral trade across goods and services sector and will work towards increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and deepening supply chain integration.
So, you know, as per the agreement in the joint statement, now in the next phase we will move forward on the trade issues that are there to be handled.
Ajay, whether your question is regarding, you know, specific confirmation. I just said that, you know, relevant agencies and department in Government of India are looking into the matter and therefore first let them have a … let them look into the matter, study the issues at hand and thereafter, you know, we will come up with, at this, come up with whatever we have to say and update you. At this point in time, it is a little premature for us to comment on this matter.
Agni, your question regarding minority issues in Bangladesh. We all are aware what has happened in the last several months. There have been issues regarding security and safety of minorities in Bangladesh. In fact, this was an issue which came up for discussion during Prime Minister's visit in Washington as well and we relayed our concerns as what's happening in Bangladesh.
Kunal Dutt, PTI: This is Kunal Dutt from PTI. Two-part question. One is on the Prime Minister's recent visit to US. The issue of deportation, I am not to know … in which language it came up during the bilateral talks, but it did come out after as an outcome that they will try to clamp down on the system, the ecosystem that promotes and which allows him to thrive. Has there any roadmap being drawn since the return of the Prime Minister about the illegal deportations, I mean the illegal migration, sir, number one. And number two, the talks about Russia-Ukraine crisis now being seen happening at two places, the two poles rather, one is in Europe, Paris and the other in Riyadh. India has maintained a very constant position of being on the side of peace, but in the light of the recent development, is India recalibrating its position or does it still maintain the same position? Thank you.
Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Sir, namaskar main Neeraj Dubey Prabhasakshi se. Mere do sawal hain. Pahla sawal ye hain ki aisi khabrain hain ki jo Chinese nausena hain woh Australia ke pass jo exercise kar rahi hain usse tanav bana hua hain, aur us tarah ki reports hain ki wahan par exercise karna jo hain woh samanya ghatna nahi hain. Toh kya Quad netaon ke iska koi sangyan liya hain, ispar kuch MEA ki pratikriya?
Aur dusra sir, do din pehle Pakistan ne phir se wahi apni purani chaal chalte hue ki sansad mein prastav paarit kiya hain ki Kashmir mein janmat sangrah karaya jana chahiye.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, greetings. I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. I have two questions. The first question is that there are reports suggesting that the Chinese navy's exercises near Australia are causing tensions. These reports indicate that such exercises are not a routine event. So, have the Quad leaders taken note of this? Any response from the Ministry of External Affairs on this? And secondly, sir, just two days ago, Pakistan once again resorted to its old tactic by passing a resolution in their parliament that there should be a referendum in Kashmir.
Raghavendra Verma, German Television, ZDF: Raghavendra Verma from German Television, ZDF. Sir, it's about the illegal immigrants. You had earlier mentioned that illegal immigration is connected to organized crime. So, does Indian Government consider those involved in illegal immigration as also criminal in any way? And there were reports that at least one tried to go again abroad after being unsuccessful for the first time. So, all these individuals who come back they retain their passports? Are they free to go again out whenever they want, or is there something else Indian Government has planned?
Shailesh Kumar, National Defense: Thank you, Sir. I'm Shailesh from National Defense sir. During the visit of our Prime Minister to Washington D.C., sir. President Trump offered F-35 out of blue, but there have been lingering deliveries of GE F404 engine for LCA assembly, and the Chief has raised that issue. Was this issue discussed of the lingering deliveries of engines, Sir?
Sandra, DW: Sandra from DW. Just a question regarding the big visit of the European Union Commission next week. Clearly, they would want to revitalize the free trade agreement talks, which have been going on for 18 years. What are India's expectations, given the shift in global order?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Kunal, first regarding your question about illegal immigration. This matter has been discussed here in India at the highest level and this matter was discussed in Washington as well. If you read the Joint Statement, there is expansive language on illegal immigration conveying the commitment of both countries to combat it. Prime Minister, in his statement in Washington, also made it very clear that human trafficking needs to be fought by India, United States and all countries who have a stake in it because we need to fight it tooth and nail. It does not serve the purpose ... anybody's purpose. If you look at the Joint Statement carefully, it has very strong language as to how both countries want to fight illegal immigration and how they want to take it forward. It talks about both countries aggressively addressing illegal migration and human trafficking by taking strong action against bad actors, criminal facilitators and illegal immigration networks to promote mutual security of both countries. It also talks about illegal immigration networks, organized crime syndicates including narco-terrorists, human and arms traffickers as well as other elements who threaten public and diplomatic safety and security and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations. So, very strong language, very strong commitment between the two countries to fight illegal immigration and along with it associated organized crime and several other elements, criminal elements that form part of the network.
On Russia-Ukraine crisis, see Kunal, our position, there are talks that are happening in several parts. Our position on this particular issue is very clear. We have called for, and we have maintained this consistently that we want both parties involved to resort to dialogue and diplomacy and take this process forward. Our Prime Minister, when he was addressing the press conference in Washington, yet again, made it very clear that this is not an era of war, and that there is no solution for any conflict on the battlefield. So, our position has been consistent, and our position remains that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward.
Neeraj, phela sawal aapka jo hai Kashmir ko lekar. Dekho Kashmir ko leke hamara jo position hai main phir se rakhna chahta hoon aapke saamne. Jammu Kashmir bharat ka abhin anag hai aur rahega aur isme koi do rai nhi honi chahiye.
Aur jahan thak Indo-Pacific kshtra ki baat hai, waha par humara position bada clear hai, ki jo bhi chije waha hoti hain, wo international law ke hisaab se honi chahiye, aur koi bhi waha par agar koi dispute ya conflict ho, to usko shantipurn dhang se usko suljhana chahiye.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]: Neeraj, your first question regarding Kashmir—let me reiterate our position. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, it always has been, and it will remain so. There should be no doubt or confusion about this.
When it comes to the Indo-Pacific region, our position is very clear that whatever happens there should be in accordance with international law. And if there is any dispute or conflict, it should be resolved peacefully.
Again, on illegal immigration, we are committed to fight it tooth and nail. It is of course linked to organized crime. I understand that some arrests have been made here by respective state police and Governments to crack down on illegal immigration. Some of the people who have come back, they have gone home. In some cases, there may have been other issues, whether they are free or not to go here and there those are issues that will be looked into by people. But when they have gone home, they have not been arrested.
[Inaudible]
See, no once a passport is issued, there is certain procedure that is adopted, and those things will be taken into account as and when travel documents are being issued to you.
Shailesh, your question was regarding GE engines. The delayed delivery of GE engines was taken up during Prime Minister's visit. We remain engaged with the U.S. side on all aspects relating to contracted defense articles including the timely deliveries. Furthermore, during the visit of the Prime Minister, as you are aware, you would have seen it, it was decided that the two sides have agreed to conclude a new 10-year framework for the US-India major defense partnership in the 21st century. This is also reflected in the joint statement. So yes, to answer your question, this particular issue was discussed during Prime Minister's visit.
The other question that you asked was regarding F-35. The India-US joint statement mentions that the U.S. side is reviewing its policy on releasing fifth generation fighters to India. President Trump had also made a reference during the press conference to F-35 aircraft. No formal acquisition process for a fifth-generation fighter has been initiated as yet at our end.
Regarding your question, yes, we will be putting out press release on the upcoming visit. European Union-India strategic partnership is very important for us, and we are looking forward to this particular conversation happening at the high level so that we can further strengthen India-EU partnership. Hopefully, soon we will issue, announce the visit of the incoming high-level delegation from the European Union. All aspects of the relationship including trade issues, technology issues will be discussed during the visit.
Huma Siddiqui: Sir, there are reports about a Kenyan diplomat son allegedly raping a minor. So, what is the MEA doing about it? Is there any update? And my second question is, during the PM's visit to the U.S., did the two sides talk about India getting crude from Venezuela?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Sorry?
Huma Siddiqui: From Venezuela, can we restart on the Government level, not at the commercial level?
Abhishek Jha: Hi, Sir. Abhishek Jha this side. During the recent visit of Turkish President in Pakistan, he said that Turkey stands in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers. So, my question is that, has MEA taken note of this statement and what is your stance on that? Also, we have learned from media reports that there is some negotiation between Indian Government and the Taliban establishment of our diplomat accredited with Taliban, being posted in India. Do you have any update on that?
Mukesh: Sir, last I checked from parliamentary questions, there were over 2269 illegal American migrants in India some years ago. What is the current situation and what are our plans to send them back?
Sanjeev Trivedi, News24: Sir main Sanjeev Trivedi, News24 television se. Jo is waqt baatain ho rahi hain maujuda jo debate hain USAID wali mamle mei, usmai ye hain ki 21 million dollars aaye ya nahi aay. Jo Elon Musk ka department hain woh abhi bhi us tweet ko kayam rakhe hua hain ki 21 million dollars Bharat aaye the, iske alawa President Trump ke tarah se bhi ye kaha gaya, lakin jo reports aayi hain aaj kuch akhbaron mei woh kehti ki woh Bharat aaya hain nahi. Ab aapke jawab se ye lagta hain ki jaanch agar chal rahi hain toh shayad woh Bharat aaya tha aur is hisab se jaanch chal rahi hain ki Bharat mei woh receive hua tha. Kya aap yahi kehna chah rahe hain?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Sanjeev Trivedi from News24 television. Regarding the ongoing debate on the USAID matter, the discussion is about whether the 21 million dollars were received or not. The department of Elon Musk still maintains that the 21 million dollars came to India, and this was also mentioned by President Trump. However, reports from some newspapers today suggest that the money did not come to India. Based on your response, it seems that if an investigation is underway, perhaps the money did come to India, and the investigation is focused on whether it was received in India. Is that what you are implying?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Let me come to these questions.
Huma, first your question regarding the issue involving a Kenyan student from the Kenyan embassy. We have requested the Kenyan Government to waive diplomatic immunity of the person concerned, so that the investigation in the matter can go forward, and we are pursuing this matter with the Kenyan Government. On the issue of crude from Venezuela, I don't think this is a bilateral matter between .... This particular matter rests with India and Venezuela, not between India and the United States. I don't have an update on that, but we will come back to you.
Abhishek, regarding your question on the issue of Kashmir, which was raised in Pakistan. We reject such objectionable comments on matters which are internal to India. We have lodged a strong protest with the Turkish Ambassador in Delhi. Such unwarranted statements on India's territorial integrity and sovereignty are unacceptable. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. No other country has any Locus standi to comment on it. Instead of commenting on internal affairs of another country, it would have been appropriate if Pakistan's policy of using cross-border terrorism against India, which remains the biggest threat for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, had been called out.
[inaudible]
We do not comment on hypothetical comments, situations, and developments. That is how we look at your question.
Mukesh ji mere pass aapke sawal ka koi update nahi hain, aapne kahan se 2269 log yahan illegally reh rahe hain. Toh illegally jo bhi yaha reh raha hain, avaidh roop se reh raha hain, jo hamari sansthayain hain woh uspe karyarat hote hain. Aur uske apne kaanonvadh, vidhivadh jo karna hain … current number ka mere pass update nahi hain, toh main aapko … jo sansathayain hain unke pass number hoga ki kitne log detention mei hain ya jail mei hain jo avaid roop se reh rahe hain yahan par, aur unke sath kya karya kiya ja raha hain, aur mere pass koi update nahi hain, update aane ke baad mei aapko bataunga.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Mukesh ji, I don’t have any update on your question. You mentioned 2269 people are residing here illegally. As for those who are living here illegally, our institutions are working on this matter and taking legal action as required. I don’t have an update on the current number. But the concerned agencies would have the figures on how many people are in detention or jail for staying here illegally, and what actions are being taken with them. Once I get an update, I will inform you.
Sanjeev, aapke sawal se laga hua sawal pahle aaye hue the USAID pe, uspe humne kaha ki jo hamare yahan jo sansthayain hain, jo mantralaya hain woh is mudde ko dekh rahi hain, aur ek baar jab hum logon ko thoda aur imformation milega, toh uske baad jo hain hum ispe aage kuch aur bol sakte hain. Is samay ye premature hain ki koi public comment karna, toh jo maine kaha ki isse jyada abhi mere pass kehne ko kuch nahi hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Sanjeev, several questions related to your query about USAID have already been raised. We have stated that the relevant institutions and ministries here are looking into the matter, and once we have more information, we will be able to speak further on this. At this time, it is premature to make any public comment, so as I mentioned, I don’t have anything more to say on this for now.
With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press conference. Thank you.
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