Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (July 25, 2024)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, we are happy to see all of you yet again. Let's open the floor.

Umashankar: Umashankar Singh, NDTV India se. American congress mei ek bar phir se ek tippani aayi hai, Pradhan Mantri Modi ke Russia daure ko lekar, usmai ye kaha gaya hai ki America niraash hai, jis tarah se timing chuni gayi aur jis tarah ka symbolism wahan se samne aaya. Halaki ye bhi kaha gaya hai ki koi… American najariye se ek aaklan pesh karne ki koshish ki gayi hai, ki koi bada jo defence deal hai woh nahi hua hai, koi technical sahyog ki koi baat nahi hui hai, toh ispe Videsh Mantralay ki kya pratikriya hai, America ke is tippani par?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Umashankar Singh from NDTV India. Once again, a comment has come from the American Congress regarding Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia. It has been said in it that America is disappointed with the timing chosen and the kind of symbolism that emerged from it. However, an assessment has been made from American perspective that no major defence deal has been done, and no technical cooperation has been discussed. So, what is the Ministry of External Affairs response to this comment from America?

Sidhant: Sir my question is on the Bangladesh situation, if you can apprise on the number of Indians who have come back and the situation, how it has impacted Indians? Second question, continuing with Uma Sir's question on the American comments, do you think that there is pattern in American comments regarding the Prime Minister's visit? How do you see it as?

Kadambini: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Ek travel advisory America ki taraf se jari ki gayi hai, jahan par North-East ki baat ki gayi hai, Manipur ki baat ki gayi hai, Central India, sab jagah ke baare mei kafi alarming tasveer pesh ki gayi hai, is par koi pratikriya?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. A travel advisory has been issued by America, wherein an alarming picture has been presented of the regions in North-East, Manipur, and Central India. Any response on it?

Rishabh:Sir, Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, in Canada, two people have been arrested for threatening Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, the same country where there have been constant death threats to our leaders, be it Prime Minister, be it External Affairs Minister, or our High Commissioner to Canada, first thing. Sir, second thing, there is a video of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, where he is saying that Canadian-Khalistani Sikhs have come to India to fight Indian forces. Is there any information on any Canadian citizen who was involved in any such incident here in India?

Madhurendra: Sir Madhurendra, main News Nation se. Jis tarah se China India ko sideline karke South Asia mei apni outreach ko badha raha hai, aur ye bhi dekha ja raha hai ki Nepal ko woh apne partnership mei behtar tarike se engage kar pa raha hai; Aapko lagta hai ki hum apne neighborhood mei jis tarah ke approach ko aage badha rahe hain, South Asia mei, usko hi counter karne ki ek nayi policy par China chal raha hai? Aur is pure hi CASAF ki jo meeting hai, paanchvi baithak hai, us par kya tippani hai?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. Considering how China is increasing its outreach in South Asia by sidelining India and also engaging with Nepal in a partnership in a better way, do you think that this is China's new policy, aimed at countering our approach in the neighborhood, in South Asia? And what are your comments on the fifth meeting of the CASAF?

Abhishek:Sir this is Abhishek Jha from CNN News 18. Okay. My question is regarding U.S. Assistant Secretary Donald Lu's comment, in which he has said that India has cancelled billions of dollars of purchase from Russian defence industry because Russia cannot deliver. So my first question is that, and second also, he has said that he has been in communication with the Indian government on their displeasure and disappointment with the Prime Minister's visit to Moscow. So could you please brief us on what kind of communication they have been in?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay. So let me come to the first question, which was asked by Umashankar and also Abhishek and Sidhant.

This pertains to the comments made in the U.S. Congress. You must understand that India has long-standing relationship with Russia, that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multi-polar world, all countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities. So that will be our response to your questions.

Uma ji aapne hindi mei pucha isliye main hindi mei bolna chah raha hoon. Hamari Russia ke sath purani maitri hai aur ye donon deshon ke rishton pe, interests pe aadharit hai. Ek bahu-dhruviy duniya mei, multi-polar world mei sabhi deshon ko ye aazadi hai ki apni-apni raah chune, apne-apne vikalp ko chune. Aur ye bhi jaruri hai ki ek nayi jo vastavikta hai, hakikat hai, log usse wakif ho, usko samjhein, aur uski prashansa bhi karein.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Uma ji, you have asked in Hindi, so I want to answer in Hindi. India has long-standing relationship with Russia, that is based on mutuality of interests. In a multi-polar world, all countries have the freedom of choice. It is essential for everybody to be mindful of and appreciate such realities.

Sidhant, the question on Bangladesh, so far, we have had over 6700 Indian students who have come back from Bangladesh. We have received excellent cooperation from the Bangladeshi Government. Our High Commission has arranged for their safe and secure travel to the border crossing points or to the airport, as the case may be. They also have several helplines, both our High Commission and our Assistant High Commissions, they are operating 24x7 helplines and all the people who are there, our students and our nationals, they can reach out to them and they have been rendering whatever assistance that has been requested for. So, that is the update on the student movement. We also feel that being a close neighbor with whom we share very warm and friendly ties, we are hopeful that the situation in the country would return to normal soon.

Kadambini aapka sawal travel advisory ko lekar hai. Travel advisory ek routine matter hai, jo har desh, jo-jo chahain woh usko issue karte hain. Hum logon ne bhi travel advisories issue ki hai, toh hum log isko ek routine matter ki najar se dekhte hain.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini, your question was about the travel advisory. Travel advisory is a routine matter that any country can issue as they deem fit. We have also issued travel advisories, so we see this as a routine matter.

Rishabh, you have asked two questions; one was regarding the arrests made in Canada for online threats given to their leaders. On that, we would like to say that we have seen these reports. When a democracy adopts different yardsticks to measure or implement the rule of law and freedom of expression, it only exposes its own double standard. We expect Canada to take action against anti-India elements who have repeatedly threatened Indian leaders, institutions, airlines and diplomats by violence. So we would like to see strong action or same level of action on the threats posed to us as well. On the second question about the video you talked about, relevant agencies are looking into it and hopefully we will get an update.

Madhu, aapne hamare padosi deshon ke baarain mei baat ki, pados mei Nepal ho, aur bhi desh jo hain hamare pados ke, aapko pata hai ki 'Neighborhood First' policy hamari neeti hai, aur uske tahat hum saare desh jo hamare neighborhood mei hain Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka aur anya desh jo hain, unke sath hum apni maitri ka rishta aur majboot kar rahe hain. Aur ye rishta Bharat aur un deshon ke beech mei hai, ye tisra desh kya kar raha hai ya nahi kar raha hai, ye ek alag baat hai, lekin jahan tak hamara manna hai, aur hamara prayas hai, hamari neeti hai, ki hum 'Neighborhood First' policy ko aur majboot karain aur ye jitne hamare desh hain, jinse hamare achhe, friendly relations hain usko aur majboot karain, aanewale dinon mei.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhu, you talked about our neighboring countries, whether it is Nepal or other countries in our neighborhood, you know that we have 'Neighborhood First' policy, and under this policy, we are strengthening our friendly relations with all the neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other countries. This relationship is between India and these countries. What a third country is doing or not doing is a different matter, but as far as we believe, our efforts and policy are to strengthen our 'Neighborhood First' policy and to further strengthen our relations with these friendly countries in the coming days.

Abhishek, I answered your question regarding… same question that was put by Rishabh.

Abhishek: Sir, regarding defence purchase from Russia?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:So, on the comments made by Donald Lu in the US Congress, we have conveyed what we had to, between as far as Russia and India concerned, it's a large, and it's a long standing relationship. There are several aspects to it and recently we had the visit of Prime Minister, we also issued a joint statement where different aspects of our relationship were highlighted, what are the areas where we are moving forward, there was thrust on economic aspects to the relationship. So, I would request you to have a look at the joint statement. You will get a clear idea of the direction of the relationship.

Yeshi: Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. U.S. Foreign Secretary, David Lammy was in India yesterday, and Prime Minister Modi said that they're looking at early conclusion of the FTA. Was any deadline set? Are meetings going to take place? Because, the British Prime Minister is also keen that this is concluded?

Suhasini:Suhasini Haidar from the Hindu. You spoke about Bangladesh a little earlier. Many like Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh have called for the international community, for Bangladesh's partners, the United Nations, to intervene in some way to stop the bloodshed. My question is not so much about the students, but about whether the government, whether the Prime Minister or External Affairs Minister have had any conversations with their counterparts in Dhaka about the situation over there? And, do you see the situation itself as one of concern?

Pranay:Sir, Pranay Upadhyay Zee News se. Mera sawal kuch domestic issues ko le kar hai, jismei Videsh Mantralay ka interest ho sakta hai. Kerala sarkar ki taraf se abhi haal hi mei jo ek notification aaya tha, ek adhikari ki niyukti ko le kar ke, jisko media mei 'Foreign Secretary' kaha gaya. Saath hi Paschim Bengal ki Mukhyamantri ki taraf se bhi jo bayan aaye hain, kya ye Business Allocation Rules ka ullanghan hai, aur isko lekar in sambandhit sarkaron ke sath kya Videsh Mantralay ne kuch kaha hai, baat hui hai, kuch aashvashan?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from Zee News. My question is regarding some domestic issues that the Ministry of External Affairs might have interest in. Recently, there was a notification from the Kerala government regarding the appointment of an officer, who was referred to as 'Foreign Secretary'. Also, there have been statements from the Chief Minister of West Bengal. Do these actions violate the Business Allocation Rules, and has the Ministry of External Affairs had any discussions with the concerned governments regarding this, or any assurance?

Ayushi:Sir this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. I have two questions. One is regarding the upcoming visit of our External Affairs Minister to Japan for the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting. Any discussion on the dates of the Summit expected between the Ministers, since India is the host? So if we can know when the Summit would happen, will that be later this year or early next year? Second, who will be representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of the Iranian President-elect Pezeshkian, which is scheduled later this month?

Ileana: Good afternoon. Ileana, TASS News Agency. My first question is on cooperation between India and Eurasian Economic Union. As we know, India and Russia agreed that they will explore the possibility of Eurasian Economic Union-India Free Trade Area. So have the negotiations started on this? What is your estimation of this possible FTA and when may it be created? And related to this issue, the question is, maybe India considers to join this Union, Eurasian Economic Union? And if you allow me one more question, on what stage are now the negotiations between India and Russia on RuPay in Russia and Mir cards in India? Thank you very much.

Neeraj: Sir main Neeraj Dubey Prabha Sakshi se. Bangladesh par hi mera prashn hai Sir. Sir wahan ke jo Videsh Mantri hain unhone West Bengal CM ke ek bayan par aapatti jatayi hai, aur kaha hai ki Bangladesh sarkar Bharat sarkar ko ek patra likh rahi hai, kya Bharat sarkar ko koi is baare mei patra mila hai Bangladesh se.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabha Sakshi. My question is also about Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh has expressed objections to a statement made by the Chief Minister of West Bengal, and mentioned that the Bangladesh government is writing a letter to the Indian government. Has the Indian government received any such letter from Bangladesh on this matter?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Yeshi, regarding the visit of UK Foreign Secretary, we had the visit yesterday, the official visit of UK Foreign Secretary. This has happened within one month of the swearing in of the new government in UK and it speaks of the kind of commitment that is there on both sides, and on the UK side as well on strengthening this partnership. UK Foreign Secretary met with the Prime Minister, called on the Prime Minister. He also had meeting with National Security Advisor and then bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister. Both sides recognized that positive movement have happened on the FTA negotiations, and hopefully both sides will take this forward, both sides are looking forward to a mutually beneficial and a balanced FTA outcome that serves both the countries. So we are positive, both the governments are positive on the negotiations.

Suhasini, your question regarding how do we see the developments in Bangladesh, we are aware of the situation in the country. We have been closely following the developments there. India considers the ongoing situation in the country to be an internal matter of Bangladesh. With the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh government, we were able to arrange for safe returns of our students, which we deeply appreciate. Being a close neighbor with whom, as I said earlier, we share very warm and friendly ties, we are hopeful that the situation in the country will return to normal soon. So that is how we look at the developments in Bangladesh.

Pranay, Kerala sarkar ko lekar aapne jo sawal kiya (your question regarding Kerala Government), I think there are others also who are asking this questions, so we will do it in English and Hindi both.

The Kerala government had issued an order where they have appointed a Secretary in charge of External Cooperation. Let's be very clear, the Constitution of India, under the Seventh Schedule, List-I, which is the Union List, Item Number 10, clearly specifies that Foreign Affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country are the sole prerogative of the Union Government. It is not a Concurrent subject. The Foreign Affairs is not a Concurrent subject and definitely not a State subject. Our position is that state government should not intrude into matters that are beyond their constitutional jurisdiction.

Bhartiya samvidhan ke tahat, saatve schedule mei, jo Union List hain, uska dasva jo item number hai, usmai bade saaf shadbon mei likha hua hai ki jahan tak videshi muddon ka sawal hai, foreign affairs ka sawal hai aur woh sabhi mudde jo bahar ke deshon se tallukat rakhte hain, woh jo prerogative hai, woh kendra sarkar ki hai, aur ye jo mudda hai, ye jo subject hai, teen list hain, jaise ki aap jante hain, Union List, State List and Concurrent List, ye Concurrent List ka bhaag nahi hai, aur State List ka bhi bhaag nahi hai. Toh aise situation mei jab ki samvidhanik pravdhan hain aur bahut spasth hain, aise mei jo rajya sarkar hain unko jo jurisdiction unke daayre mei nahi hain, usmei kisi prakar ka hastakshep nahi karna chahiye.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Under the Constitution of India, in the Seventh Schedule, List-I, which is the Union List, Item Number 10, clearly specifies that Foreign Affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country are the sole prerogative of the Union Government. And this subject…there are three such lists, as you know, Union list, state list and concurrent list…it is neither a part of the Concurrent list nor of state list. So, in such a situation, when there are constitutional provisions and are very clear, the state governments should not interfere in the jurisdiction which is not under their purview.

Ayushi, External Affairs Minister will be visiting Japan for the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting. The Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting is on 29th. At the meeting, the leaders will take forward what has been agreed to by the leaders, the Prime Minister, the Presidents of the country when they met last in Hiroshima and thereafter there was a follow-up meeting also in New York. So it's a good occasion. It is a valuable occasion for them to take forward the Quad agenda and take stock of all that has been achieved so far. On the question of the next Summit, it will be a matter which will be discussed as well. At the same time, all the Quad partners together, we are the presidency this time, we will discuss and find a suitable date to host this Summit. As and when we have confirmation on that account, we'll keep you updated.

On the question of Iran, I will let you know as and when we finalize our participation. So, hopefully in a day or two, as and when it happens, I will keep you informed.

Ileana, on the question about FTA between India and Eurasia Economic Union, this matter was discussed. It is part of the joint statement which was issued when Prime Minister went to Russia. I understand that the first initial meeting happened in March of this year and subsequent to that, now it is for both sides to mutually agree on a date, schedule, the next meeting and take things forward. So that is where it is. Both sides are in touch with each other to see how best they can take it forward. On the question of RuPay card and Mir card, these are very technical aspects and the technical teams in both countries are in touch with each other on this particular matter.

Neeraj aapka sawal Bangladesh ke Videsh Mantri aur hamari Bengal ki Chief Minister ko lekar tha. Toh yahan mei phir dohrahan chahunga.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, your question was about the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and our Chief Minister of West Bengal. So, I would like to reiterate here.

For everybody else, I would like to first speak English and thereafter make my comments in Hindi.

I can that we have received a diplomatic note, a communication from Bangladeshi side protesting the comments made by Chief Minister of West Bengal. It is essentially on the lines that you would have seen in the reports that have come out today. Again, I would like to underline that under the Seventh Schedule, List 1, Union List, Item 10 of our Constitution, the conduct of foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country are the sole prerogative of the Union Government.

Neeraj aapke liye, hum logon ko Bangladesh ki sarkar ki taraf se ek diplomatic note mila hai. Unhone ek protest kiya ki jo tippaniya di gayi hain West Bengal ki Chief Minister dwara, woh sahi nahi hain aur jo aapne reports dekhain hain, usi tarj par ye protest note bhi hai. Hum ye kehna chahenge ki Bhartiya samvidhan ke tahat, Bhartiya samvidhan mei sechedule 7 jo hai uske tahat, usmei List 1, Union List, item number 10 ke tahat jo videshi mamle hain, foreign affairs, aur woh sabhi mamle jo bahar ke deshon se jinka tallukat hai, woh Union List ke andar hain aur usmei Sirf aur Sirf Union Government hi uspe kaam kar sakti hai.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, to answer your question, we have received a diplomatic note, a communication from Bangladeshi side protesting the comments made by Chief Minister of West Bengal. It is essentially on the lines that you would have seen in the reports that have come out today. Again, I would like to underline that under the Seventh Schedule, List 1, Union List, Item 10 of our Constitution, the conduct of foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country are the sole prerogative of the Union Government.

Neeraj: Sir Neeraj hoon News 18 India se. Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi ke daure ke baad kya koi Bhartiya jo ki Russian sena mei hai, abhi unhain nikala gaya hai Russian army se? Abhi tak koi kamyabi mili hai Sir, daure ke baad?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Neeraj from News 18 India. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, have any Indians been discharged from Russian Army? Has there been any success in this regard, following the visit?

Ayanangsha:This is Ayanangsha Maitra, Sir. My question is regarding the budget allocation. In recent budget, we have seen, we have allocated about Rs 200 crore for Afghanistan, which is almost similar to the entire nations, all the nations of Africa. So, will this money be disbursed for some of the projects related to Chabahar, if not what? Secondly, is there any surge on visas given to the Afghan nationals in different categories? Thank you, Sir.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Can you repeat your question, second question?

Ayanangsha: Is there any surge of visas granted to Afghan nationals in several heads ranging from business to health?

Rishabh:Hello, Sir. Good evening again, Rishabh from Times. Sir, one more question pertaining to Canada. This week we have seen a temple, a Swaminarayan temple being vandalised with anti-Prime Minister slogan written on it and few of the Indian origin MPs have also been targeted in that vandalism. Can we have a response on that?

Huma: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. I have two questions. One, India has reopened its Mission in Libya. How many Indians are there and would it be safe for the Indian companies to do business there? My second question, there is a report today in Bloomberg, or was it yesterday, that Reliance has got permission to buy oil, crude from that country. So, what happens to the other companies like ONGC? Are they allowed to do business there?

Srinjoy: Sir, Srinjoy, Times Now. Sir, between the 11th of July to the 13th of July, and all these meetings happen in the morning, from all the way from Ladakh to Lipulekh to Sikkim to Arunachal; there were a series of meetings at different levels between Indians and the Chinese over different periods of time. Some were very long, some were short, but they happened within these three days. Can you tell us what the general agenda is, and if it is leading somewhere?

Sudhi:Sir, Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg, Sir. As you reiterated, Bangladesh is one of our closest neighbors, and India is keeping a close watch on the developments. Bangladesh government, A, hasn't indicated or given us anything to understand that these protests, there may be some outsider influence. And since India is a close neighbor friend, does India have any such reports?

Milan:Hello, Sir. Milan from India today. Just wanted to know the progress on Indians stuck in the Russian army. There was a request that was received by India also to help them come back. So, what's been the progress on that, Sir?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Neeraj, aapka sawal aur Milan ka sawal ek hi hai. Pichle saptah bhi hum logon ne ispe aapko update diya tha ki kariban 50 log hain jinhone madad mangi hai Bharat sarkar se, hamari Embassy se, unke pariwar ke logon ne aur khud unhone chitthi likhi hai ki unko Russian sena se jald se jald nikala jaye. Aapko gyat hoga ki is mudde par hum logon ne aapse pahle bhi baat ki hai, Pradhan Mantri ke daure ke darmiyan ye batchit hui aur Russian sarkar ki taraf se ye aashwasan diya gaya ki jo hamare wahan log fase hue hain, wahan Russian fauj mei, unko wahan se riha karaya jayega. Ispe kaam chal raha hai, aur jald hi hum aasha karte hain ki ye log Bharat wapas laut aayenge.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, your and Milan's questions are the same. Last week, we updated you that around 50 individuals have sought assistance from the Indian government and our Embassy, their families and they themselves have written letters requesting that they be discharged from the Russian army as soon as possible. As you would remember, we have discussed this issue with you before. During the Prime Minister's visit, discussions took place, and the Russian government assured that those stuck in the Russian army would be released from there. Work is ongoing on this, and we hope that these individuals will return to India soon.

Milan, so this issue, we have taken up, it was taken up by the Prime Minister himself during the visit and the Russian authorities have given us assurance, they have given a positive response on our request and we are working to get these people back to India.

On budget, with Afghanistan, as you know, we have historical ties with the people of Afghanistan; we have undertaken humanitarian assistance over several years now. We continue to be committed to this partnership with the people of Afghanistan and therefore in the budget, you saw the reflection of the figures that you talked about. On the question of surge in visas, I don't have exact numbers of visas that you are talking about. But yes, visas to people in Afghanistan are being given and that to and fro movement is happening.

Rishabh, on the question of vandalisation of the temple in Edmonton in Canada, we have strongly taken up the matter with Canadian authorities, both here in Delhi and in Ottawa. We condemn the vandalisation, we expect the local authorities to take swift and strong action against those responsible. These attacks against temples have become a recurring occurrence and are done with a purpose which is not very difficult to fathom. We have seen a number of such incidents in recent times in Canada. Lack of action against the perpetrators has further emboldened such criminal elements. Those advocating and responsible for extremism and violence need to be brought to justice or else the rule of law and respect for pluralism in Canada will continue to be severely undermined. We hope that the Canadian government will take action. It has been happening on a repeated basis now.

Huma, our first officer has been sent to Tripoli, Libya. He has to set up the Embassy and thereafter… in some sense, it is functional now; but it is not fully functional. But, he has gone there to establish it and soon you will have all the activities beginning in Libya and thereafter, of course, we will try to enhance and expand our cooperation. We do have people there, exact number, I do not have a figure right now but I can give you that figure. We have people who are working in that country in medical field, teachers, professionals, so on and so forth.

On the question of OFAC exemption, yes, we have also seen reports of Indian company being given exemption by OFAC of the United States to trade in oil with Venezuela. Whether other companies have also been given this exemption or not, I do not have an update but I shall give you the latest, the soonest that I have.

Srinjoy, regarding meetings that happen on border areas, we have been giving you an update of all the meetings that have happened at the military to military level and at the diplomatic level as well. We will continue to update you with the progress that happens in these meetings.

Sudhi, on Bangladesh, while answering Suhasini's question, I told you that we see the developments in Bangladesh as an internal matter of that country. So that is our position on the question that you raised.

Yeshi:This is Yeshi again from the New Indian Express. I just wanted to know if there is any update on the 8th Naval veteran Commander Purnendu Tiwari. It has been five months since the seven others came back.

Sachin:Hi, this is Sachin from the Times of India. I just wanted to check with you if there is any update in the case of Nikhil Gupta who is an accused in the US alleged murder for hired plot. Has there been any sort of communication with the Americans about him? Has he sought consular access? And I understand there was a request from his family members for help from Indian authorities. So have you acted upon that request? Thank you.

Kallol: Kallol from the Hindu. Sir, of course, you described the protests in Bangladesh as an internal matter of the country. But during the protests, we also saw anti-India slogans being raised. There were slogans that were targeting India and saying India is a supporter of the Hasina government. Do you think that is something that concerns India, that anti-India sentiment is rising in Bangladesh?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Yeshi, regarding your question on the 8th naval veteran, as I told you, we've kept you informed that he has certain requirements. And therefore, for that reason, he's there in that country. He's staying there. And as and when he is able to meet those requirements, he'll travel back home.

Sachin, on Nikhil Gupta case, I don't have an update. Last time, we had told you that he hasn't sought a consular access as of now. But we don't have an update. I'll keep you updated on this matter.

Kallol, see, with Bangladesh, our ties are strong, warm, and very friendly. And that is how we look at our relations with that country.

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, for attending this Press conference.