Ministry of External Affairs Weekly Media Briefing on 01 August 2025

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, friends. Let us begin this session. I open the floor for questions.

Sidhant Sibal, WION: Sir, my question is related to the US announcement on sanctions on few companies, Indian companies involved in trading with Iran. What is India's response to that and have we raised the matter with the American side? And my second question is, Donald Trump has done series of tweets. In one of the tweets, he has said that India may one day buy oil from Pakistan. Do you think this proposal is feasible?

Rishabh, Times Now: Sir, good evening. Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has just done a press conference where they have had objection over the debate on Operation Sindoor. They had released a statement the day discussions happened and today they have reiterated their objections. Also have questioned the timing of Operation Mahadev saying that it was basically done to ensure that before the discussion this could have happened, and it is nothing but a fake encounter.

Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist: Uma Shankar Singh, independent journalist. Kuch media outlets mein khabar chhapi hai ki Bharat ki tel kampaniyon ne Russia se tel kharidna band kar diya hai kya yeh sahi hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Uma Shankar Singh, independent journalist. Some media outlets have reported that Indian oil companies have stopped buying oil from Russia. Is this true?

Sahil Pandey, ANI News Agency: Sir, I am Sahil Pandey from ANI News Agency. Sir, my question is related to Nimisha Priya. There were multiple claims made by many stakeholders. What is the update on this case, sir?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, first let me, Sidhant, come to your question on the sanctions. We have taken note of the sanctions, and we are looking into it.

On the other question about proposed oil sale, etc… look, I would say that I have no comments to offer in this particular matter.

Rishabh, on Operation Sindoor, you saw that we had detailed discussion and debate in the Indian Parliament. I would refer you to the statements made by our leaders there, including External Affairs Minister. Also, on Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, you have seen how our leaders have spoken about it and the kind of importance it has for India.

Uma Shankar ji aapka sawal dekhiye jahan tak urja zarooraton ki sourcing ki baat hoti hai, us par hamara jo broad approach matlab jo hamara approach aur ravayya hai usse aap bhalibhanti avagat hain, ki jo bazaar mein antarraashtreey bazaar mein jo tel milta hai kis bhav par milta hai aur us samay ya is samay jo bhi vaishvik maahaul hai isko leke hum is par nirnay karte hain. Jahan tak specific aapke sawal ke baare mein baat hai main isse koi avagat nahin hoon. I am not aware of it.

I don't have details of these specifics.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Uma Shankar ji, regarding your question — as far as sourcing our energy requirements is concerned, you are well aware of our broad approach, meaning our overall approach and stance. We take decisions based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and depending on the global situation at that time. As for the specifics of your particular question, I am not aware of it. I don’t have details of these specifics.

So, you know, on our energy sourcing requirements, you are aware of our broad approach that we look at what is there available in the markets, what is there on offer, and also what is the prevailing global situation or circumstances. Now, on the specific question, I am not aware of the specifics that you mentioned.

On Nimisha Priya case, Sahil, last time when we had the press conference, I had made you aware of our position and had informed you and I would like to yet again reiterate that this is a sensitive matter, and the Government of India has been extending all possible assistance in this case. As a result of our concerted efforts, you have seen that the sentencing was deferred … it has been postponed. We continue to closely follow the matter and render all possible assistance. We are also in touch with, as I said last time, we are also in touch with some friendly governments on this particular issue. I would also like to underline this particular point that this is a sensitive and complex case and therefore, I would urge all to be mindful that media reports based on speculation and misinformation are not helpful at all.

In so far as the reports claiming that there has been certain developments etc., such reports are incorrect. Please wait for an update from us, this is a sensitive matter, and we urge all sides to stay away from misinformation.

Nimisha Priya case ke maamle mein hum logon ne aapko pichhle presser mein avagat karaya tha kya sthiti hai, hum logon ne aapko bataya tha ki yeh ek sanvedansheel maamla hai aur ismein Bharat Sarkar hamare taraf se jo bhi madad ho sakta hai vah kar rahi hai. Aur hamari madad ke kaaran, hamare efforts ke kaaran, jo unka sentencing tha vah sthagit ho gaya, jo 16 July ko hona tha. Hum log is maamle mein nazar rakhe hue hain aur jo bhi humse madad ho sakta hai vah karne ke liye aggrasar hai, tayyar hai aur is par kaam kar rahe hain, jaisa ki maine aapko pehle bataya tha ki kuch jo friendly foreign governments hain unke saath bhi hamari is mudde par baatcheet ho rahi hai. Ek baar phir main dohrana chahta hoon is baat ko ki yeh ek bada sanvedansheel aur thoda complex sa maamla hai aur jis prakar ki media reports aati hain, jo misinformation aur speculation par aadharit hota hai vah is maamle ko deal karne mein bhi usmein bahut saare mushkilen paida karti hai, isliye hamara aap logon se aur un logon se, kai ek logon se yeh agrah rahega ki is misinformation se thoda door rahe. Jahan tak kuch claim jo bataya gaya tha pichhle kuch dino mein voh niraadhaar hain aur yeh ek baar phir main kehna chahunga ki ek sanvedansheel maamla hai aur misinformation se thoda door rahe aap log.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Regarding the Nimisha Priya case, we had informed you in the previous presser about the situation. We had told you that this is a sensitive matter, and in this, the Government of India is extending all possible assistance from our side. Because of our support, because of our efforts, the sentencing which was to take place on 16th July was stayed. We are closely monitoring this matter, and we are committed, prepared, and actively working to provide whatever help we can. As I had mentioned earlier, we are also in discussions on this issue with some friendly foreign governments. Once again, I want to reiterate that this is a very sensitive and somewhat complex matter, and the kind of media reports that appear — based on misinformation and speculation — create many difficulties in handling this case. Therefore, our request to you and to others, to many people, is to stay away from such misinformation. As for certain claims that were made in the past few days, they are baseless. And once again, I would like to emphasize that this is a sensitive matter, and it is best to stay away from misinformation.

Manish Jha, TV9 Bharatvarsh: Sir main Manish Jha hoon TV9 Bharatvarsh se. Mera sawal yeh hai ki Rashtrapati Trump ne kaha hai ki jo tariff laagu hoga … vah saat tareekh se laagu hoga, India par 25% ka hai, jabki Pakistan par 19% ka hai, to hum kis tareeke se ise deal kar rahe hain, kya negotiation ka kya status hai iske baare mein agar aap keh sake?

Aur doosra ki White House ki taraf se aadhikarik taur par yeh demand ki gayi hai ki Rashtrapati Trump ko Nobel Prize milna hi chahiye kyunki unhone 6 mahine mein 6 cease fire kara diye hain to India isko kis roop mein dekh raha hai? Thank you.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Manish Jha from TV9 Bharatvarsh. My question is that President Trump has said the tariff will be implemented from the 7th; it is 25% on India, while it is 19% on Pakistan. How are we dealing with this, and what is the status of negotiations—could you clarify?

And secondly, the White House has officially demanded that President Trump must receive the Nobel Prize because he has managed six ceasefires in six months. How does India view this? Thank you.

Madhurendra, NewsNation: Sir Madhurendra main News Nation se. Sir mera sawal yeh hai ki ek taraf to hum America ko apne strategic partner ke taur par aur allies ke taur par dekh rahe hain, doosri taraf hum tariff ki maar bhi jhel rahe hain, aur teesri taraf hum penalty jaise shabad ka istemaal bhi dekh rahe hain jo Trump Bharat ke khilaf kar rahe hain kyunki hum BRICS mein partner hain. To aapko lagta hai ki jis tarah ke sambandhon ki sthiti Bharat-America ki thi vah damadol ho chuki hai aur us par ek stand lene ki zaroorat hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. My question is that on one hand we see America as our strategic partner and ally, but on the other hand we are also bearing the brunt of tariffs. And thirdly, we are hearing the use of terms like "penalty” that President Trump is applying against India because we are a partner in BRICS. Do you think the state of India–US relations has become unstable, and that it is now necessary to take a clear stand on this?

Pranay Upadhyay, TV Today Network: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from TV Today Network. My question pertains to President Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the tariff. It is in contradiction to the WTO norms. Is India going to take this issue to WTO? And if you can clarify, there were reports suggesting that India has declined the US offer of F-35 aircraft sale. What is the position on the fifth-generation fighter aircraft acquisition?

Sridhar: Sir, regarding President Trump’s tweets, what is your assessment of the impact on the Indian economy, also factoring in the threat of sanctions on the energy and military hardware purchases from Russia? And will all this also impact cooperation within the Quad? For instance, President Trump is slated to make a visit to India later this year. We have already seen the Australian PM in Beijing, so will this inevitably affect the functioning of the Quad? Thank you.

Siddhant, CNN News 18: Hi sir, I am Siddhant from CNN News 18. Sir, Secretary Rubio spoke to an American television network yesterday. In fact, he said that India is a friend and ally, but there is a point of irritation in the relationship because of India buying energy from Russia. Your comments on that. Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, so several of the questions are similar, so let me first..

Manish, aapka sawal dekhiye tariff ka jahan tak maamla hai is par sarkar ki taraf se ek statement jari kiya gaya hai aur main chahunga ki aap us statement par apna nazar … apni nazar us par laaye. Jahan tak White House ke vaktavya ka sawal hai mera aapse maanna hoga ki aap is sawal ko White House ko le jayein to zyada behtar rahega.

Madhu, aapka sawal Bharat–America saajhedaari ke baare mein hai ki kaise aap isko aage jaate dekhte hain? Sahi hai? Dekhiye Bharat aur America ke beech mein ek comprehensive global strategic partnership hai. Yeh global strategic partnership hamare saajha interests, hamare loktantrik moolyon aur hamare jo majboot people-to-people ties, logon ke beech mein jo aatmiyata hai is par aadharit hai. Yeh saajhedaari kai ek badlaav aur chunautiyon ka saamna kar chuki hai. Abhi hamara focus hai ki jo substantive agenda hum dono deshon ne tay kiya hai aur hum jiske committed hain us par hum kendrit rahein, aur yeh hamara vishwas hai ki saajhedaari aage badhti rahegi.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Manish, regarding your question on tariffs — the government has already issued a statement on this, and I would encourage you to look at that statement. As far as the White House’s remarks are concerned, my view is that it would be better if you direct that question to the White House itself.

Madhu, your question is about the India–US partnership and how we see it moving forward, correct? Look, between India and the United States there exists a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership is based on our shared interests, our democratic values, and the strong people-to-people ties, the closeness between our peoples. This partnership has withstood several changes and challenges. At present, our focus remains on the substantive agenda agreed upon and committed to by both countries, and we are confident that this partnership will continue to move forward.

I think many would like to have this in English, I guess. India and the United States share a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that the two countries have committed to, and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward.

Pranay aapka pehla sawal tariff ke mudde ko lekar hai, us par mera aapse anurodh rahega ki is par Bharat Sarkar ki taraf se ek statement jari ki gayi hai jo ki public domain mein hai. Iske alava hamare vanijya mantri ne bhi Parliament par statement diya hai, to main aapka aur sabhi log jo is mudde par interest rakhte hain unka dhyaan udhar aakarshit karna chahunga.

Jahan tak raksha waali baat jo aapne uthai uski baat hai, to main yeh kehna chahunga ki dekhiye Bharat aur America ke beech mein jo raksha–suraksha ki jo partnership aur saajhedaari hai yeh kaafi majboot hai, aur aane wale dino mein aur kuch hi haal hi ke dino mein, haal hi ke saalon mein ismein aur bhi majbooti aayi hai. Aur yeh potential hai ki yeh partnership, yeh saajhedaari aage chale. India–US compact saajhedaari samajh jo hum logon ne banayi hai 21vi shatabdi ke liye, uske tahat aur aage badhti rahe.

Jahan tak specific sawal aapne uthaya F-35 ke baare mein, usko main aapko kahunga ki jo relevant mantralay hai unko apna sawal aap wahan le jayein to achha rahega, us par vah spashteekaran de sakte hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Pranay, your first question regarding the issue of tariffs. On that, I would request you to note that the Government of India has already issued a statement, which is available in the public domain. In addition, our commerce minister has also made a statement in Parliament. So, I would like to draw your attention, and the attention of all those interested in this matter, to those statements.

As for the point you raised about defence, I would like to say this: the defence and security partnership between India and the United States is very strong, and in recent years, it has become even stronger. There is clear potential for this partnership to grow further. Under the India–US Compact for the 21st century, the understanding we have built together, this partnership will continue to expand.

As far as the specific question you asked regarding the F-35 is concerned, I would suggest that you take that question to the relevant ministry. They will be able to provide clarification on that particular issue.

Just to answer that question in English: We have strong ties with the United States. These ties have strengthened over the last several years and decades. There is potential for this partnership to grow further under the India–US compact for the 21st century. As far as the specific question was concerned, I said that it would be good if he took that question to the relevant ministry to give more details — share more details on that particular issue.

Sridhar, that should answer your question as well. I mean, that would answer, you know, how we look at the India–US partnership going forward in the light of recent developments.

On the impact of the economy, again, the commerce minister has made a statement. A statement was also made from the government side on this particular issue, where various issues have been talked about. We have talked about how we are looking into the implications of this. So, I would refer you to these statements.

Quad, yes, I told you that India-US partnership, I talked about the broader contours of the India-US partnership and that we remain committed and confident that the relationship will continue to move forward.

Siddhant, again, I have answered your question when I talked about India-US relationship. On the specific question of energy, you are well aware of our position, what is our approach towards sourcing energy requirements. It is based on what is there on offer in the markets as also on the prevailing global situation.

Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg: Sir, thank you. Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. Sir, if you could give us an understanding, I mean, the India-Russia relationship appears to have come under strain. Is there a change or a thinking to change the relationship with Russia? Where does that stand?

Smita: Hi. You know, I think a lot of questions about energy is arising, essentially, because in 2019, when you had the first Trump administration, it was under the US pressure that India stopped buying oil from Iran and brought it down to zero in May of 2019. So thereby, at a time when there is so much of complex strain in ties. And Mr. Trump has also equated BRICS, saying that this is an anti-US organization or a grouping. Is there a possibility that this could happen with Russian oil too?

And just a question, on the day … Jis din Pradhanmantri ne Sansad ke Sadan mein yeh kaha ki kisi bhi duniya ke neta ne … no world leader basically forced India to go into the ceasefire with Pakistan, within a few hours, President Trump, for the 30th time, reasserted that he had and the US had brokered the ceasefire. What I'm trying to understand is, has New Delhi at any stage over the past few months lodged an official protest, either in Delhi or DC, because if this were Canada or any other country, I think there would have been visible summoning and other forms of protest.

Ajay Banerjee, Tribune: Sir, good evening. Ajay Banerjee from the Tribune on this side. Sir, just to understand, by your statements which were given regarding Donald Trump's tweets, and the expected tariffs and penalties, if my reading is not wrong, kindly correct me, it looks as if India is taking it easy, and we are not really bothered about Trump's tweets and statements about tariffs and penalties, because the penalties also hinge upon our oil supplies and also Trump had mentioned Russian weapons, which we are hugely dependent on. So, am I reading it correctly that we are not overtly bothered?

Megha Sharma, NewsX: Hi sir, this is Megha from NewsX. My question again related to Russian oil sanctions, secondary sanctions and penalties that have been levied on a number of Indian companies. The External Affairs Minister has time and again in the past said that India's strategy for buying Russian oil has never been political. It has always been related to how global markets operate. But Trump's statements and the actions clearly show that the US is using it as a political tool. Are we looking at using sanctions and tariffs and penalties on United States when it goes on and deals in several capacities for trade with Pakistan, whether it's about establishing oil reserves or on what cryptocurrency negotiations, how is India going to take this forward, especially because India has difficult ties with Pakistan, and you've time and again said that it is a terrorist nation that needs to … the issue that needs to be addressed.

Milan: Sir, just wanting to understand that the opposition in the country at the moment is saying that we thought that Pakistan and China were the biggest trouble, problems for India. But now opposition is saying that US has also emerged as a bigger trouble. They are calling India-US relations a diplomatic failure because nothing has come out of Namaste Trump or Howdy Modi. So, how do you address the allegations of a diplomatic failure from the opposition side?

Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Kallol from The Hindu, Sir. Given the situation that the India-US relation is in right now, do you expect President Trump to participate in the Quad Summit later this year?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, Sudhi, our ties with any country or all the ties that we have with various countries, they have, they stand on their own merit and they should not be seen from the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership.

Smita, see, on energy sourcing, we have made it very clear what our approach is. I have said this so many times and I have repeated it earlier as well, so I would, you know, refer you to that. On the question of ceasefire also, from this podium also we made it clear. It has been, there have been several locations in which Government of India has made its position very clear. We have, this is what I am saying, we have conveyed our position publicly on this particular issue.

Ajay, to answer your question, see, the sourcing of … I talked about broader contours of India-US relations. Sourcing of defence requirements that you talked about is determined solely by our national security imperatives and strategic assessment.

Similarly, the sourcing of energy needs, we are guided by what is available in the markets and by prevailing global circumstances. We have a strong defence and energy partnership with the United States which has been strengthened in the last several years. There is a potential for this partnership to grow further under the India-US COMPACT for the 21st century.

Megha, again, you know, on energy issues we have made our position very clear, so I would refer you to what I have said on these matters.

Milan, on India-US ties, I have just told you how we look at this relationship. As far as other things that you talked about, there has been a debate where External Affairs Minister has spoken at length, so I would refer you to his statement in the Parliament.

Kallol, on your Quad Summit again, please. The two countries are committed, as I have said, and we are confident that this relationship will continue to move forward.

Ayanangsha Maitra: Thank you sir, Ayanangsha Maitra. Sir, about a fortnight back we have seen a maiden visit of MOS Pabitra Margherita to Eswatini, a country which is the only African country which stayed back from signing the Changsha Declaration of China. At the same time, we have a good amount of Gujarati diaspora in the country. So, if you could kindly share the details and outcome, and also the interest from the country. Thank you, sir.

Krishnamohan Sharma: Sir mera ek local question hai but global importance ka hai. Abhi ek operation poore Bharat mein hua jismein pata chala ki Changur jo hai vah Pakistan ki madad se hamare Hinduon ko convert karke Muslim banata tha aur prataadit karta tha. Usmein bahut saare aise evidence mile ki Pakistan ne directly–indirectly financially unki madad ki hai aur madad karne ke saath-saath isko aur badhane ki unko anumati di hai.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I have a local question, but one of global importance. Recently, an operation was conducted across India in which it was revealed that Changur, with the help of Pakistan, was converting our Hindus into Muslims and persecuting them. A lot of evidence was found showing that Pakistan had directly and indirectly provided financial assistance, and along with that, had also permitted the expansion of this activity.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay.

On Eswatini, it is a beautiful country. We have strong ties with Eswatini. I remember a few years back, President of India had visited Eswatini.

Now, we have our Minister of State visiting Eswatini. It is an important partner for us, an important global south partner. We are doing several things on the development cooperation front in Eswatini. And we want this partnership to grow further. We also have a small diaspora there. It is a beautiful country and we want to see how we can strengthen our ties with this country.

Krishna Mohan ji dekhiye jahan tak sawal aapka hai vah dekhiye is par to chhanbeen chal rahi hai, chhanbeen karne ke baad jo vaktavya aayega, jo us par Press Release jari ki jaayegi us par aapko aur jawab milega.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Krishna Mohan ji, as far as your question is concerned, an investigation is underway. After the investigation, whatever statement comes out and whichever Press Release is issued on it, you will receive further answers there.