Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin our conversation.
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Hi sir, Sidhant from WION. Sir, we saw comment by the NATO SG regarding the Prime Minister being on phone call with the Russian President and talking about what's the strategy. We have seen increasingly such comments … but particularly regarding the NATO Chief's comments. Any response by the Indian side?
Shailendra Wangu, News18 India: Sir Shailendra Wangu, News18 India. Americi Rashtrapati Donald Trump ne ek naya order nikala hai 100% tariff pharma companies pe. Toh isse Indian companies pe kitna asar padega aur kya is mudde ko Bharat ne America ke sath uthaya hai?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Shailendra Wangu, News18 India. The U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a new order imposing a 100% tariff on pharmaceutical companies. How much impact will this have on Indian companies, and has India raised this issue with the United States?
Pranay Upadhyay, Aaj Tak, India Today: Sir Pranay Upadhyay, Aaj Tak, India Today se. Turkey ke Rashtrapati Erdogan ne Sanyukt Rashtra Sangh ke andar ek bayan diya hai jisme unhone kaha hai ki Kashmir mudde ko jo hai UN ke resolution ke tahat suljhaya jana chahiye aur is mamle pe Turkey apna samarthan deta hai. Is par apki tippani to dijiyega hi lekin sath hi batayega ki kya North Cyprus ko lekar Bharat ki niti hai aur Bharat is mamle ko kya UN mein uthane ja raha hai?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from Aaj Tak, India Today. The President of Turkey, Erdogan, has made a statement at the United Nations saying that the Kashmir issue should be resolved as per UN resolutions and that Turkey supports this position. We’d like your comment on this. Also, could you clarify what India’s policy is regarding North Cyprus, and whether India intends to raise this matter at the UN?
Ravindra Singh Robin, Independent Journalist: Ravindra Singh Robin, Independent Journalist. Sir, you have seen that as Harjeet Kaur was recently deported from US, as US was saying she was not possessing the required document to live there. So, how does India view this increase in deportation from USA as well as many visa fraud cases been popped up in many states in India. So, what steps MEA has been taking?
And my second question is that why did MEA issue an advisory to travel to Iran?
Unidentified Speaker: How many Indians have been recently deported by the US authorities? Is there a flight which landed in Punjab recently?
Megha Sharma, NewsX: Good Afternoon, Sir. My question is about the US administration making a statement of reclaiming the Bagram Air Base. There is also a meeting that has been held between President Trump and Asim Munir and Shahbaz Sharif. Do you see a potential involvement of Pakistan in aiding America in this initiative and what is your response? What is India's response?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, one by one. First to Sidhant's question. We have seen statement by NATO Secretary General Mr. Mark Rutte regarding a purported phone conversation between Prime Minister of India and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. This statement let me clarify is factually incorrect, and entirely baseless. At no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place. We expect the leadership of an important and esteemed institution like NATO to excise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements. Speculative or careless remarks that misrepresent the Prime Minister's engagement or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable.
As previously stated, India's energy imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy cost to the Indian consumer. Therefore, India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.
Shailendra, aapka sawal. Shayad kal ek notice aaya tha social media post pe, hum logo ne dekha hai ki naye tariff ki baat ho rahi hai pharma pe aur bhi anya kuch padarth pe. Is report ko hum logo ne dekha hai, aur hamare yahan jo mantralay jo vibhag isse sambandhit hai wo is mamle pe nazar rakhe hain aur us pe dekh rahe hain ki kya us par asar padta hai. Vishesh Jankari ke liye to main kahunga ki jo sambandhit mantralay hain yahan par unse baat chit karenge to jyada aapko Jankari mil sakti hai.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Shailendra, regarding your question—yes, we saw the notice that came out yesterday on social media posts mentioning new tariffs on pharmaceuticals and some other products. We have taken note of this report, and the ministries and departments concerned here are closely monitoring the matter to assess what impact it may have. For specific details, I would suggest that you speak directly with the concerned ministries, as they will be able to provide you with more comprehensive information.
Pranay, Kashmir ke mudde pe hum logo ka bayan saf hai, hamara kya position raha hai pichle gat salon mein, gat dhashkon mein usse aap sabhi log bhali bhathi wakif hain. Jahan tak north Cyprus ki aapne baat kahi, main aapka dhyaan akarshit karna chaunga jo videsh Mantri ki meeting hui Cyprus ke foreign minister se. Us pe yeh baat chit hui. Aur main waha par aapka dhyaan me akarshit karna chaunga ki videsh mantri ne is baat par baat chit ki aur yeh kaha gaya ki hum us baat ka samarthan karte hain ki ek comprehensive or lasting settlement ho Cyprus ke mudde pe in accordance with the agreed UN framework and relevant UNSC resolutions.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Pranay, on the issue of Kashmir, our position is very clear. You are all aware of what our stand has been over the past several years and decades. As for your point on North Cyprus, I would like to draw your attention to the meeting between our External Affairs Minister and the Foreign Minister of Cyprus. This matter was discussed, and the External Affairs Minister conveyed that we support a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue in accordance with the agreed UN framework and relevant UNSC resolutions.
Ravinder, coming to your question. First, the number of deportations that have happened from the United States. In the last several months, since January 2025, so far we have had 2,417 Indian nationals deported or repatriated from the United States. In the case of Ms. Harjeet Kaur, she also returned recently.
You are well aware of our position on migration. We want to promote legal pathways of migration. At the same time, India stands against illegal migration. Whenever there is a person who does not possess a legal status in any country, and he or she is referred to us with documents, if there are claims that he or she is an Indian national, we do the background check, we confirm the nationality, and then we are in a position to take them back. And this is what has been happening with deportations from the United States.
As far as visa fraud cases and other such matters are concerned, as I told you, we want to promote legal migration from India. At the same time, we want to see how best we can clamp down or curb illegal migration because that undermines our efforts to promote legal migration. Several ministries of Government of India have been working very closely with state governments to crack down on agents, on people who are promoting illegal migration, visa fraud that you mentioned. We are at the same time raising awareness about legal migration. We have also been issuing regular advisories for our nationals to stay away from the kind of employment opportunities that are being offered in Southeast Asia that you saw, or the advisory that we recently issued on Iran and several such movements that have taken place recently.
As I told you, we also are promoting that more and more people should look at e-migrate portal because that is comprehensive in nature. It will give you what are the steps to be taken for legal migration, which are the agencies which have been recruited, which have been certified by government of India and what are the do's and don'ts involved, what you have to do when you reach your destination, what sort of help can the Indian missions abroad give you, so on and so forth. So, all these details are there on e-migrate portal and I will request you to have a look.
The Protectorate of Immigrants, as you know, it has offices all across India. The Ministry of External Affairs works through them along with the State Governments to see how best we can promote legal migration and how best we can clamp down on illegal migration.
On the question of Iran, you would have seen our advisory as well. We just want to tell you that in recent months, we have seen that several Indian nationals on landing in Iran, they have been kidnapped by criminal gangs. Now, between Iran and India, we have a visa-free regime. But this visa-free regime is only valid for tourism purposes. There are agents, who in connivance with several others, have been luring our nationals to go to Iran for employment purposes. The visa-free entry is not meant for employment purposes. And, also giving them a pretext that through Iran you will be sent across to third countries for employment opportunities. So, we have issued an advisory so that people are aware of these facts, and what has been happening, and so that they can stay away from all these people who are promoting illegal migration. Recently, as I told you, several cases of kidnapping of Indian nationals have been reported, once they landed in Tehran.
Megha, on your question regarding Bagram Air Base. Yes, we have seen those reports, but I don't have any comments to offer on this particular matter, as I said last time as well. On the meeting between United States and some other countries that you referred, it is a question that you must take to them. But as far as India is concerned, we closely follow all developments that have an impact on our interests.
Huma Siddiqui: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui from Strat News Global. I have two questions. Number one, External Affairs Minister had a meeting with the SICA member countries, what was the outcome, if you can share those details?
And my second question is … is India looking at importing crude from Iran and Venezuela? Because this was apparently discussed during talks when the commerce team met with their counterparts there.
Brahm Prakash Dubey Zee News: Sir, main Brahm Prakash Dubey, Zee News se.. Mera sawal ye hai ki abhi haal hi mein Pakistan aur Saudi Arabia ke beech jis tarah se ek samjhauta hua hai, usko lekar Bharat kis najariye se dekhta hai kyunki usme saaf kaha gaya hai ki dono deshon mein se kisi bhi desh par agar koi bahari dikat aati hai to dono ka samuhik dikat samjhi jayegi. Thank you.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I’m Brahm Prakash Dubey from Zee News. My question is regarding the recent agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. How does India view this development, especially since it clearly states that if either of the two countries faces any external challenge, it will be considered a collective challenge for both? Thank you.
Niraj Kumar, News18 India: Sir, Niraj hoon News18 India se. New York mein Mohammad Yunus ne bataya ki Bharat aur Bangladesh ke beech tanav ki kya vajah hai. Usme ek vajah Sheikh Hasina ka Bharat mein hona bhi unhone mana aur chatra andolan ko Bharat pasand nahi karta hai, waha jo ho rahe hain. Toh in vajaho ko batai. Kaise dekh raha hai Videsh mantralay?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, this is Niraj from News18 India. In New York, Mohammad Yunus spoke about the reasons for tension between India and Bangladesh. He mentioned that one reason is Sheikh Hasina being in India, and another is that India does not favor the student protests taking place there. How does the Ministry of External Affairs view this?
Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist: Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist. Mera sawal Russia mein fase Bhartiyon ko lekar hai. Jo Bhartiya vapas laut gaye, kya uske baad kuch aur Bhartiyon ka waha pata chala hai? Aur agar ha, to kya unki vapasi ki jo prakriya hai wo kahan tak pahunchi hai?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist. My question is regarding the Indians stranded in Russia. After those who have already returned, has it come to light that there are more Indians still there? And if so, how far has the process of bringing them back progressed?
Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Thank you, Sir. Keshav Padmanabhan, from ThePrint. My first question is that the chief adviser of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus the other day was saying that when it comes to SAARC, there's only one country that is preventing the activities of the block. I've heard your statements before from this platform with regards to SAARC. But with this continuously coming up from Bangladesh, does the government of India have any clear statement on you know, what it wants to do with this organization?
And if you would permit me, a second question is in addition to the tariffs that Donald Trump announced last night. He has announced it on kitchen … some specific furniture, which is about 50%. India's largest export, about 1.1 billion dollars of furniture goes to the US every year. It is about 50%. So, is this on top of the additional 50% tariffs? Is there any understanding with the Government of India with regards to this? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: First, Huma, your question. We did have a meeting with SICA Foreign Ministers. This was held on 25th September. External Affairs Minister had a meeting with SICA Foreign Ministers. As you know, SICA is an important partner for us as far as South-South cooperation is concerned and the ambit of Global South solidarity is concerned. Both SICA and India are working together to advance collaboration, cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, renewable energy, food, health security and climate action.
As far as crude from Iran and Venezuela, I don't have any information in that regard.
Brahm, Pakistan aur Saudi Arabia ke beech mein jo sandhi hui hai, abhi defense pact hua hai. Uske bare mein hum logon ne ek vyakatv jari kiya tha. Aur pichle bar presser mein is baat par hum logon ne baat chit bhi ki thi. Humne ye kaha tha ki Bharat aur Saudi Arab ke beech mein ek samrik sajhedari hai jo ki pichle kuch saloon mein majboot hua hai, aur hamara ye umed hai ki hamari jo strategic partnership hai ya samrik sajhedari hai, ye apsi hito aur samvedanshilta ko dhyan mein rakhega.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Brahm, regarding the agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia—specifically the recent defense pact—we had already issued a statement. And in the last press briefing as well we discussed this matter. We had said that India and Saudi Arabia share a strategic partnership, which has strengthened over the past few years. It is our expectation that this strategic partnership will continue to take into account mutual interests and sensitivities.
Niraj former jo Pradhan Mantri hain Sheikh Hasina unke bare mein hum logon ne is manch se kai bar aapko bataya hai ki hamara kya position hai. Toh usse zyada mere pas aur kuch kehne ka nahi hai. Main chahunga ki aap hamare jo position pehle jo humne kaha hai, us par dhyan kendrit kare.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Niraj, regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we have already stated our position from this platform several times. I don’t have anything further to add beyond that. I would urge you to focus on the position we have articulated earlier.
Uma, your question. Aapka sawal Russia mein jo Bharatiya nagrik waha ke rusi sena mein hai unke bare mein hai. Dekhiye hal hi ke dinon mein hum logo ko pata chala ki kuch aur Bharatiya nagrik rusi sena mein unhone join kar liya hai. Yah baat hum logon ko unke parivar jan ke marfat se pata chala hai. Is baat ko hum logon ne dono taraf Russia mein unka jo yahan par dutavas hai aur Moscow mein jo unka sarkar hai dono ke sath hum logon ne fir se uthaya hai aur bahut majbuti se uthaya hai ki jald se jald jo hamare nagrik hain unko waha se riha kara jaye. kariban kariban 27 log hain jo abhi jiski hum baat kar rahe hain. 27 log jo Bharatiya nagrik abhi rusi sena mein kuch hal hi ke dinon mein bharti hue the aur unko hum log waha se nikalne ki koshish kar rahe hain.
Sath hi sath main aapko dhyan dena chahunga ki hum logon ne kai ek dafa pehle bhi ek advisory issue kiya tha ki log is prakar ka pralobhan de ke waha par bulaya jata hai usse bache. toh ek bar fir aapke madhyam se aur aap sabhi logo ke madhyam se ye main kehna chahunga ki, hamare jo waha ja ke rusi sena mein ja ke bharti hone ke baad jo khatra hai, jo jaan ka khatra hai is par log dhyan den. Aur usse jo waha pralobhan diya jata hai, jo jis prakar ka employment opportunities ki baat ki jati hai usse log bache.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Uma, your question is about Indian nationals who are in the Russian armed forces. Recently, we learned that some additional Indian citizens have been recruited into the Russian military — this information came to us through their family members. We have taken up the matter vigorously with our mission in Russia and with the authorities in Moscow, urging that our nationals be released and brought back at the earliest. There are roughly 27 Indians involved who were recently enrolled in the Russian forces, and we are working to get them out.
At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that we have previously issued advisories warning people to avoid such enticements that lead them there. Once again, through you and your platforms, I want to stress that people should be aware of the dangers involved in joining the Russian armed forces and should avoid the kinds of temptations or employment opportunities that are being offered there.
Keshav, see, India's position is very clear on connectivity. We want to promote regional connectivity and collaboration. As far as SAARC is concerned, we made our position very clear. There is one particular country which is responsible for holding progress in SAARC. And you know which country is that country.
On tariff issues, the latest tariff announcements, concerned departments of Government of India are looking into it, and hopefully we will have a greater understanding on this particular matter. But at the same time, let me also tell you that as you are aware, India and the United States, they are involved in a bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. These ongoing discussions naturally cover all areas of interest to us. And if you want any more specific details on this, as to how this tariff is going to play out, I would say that you will have to get in touch with Department of Commerce and the other relevant Government of India agencies.
Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Kallol Bhattacherjee, from The Hindu, Sir. President Trump has met the leadership of Pakistan and also General Munir, do you have a comment on that?
Jessica Taneja, DD India: This is Jessica Taneja, from DD India. In Bangladesh, the Chhatra Shibir which is affiliated to the Jamaat-e-Islami party has won a decisive victory in the Dhaka University student elections. Any comment on that?
Sanjay, ITV News: Sanjay from ITV News. There are news reports that the British Prime Minister is likely to take a trip to India in the first week of October. Could you tell us some more details about the agenda and the objective of the trip?
And also, the British victims of the Air India crash have been making a strong allegation that they are not being given any update about the investigation or what is happening with this whole thing. So, would you like to offer any comment on that? Thank you.
Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express se. Abhi Turkiye ka ek bayan aaya hai ki jo Jammu aur Kashmir mein jo cheez ho rahi hain khas karke jo kal parso mein jo waha pe durghatna hui, ki isko UNGA ke resolution ke hisab se isko solve kiya jaye aur ek tarike se wo Madhyasta karne ki bhi baat kar rahe hain sir.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I’m Krishna Mohan Sharma from Bharat Express. Recently there has been a statement from Turkey about what is happening in Jammu and Kashmir — especially the incident that took place the day before yesterday — should be resolved in accordance with UNGA resolutions, and they are also talking about mediating in this matter, sir.
Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg: Thank you, Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg, Sir. We saw the External Affairs Minister meeting his American counterpart recently. Can you give us an understanding whether H1B visas were raised? Is there an assurance from the United States?
And also, is India now trying to include the H1B visa issue in the trade talks? Therefore, including services as well?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, so let us get over these first. So, Kalol, first on your meetings that you talked about between the US President and other dignitaries. We have taken note of those meetings.
Jessica, I have no comments to offer on the university level elections that have recently been held in Bangladesh. On the parliamentary elections scheduled to be held in February of next year, we have repeatedly underlined our expectation of a smooth and peaceful democratic transition through free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in the country, in Bangladesh that is.
Sanjay, on the visit of the UK Prime Minister, we will update you as and when we have more details. These visits are announced at the appropriate time.
On Air India victims, I understand the investigation is going on. For more details, you will have to get in touch with the concerned GoI authorities. As far as I am concerned, I will try to get you some update on that.
Krishna Mohan ji, Kashmir ke mudde pe hamara ravaiya hamara paksh bada saaf hai. Usme koi badlav nahi aaya hai. Jahan tak Madhyasthatha ki baat hai waha bhi teesre kisi bhi paksh ki dwipakshiya muddo pe … Bharat aur Pakistan ke beech mein dwipakshiya jo mudde hain … usme koi jagah nahi hai teesre paksh ka.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Krishna Mohan ji, our stance on the Kashmir issue is very clear and has not changed. As far as mediation is concerned, there is no scope for any third party in the bilateral matters between India and Pakistan.
Sudhi, the External Affairs Minister had a meeting with Secretary of State Mark Rubio in New York. This was on 22nd of September. In the meeting, External Affairs Minister and Secretary of State were joined by Commerce and Industry Minister from our side and USTR from the American side. We also had several officials participating in that meeting. The focus of the discussion was on trade and tariffs. Other aspects of bilateral relationship were also discussed.
With regard to H-1B, let me tell you. You are aware that Ministry and our Embassy in Washington DC have been in active touch with the US administration. You would have seen after those changes were announced, subsequent to that, clarifications and FAQs were issued by the US side as to how it is going to play out. This is still an evolving situation, and we remain engaged at various levels.
Since you asked the question of H-1B, let me also tell you that we have also seen notice by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the proposed rulemaking, some of the new changes they want. Understand that stakeholders from the industries and others have been given a month to comment on it. As far as we are concerned, we have stated this earlier as well, skilled talent mobility and exchanges between India and the United States, they have contributed significantly to innovation, wealth creation, economic growth, competitiveness, productivity in the two economies. We want to remain engaged with all concerned, including the industry and we also hope that these factors that I just talked about will receive due consideration.
Shivam Patel, Reuters News: This is Shivam Patel, from Reuters News. Sir, a couple of weeks ago, you talked about the lifting of some economic restrictions by China after the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to India. I just wanted to follow up whether any sort of rare earth licenses or anything has developed on the rare earth front. And, also on the tunnel boring machines that were stuck in China for a while. Thank you.
Ajay Banerjee, Tribune: Good afternoon, I am Ajay Banerjee with the Tribune. I intend to ask you about … yesterday, Russian Deputy Prime Minister called on Prime Minister Modi. Can you share, because you have issued a press release about the talks that happened. Can you share, if we have flagged to the Russians during the meeting yesterday, or in the previous meetings we had … the Russian media has been reporting about additional military equipment being sourced from Russia?
Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. President Trump had said that India is one of the primary funders of the war on Ukraine because it is buying oil from Russia. Any comments on that?
And also President Erdogan had rigged up the Kashmir issue in UN. Do you have any comments?
Manish Chand, India Writes Network: Manish Chand, India Writes Network. As of now, what is the status of the Quad Summit? Will India be hosting it or is there a plan for another Quad country to host it?
And secondly, Malaysia will be hosting the ASEAN Summit towards the end of the month. Who will represent India? Will the Prime Minister be going? Thank you.
Nayanima Basu, Independent Journalist: Sir, this is Nayanima Basu, independent journalist. I wanted to understand from you, the EU has also said that while we want to upgrade ties with India, India's purchase of Russian oil remains an obstacle, and they have kind of tied it up with the progress in the India-U.S. FTA. So, can you share some comments on that please? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Shivam, first coming to your question. Our specific concerns on restrictive measures on trade and roadblocks to economic cooperation have been taken up with the Chinese side during various high-level exchanges, and we have been informing you of those. When our leaders met in Tianjin, they underlined the need to proceed from a political and strategic direction to address economic issues. Both sides have also agreed to explore and resume dialogue mechanism and exchanges to enhance cooperation while addressing each other’s concerns.
Ajay, your question regarding the visit of Deputy Prime Minister from Russia. Well, this visit happened yesterday. The Deputy Prime Minister of Russia is here along with a delegation to participate in the World Food Programme. On that occasion, he met with our Prime Minister where we discussed cooperation between the two countries, specifically in the fields of fertilizer, food processing, agriculture. There is a lot that we can do between the two countries. As far as defense cooperation is concerned, this is something which is ongoing between the two countries.
Yeshi on Kashmir, I have already answered, you know our position.
Manish, on the status of Quad. We see it as a valuable forum for discussion on shared interests in a number of areas. As far as leaders' level summit is concerned or is to be scheduled, these happen through diplomatic consultations or will happen through diplomatic consultations among the four partners.
Nayanima, your question regarding Russian oil. On Russian oil and energy sourcing, we have articulated our position very well, what is our broad approach to it. On the EU comments on Russian oil, let me also tell you and would like to attract your attention to some of the comments that have been made by several leaders, including President Trump; that EU and NATO and G7 countries should also look at halting energy imports from Russia. I mean, there cannot be any double standard in the matter.
With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press briefing. Thank you.
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