New Delhi |Oct 05, 2025 | www.externalaffairs.in
In a comprehensive press briefing held at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal addressed a wide range of regional and international developments — from ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) to evolving ties with China, Canada, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The briefing underscored Bharat’s assertive and principled foreign policy, emphasizing sovereignty, accountability, and strategic engagement.
India Condemns Human Rights Violations in PoJK
Responding to multiple questions on the growing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Jaiswal said that Bharat has taken note of “reports of protests and brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians.” He stated that the developments were “a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach and systematic plundering of resources” in the region under its “forcible and illegal occupation.”
“Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrific human rights violations,” he stressed, reaffirming that “Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are integral parts of Bharat — have always been and will remain so.”
The strong statement comes amid widespread demonstrations in Muzaffarabad and other areas of PoJK, where locals have protested against economic exploitation and political repression by Pakistani authorities. India’s reiteration of its constitutional position on Jammu & Kashmir highlights New Delhi’s growing confidence in calling out Islamabad’s human rights record on international platforms.
India-Canada Dialogue on Security Cooperation Strengthens
On queries about the designation of the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization by Canada, Shri Jaiswal confirmed that the issue was discussed during a recent meeting between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie Drouin, on September 18. The two sides “held productive discussions on strengthening cooperation in counterterrorism, transnational organized crime, and intelligence sharing.”
He emphasized that India and Canada remain in touch on all security-related issues and are working to deepen existing mechanisms for collaboration. When asked about ongoing legal proceedings in the United States that reference Indian nationals, Shri Jaiswal reiterated that both India and Canada continue their engagement on all relevant matters under existing diplomatic frameworks.
Bangladesh’s Allegations Rejected as “False and Baseless”
In response to allegations by a Bangladeshi official blaming India for recent violence in the Kagrachari region, Shri Jaiswal categorically rejected the claims as “false and baseless.”
He stated, “The interim government of Bangladesh has repeatedly failed to maintain law and order and tends to shift blame elsewhere. It would do well to introspect and take strict action against extremist elements responsible for violence, arson, and land grabbing, especially targeting minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.”
The statement reinforces India’s stand that it has always prioritized peace and stability in the neighborhood, while calling on Dhaka to address domestic challenges responsibly.
Normalization Steps Continue Between India and China
On the resumption of direct air services between India and China by late October 2025, Shri Jaiswal confirmed that the agreement, reached after months of technical-level talks, marks a “positive step towards normalization of relations.”
“This agreement will enhance people-to-people contact, boost tourism, and promote business exchanges,” he said. While cautioning that broader issues remain, the MEA acknowledged the development as part of a “growing trend of normalization” following rounds of dialogue in Kazan, Delhi, and Tianjin.
Observers view the move as a carefully calibrated attempt by both sides to restore limited connectivity even as border tensions persist in certain sectors of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Afghanistan Visit: UN-Approved Travel for Muttaqi
Answering several questions about the upcoming visit of Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the MEA confirmed that the UN Security Council Committee has granted travel exemption for him to visit New Delhi from October 9 to 16, 2025.
Shri Jaiswal stated that “India will keep the media updated regarding the visit,” while clarifying that conversations between New Delhi and the interim Afghan administration continue to focus on humanitarian assistance, counterterrorism, and regional stability.
When asked whether India plans to extend formal recognition to the Taliban regime, Shri Jaiswal did not indicate any shift, maintaining that India’s engagement is pragmatic and issue-based, not political recognition.
India Welcomes U.S. Gaza Peace Initiative
Addressing questions about President Donald J. Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” Shri Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s official position:
“We have welcomed the plan and hope that all stakeholders will come together to support this effort to end the conflict and secure lasting peace.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“We welcome President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security, and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region.”
While India welcomed the initiative, New Delhi continues to advocate for a two-state solution and long-term stability through diplomacy, not violence.
India-CELAC Cooperation and Russia Partnership
Shri Jaiswal highlighted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) ministers in New York, focusing on Global South solidarity, critical minerals cooperation, and space technology partnerships. He thanked CELAC nations for their support to India at multilateral forums, particularly following the April terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir.
On Russia, the MEA spokesperson commemorated 25 years of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and technology. He acknowledged logistical and payment challenges but underlined that the “India-Russia relationship remains one of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
Summary: Assertive Diplomacy and Regional Balancing
The MEA briefing captured the essence of India’s current foreign policy — assertive, pragmatic, and rooted in national interest.
From calling out Pakistan’s repression in PoJK and rejecting disinformation from Bangladesh, to rebuilding cautious engagement with China and strengthening strategic partnerships with Russia, the Global South, and the U.S., India continues to assert itself as a stabilizing power amid global turbulence.
As Shri Randhir Jaiswal concluded, “Bharat’s diplomacy remains guided by principles — sovereignty, security, and self-confidence — ensuring our voice is heard, our interests protected, and our partnerships strengthened across the world.”
0 Comments